Over 2000 passengers and crew spent the night in Nuku'alofa, after arriving on the Noordam cruise ship on 1 November, the fifth cruise to have visited, after the full border re-opening in September.

Many tourists visited local tourism establishments, including Ancient Tonga, which offers a cultural experience at Fangaloto.

Docked at Vuna Wharf, the Noordam brought a total of 2358 passengers and crew members from its last port, Tahiti [French Polynesia] for an overnight visit. It was expected to depart at 5:00pm, today for New Caledonia.

The local tourism industry was hit hard when Tonga's borders closed, due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the volcanic eruption and tsunamis on 15 January, but with cruise ships arriving, it is on the road to recovery,.

Ancient Tonga owners and staff were happy to welcome many of the tourists this morning and put on a traditional kava ceremony, among other cultural performances and experiences.

Meanwhile, the next cruise ship is listed to visit Tonga on 21 December.