Cruise ship makes maiden voyage as Apia Port enhancement project opens

The passenger vessel Pacific Jewel operated by P&O and owned by the Carnival Corporation made her maiden call into Apia last week, coinciding with the opening of the $80 million Enhancement works for Safety of the Apia Port.

The official opening ceremony of the enhancement project followed the arrival of the cruise ship, which was attended by Government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps and private sector representatives.

Prime Minister, Susuga Tuilaepa Fatialofa Lupesoliai Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi thanked the government and people of Japan for funding the project, under Japan’s Grant Funding Arrangement through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

“The completion of this important project brings us closer to the achievement of our Government’s development aspirations in terms of ensuring we ride a sustainably safe, secure and environmentally responsible transport network that supports Samoa’s economic and social development.” Said Tuilaepa.

Japan’s Ambassador, Maugaoleatuolo Shinya Aoki in his remarks said this project further strengthens the good relationship between Samoa and Japan.

The opening ceremony was complemented with the Cruise Ship Pacific Jewel in the background, which arrived to a rousing welcome of traditional entertainment by the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa Youth Group from Fa’atoia.

It was in the country for the day, with Betham Brothers Enterprises as its local Port Agent working in partnership with the Samoa Ports Authority and Samoa Tourism Authority to give visitors an a positive and unforgettable experience.

The cruise ship brought into Samoa a total of 1,841 passengers and a crew of 705, with passengers mainly from New Zealand, as well as over 25 different Nationalities onboard the Vessel.

The ship made its way from Vava’u, Tonga and sailed back to Tonga through Nukualofa, before returning to Auckland, NZ.

The post Cruise ship makes maiden voyage as Apia Port enhancement project opens appeared first on Discover the South Pacific.

Source: Blog