Cruises to Apia, Samoa (formerly Western Samoa)

2 Reviews
Apia, Samoa (Photo: emperorcosar/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to Apia, Samoa (formerly Western Samoa)

The port of Apia is the international gateway to Samoa, for both airlines and cruise vessels. Even though Apia has been welcoming cruise ships of various types and sizes since the time of Robert Louis Stevenson (in the late 19th century) it has remained something of a niche destination favoured by expedition ships. Recent port improvements have enabled more frequent visits by larger vessels including Vista-class cruise ships.

Despite the presence of some well-known Western chain stores and a long history of Christian missionaries, Samoa has retained a strong connection to its Polynesian roots and is regarded widely in academic circles as the 'centre' of the Polynesian culture, evidenced by a very laidback lifestyle and a love of sport, song and dance.

Apia business centre is an easy and pleasant walk from the newly renovated port facilities which also contain small shops, bars and cafes to distract you. The main shopping centre, markets, banks, visitor centre and post office are all easily found along the beachside strip. Find cruises to Apia on our Samoa cruise itineraries.

  • More about Apia, Samoa (formerly Western Samoa)

  • Why Cruise to Apia, Samoa (formerly Western Samoa)?

  • Apia, Samoa (formerly Western Samoa) Cruise Port Facilities?

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12 Nights

Fiji & New Zealand Cruise

Port: Auckland • Paihia • Suva • Lautoka • Apia, Samoa • Pago Pago • Auckland

737 reviews
Feb 7, 2025
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises

28 Nights

South Pacific Cruise

Port: Vancouver • San Francisco • Honolulu • Apia, Samoa • Lautoka • Suva • Lifou • Noumea • +2 more

635 reviews
Sep 19, 2024
Cunard Line
Cunard Line

23 Nights

South Pacific Crossing

Port: Seattle • Honolulu • Kona • Apia, Samoa • Lautoka • Suva • Isle of Pines • Noumea • +1 more

1,113 reviews
Oct 24, 2024
Holland America Line
Holland America Line
Norwegian Sun
Norwegian Sun
Norwegian Sun Cabins
Norwegian Sun
Norwegian Sun Dining
Norwegian Sun
Norwegian Sun Activity/Entertainment
Norwegian Sun
Norwegian Sun
Norwegian Sun

18 Nights

South Pacific

Port: Tahiti • Bora Bora • Rarotonga • Pago Pago • Apia, Samoa • Vava'u • Lautoka • Isle of Pines • +2 more

2,169 reviews
Dec 3, 2024
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line

33 Nights

South Pacific Cruise

Port: Los Angeles • Honolulu • Maui • Pago Pago • Apia, Samoa • Suva • Dravuni Island • Tahiti • +3 more

1,602 reviews
Oct 31, 2024
Princess Cruises

51 Nights

Tales Of The South Pacific

Port: San Diego • Kauai • Kona • Honolulu • Maui • Hilo • Equator • Fanning Island • Pago Pago • +16 more

558 reviews
Sep 30, 2024
Holland America Line
Holland America Line

25 Nights

South Pacific Cruise

Port: San Francisco • Honolulu • Apia, Samoa • Lautoka • Suva • Lifou • Noumea • Melbourne • +1 more

635 reviews
Sep 22, 2024
Cunard Line
Cunard Line

38 Nights

South Pacific Cruise

Port: Vancouver • Ketchikan • Juneau • Skagway • Glacier Bay • Hubbard Glacier • Sitka • +11 more

635 reviews
Sep 9, 2024
Cunard Line
Cunard Line

81 Nights

World Cruise

Port: San Francisco • Honolulu • Apia, Samoa • Nuku Alofa • Auckland • Tauranga • Paihia • +20 more

Feb 4, 2025
Cunard Line
Cunard Line
Cruise Critic Favorite

32 Nights

South Pacific Cruise

Port: Los Angeles • Maui • Honolulu • Pago Pago • Apia, Samoa • Suva • Lautoka • Tahiti • Moorea • +1 more

1,020 reviews
Apr 8, 2025
Princess Cruises

54 Nights

Australia Cruise

Port: Los Angeles • Honolulu • Kona • Hilo • Tahiti • Moorea • Raiatea • Auckland • Tauranga • Paihia • +11 more

1,228 reviews
Mar 13, 2026
Princess Cruises

18 Nights

World Cruise

Port: San Francisco • Honolulu • Apia, Samoa • Nuku Alofa • Auckland

Feb 4, 2025
Cunard Line
Cunard Line

23 Nights

World Cruise

Port: San Francisco • Honolulu • Apia, Samoa • Nuku Alofa • Auckland • Tauranga • Paihia • +1 more

Feb 4, 2025
Cunard Line
Cunard Line

15 Nights

Australia Cruise

Port: Tahiti • Bora Bora • Pago Pago • Apia, Samoa • Nuku'alofa • Lautoka • Suva • Bay of Islands • +1 more

75 reviews
Jan 24, 2025
Azamara
Azamara
Cruise Critic Favorite

56 Nights

Tales Of The South Pacific

Port: Vancouver • San Francisco • San Diego • Kauai • Kona • Honolulu • Maui • Hilo • Equator • +18 more

558 reviews
Sep 25, 2024
Holland America Line
Holland America Line

More about Apia, Samoa (formerly Western Samoa)

Why Cruise to Apia, Samoa (formerly Western Samoa)?

Pros:

A true hub of Polynesia culture with good shopping and visitor experiences

Cons:

Slow-paced life may frustrate busy city types. Some petty crime.

Bottom Line:

As authentic a Polynesian city as you'll find in the South Pacific

Apia, Samoa (formerly Western Samoa) Cruise Port Facilities?

Apia's port facility at Matautu is still a working container port despite recent upgrades for cruise vessels, which includes a wharf extension and navigation upgrades. Passenger facilities are still in temporary marquees on the dock and toilets are housed about 200 yards from the berth near the small retail centre that is on the walkway to the town centre.

The walk into the main shopping precinct is about one mile on flat pavement. Shuttle buses to the Visitor Information Centre in town will often be provided, so check with your cruise director or daily bulletin about this service.

Good to Know?

You'll quickly find the Samoan people, with their broad, welcoming smiles are wonderful hosts and eager to show you their beautiful island but, as the early explorers found, a respect for culture ('Fa'a Samoa') is important. Visitors should dress modestly and observe protocols, such as asking permission before taking photos or swimming in secluded lagoons. Don't be afraid to consult your guide as some protocols are tricky, like not standing in the presence of seated elders or inadvertently pointing your toes when seated. It's also a good practice to exercise alertness and awareness of personal safety as opportunistic crime like bag-snatching and burglary has been reported in Apia. Water is safe to drink. It's also worth knowing that most businesses are shut on Sundays for church.

Getting Around?

On Foot: It's a short and pleasant 20-minute walk into the town centre from the port and from there it is easy to get around the shopping precinct as all the essential businesses are very close together around midtown.

By Bus: The favoured local transport is by bus. These colourful vehicles are an attraction in themselves and it can be fun to jump aboard for a cheap short trip.

By Taxi: Taxis may be in high demand on cruise days, so unless you really need one, it may be easier to walk. Be aware that taxi fares are best negotiated prior to your journey.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

Samoa has its own currency, the Samoan t?l? (WST), which is roughly USD$0.35 to USD$0.40 cents. Officially, at least, the t?l? is the only accepted currency, but you can exchange other currencies at banks and some hotels or withdraw from any of the ATMs. Even though credit cards are now much more widely accepted in Apia, it's still important to have some cash at hand for minor purchases made at market stalls or for catching taxis.

Language?

English is widely spoken and understood in Samoa but often with a thick Polynesian accent that may be difficult at first. Even so, speak clearly (not loudly) and politely and you will be understood.

Samoans will be delighted if you can greet and thank them in the local language. 'Talofa' (tah-lo-far) is much like Fiji's 'bula' as a multipurpose greeting that will never offend. But say it with gusto! Thank you is 'fa'afetai' (fa-ah-feh-tie).


Apia, Samoa (formerly Western Samoa) Cruise Reviews
Fantastic 7 hour private tour with Tropical Tours Samoa. Beautiful Island and great people.Read More
Yehootu
On arrival into Apia the local youth group performed an amazing welcome which we appreciated. We did not use Celebrity excursions but did our own. The Cathedral in Apia is well worth a visit - it is amazing. AlsoRead More
rosemaryandbill

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