Just Back From Fiji On Captain Cook Cruises' Reef Endeavour

Instead of taking two or three days to sail to the South Pacific, a cruise starting and ending in Fiji provides maximum time on the islands — or, more accurately, in perfect, pristine water. Consider a smoother, faster flight to Nadi (four hours from Sydney, three hours from Auckland) and after boarding the ship in Port Denerau, you’ll be swimming and snorkelling that same afternoon. We put this strategy to the test last week on a seven-night Yasawa & Mamanuca Islands cruise — also available in three-night or four-night sectors, which is handy if your other half (or the kids) like to holiday on land, too.
Here are six reasons why the Reef Endeavour should be your next South Pacific cruise.

The beaches are truly beautiful and peaceful.

With fewer than 130 passengers, Reef Endeavour doesn’t overwhelm the islands it visits. Instead of finding 2,000 of your fellow cruisers spread across the beach, you can easily nab a quiet patch to relax, read and sunbathe. All beaches are good for swimming and easily accessible — no rickety steps or rocks to navigate; just soft, white sand. (But bring reef shoes to protect your feet from shells and dried-up coral.) There are no hawkers trying to sell you anything either.

The islands are famous movie settings.

The Blue Lagoon (1980), a romantic adventure starring Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkin, was filmed at the location pictured above, and Cast Away (2000), starring Tom Hanks, was set on Modriki, pictured below. Both of these locations are featured on Reef Endeavour’s seven-night Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands itinerary.

‘HELP’ is spelled out in coconuts on the beach in tribute to Cast Away. Take a selfie with Wilson the volleyball, laze under a palm tree, take out a kayak or paddleboard, or snorkel within wading distance of the shore with this spectacular backdrop.

Snorkelling and diving are offered twice a day.

Every morning and afternoon, at different sites, passengers can snorkel for free at the beaches or by jumping off the side of the tender further out to sea. The ship’s own glass-bottom boat also allows coral viewing, or ‘dry snorkelling’. Expect to see lots of tropical fish including the ‘Fijian Nemo’ (a clown fish with only one white stripe) and possibly a turtle, manta ray, stingray or (harmless) reef sharks. Scuba diving costs extra. One of the best dives is at Rainbow Reef between Taveuni Island and Vanua Levu. First-timers can also learn to dive with professional instructors while on the longer cruise.

Free excursions explore the local culture.

Immersive tours involve meeting Fijians in their villages, attending a church service and hearing a choir of gorgeous kids sing for you in their classroom. Experience a lovo (food cooked in an underground oven) followed by a kava ceremony, where passengers can try this relaxing, numbing drink. There are many opportunities to donate school supplies or buy souvenirs from markets if you wish to further assist the communities that Captain Cook Cruises supports.

Fiji’s sunsets will blow you away.

The sunrises are also worth waking up for, and most days are gloriously sunny, too.

The ship is mixed, fun and friendly.

Reef Endeavour attracts an assortment of active travellers from families and young couples to retirees from Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia, the U.K and the U.S. It’s easy to mingle onboard, largely because the cabins don’t have balconies so everyone hangs out on deck or in the lounge. The captain and officers may drop into the bar for a quiet drink and a chat, too. Three nights a week, the crew come out for kava, sometimes causing people to be up and dancing past midnight. The wonderful, all-Fijian crew often dine with guests, join in activities and perform evening entertainment, which sets the tone for a fun few days at sea.

 
(Source: Cruise Critic Cruise News 22 August 2017)