The MS Insignia, part of Oceania Cruises’ fleet, recently concluded its visit to Samoa, departing at 8 pm after arriving this morning. Welcomed at the Apia wharf by the Samoa Tourism Organising Committee and the EFKS youth dance group, the event was highlighted in a post by Samoa Tourism on Facebook.
After its stay in Apia, the MS Insignia continued its journey from Pago Pago, American Samoa, setting course for Suva, Fiji, followed by New Zealand, before heading to Sydney, Australia. Samoa’s opportunity to host this and other cruise ships has been met with enthusiasm, showcasing the island’s renowned hospitality and friendliness to visitors from around the globe.
February has seen a notable influx of cruise ships to Samoa’s shores, with visits from Seabourn Cruises on February 1, Silversea Cruises on February 2, and the MS Insignia on February 6. The MS Insignia boasts the capacity to accommodate between 698 to 803 passengers, supported by a crew of 372 across its 349 cabins. Constructed in 1998, the ship spans 180 meters in length and travels at a speed of 18 knots.
A past incident on December 11, 2014, involving a fire aboard the MS Insignia resulted in tragic losses and highlighted the critical importance of safety aboard cruise ships. The incident, which occurred while docked in St. Lucia, led to the deaths of two contractors and one crew member, as reported by Maritime Cyprus.
In the aftermath, criticism arose regarding Oceania Cruises’ handling of the emergency evacuation procedures, with reports of inadequate guidance for passengers during the evacuation.
Since then, there have been no further reports of similar incidents involving Oceania Cruises, suggesting an increased focus on safety and emergency preparedness within the company.