Almost 30 years ago, Pitcairn Island captured my imagination while reading “Mutiny on the Bounty”—is there really such a place?—do people still live there?—what are they like?—how do they survive on a tiny island in the Pacific, a world away from civilization?
Thus began my journey, which culminated this April when Royal Princess (on its final voyage) anchored offshore and welcomed aboard my Pitcairn friends for a morning visit.
Pictairn is a paradise, a well-kept secret since Fletcher Christian and his crew landed in 1789. Even today, the entire population—47 men, women and children—are direct descendants of the Bounty. Pitcairn appeared in the distance in the early morning hours—a tiny speck of land, less than two square miles, displaying gloriously green landscape and rock formations standing untouched since creation.
Captain Ivan Jerman anchored strategically to provide us with a picture perfect view of Bounty Bay (the Bounty still lies on the ocean floor just beneath our ship). Adamstown was before us, a delightful settlement of lovely homes, town center, medical office, beautiful church and one small dirt road which circles the island.
Having established web-friendships with several of the islanders over the last six years since internet reached their remoteness, they were thrilled to hear of our plans to stop by. There were lots of requests from the islanders for special items and I was asked to bring “luxury” items such as Baby Ruth candy bars, writing paper, swimsuits, etc. Supply ships come by only a few times each year, and they deliver only basic life necessities. It was great fun shopping for all the little luxuries they so seldom see. We ended up with four extra suitcases full of goodies! Air Tahiti Nui was also most generous in allowing us extra baggage for our cause.
Because we had three days at sea before arriving at Pitcairn, we took every opportunity to excite other passengers about the port. Many were not even aware of the true story of the Bounty,which we were happy to summarize for them.
At breakfast, lunch, pool time, waiting for shows, even in the restrooms—if anyone mentioned Pitcairn, we flamed their interest with personal stories from our correspondence with the islanders. By the time the longboat pulled alongside, we had the entire starboard side of the ship calling out greetings to those coming aboard!
The Princess staff also graciously helped me prepare gifts bags for each of the 11 island children. The culture difference between us was immediately evident—Princess passengers busily purchasing original handicrafts and postmarking cards, while the Pitcairners gently and quietly sold their wares, graciously entertained questions and shared stories of their homeland.
Our visit ended much too soon as we bid a fond farewell to one the most remote and amazing places on earth–our Princess ship being one of the privileged few to visit each year. Thanks, Princess, for this opportunity of a lifetime!







My wife, Celestine, and I have sailed on the ten day cruise round trip from Papeete twice, on the Taitian Princess, once to the Marquesas and once to the Cook Islands. Neither of those itineraries included, or even mentioned, Pitcairn.
My wife is from Moorea and I lived in Tahiti for nine years, some of our frineds included the Rutgers, Mrs Rutgers being the daughter of Norman Hall, one of the authors of Mutiny on the Bounty.
I just stumbled on this sight. I believe I spent a year or two of school with Brenda Christian in Wellington New Zealand in the mid 1960s. Interesting to learn she has returned to Pitcairn. I have an old school photo somewhere with her in it.
We were on this same cruise on the Royal Princess, and Pitcairn Island was beautiful and the people were so friendly. Would like to return someday.
A splendid article, which brought back memories of our visit to Pitcairn in 2005 on ARTEMIS (ex ROYAL PRINCESS), under the command of Captain David Pembridge. On that occasion it was too rough for anyone to either go ashore or for the Islanders to come out to meet us, so we circumnavigated Pitcairn, whilst being filmed by some of the Islanders. We were able to watch the film later on the internet! Pitcairn has links with the Isle of Man, as Fletcher Christian was of Manx decent and another mutineer, Peter Heywood, was born on the Isle of Man. Also, Captain Bligh, of the Bounty, was married here in Onchan Church.
Peter Cowell
ORIANA
Port St Mary
Isle of Man IM9 5ER
Many thanks for sharing your wonderful story, Margie! You certainly touched the Pitcairn Islanders as much as they touched you!