Blue Lagoon offers three off the beaten track ‘Historical & Cultural Dateline Cruise’ departures in 2007

Blue Lagoon Cruises is once again offering an unique and very limited opportunity to join select groups of international anthropologists visiting the largely uncharted reaches comprising Fiji’s remote north-eastern tip in 2007.

The boutique island cruise specialist is offering first-come, first-served ‘early bird’ rates on its exclusive ‘Historical & Cultural Dateline Cruise’ programs which it will operate just three times in 2007 – on 19 March, 16 July and 19 November.

The company will position its 60-metre MV Fiji Princess on the route.

Aside from its remoteness, the area is unique in the fact that it is the only place on earth where travellers can see all three of the Pacific Ocean’s distinct cultural groupings – Melanesian, Micronesian and Polynesian – living together.

These include Kioa Island, home to some 300 Polynesian Elice Islanders who migrated into the region in the 1940’s.

The cruise will also visit the 4,000 Micronesian Banabans who have inhabited Rabi Island since 1946, an area which remains virtually the same since the Banabans first arrived from Kiribati to escape the ravages phosphate mining had dealt to their home islands.

The cruise schedule also includes visits to Fiji’s original capital city, Levuka, on Ovalua island and Nananu-I-Ra Island, the traditional home of the Fijian Serpent God Degei who according to local legend created the thousands of islands comprising the Fijian archipelago.

Hands-on cruise activities include the opportunity to visit these islanders in their villages and participate in several of their ancient ceremonies.

These include ‘Yaqona root’ (Kava) drinking, lashings of traditional entertainment and a trip to the 180th Meridian and International Dateline at Taveuni and Rabi where passengers can stand with one foot in each of two different days.

The cruise also includes a walking tour of Levuka, a guided tour of Taveuni, including the Bouma Eco Park and waterfall, and a tour of colonial Fiji (Savusavu) including morning tea at the famous Hot Springs Hotel.

A high spot of the overall cruise is the greeting by Kioa islanders, resplendent in traditional war dress, paddling out to the MV Fiji Princess in outrigger canoes to ferry passengers ashore for a traditional welcome.

As in previous visits, the cruises will be led by internationally-acclaimed cultural experts from both the University of the South Pacific and the Institute of Fijian Language and Culture in Suva.

‘Early bird’ rates, which must be booked by 28 February 2007, start from AU$1989* per person twin share in saloon deck accommodation.

This rare cruise opportunity comes complete with all meals, all onboard entertainment, shore excursions and free access to a whole host of onboard sports equipment and water toys.

A full ‘Historical & Cultural Dateline Cruise’ itinerary and other information relating to Blue Lagoon Cruises can be viewed at www.bluelagooncruises.com.

Blue Lagoon Cruises’ MV Fiji Princess is the newest addition to the company’s fleet.

Her features include 34 deluxe air-conditioned cabins, a luxurious dining saloon, spacious upper deck lounge bar, sun deck bar, boutique, Lagoon Spa, swimming pool and four sundecks.

*Please note conditions apply. Pricing does not include international airfares.

For reservations telephone Blue Lagoon Cruises in Lautoka, Fiji, on + 679 666 1622, facsimile + 679 666 4098 or via email on [email protected]

Special Fiji Report by The Mole