AN increasing number of cruise ships are visiting Fiji, with local tourism authorities hoping the arrivals will give passengers a taste of the destination which makes them return for a longer stay in the future. Speaking to Cruise Weekly in Denarau this week at the 2019 Fijian Tourism Exchange (FTE),...
AN increasing number of cruise ships are visiting Fiji, with local tourism authorities hoping the arrivals will give passengers a taste of the destination which makes them return for a longer stay in the future.
Speaking to Cruise Weekly in Denarau this week at the 2019 Fijian Tourism Exchange (FTE), Tourism Fiji CEO Matt Stoeckel said the cruising sector was an important contributor to the industry, with both large and small ships welcome.
Cruises out of Australia and New Zealand generally only include visits to Fiji on itineraries of seven nights or more, often visiting Suva and Lautoka, where there are deep water ports.
Denarau, with a wide variety of activities available, is also popular, but requires tendering.
Stoeckel was particularly enthusiastic about the small ship cruising sector, with local operators including Blue Lagoon Cruises, Captain Cook Cruises, Liveaboard Cruises and Tui Tai Adventure Cruises, among others.
“Small ships allow travellers to see some of the untouched, pristine parts of Fiji,” he said, highlighting voyages to the country’s Lau archipelago as “something that should be on everyone’s bucket list”.
Flexible three- and four-night itineraries were also an ideal complement to resort stays, Stoeckel added.
Tourism operators in other parts of Fiji are also gearing up to offer product for cruise visitors, including the Koro Sun Resort on the island of Vanua Levu, near Savusavu Bay which also regularly welcomes vessels.
Pictured: Captain Cook Cruises Fiji’s Reef Endeavor sailing the country’s pristine waters.
