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Lovely island depending a good bit on several cruise stops a year. Felt we were intrusive, so many visitors, but a native reassured me that the children liked to look at the funny looking visitors and the money from sales of crafts was important. Supplies, food not grown on island brought monthly from China. Read Less

Interesting to see locals who have no electricity, water and no sanitation in their habitat. They really welcomed us with singing and dancing in their native costumes. They also had handmade crafts available for sale, and they were very reasonably priced. We took school supplies and other things ashore for them and plied them with dollar bills to reward their hospitality. Read Less

One good tsunami would erase the island. The people were glad to see us mainly because we brought money plus HAL brings school supplies. The cruise director said that most people spend an hour ashore and that is what I did, just to darn hot and humid. Nice island though considering there is not water or electricity or plumbing. Good swimming but you have to watch where you swim otherwise you may end up in the Pacific. Read Less

This is an island as the South Pacific was prior to the arrival of the missionaries. These people have nothing in respect to what we think are the basic necessities of life. No running water, sewer system, electricity, doctors/dentists, shops or hotels of any kind. This was a real "eye-opener" for many of the ship's passengers !! Very hot and humid so many were back on the ship in a couple of hours. However, the islanders are very warm and friendly. Small craft market at the pier with many handmade, very inexpensive items. Unfortunately, Hal is eliminating this island from it's 2013 itineraries after next April so I worry about how these people will survive. Rumor has it the island is sinking and will be gone in 50 years ! Read Less

Actually, it was Christmas Island in Kiribati. There was no listing for this port, so I chose Fanning Island which is in the same archipelago. Not a good port. We had a horrific experience in tendering. The port authority was not honest with our captain about the tides. They assured him it was navigable by tender. We got on the island, scraping bottom with only 40 people per tender. The departure time was scheduled for 3pm, but they had to call off tendering at around noon because the tide became to low. We were on the last tender back to the ship and only 30 people were allowed. 200 people were stranded on the island. They resumed tendering at around 4pm with only 10 per tender allowed. Small motor boats from the island transported food and water from the ship to the stranded guests. The last ones arrived just before dark. I don't know what would have happened if they hadn't all got back before nightfall. I think the worst thing that happened was sunburn. There wasn't anything to do in the town. We did take a tour of the island in a taxi. It is a very poor island, and not tropical. We had taken toothbrushes and combs to distribute to the islanders. I don't think Regatta will be calling there again, ever. Read Less

What a beautiful place! and what beautiful, happy people! and great crafts at really reasonable prices! Make sure to see the seaweed factory, as well as visit the school and church. There is a great need for school and medical supplies and they appreciate everything. It is best to walk to the school, but you can also see a lot on the "Truck Tour" for $10. Read Less

FANNING ISLAND. To many, this tiny little atoll was their cruise high-light. A destitute cluster of isolated people were making the best of it somehow. Kids everywhere!! No electricity, very little agriculture, and a maximum of 5' feet elevation above sea level makes one wonder what the future will bring for this remote speck in the ocean. Drop-dead blue water, pigs tied to palm trees and thatched huts on stilts....and did I mention?...LOTS of little kids!! Read Less

This was a highlight of our trip. The People were wonderful, we took a very bumpy Bus Trip round the Island swam & sheltered from the tropical storm under a Palm Tree, paradise! Read Less

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