With only three scheduled cruises for 2011, this world first itinerary takes passengers on an incredible journey through the rich history and diverse cultures of the Fiji Islands. The 7 Day Historical and Cultural cruise ventures off the beaten track to the international dateline and the northeast tip of the Fiji Islands. Experience three different South Pacific cultures; Melanesian, Micronesian and Polynesian, while exploring remote island locations, some never visited by commercial vessels before. Resident experts travel with this special cruise to provide you with a truly unique perspective on the history of the Polynesian Fijians (Kioa Islanders), the Micronesian Fijians (Rabi Islanders) and the Melanesian Fijians and the now local Indian community.
| Day One Tuesday |
| 08.30am | Check-in at Blue Lagoon Cruises' pre-boarding lounge. Light snacks available at the cafeteria, drinks at bar and fitting of snorkeling gear, then transfer by coach to the wharf to board our vessel, the MV Mystique Princess |
| 10.00am | Depart Lautoka. Morning tea is served as we cruise north east. Commentary from Alan Roxburgh on the history of the places we pass and those we will visit |
| 12.30pm | Lunch on board |
| 03.30pm | Afternoon tea is served as we commence our in house information sessions on "Polynesian Culture and the Kioa Settlers, the Micronesian Culture and the people of Rabi" in the Observation Lounge. |
| 06.00pm | Captain's Complimentary Champagne Cocktails on the Sky Deck with canapés. |
| 07.00pm | Captain's Welcome Dinner. Tonight a superb Buffet dinner is served, with a wide selection of wines available from the ship's cellar. Island songs from the crew complete this first memorable evening. |
| After Dinner | The night is spent sailing along the Southern coast of Vanua Levu |
| Day Two Wednesday |
| 7.00 - 8.00am | Buffet Breakfast as we arrive to anchor off Kioa Island.
Arrive at Kioa Island where we are met by the Kioa Islanders in their traditional costumes, who welcome us in their canoes. Ashore for some traditional Polynesian entertainment by the islanders. Take some spending money with you as there is opportunity to shop for Polynesian handicrafts. Alternatively, borrow some money from the Cruise Director once ashore and simply charge this back to your cabin. |
| 11.00am | Rejoin the vessel for morning tea and depart for Rabi Island |
| 12.30pm | BBQ lunch on the beach at Tabiang and time for a swim |
| 02.30pm | Arrive in Rabi at Nuku village, all ashore for school visit. |
| 04.30pm | Afternoon Tea onboard. |
| 06.30pm | Cocktails on the Sky Deck |
| 07.30pm | Dinner this evening is International Buffet served as we cruise and drop anchor at a sheltered spot off Taveuni for the evening! |
| 08.45pm | Information session in the Observation Lounge on "Taveuni-the Garden Island of Fiji". |
| After dinner | Men's fishing competition takes place (ladies may compete but may not win!!) |
| Day Three Thursday |
| 07.00am | Breakfast onboard |
| 09.00am | Prepare to go ashore at Taveuni |
| 09.30am | Board the bus for a visit to the Catholic Mission and the 180th Meridian |
| 11.00am | Morning tea with a difference at Waiyevo. Casual stroll through the township at leisure |
| 12.30pm | Enjoy a picnic lunch |
| 01.45pm | Depart for afternoon activity |
| 02.30pm | A short and easy walk to Bouma Falls - a special place. Bring your swimming togs to cool off in the clear fresh water |
| 04.00pm | Experience a traditional Fijian afternoon tea |
| 06.00pm | Back on board. Pre-dinner drinks on the Sky deck, followed by dinner at a calm anchorage before sailing in the early hours to Vanua Balavu, Northern Lau. |
| 07.30pm | Dinner tonight is a carvery with succulent roasts. |
| After dinner | Alan will brief us on the "The history and culture of The Lau Group and particularly Vanua Balavu". |
| Day Four Friday |
| 7.00 - 8.00am | Buffet Breakfast as we arrive to anchor off Qilaqila Island, Vanua Balavu, Northern Lau.
The morning is spent sightseeing in the tender boats and kayaks (for those fit and keen!) around the pristine natural beauty of The Bay of Islands. There will be time for a swim and snorkel in the crystal clear blue waters, with visibility often as deep as 80ft. This is a truly amazing area. Apart from small yachts, no ships have ever ventured here before and you will be among the first visitors to this natural wonderland.
Morning Tea will be served between sightseeing trips - the ship will never be far away.
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| 12.30pm | Meke and a BBQ lunch on the beach with the people from Daliconi village. The freshest fish just caught this morning, and "pig on a spit". Rejoin the ship after lunch. |
| 02.30pm | All ashore for a village and school visit at Daliconi. |
| 04.30pm | Afternoon Tea onboard as we begin to relocate the ship to the eastern side of the island and a calm overnight anchorage, and a great fishing spot! |
| 06.30pm | Cocktails on the Sky Deck |
| 07.30pm | Dinner this evening is an International Buffet. |
| 09.00pm | After dinner, Alan will brief us on, "The History of Lomaloma and Sawana villages and Ratu Mara"
Ladies fishing competition (men may not enter the ladies fishing competition but may offer verbal encouragement from the bar!) |
| Day Five Saturday |
| 07.00am | Buffet Breakfast whilst en-route to Sawana village |
| 09.00am | Disembark for village and school visit, with Meke and traditional ceremonies at Sawana. After the official welcome feel free to wander through the village and talk to the villagers - they will be happy to tell you about their lives and how they live here. Morning Tea is served in the village. |
| 12.30pm | Rejoin vessel - lunch will be served onboard |
| 02.00pm | We anchor off Susui at a remote beach for an afternoon swim and snorkel. Also, sightseeing trips in the tender boats around this spectacular coastline. |
| 04.00pm | Afternoon tea back on board as we raise anchor and set sail for our overnight cruise to Levuka in Ovalau. |
| 06.00pm | Pre-dinner drinks on the Sky Deck |
| 07.00pm | Tali Dinner with a variety of exotic curries and condiments |
| 08.30pm | After dinner, Alan will talk about "The arrival of the early European settlers to Fiji" and provide insights into "The History of Levuka". |
| Day Six Sunday |
| 07.00am | Buffet Breakfast commences. |
| 10.00am | Arrive at Levuka. |
| 10.30am | All ashore to visit the site of the "Signing of the Deed of Session" and a walking tour of the town and visit Levuka Vaka Viti (the original village) on foot |
| 01.00pm | Lunch is served back on board as we begin our cruise to Lautoka, stopping overnight at a calm anchorage. |
| 07.00pm | Our final dinner together - Seafood Buffet, and tonight is the International Competition - get together with your countrymen to produce your own "show". |
| Day Seven Monday |
| 07.00am | A special Breakfast on the beach before we set sail homeward bound. |
| 10.00am | Morning Tea is served on board |
| 12.00pm | Arrive Lautoka with the crew singing the farewell song "Isa Lei". |
