“From Saturday to Monday, just like that…”
Last night, we experienced one of those quirky moments only possible when sailing across the vast Pacific: we jumped straight from Saturday to Monday, thanks to the International Date Line. It felt a bit like we boarded a time machine—we didn’t wake up tomorrow, we woke up “tomorrow-tomorrow”! 😄 One of the joys (and brain-benders) of cruising the South Pacific.
📍 Welcome Back to Apia
Today brought us to another familiar port: Apia, the laid-back capital of Samoa. We’ve visited this charming spot a few times over the years, and while it doesn’t change drastically, there’s always something new to notice.
🏝️ A Brief History of Apia
Apia is the largest city and capital of Samoa, located on the northern coast of the island of Upolu. Once a small village, it grew into a significant port in the 19th century, playing host to traders, missionaries, and colonial powers. It was also the final home of famous Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, who settled here in the 1890s and whose hillside estate, Vailima, remains a popular attraction.
Samoa itself has a deep Polynesian heritage that predates European arrival by thousands of years. It has seen periods of German and New Zealand control before gaining independence in 1962—making it the first Pacific island nation to do so.
🏖️ Our Day in Apia
We kept things simple today, with plans to visit a local beach for a relaxing morning. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to expectations. The sand area was limited, there was some debris washed up, and the high tide made access to the water a bit tricky. I chatted with one fellow cruiser who said the water was lovely—and I’m sure it was—but overall, the beach just didn’t feel right for us.
So, we shifted gears and took a leisurely walk into town, doing a big circle route through the main downtown area to snap a few photos. Apia has a laid-back charm with colonial-style buildings and locals going about their daily routines.
On a side note, I had mistakenly told a few fellow passengers that the main produce market was just a short walk away. Turns out, I was remembering the shuttle that used to run from the port, which made everything feel closer in the past. Oops—sorry, folks! 😅
After the stroll, we hopped in a $5 USD taxi back to port for a late lunch onboard.
🎶 Cultural Connection: School Visits & Performances
Much like in American Samoa, we were treated this morning to a welcome performance by a local school group. It’s truly heartwarming to see the next generation embracing their culture with such pride—dancing, singing, and welcoming us with genuine joy.
Later in the afternoon, another school group came onboard to perform, adding to the day’s cultural richness. These moments always stand out. There’s something really special about how both Samoas continue to pass down traditions through their schools, keeping their heritage alive and strong.
🎭 Gatsby Glamour & A Touch of Mystery
Back on board, the fun didn’t stop! Tonight was a themed dressy night with a fabulous “Great Gatsby” twist—complete with glitz, glam, and even a crime to solve.
The ship’s World Stage was decked out in 1920s elegance, and the storyline revolved around a stolen necklace from a high-end onboard jewelry store. Eight suspects, each with a motive and alibi, paraded across the stage. Passengers got to play detective, following clues and alibis, and eventually spotting the culprit—who had the necklace on the whole time! 😂
It was all hilarious, creative, and tons of fun—just one of the reasons we love sea days on this ship.
🌊 Until Next Time…
While our beach plans didn’t pan out as hoped, today was still full of great moments—from the cultural richness of local performances to the playful glamour of onboard entertainment. Apia always brings a calm, peaceful energy, and we’re grateful to have experienced it again.
Here’s to the next port—and hopefully a real beach day!
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