**Wife of a passenger booked with us capturing St Helena from the Ship**

*Photo: Carsten Schneeweis*

Sunday, January 12th, 2025, was supposed to be a bright and exciting day for us at Williams Taxis & Tours. We were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Seven Seas Splendor, the first cruise ship to visit St Helena in 2025.

It was an opportunity not just for us, but for the entire island, to showcase the unique beauty and culture that makes St Helena so special. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned, and the ship left without a single passenger setting foot on our shores.

Let me take you through the day and the rollercoaster of emotions we experienced as we prepared for, and ultimately faced, this disappointing outcome.

Anticipation and Preparation

As a tour operator/Taxi Business, cruise ship days are always a big deal. They’re a chance to welcome travelers from all over the world, show off our island’s incredible attractions, and provide unforgettable experiences. For this particular visit, we had gone all out to ensure everything was in place.

Our Ford Transit Bus was ready for our group tour, pre booked by guests who found us online through our website and social media. We had also arranged a private tour for two individuals, specially requested by a travel operator based in Australia. These two guests were travelers who had specifically chosen St Helena as a bucket-list destination.

But the preparation didn’t stop there. On Saturday, we realized that demand was higher than we could handle with our team alone. Fully booked, we reached out to find an additional guide to accommodate a group of four booked through a French travel agent. After some searching, we were lucky to secure the services of Tony Leo, a highly knowledgeable and respected local guide. Tony graciously agreed to step in, and we were thrilled to have him onboard.

With all these plans in place, we went to bed Saturday night feeling excited and ready to give our guests an incredible St Helena experience.

The Arrival of the Seven Seas Splendor

**Seven Seas Splendor Arriving at St Helena Island**
*Photo: Carsten Schneeweis*

Early Sunday morning, the Seven Seas Splendor arrived, a majestic sight anchored in the harbor. It’s always a moment of pride to see such grand vessels gracing our shores, and this was no exception. We sent photos to our guests via WhatsApp, showing the ship anchored and promising a day of adventure ahead.

But then came the first hint of trouble.

The swell conditions at Rupert’s Jetty and Jamestown Landing Steps were not ideal. The harbour master and the ship’s captain worked together to assess the situation. Everyone’s priority, of course, was safety. Despite their best efforts, it became clear that the conditions were simply too risky for disembarkation.

The announcement hit us hard. The passengers would not be coming ashore.

Disappointment and Communication

Hearing the news was a blow. We immediately thought of the guests we had been preparing for—the group booked for the Ford Transit tour, the Australian couple who had chosen us for their private experience, and the four travelers relying on Tony Leo’s expert guidance.

As a small business owner, I take great pride in providing exceptional service. To know that we wouldn’t even have the chance to welcome these guests was deeply disappointing.

We quickly reached out to everyone involved to share the update. Communication was key. Using WhatsApp, we stayed in touch with our prebooked guests, keeping them informed as the situation unfolded. It was important to us that they felt cared for, even if they couldn’t step foot on the island.

We have to return on the near future! - Carsten, Passenger aboard Seen Seas Splendor

A Silver Lining: Adaptability and Community Spirit

While the day didn’t go as planned, it highlighted the resilience and community spirit that define St Helena. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible effort that went into preparing for this visit.

From our team at Williams Taxis & Tours to the harbour master, Solomon’s Travel Agency and even independent guides like Tony Leo, everyone ensured we were ready to provide an exceptional experience. It’s a testament to the dedication and passion of our island’s people.

I’m especially grateful for Tony, who stepped in on short notice to help with the French travel agent’s guests. His willingness to lend a hand is a perfect example of the collaborative spirit that makes St Helena so special. We sure will be recommending him going forward for visitors who contact us.

The Ship’s Departure and a Bittersweet Goodbye

After the decision was made to forgo disembarkation, the Seven Seas Splendor departed, leaving a bittersweet feeling behind. The ship circumnavigated the island, giving passengers a glimpse of our stunning coastline.

Some of our would-be guests shared photos of their view from the ship, and while it was heartening to see their appreciation for St Helena’s beauty, it was also a stark reminder of what could have been.

It’s moments like these that remind me of the challenges of operating in such a remote location. Weather and sea conditions are unpredictable, and while we do our best to prepare for every scenario, some things are simply beyond our control.

So Disappointing for us and for you! - Passenger on Cruise booked with us after disembarkation was a no-go

Reflections and Looking Ahead

Despite the disappointment, I’m choosing to focus on the positives. This experience has reinforced the importance of adaptability, clear communication, and collaboration. It’s also a reminder of the power of online presence. The fact that all our prebooked tours came through our website and social media marketing shows that our efforts to connect with travelers are paying off.

As we move forward, we’ll continue to improve and adapt. For every challenge, there’s an opportunity to learn and grow.

To those who booked with us and were unable to come ashore, I want to say thank you. Your trust and enthusiasm mean the world to us, and we hope to welcome you to St Helena in the future.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in this business, it’s that travel is about more than just the destination. It’s about the connections we make and the stories we share. While today didn’t go as planned, it’s a story we’ll remember—a testament to the unpredictable beauty of life on this remote island.

Here’s to the next cruise ship visit, and to all the adventures still to come.