The Guide to Fiji’s Small-ship Cruises
Fiji is an archipelago of 333 islands. While most visitors to Fiji stay in the same resort for the whole time, only seeing one island, those who are a little more intrepid have an amazing alternative: small-ship cruises. Essentially resorts on the water, Fiji’s small-ship cruises take you from island to island, stopping in a new sheltered bay or lagoon each night. You don’t need to worry about the hassle of changing accommodation each night, as you’ll be staying in one of the cabins of Fiji’s cruise ships, often having access to a swimming, spa and a delightful restaurant. But which cruise in Fiji is right for you? Find out in this guide to the cruises around Fiji.
Quick Tips for Taking a Cruise in Fiji
- Fiji’s cruises have regular sailings to the Mamanucas and the Yasawas, but only a handful of sailings a year to Vanua Levu, Taveuni, etc. Trips to these latter outer islands book up within weeks of the sailing dates being released, so keep an eye out for when these cruise dates are released and book as soon as possible
- All cruises in Fiji depart from Port Denarau. For advice on staying in Port Denarau before your cruise, check out The Complete Guide to Denarau Island
- Fiji’s small-ship cruises are a lot different from international cruises that call at Fiji – for more information on the latter, check out The Guide to Taking a Cruise to Fiji.
For more tips, take a look at the 10 Tips for Taking a Small-ship Cruise in Fiji.
Captain Cook Cruises
Specialising in small-ship cruises in Fiji, Captain Cook Cruises offers regular sailings of the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, as well as exclusive voyages to Fiji’s lesser-visited islands, like the Lomaiviti Islands, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Kadavu and the Lau Islands.
The all-inclusive cruises take care of the essentials for you, such as all meals through their onboard buffet and a la carte restaurant, WiFi, spa, swimming pool and gym. Then guests have the option to make the journey their own, whether it’s through the PADI 5-star scuba diving operator onboard, by indulging in an onboard massage, letting the little ones loose in the kids’ club or taking part in one of the many island tours and excursions.
All cruises depart from Port Denarau on Viti Levu.
Cruises with Captain Cook Cruises
- 3-Night Southern Yasawa Island Cruise
- 4-Night Northern Yasawa Island Cruise
- 7-Night Mamanuca & Yasawa Island Cruise
- 7-Night Colonial Fiji Discovery Cruise (Lomaiviti & Taveuni Islands)
- 7-Night 4 Cultures Discovery Cruise (Vanua Levu)
- 11-Night Lau & Kadavu Cruise
These cruises are also available to compare and book on Tripadvisor.
Blue Lagoon Cruises
Offering a selection of adult-only small-ship cruises in the Mamanuca and the Yasawa Islands, Blue Lagoon Cruises provides a unique way to explore this South Pacific paradise.
The small ship of Blue Lagoon Cruises has just 34 cabins for a boutique experience while sailing around the archipelago of Fiji, with just four hours of cruising time per day. Cruises include a range of complimentary excursions and activities, snorkelling equipment, all meals, traditional Fijian entertainment and more, while optional extras on their cruises include sports fishing, scuba diving and spa treatments.
All cruises depart from Port Denarau on Viti Levu.
Cruises with Blue Lagoon Cruises
These cruises are also available to compare and book on Tripadvisor.
Ferries and Day Cruises in Fiji
If a small-ship cruise doesn’t sound like your thing, then there are alternative ways to island-hop in Fiji. Ferries and water taxis in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands present an alternative way to go from island to island, staying at various island resorts rather than on the boat.
South Sea Cruises/Awesome Adventures Fiji
The hop-on hop-off ferry with South Sea Cruises, also known as Awesome Adventures Fiji, offers flexible multi-journey passes to create your own itinerary around the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. The Bula Pass allows you to hop on and hop off the ferry as much as you want within five to 15 days with twice-daily departures. Alternatively, there are set itineraries passes for those who would prefer less planning, such as:
- 5-Night Island Time Package
- 6-Night Coconut Cruiser Package
- 8-Night Fiji Discovery Package
- 11-Night Tropical Island Explorer Package
These cruises are also available to compare and book on Tripadvisor. Get more tips on ferry passes in the How to Make the Most of Your Fiji Island Hopping-Pass.
Day Cruises in Fiji
If you have limited time in Fiji, day cruises departing from Port Denarau are a good way to get a taste of the islands. Most day cruises either take passengers for a day trip to one island and resort or do some island-hopping and snorkelling. Check out listings for both experiences in:
More About Cruises Around Fiji
- How to Find & Book Cruises Around the Fiji Islands
- The Guide to Travelling in Fiji by Ferry
- What are the Ferry Passes to Travel Around Fiji?
That’s it from the guide to cruises around Fiji. Check out more transport options around the islands in our Fiji Transport Guide: 16 Best Ways to Get Around Fiji.
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.