Paul Gauguin arrived in Nuku'alofa on the morning of 3 October, the first cruise ship welcomed onto our shores in two and a half-years, since the border closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Local tourism operators welcomed the arrival as a sign of revival for their businesses which were hit hard by the pandemic. 

The cruise ship docked at Vuna Wharf, with 298 passengers and 213 crew after arriving at around 8:00am from the Cook Islands. The vessel departed for Tahiti at 6:00pm.

Local taxi drivers and tour operators who were waiting for tourists to disembark expressed joy and hope of of reviving their livelihood now that the tourists are coming back, with the border fully re-opened.

Meanwhile, a total of eight cruise ships have been listed for the rest of the year, with the next two confirmed to arrive on 12 October and 14 October.

The cruise ship on 14 October is expected to visit Nuku'alofa and then cruise onwards to Neiafu, Vava'u on 15 October.

Tonga lifted most of its covid health restrictions on 27 September, with the only requirement remaining is proof of vaccination for foreigners aged 12 years and above.