Fiji`s Southern Lau region consists of a cluster of beautiful and remote picture-postcard islands. These are some of the least visited islands in the South Pacific where culture and traditions has been well preserved by its villagers. Guests experience more authentic and undiscovered Fiji onboard MS Caledonian Sky with its access to remote areas within the Lau via guided marine adventures as well as visits to small island communities. A visit to this region offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a select few travellers, with personal access to pristine white sandy beaches and tranquil turquoise bays as well as remote villages. These are some of Fiji`s most beautiful locations and experiences.
Thanks to its setting between Melanesian Fiji and Polynesian Tonga, the Lau Islands are a real meeting point of the two Pacific cultural spheres: Fijian and Tongan. Lauan villages remain very traditional, and the islands` inhabitants are renowned for their wood carving and the creation of traditional tapa barkcloth.
Guests onboard MS Caledonian Sky navigate the horseshoe-shaped islands of Fulaga in Southern Lau to Dravuni in the Kadavu province. You`ll be guided by the onboard cultural experts as you explore the traditions of Beqa Island, which features secluded tropical beaches and a large lagoon protected by a 30-kilometre-long barrier reef which makes it ideal for shark diving, feeding and deep-sea game fishing. Best of all, you`ll be welcomed and entertained by the friendly people of this region and experience a traditional Meke, Sevusevu and lovo, which is quite different here from the traditional Fijian feast.
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Southern Lau Cruise cruise only package includes:
– 7 night Fiji cruise aboard MV Caledonian Sky round trip from Denarau
– All shipboard meals plus complimentary 24hr self-serve tea and coffee located in the Yasawa & Reef lounge
– Complimentary house beer, wine, juice and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
– Sunset Canapes and tropical Lovo feast ashore
– Use of snorkelling equipment, kayaks, glass bottomed boat excursions, village and island visits, cultural activities, meke and lovo feast, guided island walks
– Guided Island tours
– Marine Biologist Presentations
– Sevusevu gift giving ceremony and Kava Ceremony
– Use of all on-board facilities including mini gym and jacuzzi
– Ship operated transfer from port to hotel on disembarkation day
– VAT (Value added tax of 15%)
DISCOUNTS:
The fares shown here are full brochure fare. This cruise may also have discounts available – please contact our office for the best offers applicable.
Fares Exclude:
– Transfers to the ship, drinks, optional tours, scuba diving & services.
Special Conditions
Special Validity Dates
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Sep 2024 | Port Denarau (Nadi), Fiji |
Embark | |
| 15 Sep 2024 | Buliya, Fiji |
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| 16 Sep 2024 | Matuku, Laus |
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| 17 Sep 2024 | Vulaga Island, Southern Lau Group, Fiji |
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| 17 Sep 2024 | Yagasa, Fiji |
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| 18 Sep 2024 | Vuaqava, Fiji |
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| 18 Sep 2024 | Kabara, Fiji |
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| 19 Sep 2024 | Toyota Island, Fiji |
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| 20 Sep 2024 | Beqa, Fiji |
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| 21 Sep 2024 | Lautoka, Fiji |
Disembark | Transfer to Port Denarau |
| 21 Sep 2024 | Port Denarau (Nadi), Fiji |
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
7 Night Cruise sailing from Port Denarau to Lautoka aboard Caledonian Sky.
Explore the hidden wonders of Fiji’s Southern Lau Group on this 7-night expedition cruise. Dive into the vibrant marine life of the Great Sea Reef on the first day, followed by cultural encounters on Buliya and a historical exploration of Matuka. Discover the pristine beauty of Fulaga’s lagoons and Yagasa’s coral-rich waters. Experience the serenity of Vuaqava’s sacred island and engage in Kabara’s traditional welcome. Totoya Island offers a unique volcanic landscape, while Vatulele provides a glimpse into tapa crafting. Encounter the ancient firewalking tradition on Beqa and explore its diverse marine life. The journey concludes in Lautoka, bidding farewell with traditional Fijian songs. This expedition promises a perfect blend of natural wonders, cultural immersion, and warm hospitality.
Sample Itinerary:
DAY 1 THE GREAT SEA REEF
Before the sun sets, take an afternoon snorkel, swim or dive on the third largest reef in the world, the Great Sea Reef. Settle into a sunset cocktail and enjoy a welcome dinner on board as you are introduced to the crew.
DAY 2 BULIYA
Buliya is Fiji’s fourth largest island whose villages and residents are discovered on a guided hike with our ship’s crew. Later complete a refreshing ocean swim or take a book and laze on its magnificent white sandy beaches. There’s a chance to swim and snorkel with serene manta rays in Buliya’s pristine shallow waters and for divers, the world’s fourth largest reef Great Astrolabe is calling!
DAY 3 MATUKU
Between 1840 and 1853 when Ma’afu was trying invade the island, the Cakobau (King) of Fiji was protected on Matuku by the people and ultimately returned to his home island of Bau. Evidence of the fierce battles remain including ring ditches and war fortifications from the era can be found around the island. Highlights include joining a guided hike to discover the island’s history and visit Lomati, one of its five villages.
DAY 4 FULAGA & YAGASA
Fulaga is an extinct volcano crater and is famous for its crystal-clear lagoons, colourful tropical fish and vibrant corals. You’ll have a chance to swim in this magnificent aqua blue paradise and meet local villagers who’ll be happy to welcome you to their home and share their traditionally crafted woodcarvings and handicrafts. We arrive at Yagasa Island for snorkelling, swimming, coral viewing and kayaking. Snorkel around the magnificent collection of coral bommies rich with diverse and abundant marine life and beautiful coral gardens.
DAY 5 VAQAVA & KABARA
Come ashore on the chalky white beach of this uninhabited and sacred island of Vuaqava. A beautiful, guided hike through the lush vegetation leads to the centre of the island where an inland lake – known for its resident turtles, snakes and amazing bird life. It’s a great spot to have a swim or just enjoy the tranquility. When you return to the island’s shore you may be treated to a locally prepared delicacy of coconut crabs.
This afternoon you’ll be welcomed and entertained by the people of the Naikeleyaga Village on the island of Kabara. Known for its wood turning and Tongan heritage, Kabara is famous in Fiji as the home of wood carving. Experience a traditional Meke, Sevusevu & lovo here which is quite different from most you will find in Fiji.
DAY 6 TOTOYA ISLAND
Today’s island visit heads to the tiny horse-shoe shaped Totoya Island with its deep-water volcanic crater. The high reef surrounding Totoya makes it a popular boating destination with its fascinating water passages and it’s also home to a world-famous surfing break. We visit a local school and the children will surprise you with their entertainment and be proud to show you their work. We’ll also have the opportunity to explore the local reefs for some outstanding diving and snorkeling.
DAY 7 VATULELE & BEQA
A beautiful aquamarine lagoon surrounds Vatulele offering fabulous snorkelling and extraordinary dive sites. Vatulele is the most famous place in Fiji for the craft of tapa, the traditional bark cloth. The ladies of the village share their knowledge and teach you how it is done. Exploring the island, you’ll discover the sacred and protected red prawns. The story of firewalking in Fiji begins around 500 years ago on the island of Beqa, when there were only around 50 people living in the village of Nakarovu. Legend says the special firewalking powers are specific to the descendants of Tuinaiviqalita. Beqa also offers the opportunity to dive with sharks and a chance to book in for an optional sport fishing experience.
DAY 8 LAUTOKA
Enjoy breakfast onboard as we return to Lautoka for a 9:00am disembarkation. Our crew bid you farewell in song including their traditional Fijian ‘Isa Lei’ as they say ‘Sota Tale’ or ‘see you again’. Transfers will be available to the Airport, Port Denarau hotels and the Port Denarau Marina.
November 2023 will see the dawn of a new era in high end cruise experiences never before seen in Fiji with the arrival of luxury expedition small ship MS Caledonian Sky. The luxury expedition ship is tailor made for the adventurous sophisticated traveller offering spacious boutique comfort with a capacity of only 114 passengers across 57 ocean view suites.
Caledonian Sky will provide an elegant onboard experience. Relax on your private balcony, soak in the views from panoramic Sky Deck, sip on bubbles in the two lounges and dine al fresco or in the dining room.
Be guided by our expanded expedition team of 70 crew members in one of the ship’s 10 zodiacs to some fabulous destinations. MS Caledonian Sky will provide comfort and elegance as you experience remote locations unable to be accessed by any other means.
Comprising 57 exceptionally spacious, well-designed suites with ocean views arranged over four decks, all suites feature a sitting room area, and some have private balconies.
Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country style wash basin, hot towel rack and vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower and/or bathtub. Each have walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini- fridge, flat screen television, telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air- conditioning and heating, bottled water, dressing gowns and slippers.
Ship Profile & Stats
- Maiden Voyage: 2023
- Refurbished: 2018
- Passenger Capacity (dbl): 114
Captain Cook Cruises offers small-ship discovery cruises, day tours and cruising restaurants in the Fiji Islands. From the volcanic Yasawa Islands to the remote Northern Fiji Islands, we draw on four decades of cruising knowledge to create individual travel experiences you will never forget.
Discover the natural beauty, environmental diversity, culture and history aboard our fleet of explorer-style small ships. Unique itineraries take you to places where mainstream tourists rarely venture and where you can meet the locals. Our Day Tour and Dining experiences offer tailored packages for all ages and budgets.
Captain Cook Cruises is the recipient of numerous awards including the Fiji Visitors Bureau ‘Best Cruise Line’, and the Fiji Tourism Awards ‘Best Fiji Experience’ in 2012.
The company offers a choice of cruises weekly throughout Fiji. All vessels have hosted some of the world’s most prestigious events and dignitaries, and are proud of their attention to detail and customer service.
Select the Deck to view detail.
Select the Cabin to view detail.
Owners Corner Suites w/ Balcony
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