Bula! Fiji Blue Lagoon Cruise

  DAY 1: Auckland International Airport Terminal Hote;
Our first night is spent at Auckland International Airport. A time to relax in this 4.5 star hotel or wander through the International Terminal for some serious 'people watching' or 'plane spotting'. Staying on-site sets us up nicely for tomorrow's early departure.

  DAY 2: Fly Auckland to Fiji
We depart on Air NZ952 at 9.45am from Auckland for our three hour flight. We are met at Nadi Airport and taken into the town of Nadi to have a look around the many shops and maybe stock up on snacks at the local supermarket. We arrive at our Denarau Island luxury resort mid-afternoon. The great thing about staying at Radisson Blu Resort is that there are 7 resorts all in a row and you are welcome to visit any one of them! Tonight we are treated to a special ‘Flavours of Fiji’ Welcome Banquet Dinner.

  DAY 3: Sightseeing - Lautoka, Vuda Point Marina and Tropical Garden Guided Walk
This morning we head one hour north, alongside the sugar train railway lines, to Lautoka, known as Sugar City. Voted the ‘Best City in Fiji’, Lautoka is surrounded by fields full of tall sugar cane plants, with the Lautoka Mill (built 1903) being the biggest sugar mill in the southern hemisphere. Our first stop is the Lautoka Market which caters more to locals than to tourists – and that’s what makes it a fascinating place to visit. You won’t recognise half the fruits or vegetables for sale and the tables at the fish market present such a riot of colour and variety that they look like a just-drained tropical aquarium. The market is also a great place to buy handicrafts directly from the artists. Nearby is the newly opened Tappoo City Mall. We are keen to see how this modern mall fits into the local environment. Hungry? …. Not far from here, the good folk at The Boatshed Restaurant at Vuda Point Marina have prepared a Buffet Lunch for us. Vuda Point (photo right) is a well-known ‘hurricane hole’ where yachts are half buried to keep them safe …. fascinating to see. On our way back to Denarau we visit the famous Garden of the Sleeping Giant, which contains, among other tropical plants, a vast collection of magnificent orchids and Cattleya hybrids. This tropical oasis was once the private collection of the late American actor Raymond Burr (anyone remember Ironside?). A guided walk followed by a delicious fruit cocktail, completes our sightseeing day. We arrive back at our resort late afternoon. Dinner is at own expense tonight. Maybe dine at the Golf Club across the road, dine in-house at the resort restaurant, order pizzas in or have dinner at one of the neighbouring resorts.

  DAY 4: Resort FREE DAY!
Today is yours to relax and enjoy in and around our luxury 4.5 star resort or any of the other neighbouring resorts . If you are into golf, the Denarau Golf and Racquet Club is just across the road. If you are not into golf, the parklike grounds allow a lovely early morning walk, before it gets too hot. You may wish to catch the Bula Bus (approx. $5 per day) into Denarau Marina Village, for Lunch, or spend some more time in nearby Nadi township (bus appox. $1 ew). Dinner tonight in Resort Restaurant.

  DAY 5: Board MV 'Fiji Princess'
We have booked air-conditioned outside cabins (accessed via a central hallway) with private en-suite bathrooms and ocean views from the picture window. Each cabin has a TV for movie viewing, vanity table, hair dryer, towels and Pure Fiji bathroom amenities. Cabins are serviced daily. Your voyage into tropical paradise begins with a high speed catamaran transfer to the Sacred Isles to meet up with our home for the next 4 nights. Welcome aboard MV ‘Fiji Princess’, where you will enjoy a tasty lunch. Spend the rest of your first day aboard swimming, snorkelling (Glass Bottom Boat Cruising) and relaxing. During the afternoon you can learn the art of Fiji-style High Tea and partake in a ‘Roti in Lolo’ cooking lesson. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine, with canapes, at sunset, prior to the Captain’s Dinner. Entertainment provided by our talented singing, dancing, guitar-playing crew. Anchorage – Yalobi Bay

  DAY 6: Blue Lagoon - Nauya Lailai
Our destination is the famed Blue Lagoon, as featured in the 1980 Brooke Shields movie of the same name. Watch as the crew position the vessel right up to the beach and tie her off to the coconut trees. We’ll head ashore for happy hour and canapes. A very special night is ahead with a traditional Lovo meal cooked underground (see pic below) and enjoy dining on the beach. An evening of Fijian Meke, singing, dancing and story-telling by local villagers. Anchorage – Blue Lagoon

  DAY 7: Sawa-I-Lau
Spend the morning on a guided island walk, visit an island style cake shop and shell market. Participate in Fijian activities including; basket weaving or a guided snorkelling safari. Lunch is on board while cruising north, to the Sawa-I-Lau Caves. On arrival we set off on a private guided visit to the Sawa-I-Lau Caves. Steps rise from the shore up to the cave. You can view the majestic limestone cavern from the stairs or take to the water (see photo left). This evening includes a special visit to the village of Tamusua to experience a Yaqona (Kava Ceremony) before a traditional village style feast. Anchorage – Sawa-I-Lau Island

  DAY 8: Drawaqa Island
Cruise to Drawaqa Island and on arrival at Drawaqa our Marine Biologist will tell you all about the local fish, marine life and the conservation work the Vinaka Fiji Volunteer Team are doing in this area. During May to October (we’ve timed it right!) you can snorkel with manta rays. Visit an island school to meet the local children. Enjoy a barbeque dinner onboard, under the stars. Tonight we party Fiji style. Anchorage – Drawaqa Island

  DAY 9: Port Denarau - Disembark. Fly Nadi to Auckland
Enjoy breakfast on-board as we cruise back to Port Denarau. Back at port, you’ll be serenaded with the traditional Isa Lei farewell song by the crew, as your exploration of the Yasawa Islands comes to an end. We are transferred to Nadi Airport for our 2pm Air NZ953 flight that sees us arriving in Auckland at 5.05pm. *Shuttles will be waiting at Auckland Airport to return us to our homes.