7 Night Northern Fiji Dateline Cruise

Visit places without postcards in the remote Northern Fiji Islands aboard MV Reef Escape. The special seven-night cruise, venturing to the international dateline has been developed after months of research and includes islands rarely visited by commercial vessels.

Join the Captain and crew as they guide you through the hundreds of islands and reefs, experience the unique history, art and culture of the Northern region. The special Gala Farewell Dinner completes your perfect holiday cruising Fiji.

From 06Feb10 this cruise will operate aboard MV Reef Endeavour. Reef Endeavour is Captain Cook Cruises flagship cruiser and has very similar cabin configurations and ship layouts as MV Reef Escape.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome aboard Reef Escape with a complimentary fruit punch and welcome salusalu (lei) as you set sail for a Fiji Island adventure. This afternoon visit Captain Cook Cruises own exclusive island “Tivua" where you can enjoy a twilight swim, snorkel or relax on the beach. Tonight enjoy the special Welcome Dinner and crew entertainment.

Day 2: Today you venture beyond the Yasawa Islands to the north coast of Viti Levu with fabulous views of the main island, plus two island stopovers for some sun, sand and snorkelling. A fabulous day to relax into your Fiji adventure and to fully explore all the facilities of your own small cruise ship. Meet your fellow passengers and Ship's Officers for pre-dinner cocktails in the Ra Marama Lounge with music on the Baby Grand. In the evening join the fun of the popular shipboard Crab Races.


Day 3: This morning, arrive at the port of Levuka on the island Ovalau, situated off the northeast coast of the main island. Levuka was the first European settlement in Fiji and became the centre of British colonial administration and trade. At its peak over 50 hotels catered to the thirst of sailors in port and the town gained a wild reputation. In 1888 the capital was moved to Suva on the main island, and Levuka's notoriety gradually waned. Passengers are invited to join an optional tour of this now quiet historic town with its stately backdrop of 19th Century colonial architecture and waterfront promenades. In the afternoon, visit the children of Marist Convent Primary School.

Day 4: This morning, arrive at Savusavu, the second town on the second biggest island in Fiji, Vanua Levu. Savusavu is positioned on an extinct volcanic crater. Choose from a selection of optional tours including a visit to the hot water springs, pearl farm and markets. Later this afternoon, cruise to swimming beach in Savusavu Bay.

Day 5: This morning, disembark on the western side of Taveuni Island - the “Garden Island" of Fiji. The optional bus tour takes you to the beautiful Bouma Waterfall where you can swim and relax in the beautiful setting. The tour then continues to the Naselesele Village where you can visit the local handicraft markets. Tonight enjoy the tastes of Fiji with a traditional ‘lovo'(earth oven) feast where you share fresh local seafood, meat succulent tropical fruits. Then dance to the drum of the meke (dance) and kava ceremony.

Day 6: For an experience not to be missed, join the special choral church service at Waiyevo on the western side of Taveuni. Taveuni Island lies on the 180th Meridian, the arbitrary line between today and tomorrow. After the service the crew will take you to the famous Dateline Meridian where you can literally stand with one foot in the past and one foot in the future. Late morning, depart for the scenic cruise along the south west coast of Vanua Levu navigating Bligh Water.

Day 7: Cruising south west from Vanua Levu , arrive at Sali Sali Island on the northern side of Viti Levu for a customary swim, snorkel and beachcombing. A lazy morning to enjoy the last beach visit before reboarding for lunch and the homeward journey, with a afternoon stopover at a mystery island (time permitting). This evening don your sulu (sarong) and join all the celebrations of the Pacific Island Night Finale. Pre-dinner cocktails and appertisers are served in the Ra Marama Lounge before the gala farewell dinner featuring the music and dance of the South Pacific.

Day 8: Enjoy breakfast before the return to Denarau Marina with farewell Isa Lei.

Accommodation

All Cabins & Staterooms feature private ensuites and floor to ceiling windows.

All Rooms Feature: Private bathroom ensuite On/off air-conditioning Hair dryer Serviced daily Soaps Shampoo

Cabins (12): Most of these cabins are forward on the Main Deck. Each cabin has a comfortable upper and lower berth in true nautical style. Bedding is 2 Bunk Beds OR 1 Bunk Bed + 1 Single Bed. Maximum room capacity is 3 Adults OR 2 Adults & 2 Children.

Staterooms (31): Located on the Upper and Promenade Decks these staterooms open onto the outside deck and are well appointed. Bedding is 1 Queen Bed OR 2 Single Beds OR 1 King Bed OR 1 Double Bed + 1 Single Bed. Maximum room capacity is 3 Adults & Children.

Tabua Staterooms (17): Located on the Upper Deck, these staterooms open onto the outside deck and offer additional comfort in shipboard accommodation. Bedding is 1 Double Bed OR 2 Single Beds OR 1 King Bed OR 1 Double Bed + 1 Single Bed. Maximum room capacity is 3 Adults & Children.

Dining

Dining is a vital ingredient in your Fijian cruise. Whether it's an alfresco luncheon, gourmet barbecue or table d'hote dinner, the food is prepared on board from fresh local, and imported produce and the on-board entertainment adds a special flavour to the mix.

Departures

Departs: 2.00pm Tuesday from Denarau Marina on selected dates (see below)

Returns: 9.00am Tuesday

2009: 01Sep; 06Oct; 03Nov
2010: 04May; 01Jun; 03Aug; 07Sep; 05Oct; 02Nov

Vessel Details

MV Reef Escape's small size and shallow draft make it uniquely suited to navigate the sheltered waters of the Yasawa Islands where coral reefs abound. There are big ship comforts too, including a swimming pool, extensive outdoor leisure decks and an embarkation platform with a lift from water level to the main deck. The accommodation is also extraordinarily light and open for a vessel of this size. Floor to ceiling windows, opening directly on to the outside deck, offer spectacular views.

Shipboard features include a purpose-built conference room and single sitting dining room. The onboard atmosphere is casual and relaxed. Sarongs and shorts are the daily attire for lazing around the pool, coffee bar and sun deck. At sunset the mood changes to champagne and cocktails in the panoramic lounge, as the dining saloon converts to a sea of white linen, a la carte dining and island entertainment. [floorplan]

Facilities

Swimming pool Spa Sauna Two bars Lounge Single sitting dining saloon Conference room Sun deck Chart house Glass bottom boar Snorkelling and dive vessels Library Video Guest laundry Gift shop 24 hour tea & coffee facilities Onboard Dive Master

Highlights

Cross the International Dateline Visit historic Levuka (old capital) Island feasts & elegant dinners Sacred village ceremonies Snorkel the famous Taveuni reefs

Inclusions

All meals Daily island stopovers & water activities Guided island, village & school tours Snorkelling & glass bottom boat tours Use of snorkelling equipment & mini gym Tropical island lovo feast & kava ceremony Entertainment 24 hour self-service tea & coffee bar

Additional Information

Children: 3-15 years are charged at the child rate when sharing with adults. Rates available on application for a separate cabin for 3-4 children. From 1st April 2010, child age is 3-17 years
Excludes: Drinks, optional tours, personal purchases and a fuel surcharge per person per night is payable onboard the vessel (under 3 years free of charge)
What to Bring: Soft soles shoes for walking, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, smart casual clothing
Cancellation Fees: Cancellation fees and conditions apply for bookings cancelled inside 60 days of travel
Fit to travel: A Certificate of Fitness to travel by the clients doctor is required for passengers over 75 years of age and/or passengers with limited mobility
Operated By: Captain Cook Cruises