The Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife welcomed the Pacific World on 5 June 2025, marking a particularly meaningful call as part of the “Global Voyage for Peace” — the international initiative by NGO Peace Boat aimed at promoting peace, human rights, and sustainability across the globe.
Arriving from Cape Town, South Africa, after twelve consecutive days at sea, the Pacific World was greeted with an official reception and plaque exchange ceremony at the port. The event was led by Luz Marina Espiau, Head of Commercial and Business Development at the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and MedCruise Board Member, and consigned by Pérez y Cía.
Originally built in 1995 as the Sun Princess, the Pacific World is the largest ship ever operated by Peace Boat and serves as a floating platform for transformative education and intercultural dialogue. With capacity for more than 2,000 people across nine passenger decks, the vessel has been extensively renovated to offer modern facilities and a unique space for shared learning and cooperation between cultures.
During the plaque exchange ceremony, Peace Boat presented a commemorative plaque inscribed in multiple languages, which read: “Global Voyage for Peace. In gratitude and friendship, Peace Boat greatly appreciates your partnership.”
The call included a public talk by the hibakusha — survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki — who are travelling on board to share their testimonies and raise awareness about the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons. Their presence, as part of Peace Boat’s educational programme, provided a deeply moving and thought-provoking experience for attendees.
The overnight call not only contributed economically to the city but also reinforced Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s growing reputation as a port committed to conscious, sustainable, and educational tourism. The Pacific World continues its voyage to Porto, Portugal, carrying a message of civic diplomacy, intercultural dialogue, and global solidarity.
The Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife remains proud to support initiatives like the Global Voyage for Peace, affirming the belief that ports can — and must — be active agents in building a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future.
