Samoa's capital Apia played host to another cruise ship in less than a week with the MS Zuiderdam making its maiden visit to the country on Thursday morning.

The vessel berthed at the Matautu wharf at around 9am on Thursday (local time) with the Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) and the Samoa Ports Authority (SPA) rolling out a welcome ceremony comprising traditional dancing and singing.

Even as the ship made its way into the harbour, dozens of tourists could be seen standing outside their room terrace to enjoy the traditional dance performances on the wharf. They waved at and applauded the performers on the wharf as the traditional drum 'pake' continued its rhythmic beats to the slap dance performed by the boys.

A few minutes later after the ship moored and the crew let down the boarding bridge, excited tourists made their way to set foot on land and to meet and mingle with the performers. 

The Zuiderdam had about 1800 passengers and 800 crew mates, a few hundred more than the Westerdam that visited the country on Tuesday.

As the tourists rushed out to explore the island fueled by excitement through local bus tours, stall owners who had set up shop also welcomed the tourists and used the opportunity to showcase their handicrafts and produce.

For the Zuiderdam's Assistant Hotel General Manager, Chris Koonstra, he was not new to Samoa having previously visited the country.

"I've been here before many years ago and I remember the clock tower and the Cathedral," he told the Samoa Observer. 

Mr. Koonstra said he was looking forward to having a hike later in the afternoon if he was not too busy with formalities later. Due to his ship's maiden visit to Samoa, a plaque presentation ceremony was later held. 

The cruise ship started its journey in Vancouver, British Columbia before beginning its tour of the South pacific. They had visited Hawaii five days prior to arriving in Samoa. The Zuiderdam's next stop will be Fiji before continuing to Australia.

According to the local agents Betham Brothers Enterprise Ltd, the cruise ship scheduled to visit Samoa is the Crown Princess which is due in Apia on 23 November 2022.