BULA! Welcome onboard Fiji’s luxury expedition small ship, MS Caledonian Sky. Our seven-night cruise to the Southern Lau islands takes guests on an unforgettable journey to some of the most beautiful and remote islands in the South Pacific. The cluster of islands is composed largely of limestone islands and cays, home to colourful reefs filled with vibrant marine life to calm, shallow bays to miles of pristine white sandy beaches. Sensitively designed to sail to places larger ships can’t access, MS Caledonian Sky offers guests a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the genuine welcome and fascinating culture of remote Fiji.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Set sail in an easterly direction from Port Denarau towards the Lau Islands, sometimes known as ‘Little Tonga’ to explore some of Fiji’s most remote islands rarely visited by tourists. Around half of the islands in the cluster are uninhabited, offering a real sense of an off-grid escape. MS Caledonian Sky’s Southern Lau itinerary offers guests the chance to swim, snorkel, kayak or enjoy a scuba dive in the turquoise waters and a first-hand exploration of the region’s tranquil oceans richin marine life. Stroll along the white sandy beaches of Fulaga and visit the remote islands of Dravuni, Moana and Mutuki. Experience rich Fijian culture on the islands of Beqa and Vatulele, home to Fiji’s famous red prawns as well as the best traditional tapa makers. Welcome to the real Fiji.
DISCOVER SOUTHERN LAU
Fiji’s Southern Lau region consists of a cluster of beautiful and remote picture-postcard islands. These are some of the least visited islands in the South Pacific where culture and traditions has been well preserved by its villagers. Guests experience more authentic and undiscovered Fiji onboard MS Caledonian Sky with its access to remote areas within the Lau via guided marine adventures as well as visits to small island communities. A visit to this region offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a select few travellers, with personal access to pristine white sandy beaches and tranquil turquoise bays as well as remote villages. These are some of Fiji’s most beautiful locations and experiences.
Thanks to its setting between Melanesian Fiji and Polynesian Tonga, the Lau Islands are a real meeting point of the two Pacific cultural spheres: Fijian and Tongan. Lauan villages remain very traditional, and the islands' inhabitants are renowned for their wood carving and the creation of traditional tapa barkcloth.
Guests onboard MS Caledonian Sky navigate the horseshoe-shaped islands of Fulaga in Southern Lau to Dravuni in the Kadavu province. You’ll be guided by our onboard cultural experts as we explore the traditions of Beqa Island, which features secluded tropical beaches and a large lagoon protected by a 30-kilometre-long barrier reef which makes it ideal for shark diving, feeding and deep-sea game fishing. Best of all, you’ll be welcomed and entertained by the friendly people of this region and experience a traditional Meke, Sevusevu and lovo, which is quite different here from the traditional Fijian feast.
- Fulaga Island. Fulaga Island is the farthest eastern point in you can sail to in Fiji before reaching international waters. With little outside influence, villagers on Fulaga live much as their ancestors did, fishing and farming to support each other accordioning to traditional values and culture. Men and women practice traditional crafts like weaving, carving and making magi magi, a rope woven from the fibres of coconut husks that is used to decorate buildings across Fiji. The Fulaga Island weavers and carvers are recognised as some of the most skilled in Fiji and you will be able to appreciate their work firsthand in the village shell markets.
- Beqa Island. Beqa is an outlier to the main island of Viti Levu, 10 kilometres south of the main island of Viti Levu. Beqa features secluded tropical beaches and a large lagoon protected by a 30-kilometre-long barrier reef renowned worldwide for its shark diving, feeding and deep-sea game fishing. It’s a destination made famous by its world-class diving opportunities and the chance to encounter some of the more than 300 fish species and up to eight types of sharks. Plus there’s swimming, snorkelling and paddling in the tranquil lagoon.
- Vatulele. Vatulele – sometimes known as Ringing Rock - is a coral and volcanic island 32 kilometres south of Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island. Vatulele has figured prominently in Fijian legend because of its extraordinary red prawns known as ura-buta – that look as if they’ve already been cooked. The islanders treat the red prawns with great respect, consider them sacred and are forbidden to kill or harm them in any way. Legend has it that anyone who tries to harm them will suffer a shipwreck!
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Before the sun sets, take an afternoon snorkel, swim or dive on the third largest reef in the world, the Great Sea Reef. Settle into a sunset cocktail and enjoy a welcome dinner on board as you are introduced to the crew onboard MS Caledonian Sky
Located right on the edge of the Great Astrolabe Reef, Buliya is bordered by white sandy beaches and slender coconut palms, a picture-postcard Fijian paradise. Buliya is Fiji’s fourth largest island whose villages and residents are discovered on a welcome guided hike with our ship’s crew. It’s a beautiful island base to complete a refreshing ocean swim or take a book and laze on its magnificent white sandy beaches. There’s a chance to swim and snorkel with serene manta rays in Buliya’s pristine shallow waters and for divers, the world’s fourth largest reef Great Astrolabe is calling!
The volcanic island of Matuku is part of a group of islands in the Lau archipelago known as Yasayasa Moala. The island is historically significant as it is the subject of debate as to whether or not the island was conquered by the Tongans led by the Tongan Prince Enele Ma'afu. Today, the residents are proudly Fijian in their culture and in defiance of the Tongans Matuku is the only island in Lau where the villagers do not wear the traditional Masi or Ta’ovala around their waist. Between 1840 and 1853 when Ma’afu was trying invade the island, the Cakobau (King) of Fiji was protected on Matuku by the people and ultimately returned to his home island of Bau. Evidence of the fierce battles remain including ring ditches and war fortifications from the era can be found around the island. Highlights of a visit include joining a guided hike to discover the island’s history and visit Lomati, one of its five villages.
This morning you’ll visit one of the Lau islands’ most twinkling jewels, Fulaga Island. Sometimes known as Komo Island, Fulaga is an extinct volcano crater and is famous for its crystal-clear lagoons, colourful tropical fish and vibrant corals. You’ll have a chance to swim in this magnificent aqua blue paradise and meet local villagers who’ll be happy to welcome you to their home and share their traditionally crafted woodcarvings and handicrafts.
This afternoon we arrive at Yagasa Island for snorkelling, swimming, coral viewing and kayaking. Plan your snorkel around the magnificent collection of coral bommies rich with marine life and beautiful coral gardens. Sea life is diverse and abundant here at Yagasa.
Come ashore on the chalky white beach of this uninhabited and sacred island of Vuaqava. A beautiful, guided hike through the lush vegetation leads to the centre of the island where an inland lake - known for its resident turtles, snakes and amazing bird life -spreads out before you. It’s a great spot to have a swim or just enjoy the tranquility. On the return you may notice the relics from a time last century when the island was used to isolate Cholera victims during an outbreak. When you return to the island’s shore you may be treated to a locally prepared delicacy of coconut crabs on the beach, or perhaps take a refreshing swim in the aqua blue water?
This afternoon you’ll be welcomed and entertained by the people of the Naikeleyaga Village on the island of Kabara. Legend has it that the extraordinary white sand of Kabara is so fine you can’t wash it out of your hair. Known for its wood turning and Tongan heritage, Kabara is famous in Fiji as the home of wood carving. Experience a traditional Meke, Sevusevu & lovo here which is quite different from most you will find in Fiji.
Today’s island visit heads to the tiny horse-shoe shaped Totoya Island with its deep-water volcanic crater. Totoya is the smallest island in the Yasayasa Moala Group. The high reef surrounding Totoya makes it a popular boating destination with its fascinating water passages and it’s also home to a world-famous surfing break. An important part of Totoya is the sacred passage "Daveta Tabu". Tradition has it that if visitors or locals wish to pass through this passage, they must follow traditional protocol by observing utter complete silence and to be seated in the traditional manner (seated cross-legged with feet resting beneath the knees for gentlemen and for ladies, legs bent at knees resting on the side). This protocol is adhered to to this day.
The island also runs a successful coconut farming operation, which is its main export. We visit a local school and the children will surprise you with their entertainment and be proud to show you their work. We’ll also have the opportunity to explore the local reefs for some outstanding diving and snorkeling. If you thought the snorkeling and coral viewing in Fiji couldn’t get any better, it just did.
Spend the afternoon experiencing one of Fiji’s most beautiful islands, Vatulele. A beautiful aquamarine lagoon surrounds Vatulele which offers fabulous snorkelling and some extraordinary dive sites. Vatulele is the most famous place in Fiji for the craft of tapa, the traditional bark cloth. The ladies of the village might share their knowledge and teach you how it is done. As you explore the island, you’ll discover the sacred and protected red prawns.
An exiting island stop including Fiji’s famous firewalking tradition and ceremonies. The story of firewalking in Fiji begins around 500 years ago here on the island of Beqa, when there were only around 50 people living in the village of Nakarovu. The special firewalking powers are specific to the descendent of Tuinaiviqalita, the subject of legend. Beqa also offers the opportunity to dive with sharks, and there’s also a chance to book in for an optional sport fishing experience at Beqa.
Return to Nadi for a 9:00am disembarkation. After breakfast, the crew will bid you farewell in song including their traditional Fijian ‘Isa Lei’ as they say ‘sototale’ or ‘see you again’.
Itineraries subject to change due to weather and other operational requirement.
Caledonian Sky
| Length: | 90 metres |
|---|---|
| Passenger Capacity: | 114 (in 57 suites) |
| Built: | 1991 / refurbished 2021 |
The MS Caledonian Sky, fully refurbished in 2021, accommodates a maximum of 114 passengers in 57 spacious outside suites. Many have walk-in wardrobes and some feature tub baths. There will be seven categories of suites and sixteen suites will have private balconies. For those familiar with the MS Island Sky, Caledonian Sky is a sister ship,she will feel like a second home, although there are some differences. The dining room, lounge, Lido Deck and bar are all similar. However, the ‘Club’ on the MS Caledonian Sky has been transported to the very top deck. Here, there is a library and bar which leads out on to a lovely forward deck. The ‘Club’ has wonderful views with ceiling to floor windows.
Your Suite Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. The passenger accommodation is arranged over four decks and all suites have outside views. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country style wash basin, hot towel rack and vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower and/or bath tub.
Facilities in the suites also include walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, flat screen television, telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort.
Your space The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. In addition there is the Club Lounge on the Panoramic Deck which features a bar. The onboard travel library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. Outside there is a rear Lido deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. On the top deck there is a further observation and sun deck with bar service and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. There is also a small gymnasium onboard and hairdressers with appointments made on request.
Your dining With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the quality of cuisine will be of a consistent superior quality. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, our accomplished chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast, a buffet-style lunch and dinner are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board.
For your comfort, safety and security The vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the ship’s motion. The Captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only.
Gratuities Unlike many other cruise vessels, onboard the MS Caledonian Sky you do not need to worry about tipping staff as we have included them in your holiday price. In addition we tip all their guides and drivers along the way, thereby taking away the hassle of always having to remember to have some small change with you.
