Visit of the SH Diana, November 2024
Report from Kelly Green with additional photos from Randall Repetto and Philip Kendall
On the 18th November 2024, Tristan da Cunha eagerly anticipated the arrival of the first cruise ship of the 2024/2025 season. Despite the excitement, the ship's late departure from Cape Town due to adverse weather delayed its arrival at the island. Nevertheless, the island's dedicated cruise ship team, including immigration, port control, the radio operator and team, harbourmaster, and tourism staff, worked tirelessly alongside the ship's crew to ensure a successful landing.
The SH Diana's scout boat entering the harbour shortly after her arrival.
At approximately 16:15, the ship came into view, drawing close to the island to expedite disembarkation. The scout boat was first to arrive, picking up the immigration team along with Administrator Philip and his wife, Louise. The immigration team swiftly cleared the ship for operations, while the Administrator and Louise joined the vessel for a plaque exchange ceremony. During this exchange, the island presented a commemorative plaque, while the ship gifted a model boat as a token of appreciation.
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| Admin Philip Kendall gifts an island plaque to the ship's captain in exchange for a model of the SH Diana. | |
Once operations commenced, the ship's team worked efficiently, using both harbor steps to disembark passengers via zodiacs in rapid succession. Onshore, guides welcomed groups of 20-30 visitors, offering a 20-minute village walk followed by 20 minutes of free time.
A zodiac brings the first passengers into the harbour
Above & below: Visitors call at the ever-popular 'Remotest Island' sign during their village tours.
Despite the limited timeframe, visitors managed to enjoy a variety of activities, including: shopping for souvenirs at the Rockhopper Gift Shop and Island Store, sending postcards or enjoying lobster sandwiches at the Post Office and Tourism Centre, and spotting wildlife. Some visitors even saw a Rockhopper penguin and chick.
Although the Thatched House and Longboat Museum were open, time constraints meant that most visitors were unable to explore them fully.
Visitors buying stamps and souvenirs at the Post Office and Tourism Centre.
Visitors writing postcards home in the Post Office and Tourism Centre.
Sipping a beer at the Albatross Bar may well have been the most popular undertaking. Randall, the pub manager, was able to get a few pictures before "it just got so busy".
Visitors drinking in the Albatross Bar
A highlight of the visit was the newly unveiled beach sign at the harbour, which quickly became a favorite spot for photos alongside the iconic welcome sign. Additionally, the Conservation Department introduced a stunning new viewing point at the top of the harbour road, complete with interpretive boards, which visitors enjoyed for the first time.
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| The new sign in the harbour and Conservation's information boards will evidently be popular with tourists. | |
With only 40 minutes ashore, the visit was brief but deeply appreciated by all. As the last zodiac departed with the expedition team at sunset around 20:00, the smiles and joy on visitors' faces underscored the significance of their short but memorable time on the island.
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| Philip Kendall says au revoir to departing passengers at the harbour before they return to the ship in their zodiac. | |
Andy, the island's friendly radio operator, bid the ship a heartfelt farewell, wishing them a safe onward journey to South Georgia. Though the visit was fleeting, it was a momentous and rewarding occasion for both Tristan da Cunha and its visitors, marking a vibrant start to the cruise season.
SH Diana departing Tristan in the evening with all lights blazing.