Cruise fiji
When you are drawing up a budget and planning an itinerary to visit New Zealand or go Down Under, do keep aside 3-4 days for a cruise to Fiji. This island nation is located in the South Pacific Ocean, comprising more than 300 islands. The coral reefs here have a fantastic variety of colorful inhabitants, both of the active and inactive type. In addition, some of the best water-based activities in the world can be enjoyed here, whether it is diving, surfing or snorkeling.
Fiji Cruise Facts to Know
Experienced travelers to Fiji recommend that you go on a cruise during the months of May to October. November to April is when the heavens open up in right earnest.
Climate varies from one Fiji island to another, so be prepared with the appropriate clothes /gear
Appropriate attire does not mean being improperly dressed when entering a village
Do respect local culture. Find out about the correct customs, such as removing footwear before entering a place of religion or a local resident's home
Fiji Cruise Package Checklist
Find out if you need to make your own arrangements to and fro from the Airport to the dock or the hotel where accommodation has been provided.
Find out which meals are included during the Fiji cruise some cruises provide breakfast and dinner on board the ship, while lunch and tea maybe onshore.
Ask about dress code for the times when you are on board ship. Some cruise liners insist on a formal dress code for dinners, while others permit casual wear.
Confirm if the rates of your Fiji cruise package includes Fijian Value Added Tax (VAT) and Hotel Turnover Tax (HTT).
Confirm if you need to pay for fuel surcharges, Port Taxes, and service charges.
Find out if you need to pay entrance fees at certain places, such as visits to museums, or whether these are included in the tour package.
Find out if you need to pay extra for snorkeling / scuba-diving equipment or whether these are included as part of the cruise package.
The cruise package may not include insurance cover in the event of a cancellation.
Find out details of cancellation policies.
Some Fiji Cruise Packages
Captain Cook Cruises offers a 3 or 4-day sailing adventure aboard a schooner that will take you to the Yasawa Islands from Denaru Marina Nadi. Onshore expeditions include visiting traditional villages and trekking overland. You can go swimming and even venture out on a night fishing tour. Back at your accommodation at the Barefoot Lodge, enjoy a game of volleyball. Have a comfortable night's rest in a beach bure. Prices start at AU$456. All meals and activities are included.
Note: Children below 12yrs. are not permitted. [These rates are applicable till March 31, 2008]
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Blue Lagoon Cruises offers a 7 days / 6 nights cruise to Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands about the Princess Class motor yacht. On the first night aboard you will be served complimentary champagne cocktails and hors d\'oeuvres before the Captain's Dinner. The following day the sailing vessel will take you to Modriki Lagoon where you can have a wonderful beach barbecue luncheon. Then sail onwards to the island of Waya for a traditional welcome ceremony, the "Yaqona". Dinner will once again be on board the ship. The following days will cover the Naviti Island, the Nacula Island and other Yasawa Islands. Your sixth day of the cruise will be at Nauya Lailai, where you will come within touching distance of the coral reef residents in a glass-bottom boat. You can also enjoy sailboarding, snorkeling, swimming and other water-based activities. Starting prices are US$2529 (Single cabin - Saloon Deck) to US$3841 (Triple cabin-Lounge Deck). Family Rate (2 Cabins) is US$4042. [These are sample rates of April-March 2007]
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Note: This article is not endorsing any of the cruise packages mentioned. The information is taken from the cruise operators websites. In the possibility of changes, the reader is advised to confirm all details, including prices.
Offshore Island Expeditions: Places to Visit
Viti Levu: This is the most popular of cruise destinations, it being the largest island and brimming with offshore activities for the passengers. On the western side is the city of Nadi where you can indulge in shopping for local handicrafts, and visit the Wailialoa Beach. Suva, the capital of Fiji, is located in the southeastern region. Be sure to take along your raingear, as you can face an unexpected shower. Visit the Suva Market and sink your teeth into luscious fresh fruits, bargain with local vendors at the flea market, dance the night away at a popular disco, breath in the fragrant atmosphere of hundreds of blooms at the Thurston Gardens and enter the portals of the Fiji Museum. You can also enjoy a swim at the Olympic Pool (check timings and admission rates) that is open to all.
The town of Sigatoka is located on the Coral Coast. Located less than 3kms.away are the enchanting sand dunes.
Vanua Levu: The second largest of the Fijian Islands, your ship is likely to dock here, too. The town of Savusavu is famous for its hot springs. You can buy black pearls, go yachting, and have a sumptuous meal at very economical rates. If you wish to buy Indian jewelry and beautifully designed Indian clothing, visit the town of Labasa.
Mamanuca Islands: A little distance away from Vita Levu is a group of private resorts located on the islands of Mamanuca. Other than the usual activities of swimming and sunbathing on the fantastic beaches, learning to dive is one of the popular pastimes due to the gentle waves.
The Yasawa Islands: Your ship is sure to dock at one of the half dozen islands that make up this group of islands. The reason: great places to go snorkeling and admire the colorful residents of the sea.
The above-mentioned islands are just a few drops in the ocean - there are plenty more islands of the Fiji archipelago where your sailing vessel is likely to dock!
Offshore Island Expeditions: Things to Take Along
The local currency - Fiji dollars and coins in various denominations
Some traveler's checks, which you can get en cashed at a local bank and at some hotels
Your credit card will be accepted at a lot of stores and dining establishments
Sunglasses and a hat for sunny weather; a light sweater for windy trips; an umbrella in regions where showers are expected; warm clothing for expeditions during winter months
A bottle of water to quench your thirst during trekking expeditions to forts and ruins
Comfortable shoes for those field excursions
Make sure you pack your wetsuit (a thicker one if going on a cruise during the colder months).
Don't forget your camera / handy cam to preserve your wonderful experiences for infinity!
So get ready to meet dolphins and angelfish, take photos of soft coral, enjoy the local culture, dance to the tunes of string guitars and the ukele, have fun in general, all within a single cruise package. Then return home with memories to cherish for a lifetime !
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