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.

Sale on Northern Fiji Discovery Heritage Cruise

Captain Cook Cruises is offering 20% off their 7 nights Northern Fiji Discovery Heritage cruise, where passengers can enjoy the unique experience of standing on the International Dateline. The sale is available until 31 March 2011 and valid for travel until 31 March 2012.

The Northern Fiji Dateline Discovery Cruise is an amazing cruise that was developed after months of extensive research and searching for secluded and exclusive locations. Passengers are taken beyond the Yasawa Islands to very remote and exotic tropical Fijian islands where they learn about the unique history, art and culture of Northern Fiji.

Day trips include the historic island of Ovalau which still features 19th Century colonial architecture and waterfront promenades from colonial rule, the Bouma Waterfall lagoon on Taveuni Island, the extinct volcanic crater, hot springs and thriving markets on Savusavu, a special children’s choral church service at Wairiki and of course the 180th Meridian – the arbitrary Dateline between today and tomorrow on Taveuni Island.

There is plenty of swimming, snorkelling and diving off picturesque islands including Tivua, Savusavu Bay, Nananu-I-ra and Sali Sali Island.

One of the most endearing features of this cruise is the generous welcome from Fijian village locals living on islands rarely visited by tourists. Passengers will be given the extraordinary opportunity to experience village life and partake in a kava ceremony, enjoy a traditional ‘lovo’ (earth oven) feast and dance to the drum of the meke (dance).

The Northern Fiji Discovery Heritage cruise has seven scheduled sailings for 2011 departing on 05 April, 03 May, 05 July, 06 September, 01 November, and two scheduled departures so far for 2012 departing on 03 January and 06 March.

Sale prices for the 7 nights Northern Fiji Discovery Heritage cruise start at only $1399 per person, twin share and the cruise departs Denarau Marina at 2.00pm.

Prices 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 Captain Cook Cruises visit the Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine Cruise Line Profile for Captain Cook Cruises or contact Captain Cook Cruises toll free from Australia on 1800 804 843; Int +61-2-9206 1111, Email: or visit www.captaincook.com.au.

30% Savings on 7 nights Fijian Dateline Cruise

Captain Cook Cruises is celebrating its 40th Birthday in 2010 with a massive sale offering up to 30% off Fiji Northern Dateline cruises.

The sale is valid to 30 August 2010 and valid for travel until 31st March 2011. As an extra bonus for families a separate children’s bunk cabin is available at no additional charge with payment of two or more children 3-17 years with accompanying parents or guardians.

The Northern Fiji Dateline Discovery Cruise is an amazing cruise that reveals the unique history, art and culture of the Northern Fiji Islands and allows passengers the ultimate experience of standing’ on the International Dateline.

Developed after months of extensive research and searching for secluded and exclusive locations, passengers are taken beyond the Yasawa Islands to very remote and exotic tropical Fijian islands.

Day trips include the historic island of Ovalau which still features 19th Century colonial architecture and waterfront promenades from colonial rule, the Bouma Waterfall lagoon on Taveuni Island, the extinct volcanic crater, hot springs and thriving markets on Savusavu, a special choral church service at Waiyevo and of course the 180th Meridian – the arbitrary Dateline between today and tomorrow on Taveuni Island.
There is plenty of swimming, snorkelling and diving off picturesque islands including Tivua, Nanuyakoto, Savusavu Bay, Nananu-I-ra and Manava Island.
One of the most endearing features of this cruise is the generous welcome from Fijian village locals living on islands rarely visited by tourists. Passengers will be given the extraordinary opportunity to experience village life and partake in a kava ceremony, enjoy a traditional ‘lovo” (earth oven) feast and dance to the drum of the meke (dance).

The 7 night Northern Fijian Dateline Cruise package departs in 2010 on 3rd August, 7th September, 5th October and 2nd November and is priced from $1749 per person twin share, normally from $2499.

Price includes shipboard accommodation, all meals, guided village and island tours, glass bottom boat excursions, on board entertainment and use of the ship's facilities.

Take a look at the Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine cruise line profile for Captain Cook Cruises or visit the Captain Cook Cruises website or email at: mailto:fiji@captaincook.com.au

A Captain Cook Cruise for Art Lovers

Captain Cook Cruises – for those heading down-under – is running a special 3, 4 and 7 night cruise for art lovers on August 27th and 30th featuring guest artist Tony Smith.

Former Master, Captain Tony Smith, is an Associate of the Royal South Australian Society of Arts and has had a love affair with art including painting the spectacular scenery of the Murray River for over three decades. His art is in many private collections around the world and he exhibits regularly at the Royal Society Adelaide where he has been accepted for Fellowship.

Passengers will receive free landscape painting classes from Tony and be shown his favourite scenic locations along the Murray.

Art lovers can book now and receive 25% off the cruise fare.

Other cruise highlights include an exciting selection of shore-side tours, guided nature walks and eco-excursions, onboard presentations, Captains Dinner and Cocktail Party and live entertainment.

The three nights Discovery Cruise departs Mannum on Friday August 27th at 4.30pm and fares start from $583 per person twin share. The four nights Outback Heritage Cruise departs Monday August 30th at 4.30pm and fares start from $779 per person twin share. The seven nights Murraylands & Wildlife Cruise departs Friday August 27th at 4.30pm and prices start from $1199 per person.

Prices include all meals, accommodation, most tours, scenic coach transfers from Adelaide or onsite car parking and all onboard facilities including use of two spas, two saunas, sun deck, two bars, two lounges, single sitting dining saloon and entertainment.

For more information about Captain Cook Cruises visit the Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine profile of Captain Cook Cruises at www.prowsedge.com/cruise-lines-captain-cook-cruises.html
or take a look at the official Captain Cook Cruises web site at www.captaincook.com.au.

Roger Allnutt Takes Readers "Down Under"

In two new features in the Reviews section of Prow's Edge Cruise Magazine, Roger Allnutt, a freelance travel writer based in Canberra, Australia, and a long-time member of the Australian Society of Travel Writers, takes readers "Down Under" and shares two experiences of cruises in Australia.

One explores the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef aboard the Coral Princess and another discovers the fun of a paddlesteamer journey on one of the two major rivers of Australia, the River Murray.

Also for those in the area, Roger contributes an article on Fiji with Captain Cook Cruises.

Roger Allnutt travels widely around the world researching material for publication in newspapers and magazines in Australia, New Zealand, US, Singapore and other parts of the world. When not traveling, his other interests include food and wine, classical music and theatre and playing tennis.

Roger is happy to accept commissions and can provide material on many parts of the world. He can be reached at Roger.Allnutt@bigpond.com.

IT'S DEFINITELY NOT ABOUT SLEIGH BELLS IN THE SNOW...

Traveling to Sydney is, for most of us, something new and spending Christmas in a hot climate is a sure fire novelty - but to add to the mix, here's a further idea in the same train of thought - how about Christmas Day on Sydney’s magnificent Harbour, enjoying delicious food and Christmas festivities with Captain Cook Cruises Christmas Day Lunch cruises.

There are four fantastic lunch cruises to choose from and the prestigious three level MV Sydney 2000 will host three of the Christmas Day lunches including the deluxe Sky Deck menu and the Club Deck and Show Deck Christmas buffet, while sailing catamaran Aussie Legend hosts a Premium Christmas buffet lunch.

The Sky Deck lunch offers a five course premium menu with premium wines and is the ultimate Christmas Day lunch. Situated on the first class upper deck level, the Sky Deck lunch also includes an open bar of spirits, premium wines, beers and soft drinks and a live band will entertain guests as they dine, dance and take in the beautiful sights of Sydney.

The Club Deck, Show Deck and Aussie Legend Christmas buffets offer a fabulous festive Christmas feast including Virginia baked leg ham, roast turkey, Sydney rock oysters, king prawns, smoked salmon, a wide selection of salads, plum pudding and mince pies.

The Club Deck Christmas buffet is situated on the spacious restaurant deck of the MV Sydney 2000 and includes the house selection of wines, beers and soft drinks, the Show Deck Christmas buffet is situated on the main deck of the MV Sydney 2000 and includes a welcome drink and a premium Christmas buffet lunch is hosted on Aussie Legend and includes still and sparkling wine and local and imported beers.

The MV Sydney 2000 departs 12 noon on Christmas Day, Friday 25th December, from No.6 Jetty Circular Quay and returns at 2.45pm. Pricing starts from $249 per person for the deluxe Sky Deck experience, $179 per person for the Club Deck buffet and $129 per adult for the Show Deck Buffet. Children and concession pricing is available.

Aussie Legend departs 12 noon on Christmas Day, from Pier 26 Aquarium Wharf Darling Harbour and returns 2.45pm and is priced at $199 for adults and $99 for children aged 3 - 14 years.

For more information about Captain Cook Cruises see the Prow's Edge cruise line profile at http://www.prowsedge.com/cruise-lines-captain-cook-cruises.html or visit the official Captain Cook Cruises web site at www.captaincook.com