lue Lagoon Cruises offer a variety of sailing experiences in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. With up to 15 departures per week (you can chose from full day cruises to seven day/six night programs), there are cruises to fit almost any schedule. For over 40 years, Blue Lagoon Cruises has been part of the South Pacific legend. Six motor yachts are in service, ranging from the 130'/39 metre Popular Class vessels with 20 cabins, to 180'/54 metre Princess Class vessels with 33 large staterooms, to the incredible new "Mystique Princess" - a 185'/.56 metre mini cruise liner with 35 deluxe staterooms. All passenger accommodations are comfortably and tastefully appointed with either 2 or 3 berths, air conditioning, and private facilities. The larger the yacht, the more spacious the cabins or staterooms, saloon, and sundeck areas. Fijian chefs cook and serve exquisitely prepared international and island cuisine.

eeping cruising time down to about four hours a day ensures plenty of time for tours of native Fijian villages, beach-combing, and experiencing a culture unspoiled by the modern world. The friendly crew is at your disposal to explain Fijian culture and traditions, regale you with legends of the islands, help you explore Fiji's pristine reefs, or just to provide the friendly service that you have come to expect from Blue Lagoon Cruises.

Blue Lagoon Cruising Map

Blue Lagoon Boat Layouts  

- 39 metre yacht - 20 cabins - 2 or 3 berth cabins are fully air conditioned - Private facilities - Spacious rear deck	- 50 metre yacht - 33 cabins - 2 or 3 berth cabins are fully   air conditioned - Private facilities - Spacious sundeck - Air conditioned forward   lounge	- 56 metre luxury flagship - 35 deluxe staterooms - Fully air conditioned   throughout - Roll stabilizers, bow   thrusters, GPS, sonar - 3 bars, skydeck cafe,   library, boutique, forward   observation lounge - Cruising speed-12 knots - Range 3000+ nautical miles

ecently the Fijian Dollar was devalued, making travel to Fiji even more desirable.  Although the currency exchange rate is better now than it has been for many years, the devaluation has caused some items that must be imported into Fiji (examples are imported foods and fuel) to rise in cost.  Additionally, those resorts that trade in US Dollars to begin with showed little impact as a result of the devaluation.  Still some great deals exist - take a look at our Specials page.

ue to the early arrival and late departure of flights into and out of Fiji, there are frequently extended waiting times in Nadi (especially at the end of your trip).  Resort check out times are in the morning so that rooms can be prepared for incoming guests, and that often means that outgoing guests must vacate.  Sometimes it is possible to check out and still stay at the resort until later in the afternoon, but those arrangements must be made at the resort.  Alternately, we can arrange for a day room either at the resort or at another hotel (at an additional expense), or we can suggest several other options for inexpensive activities that would be more fun than just waiting at the airport.  Contact us for additional information.

lease be aware that due to the global increase in the price of fuel, most airlines and resorts are charging a 'fuel surcharge' that can change rapidly and is frequently collected apart from your holiday package rates.  As fuel rates decline, there is often a lag in the reduction of these charges.

assengers originating in or transiting through the United States should visit the web site of the Transportation Security Administration at www.tsatraveltips.us.  Here you will find information on prohibited and acceptable items for both carry on and checked baggage, as well as other important information on insuring the smoothest passage through security checkpoints with the least amount of delay.

lthough the desire to check your bags through LAX to Fiji is compelling, I suggest that you collect them in Los Angeles and recheck them with your international carrier.  That way you are at least assured that they are at least in possession of the correct carrier (and that they made it to Los Angeles).  Unfortunately, the frequency of lost luggage is increasing and anything you can do to ensure that your bags make it to your destination helps.  Nothing gets your trip off to a bad start more than missing one or more pieces of luggage when you arrive.

esidents of the U.S. and Canada visiting Fiji must have a current passport, valid for at least 3 months (and may soon be extended to 6 months) past your date of entry. Visas are granted upon arrival in Nadi for up to 30 days, and may be extended for up to six months. Citizens of other countries should check with the Fiji Embassy nearest them for information on entry.

ijians speak English as a primary language, and it is taught in schools. However, Fijian, Eastern Indian, and some Chinese dialects are also spoken. Most hotel staff are fluent in English.

he Fijian Dollar is the basic unit of currency, available in $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, and $50 denominations. Normal banking hours are 9:30-3:00 Monday through Thursday, and 9:30-4:00 on Friday. Although U.S. currency can be exchanged at most resorts, the exchange rate is usually better from the bank. The ANZ Bank in the Nadi airport (just to your left after exiting the Customs Hall) is open after flight arrivals for currency exchange, and is usually the best place to exchange funds.  Resorts, businesses and many street vendors will accept American currency and travelers checks as well as Fijian currency, but you should expect to pay a slightly higher conversion rate than at the bank.  Credit cards are generally accepted (with Visa and MasterCard being the most commonly accepted), although a surcharge of up to 5% is sometimes added.  Credit card companies will also sometimes add an additional fee for processing charges in foreign currencies.

tandard electricity in Fiji is 240 volts, 50 cycles AC. A converter (with Australian angled, flat, 2 pin adapter) is required to operate U.S. made appliances (such as most battery chargers). Some hotels and resorts offer a receptacle for 110 volt use, which can be used to charge batteries. Note: Transformers only convert the voltage, not the frequency. The difference in cycles may cause the motor in a 60 Hz appliance to operate slightly slower when used on 50 Hz electricity. This cycle difference will cause electric clocks and timing circuits to keep incorrect time: American clocks operating on Fijian current will lose around 10 minutes every hour when used in Fiji. However, most modern electronic equipment like battery chargers, computers, printers, stereos, DVD players, etc. are usually not affected by the difference in cycles and adjust themselves accordingly the slower cycles.  The difference between a converter and a transformer lies in how the device converts voltage current. A. C. (alternating current) power is supplied in bursts that are in a shape called a "sine wave". To reduce 230 V to 110 V, a converter chops the sine waves in half, whereas a transformer alters the length of the sine waves. This is a critical difference because electronic devices require a full sine wave for operation. This is why they can only operate with a transformer. Electric appliances function with either a full or a half sine wave, so they can be used with either a converter or a transformer. The converter's "chopping" off of sine waves is a relatively simple and compact function. The transformer's alteration of sine waves is a relatively sophisticated function and requires more space. As a result, transformers are generally larger, heavier and much more expensive than converters.  In case you forget to check what the local voltage and frequency is, here’s a trick. Take a look at an ordinary light bulb where you can read the voltage and frequency on either the glass or metal base!

iji is free of major tropical diseases, including malaria. The water in cities, towns and at hotels and resorts is usually safe to drink out of the tap. However, it is always a good idea to confirm this with the hotel or resort before drinking if you are uncertain. There is a western style medical system with hospitals located in major cities and medical centres in the rural areas. However, as is common in many third world areas the facilities and level of care is far less sophisticated than in the U.S.  People with special needs should verify that appropriate service will be available prior to traveling. It is also wise to advise your own insurance company that you will be traveling abroad, and verify the coverage available to you while out of the country. Additional travel insurance can be purchased for the duration of your trip to cover medical, baggage, trip cancellation or interruption, and other potential problems. For information concerning possible dangers at international destinations, contact the Travel Advisory Section of the U.S. State Dept., 202-647-5225. For medical information, contact the Centers for Disease Control, 404-332-4559.  The Fijian government does not require resorts to be compliant with the American Disabilities Act, and most resorts do not have handicap or semi-handicap facilities.

here is a Recompression Chamber in Fiji, located in Suva. It is available on a 24 hour basis, staffed with trained medical personnel and technicians, and serves much of the South Pacific.

ipping is not generally encouraged, but if you feel that you have received exceptional service, you may contribute to the staff Christmas Fund. (Tipping at some hotels and restaurants is becoming more common in Nadi and Suva, but still not customary.)

any people ask what they can bring to give the local Fijians as gifts.  School supplies are always welcome (pens, pencils, colored pencils, school bags, etc.).  Lightly used adult and children's clothing including children's rain boots and raincoats are appreciated.  Solar-powered flashlights and radios, biodegradable hand and laundry soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes and reading glasses   as are simple medical supplies (band aids, large bandages, gauze dressing, tape, anti-bacterial ointment, etc.).  Cash donations to the village are also welcomed (we would suggest F$5-10 per visiting group), and presenting it to the village chief would be best.  Check with your resort as to the most appropriate way of presenting your gifts. 

ijians are very open to having their pictures taken, but it is still best to ask permission first.  The children (and even adults) like to see their images in digital cameras, so be sure to offer whenever possible.

ress is casual, with loose fitting open neck shirts for men, and "island style" dresses or shorts and blouses for women. Swimsuits (bikinis, etc.) and other brief attire is acceptable on the beach and around the pool at resorts and on dive boats, but is generally frowned upon in villages and other public places.  Short shorts, and halter or tank tops for women should also be avoided outside of resort environments. Women should cover their shoulders and shorts should cover the knees.  Sulus (the traditional dress of Fiji) are acceptable for both men and women (men tie their sulu off to the side, and women tie theirs in front). More tailored "Safari" clothes are good for more formal occasions. Bring a sweater for cool evenings.

ijians enjoy a global reputation as the friendliest people on earth, and your respect for their customs will make you a welcome guest. Both men and women should take care to respect local customs and feelings. When visiting a village it is customary to offer a sevusevu (gift). This is usually yaqona (kava), and is presented to the Turaga ni Koro (head of the village). Never wear your shoes in someone's house, don't wear a hat while in a village (it's considered an insult to the village chief) or touch someone's head (also considered an insult).

ijians drive on the left side of the road. Your own valid license is all that is required. Rental cars are available on Viti Levu, and by arrangement in some of the outer islands.

xcess luggage may be stored at the Nadi airport.  At the far end of the domestic terminal there is a "Left Luggage" office operated by airport security.  Oversize items (bikes, surfboards, etc) cost F$6.15 per item per day, suitcases or backpacks are F$4.10 per item per day, and day bags or small hand luggage run F$3.10 per item per day.  Showers are also available and run F$2.55 (towel included).  Prices are as of October, 2008.