8-daagse noordelijke ontdekkingscruise op afstand

We booked this affordable cruise for the snorkeling/diving experiences and off the main island adventures. Split Rock was the best snorkel. It was like swimming inside an aquarium. We visited several villages. It was heartwarming to bring gifts of clothes, flip flops, and school supplies to remote islands. Tours by locals were also interesting in Levuka. Captain Cook Cruises needs to revisit some of the itinerary. The town of Savusavu should be removed. Some people paid for an excursion that took them to the hot springs and pearl "farm" that was walkable for free. We thought we'd get to enjoy the hot springs, but instead we looked at a small enclosed spout where locals could wash their clothes and cook??? We just saw the spouts and some people knocking coconuts to the ground. The Pearl Factory was basically a tiny store that wanted outrageous prices for one pearl! It was a very rustic and old ship. I had to request a sponge and cleaner upon arrival, and spent 30 minutes scrubbing the bathroom walls and shower. The hot water was rusty, therefore the white towels looked dirty. One day the boiler broke so we didn't have hot water for 1.5 days. So we took the attitude that we were "camping" on board. Breakfast was by far the safest meal. The fresh produce can cause "Fiji Belly". We stuck to eggs, bread, pineapple, potatoes, and felt much better. The staff and passengers were friendly. The crew is so bonded, we think they had more fun than the passengers! Breakfast and lunch buffets were open seating. Dinner was assigned the first few nights. That stopped after many passengers stopped attending meals. You could see the staff bringing take out containers and bottles of wines to rooms; as well as many passengers wearing masks. Hmmmm....... Overall, we had a good time. Fiji is a beautiful country.

Booked this itinerary as cruise would take us to places we'd not been before. About 50% capacity, which was good as I think we would have felt very crowded with a full compliment of passengers. Staff friendly though there were times they seemed unsure as to what they were to do/what happens next. We had a Fawlty Towers experience at the first night dinner (Captain's Welcome) where seating was allocated. On arrival we were allocated to one table, then another ... and finally a third. Groups of friends travelling together had reserved (as they had been asked to do!) the first 2 tables. Standout staff for great service were Jes (Purser), Amos (resident marine scientist) and Herman (tender driver and all-round fun guy). The "Saltwater Cowboys" ensured those who could mange it got on and off the boat without incident, ferried us to the shore, beaches, snorkelling spots. On at least one occasion a passenger couldn't disembark as there were significant rocks over which to scramble. More information needed CC, before such passengers get on the tender. Weather is beyond the control of anyone and the forecast for our week afloat was one of the worst our captain had know (he said with a chuckle). All those who went ashore at Levuka gave the locals a good laugh as we trudged around town in the pouring rain, many wearing oh-so-glamourous (not!) plastic ponchos.Thankfully we were spared the worst of the forecast and we did have some lovely sunny days. Walking to and swimming at Tavoro Waterfalls (Bouma National Heritage Park on Taveuni) was a highlight. Actually, everything to do with our days at Taveuni was great. Awesome diving experience on Rainbow Reef, delightful village visit for meke and lovo. As others have said, the ship is old and in places it really shows. While our cabin was better than expected and the woodwork had been recently revarnished, the bathroom door didn't close because it needed rehanging and the framework was rusted. Towels etc were once white. Not any more. Please CC - replace the towels. With a dark colour. The only time the towels were changed was when I deliberately left them on the floor. They simply didn''t dry off in the bathroom. "DampRid"-type product in the wardrobe couldn't dispel the damp. Smell and feel in our clothes (I washed everything after the cruise). Food was not as good as I'd hoped. Some things were great (eg breakfast omelettes cooked to order), some not so good (most meals had a predominance of carb and sugar-laden foods. What's with chocolate in so many offerings??). I also think it would be nice if at least one drink a day was complimentary. Coffee, tea and filtered water were all that was available. Everything else had to be paid for, at resort prices. I love Fiji and have visited several times, to different areas. I took this cruise to get to see places I'd not been before. Some shore stops offered little/nothing to do. Am glad I got to Taveuni. Will certainly return there, though using my own arrangements. Would I recommend this cruise? I'm not sure.