Cruises to Apia
Western Samoa
Apia
Apia is situated on Upolu, the second largest island in the Samoan Islands group. It is the capital, and the largest city in Samoa.
The Samoan Islands were first sighted by the Dutch navigator, Jacob Roggeveen in 1722 and were later named the Navigator Islands in 1786 by the French navigator, Louis Antoine de Bougainville. Recorded written history of the islands began in 1830 with the arrival of pioneer missionary John Williams. Towards the end of the 19th century Germany, Great Britain and the United States of America obtained privileges in Samoa. A struggle between the three powers finally reached its climax in 1889, initiating the establishment of a special commission with a purpose to resolve the conflict. Great Britain withdrew and the islands were divided between Germany and the United States. Germany took Savii, Upolu and the adjacent smaller islands in Western Samoa and the USA took Tutuila, and the adjacent islands which later became known as American Samoa. Germany administered Western Samoa until 1914. Following this it was made a UN Trust Territory with New Zealand as the administering power. In 1962, under the leadership of the first Samoan Prime Minister, Fiame Mata’afa Faumuina Mulinu’u II, Western Samoa (now known as Samoa) became the first independent Polynesian nation.
At A Glance
Population
179,000 (2009 estimate)
Language
Samoan and English
Government
Samoan Government
Currency
Samoan Tala
Apia Shore Tours
Most Popular
Guest favourites, the most booked Shore Tours at this port
Must See
Our handpicked Shore Tours are a must for any guest.
What To See
Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
Located just four kilometres inland from Apia harbour in the tropical rainforest of Vailima is the home of famous Scottish novelist, poet and travel writer Robert Louis Stevenson. Step back in time to an era of romance in the South Seas as you stroll through the beautiful landscaped gardens and discover his preserved books and letters. If you have energy for the steep 20-minute hike up Mount Vaea, you'll find two lonely graves there – those of Stevenson and his wife Fanny.
Spectacular beaches
Join our "Tafa Tafa Beach" tour or the "Le Uaina Seaside trip" for an unforgettable day at the beach. On the way you'll travel through colourful villages and visit spectacular waterfalls. Once you arrive at the beach there will be plenty of time to swim or relax.
Explore the market
Old Apia Market is a bustling market with vendors selling everything from cosmetics and shoes to fine woven mats and other Samoan handicrafts. Watch local women at work in their stalls and pick up a souvenir to take home.
DOCKING
Your ship will dock in Apia harbour, within walking distance from the downtown area.
Getting around
Taxis are available pier-side and throughout the town. Make sure you agree on a price before departing.
DINING
Taro and breadfruit are staples of the Samoan diet. Other popular foods include chicken, roast suckling pig, fish, pineapple, mangoes and bananas. Many foods are mixed with coconut cream and wrapped in banana or taro leaves, then cooked in the traditional way over hot stones. Dishes cooked in this way are called "umu". Why not try "pulasami" - thick coconut cream, onions, canned corned beef (pisupo) and young taro wrapped in a breadfruit leaf and baked on hot stones. Enjoy it sliced and served on pieces of baked taro, accompanied by a locally brewed Vailima beer. Quarantine authorities do not generally allow food such as fruit and vegetables, dairy and meat products or sandwiches to be taken off the ship, however commercially packaged confectionery, chips and bottled drinking water are allowed subject to inspection.
SHOPPING
You can find Samoan handicrafts sold along the streets and at stalls in the market place. Look for wood carvings, mats, baskets and tapa cloth. Any souvenirs that are made of plant material or animal products must be declared to quarantine authorities on arrival in Australia or New Zealand. Plant material such as certain seeds and animal products including feathers may be restricted or need to be treated at the owners' expense on arrival in Australia or New Zealand.
CLIMATE
Samoa’s climate is tropical, with an average temperature of 27 degrees. Apia receives approximately three metres of annual rainfall, and averages about seven hours of sunshine a day. The rainy season extends from November through to April.
CURRENCY
Credit cards and charge cards are accepted in some stores, however it is recommend that you change some money to local currency.
Communications
There are public telephones in downtown Apia. Mobile coverage is generally available as long as global roaming is selected prior to leaving home. Internet cafes may be available in Apia, however Wi-fi hot spots will be harder to come by.
WHAT TO WEAR ASHORE
To make your day ashore as enjoyable as possible, please wear comfortable flat soled shoes, lightweight clothing and a hat. You are also advised to bring sunscreen and bottled water. Shorts are appropriate for men; however women should follow a slightly more conservative style. A long skirt or dress is recommended and bikinis should not be worn in towns or villages.
SHORE TOURS
There are a range of tours available for you to really get the most out of your time in Apia. Tours can be booked onboard at the Shore Tours desk and are subject to availability. Passengers are required to meet at a specific location for each Shore Tour departure. Please refer to your tour ticket for the correct time and place.
ENVIRONMENT
Coral is an extremely precious marine organism. In an effort to preserve its natural beauty and habitat please avoid touching it in all circumstances. Furthermore, just as with Australia's beaches, blue bottles can visit occasionally in the summer months. During your time ashore we ask that you dispose of your rubbish thoughtfully.
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