Australasia
How to Explore the Best of Fiji in 4 Days with Captain Cook Cruise
Dec
Have you thought about doing a Fiji Cruise? It would be a great way to see as many of the islands as you can without taking a lot of flights/ferries and day trips.
I went on Captain Cook Cruise Fiji’s new ship M.S. Caledonian Sky, a small ship that can access the remote and pristine areas that larger vessels can’t. You can also experience the culture and nature of Fiji, with various activities and excursions that are included in your cruise package.
The cruise I took was the 3 night Southern Yasawa cruise, which brought me to some of the most stunning and scenic islands in Fiji. Here is my review of the Captain Cook Cruise Fiji on the M.S. Caledonian Sky.
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Table of Contents
About M.S. Caledonian Sky + Captain Cook Cruise Fiji
The M.S. Caledonian Sky is a new addition to the Captain Cook Cruise Fiji fleet, arriving in November 2023. It is a luxury expedition small ship, with a capacity of only 114 passengers across 57 ocean-view suites.
It has 5 levels, with 7 room types, ranging from standard suites to premium balcony suites. It also has:
Caledonian Lounge formal dining room
- 2 lounges: main Caledonian Lounge and the lounge on the Panoramic deck
- Lido Deck
- A library
- A gym and a spa
- Formal dining room.
Lido Deck
The M.S. Caledonian Sky offers 10 different itineraries, covering the Yasawa Islands, Mamanuca Islands, and further afield to the Lau group, Tonga, and Samoa. The cruises range from 3 to 14 nights and include all meals, most activities, and some drinks. The cruises also feature a cultural and environmental program, with lectures, demonstrations, and performances by local experts and guides.
Note: you have to use the Zodiac speedboat during the cruise for activities, and it is not as friendly for those with mobility issues:
Rooms abroad M.S. Caledonian Sky
The rooms aboard the M.S. Caledonian Sky are spacious and luxurious, and feels like a step back in time on an early 20th century vessel. They all have ocean views, either through windows or balconies. They also have en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, safes, and Wi-Fi.
Superior Suite
I stayed in the Superior Suite, which was located on the Promenade Deck. It had a large window, a king-sized bed, a sofa, a desk, a wardrobe, and a bathroom with a shower. The room was very comfortable and cozy, and had plenty of storage space. They also provided 2 small wet bags for guests and water bottles, which were very handy for the excursions.
What I love the most is that we have a bathtub and heating rack, which means there is somewhere to put my wet stuff and to dry them!
The crew also does a turndown service, making sure your room is clean and tidy after your day’s activities.
Food abroad Captain Cook Cruise Fiji M.S. Caledonian Sky
The food aboard the M.S. Caledonian Sky was delicious and varied, with a mix of Fijian and international cuisine. We had meals either at the Lido Deck (usually where the buffet are) or in the formal dining room, depending on the weather.
Main Meals
The breakfast was a buffet, with a selection of hot and cold dishes, such as eggs, bacon, sausages, pancakes, cereals, fruits, yogurts, pastries, and breads. You can also order eggs to your liking.
The lunch was also a buffet, with a variety of salads, several hot meal choices, and desserts. I really love the Fijian salad options.
2 out of the 3 dinners were set meals, with a choice of 3 starters, 3 main courses, and 3 desserts. The dishes were fine dining quality, and I absolutely loved the steak we had on the first night. Wine is inclusive during the meal as well.
The food was well-presented and flavorful, and the portions were generous. The service was attentive and courteous, and the staff were happy to accommodate any dietary preferences or allergies.
Afternoon tea
There is also daily afternoon tea served daily in the afternoon in Caledonian Lounge in case you are hungry between lunch and dinner. This goes smoothly into Happy Hour where you can buy cocktails from the bar in Caledonian Lounge.
Itineraries on M.S. Caledonian Sky
The M.S. Caledonian Sky offers 10 different itineraries, each with its own highlights and attractions. You can choose from 3 to 14 night cruises, depending on your time and budget. Some of the itineraries are:
• Mamanuca and Southern Yasawa: This is the shortest and most popular cruise, which takes you to some of the most beautiful and scenic islands in Fiji. You can enjoy the white sandy beaches, the turquoise lagoons, the coral reefs, and the friendly villages. You can also visit the famous Castaway Island, where the movie was filmed, and the Monu Island, where the Survivor TV show was filmed.
• Southern Lau Expedition: This is a more adventurous and remote cruise, which takes you to the otherwise unexplored islands in the Lau group. You can discover the unique culture and history of the Lau people, who have strong ties with Tonga. You can also see the stunning natural beauty of the islands, such as the Bay of Islands, the Vuaqava crater lake, and the Oneata caves.
• Southern Lau and Tonga Whale Migration: This is a special cruise that combines the Southern Lau Expedition with a visit to Tonga, where you can witness the amazing spectacle of the humpback whales. You can see the whales up close, as they migrate, mate, and give birth in the warm waters of Tonga. You can also learn about the whale conservation efforts and the Tongan culture and traditions.
• Northern Fiji and Samoa Voyage: This is a longer and more diverse cruise, which takes you to the northern part of Fiji and the islands of Samoa. You can explore the rich and varied culture and nature of these islands, such as the colonial town of Levuka, the volcanic island of Savai’i, and the rainforest of Taveuni. You can also enjoy activities and excursions, such as snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and village visits.
Checking in for Captain Cook Cruises
For all Captain Cook Cruises outing, the check in location is in the Denarau Port in Nadi. They have a counter where you also check in for their day trips.
It’s best to arrive at least 30 minutes before your check in time to allow for the staff to put in your luggage and in case there is a long queue. You will get your very important room number as well!
We ended up going to the Lautoka port to board, but check in is still at Denarau. We also got our room key after the safety briefing and welcome talk, and the crew will put your luggage outside or inside your room.
3 Nights Southern Yasawa Captain Cook Cruise
I did the 3 night Southern Yasawa cruise, which was a perfect introduction to the Fiji islands. The cruise started and ended in Denarau, and visited four islands: Nuku i Mana, Monuriki, Monu, and Sacred Island.
Some activities have limited space, so you’d need to sign up beforehand by the Caledonian Lounge.
Here are some of the highlights of the cruise:
Nuku i Mana
This was the first stop of the cruise on the first day. It was a sand bank near Mana Island, where we had some free time to swim, snorkel, or relax on the beach. The water was clear and warm, and the sand was soft and white. It was a great way to start the cruise and get to know the other passengers.
And the sunset that evening was spectacular!
Monuriki Island
This was the second stop of the cruise, on the second morning. It was the famous Castaway Island, where the movie starring Tom Hanks was filmed. We had free time on the island to see the famous coconut sign and to swim, snorkel, or kayak/SUP.
We also learned about the flora and fauna of the island, such as the iguanas, the crabs, and the plants.
Monu Island
This was the third stop of the cruise, on the second afternoon. It was the island where the Survivor TV show was filmed, and where we had free time to explore as well. The beach is much longer with fine sands with scattering green pebbles.
Yanuya Methodist Church Service
This was a special experience that we had on the second evening. We visited a local village on Yanuya Island, where we attended a Methodist church service. The service was conducted in Fijian, and lasted about 30 minutes. We listened to the singing, the praying, and the preaching, and felt the spirit and the joy of the villagers.
It is an interesting cultural experience, but you won’t be able to understand anything!
Sacred Island
This was the fourth stop of the cruise, on the third morning. It was a small and uninhabited island, where the Fijian people believe that their ancestors first landed.
It was pouring that morning but the island was still beautiful.
Ratu Naivalu Boarding School + Yalobi Village
On the third day afternoon, we visited a boarding school and a village on Waya Island, where we met some of the local children and adults.
It was a public holiday so there was no school, and the local kids gathered to sing for us. I recommend bringing snacks or supplies to the kids.
We then visited the village, where we saw the houses and also went to their craft fair where it’s great to buy souvenir. You will need Fijian Dollars which you can change or break into smaller notes at the cruise if you need.
School Hill hike
This was the last activity of the cruise, on the third late afternoon. You can hike up for a panoramic view of the island. Unfortunately, it was raining too hard for us to do this activity.
Historical Fijian Fashion Show
This was a fun and entertaining event that we had on the second night. The crew dressed up in costumes that represented the different historical periods and influences of Fiji, such as the pre-colonial, the colonial, the post-colonial, and the modern. They also explained the meaning and significance of the costumes and performed some dances and songs. It was a great way to learn about the Fijian culture and history and to have some laughs and applause.
Crew Talent Show
One of the most fun and entertaining events on the cruise was the crew talent show, which was held on the last night. The crew members showcased their talents and skills, such as singing, dancing, and playing instruments.
The show was also interactive, as some of the passengers were invited to join the crew on stage and of course we ended in a tongo line!
Kava Ceremony
Another highlight of the cruise was the kava ceremony, which was a traditional and cultural experience. Kava is a drink made from the root of the kava plant, which has a mild sedative and relaxing effect. The kava ceremony is a ritual that is used to welcome guests, celebrate occasions, and build connections. The passengers sat in a circle around the bowl, and each received a coconut shell filled with kava.
The proper etiquette was to clap once, say “Bula”, drink the kava in one gulp, and clap three times. The kava tasted bitter and earthy, and made the mouth and tongue feel numb. The kava ceremony was a unique and enjoyable way to experience the Fijian hospitality and culture.
It is a milder version than the one I tried on the Sigatoka River Safari, but don’t drink too much as it is still strong!
Educational Talks
There are also educational talks and briefings but the marine biologist crew members. You can tune in on your TV or head to the Caledonian Lounge to listen in person. Topics that they covered were corals, sharks, and also floral and fauna.
Conclusion
I had a wonderful time on the Captain Cook Cruise Fiji on the M.S. Caledonian Sky. The cruise was a great way to see the different aspects and attractions of Fiji, such as the culture, the nature, and the people. The cruise was also very comfortable and enjoyable, with a luxury ship, a friendly crew, and delicious food. I would highly recommend the Captain Cook Cruise Fiji to anyone who wants to have a memorable and relaxing Fiji cruise.
