Agent clarifies why Cruise ship could not dock at Matautu Wharf

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 23 January 2024: The local agent for the MS Seven Seas Navigator Cruise ship has clarified why the ship could not dock at Matautu wharf on Sunday morning.

Muaausa Fiona Uili, of the local agent Samoa Global Shipping Services, voiced her disappointment at a media story on the incident without seeking clarification from them.

The MS Seven Seas Navigator arrived in Samoa on Sunday morning but could not berth at the wharf.

“Yes, the ship could not dock because of the strong swells and waves,” Muaausa explained.

She confirmed that due to the strong current, a rope snapped as the ship was brought to dock and it was difficult for both the ship crew and the port staff to do anything else, but for the ship to continue on to her next port which is American Samoa.

She said the incident was unfortunate especially as they had people who flew over to Samoa so they could board the cruise-ship from here.

“We had people who flew in on Saturday and stayed overnight at Elisa Hotel so they could board the ship but could not due to the swells but they managed to board at a pilot station,” she said.

Although there are rules and regulations which bind the agents from disclosing information, Muaausa said the media report already published needed to be corrected.

This is not the first time the MS Seven Seas Navigator has called on Samoa.

The ship started its trip from Haifa in November 2023 stopping at several countries before arriving in Samoa on Sunday morning.

She was scheduled to be in Samoa on 26 February 2024, but another cruise ship has been booked on the same day.

The ship was then booked to berth at Fagamalo, Savaii, but was later cancelled because there are no zodiac boats to transfer the passengers to the island.

Muaausa said MS Seven Seas Navigator is the sister ship of MS Seven Seas Mariner which are both scheduled for future trips to Samoa.