Grand old lady of Fijian cruising retires
Still coming to terms with the imminent retirement of the QE2, the international cruise scene has been dealt another huge blow this week with news that Blue Lagoon Cruises’ MV Yasawa Princess has dropped anchor for the last time in Fijian waters.
A South Pacific icon since her launch at the Suva Shipbuilding Yard in May, 1984, the Yasawa Princess has been sold to a UK-based company.
She will shortly be relocated to the Maldives where she will undergo a refit before commencing her new life as a combined cruise/dive vessel.
The ‘Grand Old Lady’ has been a familiar sight in the far-flung Yasawa Island archipelago for more than 23 years.
In that time she has operated an estimated 1,200 cruises carrying more than 50,000 passengers, most of them Australians and New Zealanders.
The Yasawa Princess also has a special place in the hearts of the Yasawa Islanders, many of whom depended upon the vessel as their sole link with the big island of Viti Levu and other parts of Fiji for many years before semi-regular transportation services reached the area a few years ago.
Announcing the news, Blue Lagoon Cruises, Deputy General Manager- Marketing & Sales, Josefa Tuamoto said the decision to sell Yasawa Princess had been hard but she would be replaced in due course by another modern ship to compliment the existing BLC fleet.
“Her sale is in keeping with the company’s ongoing policy of continuing to upgrade its fleet with modern ships that are suited to operate in the local environment,” he said.
For more information on Blue Lagoon Cruises, its fleet of boutique vessels and the various ‘Club’ and Gold Club’ cruises it operates in the Yasawa Islands, visit www.bluelagooncruises.com
For cruise reservations telephone Blue Lagoon Cruises in Lautoka, Fiji, on +679 666 1622, facsimile +679 666 4098 or via email on [email protected].
A Report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
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