Napoleon’s House, Longwood

A popular stop for cruise ship visitors for the day

A Grand Arrival: Introducing the MS Bolette

On a bright and welcoming day in early April, the horizon just off Jamestown harbor shimmered as the magnificent MV Bolette, operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, anchored off the coast of St Helena Island. The vessel is known for its elegant, old-world charm combined with the amenities of a modern, mid-sized cruise liner. Designed to carry approximately 1,300 guests and 600 crew members, the Bolette embodies a slower, more refined pace of travel—perfectly suited to a remote and unspoiled destination like St Helena.

With spacious lounges, fine dining, and itineraries that take passengers to hidden gems around the world, the Bolette attracts adventurous, curious travelers who seek unique experiences over tourist-heavy hot spots. The arrival of such a vessel is always an exciting event for the island and an opportunity for us at Williams Taxis & Tours to share the beauty and story of St Helena with new visitors.

The Backstory: From Email to WhatsApp

This particular visit was special for another reason—it started with a simple email. One of the passengers aboard the Bolette reached out to us weeks before the ship's scheduled arrival, inquiring about the possibility of a personalized group tour for him and a number of fellow travelers. He was proactive, thoughtful, and determined to ensure that the group would make the most of their day on the island.

From that first point of contact, we transitioned to WhatsApp for easier communication. WhatsApp calls and messages allowed us to discuss options, itinerary ideas, accessibility concerns, and timing details in real-time. We were able to share recommendations, answer questions, and offer our local insight—all before the ship even dropped anchor.

This guest took on the role of coordinator for the group, and together we planned a carefully tailored tour that would allow them to experience St Helena’s highlights in comfort, without being rushed or herded from one site to another. When the morning of arrival finally came, we were in close contact, receiving live updates via WhatsApp from the time they boarded the tender until they stepped onto the wharf in Jamestown.

A Warm Island Welcome

When the passengers from our group arrived, they were met by myself, Craig, and our wonderful team member Eira. We welcomed them ashore and made sure everyone was comfortable and ready to begin the day’s adventure. It was a moment of excitement and connection—travelers meeting locals who were just as eager to share as they were to explore.

We paid particular attention to one lady in the group who had some mobility limitations. While she preferred not to visit a few of the more strenuous or less accessible stops, Eira stepped in as her companion for the day, ensuring she still enjoyed her time with us in a relaxed and enjoyable way. That’s what makes our service different: we don’t just drive—we care.

Waiting time….

Eira patiently awaiting arrival by tender, of our guests

The Tour: An Authentic Experience of St Helena

Our custom group tour was thoughtfully curated to highlight a range of landscapes, history, and culture that make St Helena such a rare and memorable destination. The group visited several of the island’s most iconic and scenic sites:

Heart-Shaped Waterfall Viewing Platform
A picture-perfect start to the day, the viewing platform offers breathtaking views of the heart-shaped waterfall carved into the cliffs. The water doesn’t always flow, but the geological shape remains an awe-inspiring natural formation—especially when paired with the surrounding green valleys.
Napoleon’s Tomb, Sane Valley
Nestled in a peaceful and well-maintained garden setting, Napoleon’s Tomb is a site of quiet reflection and international historical significance. It’s here that Napoleon Bonaparte was laid to rest before his remains were returned to France in 1840. The visitors were deeply moved by the serenity and story of the place.
Napoleon’s House (Longwood House)
Maintained by the French Government, this historic residence is remarkably preserved and offers a glimpse into Napoleon’s life during his exile. With original furniture, artifacts, and rich storytelling through the displays, it was a favorite stop for the history buffs in the group.
Sandy Bay Ridges Overlooking Sandy Bay and Lot
This scenic drive took us through dramatic terrain with panoramic views over Sandy Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and geological formations like "Lot" and "Lot's Wife." The scenery here is rugged and dramatic, offering an incredible photo opportunity and a moment to take in the island’s volcanic origins.
Plantation House and Jonathan the Tortoise
No visit to St Helena is complete without seeing Jonathan, the world’s oldest living land animal. The group got to enjoy a relaxing stroll through the grounds of Plantation House and observe Jonathan and the other tortoises who live there. It’s a moment that’s both surreal and joyful.
High Knoll Fort
The fort provides one of the best panoramic views on the island. Positioned at the island’s highest accessible point, High Knoll Fort offered the group an opportunity to take in the full expanse of St Helena’s topography and coastlines. It’s an incredible vantage point—and a testament to the island’s strategic importance through history.
Jacob’s Ladder (Top View)
Before heading back to Jamestown, we stopped at the top of Jacob’s Ladder for a final look over the capital. The view is striking, and while few in the group dared to walk the 699 steps down, they all appreciated the perspective—and many took photos to show friends and family.

Listening In!

All guests were intrigued and listened with interest to our talks about the island and asked varied and interesting questions.
*Photo: Eira Stevens*

Creating Memories, Not Rushing Timelines

What made this tour so special was the unhurried pace. Our goal is not to squeeze in as many stops as possible, nor to rush guests through the experience just to get back for another round. We believe in quality over quantity. Each guest deserves to have the time to absorb, ask questions, reflect, and truly enjoy the experience.

This group embodied that spirit—they were engaged, thoughtful, and appreciative. At every stop, they took the time to connect with the history and the landscape. It wasn’t about ticking boxes—it was about discovering the soul of the island.

Want to see what they had to say? Check out one of their reviews here.

“Great value for money. Thoroughly recommend Williams taxis and tours.”

— Gary A

Behind the Scenes: The Whole Team in Action

While we were off exploring with our pre-booked group, the rest of the Williams Taxis & Tours team was equally busy making the day run smoothly for other visitors and local clients:

Shane, our reliable and friendly full-time driver, handled a mixture of cruise visitors who arrived without pre-bookings as well as our regular daily taxi services around Jamestown. Whether it’s a quick trip to the shops or a last-minute island tour, Shane is always ready with a story and a smile.
Lucas, my younger brother and our skilled in-house mechanic, was behind the wheel of our second car. He spent the day transporting three guests staying at Mantis St Helena who were on the island for a week of work. His job was to make sure they got to various business appointments and locations around the island, on time and stress-free.

Everyone played their part—and it’s days like these that remind us how proud we are to have a team that works seamlessly together. Each person brings their own strengths, and together we create a full-service experience that’s both professional and personal.

Reflections on a Successful Cruise Visit

As the day came to an end and our guests returned to Jamestown to board the tenders back to the MV Bolette, we said our farewells with the feeling of a day well spent. We shared stories, laughs, and snapshots. For our visitors, it was more than a tour—it was a real connection to the island and the people who call it home.

For us at Williams Taxis & Tours, it was a chance to do what we love: to share our island with people who truly want to understand and appreciate it. We don’t take that lightly. Every guest, every inquiry, every journey is an opportunity to deliver something meaningful.

We’re incredibly grateful to the guest who reached out to us and organized the group. Her initiative made it possible for everyone involved to have a special day, and we hope to see her—and perhaps the rest of the group—again one day.

Photos: Eira Stevens & Craig Williams

Thinking of Visiting St Helena by Cruise?

If you're considering a visit to St Helena by cruise ship, or even if you're flying in, we would love to help you make the most of your stay. Whether you’re an independent traveler or part of a larger group, we offer:

Custom private tours tailored to your interests
Island-wide taxi service
Airport transfers
Professional, local guides and friendly service

Get in touch with us via our website or social media. We’d be happy to chat, share ideas, and start planning a tour that fits your needs.

And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook & Instagram for more photos, stories, and visitor highlights.

Until then, safe travels—and we hope to welcome you to our beautiful island soon!

Williams Taxis & Tours – Experience St Helena, One Journey at a Time.

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Welcoming the MV Bolette: A Cruise Day to Remember on St Helena