Visits by the cruise ships Silver Cloud and the SH Diana
Report and photos from Kelly Green and Philip Kendall
What a truly special and memorable week we had, welcoming not one but two cruise ships to our shores.
In fact, our story starts well before the ships arrived. Our island Administrator and his wife, Philip and Louise Kendall had decided to return from leave on the MV Silver Cloud, starting in Chile and taking in the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. This give them the opportunity to observe the Tristan cruise experience first hand, but also to give talks and hold question and answer sessions with passengers.
Philip Kendall speaking to passengers on the MV Silver Cloud.
Of particular interest to Philip were the biosecurity precautions that the crew took, in order to protect the pristine islands from invasive species.
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| The Silver Cloud expedition crew checking boots and gear for seeds and other biological contaminants. Preserving the biosecurity of our amazing islands is important, which is why we have to check our kit after every landing. The government of Tristan da Cunha works in partnership with visiting cruise ships to ensure we remain biosecure. Photos: Philip Kendall | |
The Silver Cloud arrived at Nightingale at 9:00am on Thursday 19th March 2026, greeted by calm seas and the raw, untouched beauty of the island. The Conservation RIB, along with crew, guides and Sergeant Barry Thacker, met the ship there, meaning there was no need to return to Tristan to collect immigration or guides. This saved valuable time and allowed the day to flow effortlessly from the start.
MV Silver Cloud pictured near Middle Island. Photo: Trevor Glass
Throughout the morning and into the afternoon, guests enjoyed zodiac cruises around the island, gliding beneath towering cliffs alive with seabirds and surrounded by the sounds of nature at its finest. At around 3:00pm, passengers were able to land and take part in tours, stepping onto one of the most remote and extraordinary places in the world, and experiencing its wildlife up close.
Composite photo of passengers at the landing on Nightingale Island. Photos: Trevor Glass
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| Passengers by the Nightingale information board and photographing a nesting Yellow-nosed Albatross among the tussock. Photo: Philip Kendall | |
While all of this was taking place, Barry was working tirelessly behind the scenes, stamping over 200 passports for passengers. An incredible effort and a job very well done.
The following morning, the ship made her way to Inaccessible Island for more zodiac cruising, another unforgettable highlight. At the same time, it was an early start on Tristan with the arrival of the SH Diana. As the first light touched the settlement, the island was already awake and preparing to welcome a wave of visitors.
Zodiac cruise along the coast of Inaccessible Island. Photo: Trevor Glass
SH Diana in front of the settlement, pictured from the MV Silver Cloud. Photo: Philip Kendall
The immigration team boarded promptly and cleared the ship efficiently, allowing guests to begin coming ashore without delay. Waiting for them were the harbour masters, island guides, taxi drivers and the bus, along with myself.
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| Our police Sergeant Barry Thacker arriving at the MV Silver Cloud, and evidently happy to have done stamping passports. | Passengers gathering at the harbour for a guided walking tour. Photo: Kelly Green | |
Tours set off across the island, up to the volcano with its dramatic views, the thatched house museum out to the peaceful Potato Patches, and around the village where visitors could hear stories of life on Tristan. There was a real sense of energy and excitement throughout the settlement.
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| Birdseye view of the SH Diana off the settlement and the 1961 volcano. Photo: Swan Hellenic | SH Diana hikers on their way to the 1961 Volcano. Photo: Swan Hellenic |
Passengers enjoyed the craft fair in the Prince Philip Hall, spent time in the Albatross Bar, sent postcards from one of the most remote post offices in the world, browsed and shopped in the Post Office and Tourism Centre, and of course enjoyed our famous Tristan rock lobster tarts.
Taxis and the bus transported visitors to the Potato Patches, while some guests chose more personal experiences, including private trips to see the rockhopper penguins and quiet moments of beach fishing along the coastline.
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| Visitors in the Post Office and Tourism Centre. Photo: Kelly Green | Louse Kendall speaking to Silver Cloud passengers in The Residency Photo: Philip Kendall |
At 1:45pm, the final zodiac returned to the SH Diana. It is always a bittersweet moment, watching guests leave after such a full and memorable day. We also said goodbye to Nick Schönfeld and Julia Gunther, who have both been a valued part of the team. Nick and Julia worked tirelessly on the Tristan Archive, bringing it to its first major stage with a dedicated building now in place. This is a brilliant achievement and something the island can be very proud of. Julia has also been a fantastic support to the tourism by providing some stunning photography when needed. They will be dearly missed and can't wait to welcome them back to continue their work!
If you were on the SH Diana, we'd welcome your feedback using our Visitors' Feedback Form.
But the day was far from over. As this was happening, the Silver Cloud made her way from Inaccessible, ready to land passengers on Tristan. Guides and taxis returned straight to the harbour to begin again, this time with even more visitors.
There was a real buzz around the settlement, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the village. It was lovely to see so many smiling faces, both visitors and islanders alike. That afternoon, we also welcomed back Administrator Philip and his wife Louise, who had joined the voyage at the beginning of the cruise. Philip had been busy onboard giving presentations, which must have been a very special experience.
It was a long day for everyone, but one filled with pride. These visits are only possible because of the whole community, not just those working on the day, but everyone who helps prepare the island, making sure it is clean, welcoming and ready to be shared with the world.
That afternoon, Trevor and members of his team also took one of the passengers diving, an unforgettable experience and a rare opportunity to see Tristan from beneath the surface.
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| A Rockhopper Penguin Photo: Swan Hellenic | The passenger ready for a scuba dive . Photo: Trevor Glass |
Saturday was another early start. I was in the office by 6:00am before heading down to the harbour, where the Silver Cloud began landing passengers for a second day. Once again, the island was ready.
Guests took part in ship-guided walks to the Potato Patches, while the bus and taxis ran continuous shuttles for those who preferred a more relaxed journey. It was another busy but rewarding day, filled with moments that visitors will remember for a long time. When she departed, she also kindly took islander Conrad Glass with them to Cape Town.
Sign-up sheets on the MV Silver Cloud for walking tours and golf. Photo: Philip Kendall
It has been so special to see people experiencing and appreciating our little piece of heaven. Weeks like this remind us just how unique Tristan da Cunha is.
Well done to the island and the entire community, and thank you to all the ship teams for helping make these visits such a success.