In welcoming the announcement, the SPTO CEO Christopher Cocker said in a media release that he acknowledged the importance of the cruise ship markets to the Pacific region. 

He also acknowledged that the SPTO Strategic Plan 2020 -2024 highlights the development of the cruise and yachting sector through innovative partnerships forged by the regional tourism organisation.

“Samoa has joined Fiji, Tonga, New Caledonia and Tahiti in welcoming back cruise ships post-COVID-19. I understand that this is the very first visit for both the Westerdam and Zuiderdam and I am sure that they were warmly welcomed in Beautiful Samoa," Mr. Cocker said. 

“Cruise ship tourism is a fast-growing branch of the tourism sector so seeing it resuming operations in the Pacific is certainly encouraging. 

"This is an exciting and interesting time for tourism in the Pacific, as we strategise to transform and recover post-pandemic."

A media advisory distributed by the local port agent Betham Brothers Enterprises Ltd (BBE) stated that Zuiderdam has 1,579 passengers representing over 39 different nationalities on board.

The vessel will call into Apia from Kona, Hawaii with Suva, Fiji her next port of call. The cruise began her journey on the 28th September from Canada with a crew of 784.

According to the BBE media advisory, local company Margarets Tours is the shore excursion operator for the Zuiderdam. The Samoa Tourism Authority is also preparing arrival entertainment, and the Samoa Ports Authority will organise a flea market on the wharf at Matautu for passengers and crew to enjoy. Both authorities will present commemorative plaques to Master Frank Van der Hoeven, the captain of the Zuiderdam.