Captain Cook Cruises Launch New Fiji Cruise

Captain Cook Cruises is excited to be launching the first ever Fiji cruise to circumnavigate Vana Levu, Fiji’s second largest island, the seven nights Discovery Cultural Cruise onboard the MV Reef Endeavour.

The Discovery Cultural Cruise will explore the beaches, islands, rivers, towns and rainforests of the remote north and discovers the three different cultures of the Ellice Islanders (Micronesia), Bananas (Polynesia) and Fijian (Melanesian) peoples.

The seven nights Discovery Cultural Cruise has four scheduled sailings for 2011 including 07 June, 02 August, 04 October and 06 December.

“Our new cruise is the only one of its kind operating in Fiji and provides passengers with a unique opportunity to explore and discover the remote north of Fiji. We are so happy to be launching this cruise and we hope it brings even more tourists into Fiji.” Said Jackie Charlton, Executive Director of Sales and Marketing, Captain Cook Cruises.

The Discovery Cultural Cruise visits Tivua Island, beautiful Nananu-i-ra Island and Yadua Island where passengers visit the Crested Iguana Sanctuary and swim with gentle Manta Rays. A trip to Kia Island, the world’s third longest barrier reef, promises passengers an unforgettable snorkelling or glass bottom boating experience.

Passengers also visit the schools, meet villagers and enjoy an introduction to the different culture and lifestyles of the Ellice (Polynesian) and Banabas (Melanesian) on Kio and Rabi Islandsanddiscover the traditional Fijian culture, with a village sevusevu ceremony, meke and lovo feast.

The cultural experience continues with a visit to the thriving market of spices, fish, poultry, goat and local products in Vanua Levu’s largest town, Labasa, followed by a trip to Fiji’s deepest river, Dreketi River, where by tender passengers explore the river, passing villages and towering rainforests.

Each day passengers can relax, swim or snorkel at a picturesque islands including Druadura Island, GaloaIsland, Yaqaqa Island and Mana Cay Sali Sali Island or choose to stay onboard the MV Reef Endeavour and enjoy a cocktail by the pool or beauty treatment at the ship’s newly renovated Senikai Spa.

Captain Cook Cruises regular 7 night cruises continue to operate and the former “Dateline” cruise has been re-named “Discovery Heritage Cruise” reflecting the significant historical points of interest visited on the cruise including crossing the 180 degree meridian.

The Discovery Cultural Cruise departs Denarau Marina on Tuesdays at 2.00pm and disembarks at 9.00am the following Tuesday. Early Booking Saver fares start from just AU$1399 per person twin share and includes shipboard accommodation, all meals, guided village and island tours, glass bottom boat excursions, on board entertainment and use of the ship's facilities including a swimming pool, spa, sauna, sun deck, cocktail bar and much more.

For an overview of this cruise line see the PROW'S EDGE CRUISE MAGAZINE CAPTAIN COOK CRUISES profile, or for further information and bookings, please contact Captain Cook Cruises toll free from Australia on 1800 804 843; Int +61-2-9206 1111, or visit www.captaincook.com.au.