a.k.a. Fanning Island is an atoll with population 150. Their main economic link to the world was a relay station for the Trans-Pacific cable until NCL started weekly lifeline visits. The people here don’t exactly rely on the tourists who arrive like clock work every Wednesday but an anthropologist could certainly do an interesting study on how outsiders have made an impact. Especially, when the cruise line one day (now that cabotage rules are being re-written) ups and stops coming. I’d read derogatory reports about this stop on the cruise so my expectations were rather low. Never the less, first born child and I decided to brave the life boat tender for a look see. We were pleasantly surprised and enjoyed our visit to this unspoiled place afterall.