On November 4th, TAK had the pleasure of meeting with Thomas Schubert from Pacific International Consulting and the Manager of Shipping Agencies of Kiribati (SAOK) to discuss preparations for the anticipated arrival of the cruise ship MV Hanseatic Inspiration at Bikati Islet in Butaritari, scheduled for May 2, 2025. This marks the third visit by a Hapag Lloyd Cruises vessel to Butaritari, following previous visits in 2015 and 2018. Unfortunately, two planned visits to Bikati in 2021 and 2022 had to be canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but with cruise operations resuming last year, Kiribati is pleased to welcome this renewed opportunity.
During the meeting, Mr. Schubert shared that the cruise line was highly impressed with the 2018 excursion and is delighted to once again include Bikati, Butaritari, as a destination on its Great Micronesia Cruise Expedition. The MV Hanseatic Inspiration, departing from New Caledonia and Palau, will carry 220 passengers who will experience a full-day excursion on Bikati Islet. This visit is not only a wonderful opportunity to showcase Kiribati’s unique beauty and culture to international guests but also promises to generate meaningful economic benefits for the Butaritari Island community and Kiribati as a whole.
Photo above from left to right; George Kumkee Jr (Senior Tourism Officer), Reeti Onorio (Agt CEO), Thomas Schubert (Pacific International Consulting), and Naare Taukoriri (Manager Shipping Agencies of Kiribati)
