Cruising back in Samoa with HAL

HOLLAND America Line’s (HAL) Westerdam (pictured) has called in Apia today, marking the return of cruising to Samoa.

Westerdam arrived for her maiden call to the port at 8am, and will depart at 5pm, giving her 1,964 passengers a full day to head ashore and explore Samoa, generating substantial spend and bolstering the nation’s tourism economy.

“Apia will be a popular port call for Westerdam’s guests because of its natural coastal beauty, and cultural and natural attractions,” Carnival Vice President Sales & and Marketing Australia Ryan Taibel said.

“Westerdam’s guests will enjoy a host of experiences that Apia and the wider region has to offer including the Museum of Samoa, and the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, excursions to Lalomanu and Manu Sina beaches and, of course, local vanilla farms – all of which are adding invaluable tourism dollars to the local economy.”

The visit has taken place as part of Westerdam’s repositioning from Vancouver to Sydney.

Westerdam will be homeported in Sydney from 08 Nov to 03 Jan as part of her 2022-2023 Australian season, which will see her sail seven itineraries around Australia of up to 30 days.

It will be Westerdam’s first season in Australia, and the first time since 2016 HAL will have two ships sailing simultaneously around the region.

One of HAL’s Vista-class ships, Westerdam features some of the cruise line’s most lauded entertainment venues, such as B.B. King’s Blues Club and Lincoln Center Stage, exemplary dining experiences including steakhouse, Pinnacle Grill, and Asian fusion restaurant, Tamarind.