There is no more relaxing and indulgent vacation experience closer to home than a Fijian Blue Lagoon Cruise in the Yasawa Islands!

Three hours after Nadi arrived, we were sitting on the aft deck of the 34-cabin ‘Fijian Princess’, sipping our first cocktails as we watched the sun slowly sink into the cobalt sea. This was the first day of our 8 day itinerary that we will be sharing with a smorgasbord of nationalities from all over the world.

Our air-conditioned cabin is spacious with a large window and a generous queen-size bed.

Complimentary bubbles for all guests, courtesy of Blue Lagoon Cruises, sit in a bucket waiting for us. We unpacked our few necessary items for this cruise; bathing suits, t-shirts, spells, sun cream and books. The dress that attracts on board is extremely casual!

The first night is the Captain’s Welcome Dinner served at 8:00 pm The evening is warm as we cruise slowly towards the Yasawa Islands while a wonderful a la carte menu is served by smiling Fijian staff. Starting tomorrow all meals until the last night will be buffet style.

Our itinerary for the next 7 days reads like the ultimate relaxation dream. Swim early in the morning for those who want a 6am wake-up call, followed by breakfast, then onto the dinghies for a ride to a stunningly white and deserted beach. Snorkeling, swimming, reading, morning tea and then back to the ship for a sumptuous lunch. A short lunch cruise to another equally beautiful and deserted beach and a repeat of the morning’s activities. Happiness! In addition to daily beach visits and snorkeling, there is the opportunity to visit a remote Fijian village and take part in a traditional welcoming and kava ceremony, as well as shop for handmade carvings, shell necklaces and beautiful sarongs. We also have the opportunity to visit a local school where the children take great delight in entertaining us with traditional songs and dances. And for those who need to tackle those quickly added pounds, there’s an island hike that offers spectacular views!

Come back on board each night at 5:30 and sail to our anchor for the night while the crew entertain us with guitar and song as we sit around the bar drinking beer, wine and cocktails. We also tried our luck at Fiji’s mandatory ‘Tralala’ dance, where the crew brings everyone onto the dance floor by the pole to enjoy this simple yet entertaining 3-step forward, 2-step back ‘dance’. And then a gourmet buffet dinner, the theme of which changes every night.

Of all the places visited on the cruise itinerary, none is more spectacular than Nanuya Lailai, an island privately leased by Blue Lagoon Cruises. Here the ‘Princess of Fiji’ can anchor just yards from a beautiful white sand beach that allows guests to swim to shore if they choose! This island offers many activities for our two visits here; fish that feed at Savuti Point at the end of the island, glass-bottom boat, kayaks, massages on the beach, volleyball and touch rugby against the crew, and snorkeling trips to at least three different reefs. In the evening on the first stay we enjoy a ‘Lovo’ feast, Fiji’s answer to our hangi, while on the second stay a traditional bonfire is lit as a farewell after a wonderful buffet of food on Fijian land.

After 8 days of stunningly warm weather, bathing sea temperatures and wonderful food, it’s time to head back to Nadi and home…and plan our next Blue Lagoon cruise!

Get there: Air New Zealand and Air Pacific offer several return flights every day. Roundtrip airfares are approximately $767.00 roundtrip, however they are cheaper when purchased with a cruise or lodging arrangement.

visas: New Zealand and other Commonwealth passport holders do not need a visa

Local currency: The local currency is the Fijian dollar. FJD1.00 is worth about NZ$1.15