Visit of the MV Hondius, April 2025
Report by Kelly Green with photos from Craig Robertson, Kieran Glass, Hans Verdaat & Hazel Pittwood
The cruise ship MV Hondius arrived on the 4th April 2025 for a three day visit to the islands, having already visited Gough (where they'd had a fab day of Zodiac cruises). She headed first to Nightingale Island.
Zodiac operations at sea
Nightingale Island
The conditions were looking just right for a landing at Nightingale's West Landing site. The Conservation RIB wasted no time and headed out to meet the vessel to drop off local Conservation guides, Tristan Glass and Kieran Glass, to pilot the visitors' rare and thrilling trip ashore. This was something the cruise company hadn't pulled off in many years, given the steep cliffs, wave-battered shores, and notoriously unpredictable seas.
Tristan Glass (left) and Kieran Glass (right) with cruise passengers on a zodiac off Nightingale Island.
They enjoyed the island's rich wildlife, including curious juvenile Yellow-Nosed Albatross around the Ponds and among the tussock grass, and many Sub-Antarctic fur seals lounging on the rocks. There were plenty of photographic opportunities
Happy visitors among the nesting albatrosses, cameras at the ready
Nesting Albatrosses at one of the Ponds
Afterwards, the Expedition Leader, Hans Verdaat, and his colleague Hazel Pittwood said they'd had a spectacular day on Nightingale and absolutely loved the island. A true expedition triumph and a moment none of them will forget! They couldn't stop raving about our local legends: Conrad Glass, who they have enjoyed working with over many years, and Tristan and Kieran Glass, whose knowledge and support made this once-in-a-blue-moon landing possible.
Stoltenoff, Middle or Alex islands viewed from Nightingale, and Tristan da Cunha island on the horizon.
As the sun set, Hondius sat gracefully between all three islands-a truly magical sight.
Visiting Tristan Island
Back at the Tourism Centre, things had been in full swing while the ship was at Nightingale. They were still cleaning up from the Bark Europa's visit the day before, restocking the shop and café, and prepping fresh lobster for Hondius's big Saturday stop.
Saturday 5th April kicked off bright and early, with zodiacs in the water by 7:30am. Immigration hopped on board, and before they knew it, passengers were stepping ashore with huge smiles and camera-ready enthusiasm.
Expedition Leader Hans Verdaat by the Remotest Island sign
As with every visit this season, the first tour out from the harbour was our signature Volcano and Thatched House Tour. Others opted to wander the settlement at their own pace. Every venue was open, and the shopping buzz was real!
Visitors exploring the settlement
Two crew members who also came on an early zodiac made their way to our excellent dental department. They were escorted to the Camogli Healthcare Centre by our island's Doctor Felix. He welcomed them with his big smile. Whatever work they had done must have been top-notch, as an hour later they were spotted soaking up the sun and enjoying a sandwich before heading back aboard.
At 1:00pm, many guests joined Uncle Stan Green for a settlement walk. The visitors were full of curious questions and Stan told them wonderful stories from Tristan's rich and unique history.
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| Visitors with Andre Repetto gathering at the foot of the Harbour Road for their 1961 Volcano and Thatched House Museum walk | Fishing off the end of the breakwater with Shane Green |
By 2:00pm, the action really picked up! We had several activities running simultaneously:
Firstly, there was harbour fishing with Shane Green and two enthusiastic guests - a mum and her son, who quickly turned it into a friendly (but fierce!) competition.
There was a tour of St Mary's School with Head Teacher Mr. Peter Foster that was thoroughly enjoyed. The ship kindly brought fruit and a beautiful cake for the students. The fruit was particularly welcome because supply ship difficulties meant that the island had run out. They were so chuffed!
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| Visitors at St Mary's School, and the students with the fruit and special cake kindly given to them by the ship. | |
Fourteen guests also requested a taxi tour of the potato patches. This is a great way to get to view more of the island, quickly.
And finally, some guests played a round of golf out on the course, joined by father and son duo Chris and Ceddie Swain as their trusty caddies. After a fun game, the golfers invited the caddies for a celebratory bevvy at the Albatross Bar - cheers all around!
Golf
Meanwhile, islanders and Hondius crew were hard at work loading up potatoes and frozen goodies bound for St. Helena. A huge thanks to them for their teamwork and muscle. Those treats are going to be so appreciated over there! There was also an opportunity for Acting Administrator Craig Robertson to hop on board and head up to the bridge to officially welcome the ship's Captain and crew.
Loading potatoes for St Helena, the ship's next port.
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| The captain receives a plaque from the Acting Admin | Dinner onboard with the settlement in the background |
As the day wound down and passengers began returning to the ship, there was a sense of calm and quiet satisfaction. It felt special, knowing this was the final cruise ship visit of the season. Soon the wildlife will also begin its winter retreat, and the island will settle into its peaceful rhythm. But we'll be ready and waiting to welcome everyone back when the time comes!
Inaccessible Island
But the adventure wasn't quite over for our "superstar" guides, Tristan and Kieran. That night, they boarded the Hondius, aiming for a landing on Inaccessible Island the next day. Sadly, weather and swell had other plans, but guests still got to enjoy an exciting zodiac cruise around the island - a beautiful consolation to wrap up a magical weekend.
The ships' zodiacs neatly stacked as she sails from the coast
Birdwatchers on deck with their monoculars, binoculars and cameras.
And finally...
It's always exciting to see photos from the visitors' and crew's perspectives in addition to our own. From zodiac landings to friendly faces around the settlement, these snaps truly capture the magic of Tristan, the outer islands and the beautiful MV Hondius!