South Pacific Journey. Palmerston Island, Cook Islands. Silversea, Silver Cloud. 29th April 2015

 

A Day to Remember: Palmerston Island, Cook Islands 🌴✨

29th April 2025

Today, we called at Palmerston Island, our final stop in the Cook Islands. I must admit, I had mixed feelings about visiting this tiny, remote island. 

We were briefed the evening before that Palmerston's entire population of 36 people, is made up of just three families – all descendants of an English sailor named William Marsters (1831-1899). 

Interestingly, every person on the island shares the surname Marsters, making it a truly unique family community. The island had not received a ship visit in two years, and the locals were eagerly awaiting us. Initially, I had concerns about feeling like we were entering a "human zoo," but oh, how wrong I was. This turned out to be one of the most memorable and heartfelt experiences of my entire cruise.

A Warm Welcome 🤗
During breakfast, the mayor and elders of the island came aboard our ship and were warmly welcomed. They joined us for breakfast. 

The older men were each assined to a Zodiac as a guide to get us to the island safely.

Once the Zodiac boats were ready, we were split into two groups. We were assigned to the 10:30 group.
The ride to the island through the very narrow channel and over the coral was exhilarating – I felt like we were navigating a hidden waterway to a secret paradise! 
The Heartfelt Greeting ❤️
Upon arrival, the mayor and team greeted us on the beach, directing us to a makeshift amphitheatre where we were welcomed with coconuts and a lively, heart-warming cultural performance by the islanders. It was clear that despite their remote location, the Palmerston people were proud of their heritage and delighted to share it with us.

Exploring the Island 🏝️
We were then divided into smaller groups and had the privilege of being shown around by a young boy and girl, who gave us a tour of their island.

Their pride in their community was evident as they walked us through the main road, the quaint church, the medical clinic, the school, and even the emergency shelter. 

They shared the fascinating history of the island and the Marsters family, showing us how they’ve lived in such isolation over the years. The island's simplicity was refreshing, and the stories we heard were incredibly moving – it was a true privilege to witness the warmth and resilience of this tight-knit community. 

Back on the Ship – A Taste of Island Life 🛳️
After a memorable morning on Palmerston Island, we returned to the ship for lunch. Once again, some of the islanders joined us onboard to enjoy the meal. Sharing a meal with the locals was a reminder of how travel can build connections that transcend geography and background.
Afternoon Bliss – Champagne on the Beach 🍾
In the afternoon, we returned to the beach, where Silversea had set up a lovely bar offering unlimited Champagne. 🥂 It was the perfect way to unwind, swimming in the warm, clear waters and enjoying the unique atmosphere of this remote paradise. It was a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

A Truly Special Experience 
Looking back, my initial hesitations about the visit were so misguided. The people of Palmerston Island gave us such a warm, unforgettable welcome, and the day spent there was the highlight of my entire cruise. The simplicity and charm of the island and its inhabitants are something I’ll always treasure.
A huge thank you to the residents of Palmerston Island for showing us the beauty of their community. You’ve left an indelible mark on my heart, and I’ll carry this memory with me forever.