Western Samoa

Samoa (formerly Western Samoa), is located about halfway between Hawai‘i and New Zealand in the Polynesian region of the Pacific Ocean. It consists of the two large islands of Upolu, where the capital Apia is situated, Savai'i and eight small islets.

The islands offer very distinct and different environments to explore. There are mountain peaks, vast valleys, rainforest and white sandy beaches. In the blue lagoons are the smaller of the islands that make up the archipelago. In the villages of Samoa, visitors will see churches, meeting houses and open fale or homes encircling the malae or village green.

Most attractions are found on the islands of Upolu and Savaii.

Things to see and do

* Robert Louis Stevenson homestead at Vailima
* Vailima Brewery Tour
* Aggie Grey’s Fia Fia - Traditional Samoan dancing, singing, drumming, and the amazing fire-knife dance
* Swim with turtles at Satoalepai Wetlands
* Diving & Snorkeling

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Tala (WST)
Language – Samoan, English
Land Area – 2,831 km²
Population – 215,000 approx
Electricity – 2 angled pins and 1 flat pin centred below Australian style
Time – GMT minus eleven hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 685

Port Location – Cruise liners dock in Apia Harbour or Salelologa.

Transport Links – There is one international airport, Faleolo (IATA: APW), which is approximately a 1 hour drive outside of Apia. Air New Zealand provide 3 to 4 flights per week from Auckland. They also fly a weekly service between Auckland-Tonga-Apia-Los Angeles.
Polynesian Blue, a subsidiary of Virgin Blue, have began flights between Apia and a series of cities in Australia and New Zealand, such as Sydney, Brisbane, Townsville, Melbourne and Auckland.
A twice monthly service by the MV Tokelau leaves from Apia Harbour and runs to Tokelau.