Blue Lagoon Cruises

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Onboard

Blue Lagoon's ambience is casual; the pace unhurried. Cruising time averages about four hours a day, leaving plenty of time to enjoy water sports or simply relax on shore and do nothing at all. Each morning, the Fijian crew awakens the more energetic passengers at 6 a.m. for an eye-opening swim. Most guests prefer to wait until they've indulged in the breakfast buffet before snorkeling in the balmy turquoise waters or reading in a hammock under a palm tree.

Meals, offered at one seating with no assigned tables, focus on fresh seafood, tropical fruits and spicy curries. A highlight of each trip is the magiti, a Fijian feast of pork, chicken, fish and vegetables wrapped in palm leaves and cooked in a pit, or lovo, onshore. No wonder the crew's favorite slogan is "The more you eat, the more you float."

Dress is casual. Pack your swimsuit, shorts, T-shirts, sunglasses, hat and flip-flops. Modest clothing is recommended when visiting the local villages (no tank tops, hats or swimsuits).

Included are hearty breakfasts, morning and afternoon tea (usually on the beach), barbecues, hors d'oeuvres, and lunch and dinner buffets. Highlights include visiting a village school and experiencing the ancient Yaqona (kava) ceremony, traditional Meke dance and Sere songs. There's a day at Blue Lagoon's own island, Nanuya Lai Lai, where beach and water activities precede a traditional Lovo feast and guitar concert. Activities include swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing and bush walking.

About Blue Lagoon Cruises

Blue Lagoon Cruises operates a fleet of two yacht-like vessels in Fiji's remote Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands. Ships depart from Lautoka on Viti Levu and head north to the secluded, palm-fringed island chain for relaxing days spent sunning and snorkeling.

Captain Trevor Withers, a New Zealand stockbroker, and Harold Gatty, a renowned Australian aviator, launched the company in 1950. The two enterprising friends began by setting up fishing trips to the Yasawa Islands and quickly established valuable contacts with the village chiefs. Four years later, the pair went their separate ways. Gatty founded Fiji Airways, while Withers pursued his dream of running cruises to the idyllic islands. Withers named his new company after the 1948 Hollywood movie "Blue Lagoon," filmed on location in the Yasawas. He had helped out on the movie's set and was a fan of actress Jean Simmons.

In 1966, Withers sold Blue Lagoon Cruises to New Zealand ship owner Captain Claude Millar. Today, a small group of shareholders owns the company. Blue Lagoon actively supports Yasawa villages and aids in the construction of schools and medical clinics.

Blue Lagoon Cruises Fleet

Blue Lagoon's two ships cruise in the Fijian Islands year-round: the flagship, MV Mystique Princess (72 passengers, 179- and 193-square-foot cabins, plus one 296-square-foot suite); and MV Fiji Princess (68 passengers; 117- and 142-square-foot cabins).

Fiji Princess, the fleet's most recent addition and only catamaran, was acquired from Le Meridien Group in 2002 and refurbished. The teenage ship features a small pool, spa and walk-around decks.

Fellow Passengers

Blue Lagoon attracts a diverse passenger base, from honeymooners and families to active seniors. The majority of guests hail from nearby Australia and New Zealand, followed by the U.S., U.K. and Japan. Children are welcome, but organized activities are only offered during school holidays. In an effort to attract more families, the company offers a two-cabin family rate for two adults and three children ages 15 and under. Children under two sail free.