Double cruise ship visit delights tour operators [1]
Tuesday, February 24, 2015 - 18:47. Updated on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 - 18:52.
Over 2000 visitors arrived in Nuku’alofa on board two cruise ships today much to the delight of tourist operators and handicraft vendors, who were at the wharf to sell their products and services.
An hour and a half later, the Asuka II from Japan docked at Queen Salote harf with 563 passengers and 472 crew. Passengers were mainly Japanese, with a few Americans and Australians.
Traditional dancing and the Tonga Police band welcomed the visitors at the wharf.
Both cruises departed Tonga this afternoon, with the Queen Elizabeth who arrived from Samoa heading to New Zealand; while the Asuka II left for Tahiti after arriving from New Zealand.
This is the second time this year that two cruise ships have visited Nuku’alofa on the same day.
Tonga Tourism has listed a total of 16 cruise ships to visit Tonga this year.