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Fiji

Cruising & Diving

Fiji Culture & History Cruise

With only three scheduled cruises each year, this itinerary takes passengers on an incredible journey through the rich history and diverse cultures of the Fiji Islands.

INCLUSIONS

• 7 Day/6 Night Blue Lagoon Historical & Cultural Cruise
• Cruise accommodation with private facilities
• Cruising experiences and activities on and off board including, but not limited to: a walking tour of Levuka, Fiji’s historical capital, a guided tour of Taveuni including Bouma Eco Park and waterfall, and a tour of colonial Fiji (Savusavu) including morning tea at the famous Hot Springs Hotel
• All meals

ITINERARY

This special cruise will feature and be led by an expert in the history, art and culture of the northern Fiji islands. The expert guide will provide you with a truly unique perspective on the history of the Polynesian Fijians (Kioa Islanders) and the Micronesian Fijians (Rabi Islanders).

The 184 feet MV Mystique Princess is an elegant mini cruiser with 36 deluxe air-conditioned staterooms, 120 seat dining saloon, air-conditioned forward lounge, foyer, boutique, three sun decks, two cocktail bars, Purser’s Office, laundry and aft boarding platform. Lagoon Spa is also available to relax the mind and body.

DAY 1 Nananu-i-Ra Island
A champagne toast is proposed as you depart and cruise east, up the coast of Viti Levu, bound for Nananu-I-Ra Island. The whole area is towered by the brooding and majestic Nakauvadra Mountain Range, the traditional home of the Fijian Serpent God, Degei, creator of all islands. Against this backdrop of island scenery, complimentary champagne and hors d’oeuvres are served on the Sky Deck as the sun sets. Tonight a superb selection of South Pacific fare is served for the captains welcome dinner while anchored for the evening in the lee of Nananu-I-Ra Island.

DAY 2 Historical Levuka
The first sunrise in the islands is a magical experience as the light gradually reveals a pristine white sandy beach, fringed with palm trees. For the energetic there is an optional early morning dip before breakfast. Levuka, nestled at the base of a steep bluff on Ovalau’s south-east coast, is a fascinating destination, well off the beaten tourist track. The feeling of the past is palpable in Levuka, so dense it can be smothering. Levuka, with a population ofround 1500, can be seen in a relatively few hours by joining the walking tour. This tour allows you to rediscover the unique and historical sites of Fiji’s first capital. After dinner the vessel will depart for Taveuni and anchor overnight close to the town of Waiyevo.

DAY 3 Taveuni Flora and Fauna
After breakfast, depart for a tour of the island of Taveuni, the third largest island in the Fiji archipelago. The first European to sight the verdant, rugged and volcanic Taveuni was Able Tasman in 1643. Taveuni’s inhabitants were feared throughout the Fiji group as fierce warriors who relished the taste of human flesh. Taveuni is renowned for its flora and fauna. The dense, virgin rainforests are festooned with orchids, ferns and abundant bird life. Bird watchers consider Taveuni among the best of the big islands.

Visit the 180th meridian close to the town of Waiyevo before heading to Bouma Falls, one of the most beautiful spots on Taveuni. Located in the Tavoro National Park, Bouma Falls plunge into large pools where one can go swimming and dive off the rocks.

In the afternoon, return to the vessel where lunch is served enroute to Kioa. Since 1946, when it was purchased by the Ellice Islands, it has been home to 300 Polynesians from Vaitupu Island, Tuvalu (the former Ellice Islands) who faced overpopulation on their home island. At Kioa Island you are met by a small fleet of outrigger canoes paddled by Kioa islanders in traditional costumes. Rejoin the vessel for night anchorage in Kioa.

DAY 4 Rambi’s Micronesian Banabans
Waking to witness the sunrise on the 180th meridian, depart for Albert Cove on Rambi Island. Rabi hasn’t caught up with the last century yet, let alone this one. An island off the south eastern coast of Vanua Levu, with four villages and about 4000 inhabitants, Rabi doesn’t have a resort, a hotel, a restaurant or anything resembling tourism infrastructure. In 1941, the British government purchased Rambi Island to serve as a new home for the Micronesian Banabans of Ocean Island (Banaba) in Kiribati, whose home island was being ravaged by phosphate mining.

Having received special permission to visit the Micronesian Banabans from the chairman of the Rambi Island Council, morning tea and lunch is served on the beach where there is the opportunity to going swimming and snorkeling. Rejoin the vessel and depart for Tabiang Village where passengers can go ashore for a guided tour of a traditional Banaban village and Micronesian cultural show.

DAY 5 Steaming Savusavu and Fishing in Yadua Passage
After a morning swim, depart for Savusavu, while Breakfast is served onboard. Nestled between green hills and deep water Nakama Creek, Savusavu is on the second largest island in Fiji, Vanua Levu. As a river port, it was originally established as a center for sailing ships trading in sandalwood, beche-de-mer and copra.

Savusavu continues to be a copra town with a processing mill in Balaga Bay at the very bottom of Savusavu Bay. The most striking aspects about the town are the incredible beauty of Savusavu Bay and the hot springs, which add a surreal, twilight zone quality. Enjoy morning tea at the Hot Springs Hotel and then wander at leisure back to the ship. In the late morning, set sail for Yadua passage with lunch served enroute. After you drop anchor at Yadua Passage, dinner is served onboard and afterward there is a hand line fishing competition in this famous fishing spot. Later that evening, weigh anchor as the Captain skillfully sets set a course for the beautiful Yasawa Islands.

DAY 6 Yasawa Islands
The Yasawa group of islands are a string of volcanic islands with steep mountains and gorgeous beaches. The Yasawa Group is undoubtedly the most appealing of the Fiji Islands for beach lovers and water enthusiasts. On your first morning in this paradise you can enjoy an optional early morning swim and a hearty breakfast, before disembarking at a traditional Fijian village. Lunch is served aboard as you set sail for the private island Nanuya Lai Lai, known around the world as the Blue Lagoon. Once ashore a variety of activities await you including sail boarding, coral viewing, spy boarding, paddle boards, fish feeding, fishing, sunbathing, snorkeling and for the more energetic, volleyball with the crew. There is also the option to go scuba diving or salt water fly fishing, at additional cost. Tonight is island night. A Lovo feast is prepared in a ground oven. After dinner, a beach party captures the spirit and romance of the South Pacific.

DAY 7 Homeward Bound
After an early morning swim the anchor is lifted for the last time as the Captain sets a course for Lautoka. There is a breakfast and morning refreshment to enjoy as the Mystique Princess cruises through the Yasawa islands to arrive at Lautoka wharf at noon. Your last memories of this extraordinary experience are the haunting lyrics of Fiji’s farewell song “Isa Lei” sung by your crew.