I almost don't want to share it with anyone because it was such a special and unique experience.
Captain Cook Cruises Fiji have just started visiting some of the outer islands of Fiji on their new expedition-style ship, the ms Caledonian Sky.
We visited islands which have never seen cruise ships or received tourist visitors before. The reasons why this hasn't been done before are many, but primarily cultural and remoteness of location.
As a cruise company, you can't just decide one day to visit these islands. As a tourist, you can't go either. You need to have very specific Fijian cultural connections, which have taken months to plan with the Islanders and Chiefs.
Even once on the Islands, there was a very traditional protocol to follow with ceremonies of gift giving and receiving, chanting, clapping and the making of cava between the most senior men of each island and with Captain Cook Cruises.
Unless you are Fijian, there is barely a chance that you would be granted access to any of these islands. Fortunately one of the Directors of CCC is Fijian, and it's through his diplomacy and chiefly connections that this cruise has been made possible.
It was quite the experience setting foot on islands where no tourist had been before. Beyond excited children, beaming smiles, brightly coloured dresses, handmade flower leis, and the song of the happiest people on earth is how each zodiac was greeted. Humbling, emotional, uplifting, and enchanting are all words that come to mind.
But it wasn't all about first-time island visits - we had 'expedition-ing' to do as well. Snorkelling, swimming, scuba diving, zodiac rides, paddle boarding, hikes and more. All adding another layer of fascination with the islands of Northern Lau (Fiji's outer east).
Here I share just some of my photos but they don't really capture the essence of Fiji and how it really feels to be there. The only way to do that is to go.....
Here is a link to this exact cruise I did in April 2024. As a specialist expedition cruise agent, I have access to attractive offers. Get in touch and see what's available.
