Fanning Island (Tabuaeran)

Fanning Island

Republic of Kiribati

March 20, 2019

I had never heard of the Republic of Kiribati until this cruise. In my research, I found that there are a lot of little republics in the south Pacific sea. Kiribati people call the island Tabuaeran but since I can't pronounce it, Fanning will do. 

Fanning is some 900 miles away from Hawaii and is part of what is called the Line Islands. In bold are the islands that make up the Republic of Kiribati.

Getting to shore was interesting. That narrow channel was the tender inlet. There is a 5 knot (about 6 mph) current as the tidal waters leave the lagoon. We watched one tender struggle about 10 minutes just to get through the channel. We watched and didn't even think about taking a picture.

Disclaimer: I did not take the Fanning pictures as will be explained.

Fanning was our first port after Hawaii (some 900 miles from Hawaii). There were no tours offered. One had to tender in. There are no commercial establishments and no public bathrooms available, hence I stayed on the Eurodam being pampered while brave tourists went ashore.

Fanning is a rather poor island with 1960 residents at last census. NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line) ships used to sail from Hawaii to Fanning and then discontinued. Fanning economy suffered. In 2010, Holland America added Fanning and the economy is slowly recovering.

However, the passengers were informed earlier that, rather than giving children "tips," school supplies would be much more appreciated. I forgot the amount of supplies and materials were provided by Eurodam passengers and crew, but it was noteworthy.

Remember my saying that there were no public restrooms? Pollution has impacted the ocean surrounding the island. I saw pictures of tourists swimming back when NCL ships visited the island. Now, the Eurodam Captain warned people not to go in the water while ashore. 

Local available food consists of reef fish, shellfish, coconut, pigs, chickens, and seaweed grown in a lagoon. The diet is supplemented by imported rice and tinned meats brought to them quarterly from Honolulu. 

  

And now on to Bora Bora.