Blue Lagoon Cruise
The highlight of our time in Fiji was our Blue Lagoon cruise through the Yasawa Islands. The scenery was idyllic, the weather was perfect, and the ocean water was warm, crystal clear, and such a gorgeous shade of blue. Just 49 passengers on board created an intimate atmosphere, and the ship's crew was friendly and welcoming.
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Afternoon tea was served as we departed Port Denarau. Later we had time for a short swim before our dinner with the Captain. It was a magical evening as the crew entertained us and we cruised towards the northern islands of the Yasawas.
On our first morning we visited Navotua Village, took part in a welcoming yaqona (kava) ceremony, visited the local primary school, enjoyed a performance of traditional mekes (dances), and browsed handicrafts made by the village women.
Some of Navotua's buildings, including the church (below left).
In the community center, we were offered kava and treated to music and dancing. Kava, or yaqona, is made from the root of a pepper plant that is pounded into powder and mixed with water in a large wooden bowl called a tanoa. In a yaqona ceremony, the kava, served in a bowl called a bilo made from half a coconut shell, is first offered to the chief, or in the case of visitors, an honorary chief. When the participant receives his or her bowl, the custom is to clap once, say Bula!, a traditional Fijian expression, and drain the kava drink in a single gulp. The drinker finishes off by clapping three more times.
After the war dance was performed, and the women sang, we were invited to join villagers in the tralala dance, a simple two-step shuffle danced side-by-side, rooted in the era of early missionaries who forbade face-to-face dancing.
Later we took a tender boat to Sawa-i-Lau Island to visit its limestone caves, made famous in the movie, “The Blue Lagoon”. A set of stairs lead up, and then down past overhanging rocks, to the main cavern and a small pool. The outer cave is dome-shaped with its top open, and although dim, sunlight streams in from above.
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To reach the inner chamber, you dive under a rocky opening and swim through an underwater tunnel in darkness for about 10 seconds. Fortunately the guides had flashlights as the cave is pitch black; it's not for the claustrophobic!
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Sailing overnight, morning found us anchored off of the Blue Lagoon's private island, Nanuya Lailai, where we spent the day. Mid-morning, the crew tendered in with tea and treats, and did the same with a sumptuous lunch, followed later by afternoon tea.
After breakfast on board, we had several choices: swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, spy boarding, fish feeding, a glass bottom boat ride through the coral reef....or simply do nothing at all! Relaxing and reading were definitely part of our day's "agenda".
After a game of volleyball, crew vs. passengers, a light rain caused us to return to the ship. Dinner was served on board, Dad and Nena were surprised with a special cake Chef baked for their anniversary, and we enjoyed an evening of entertainment: Fijian music, "International Night", where groups from each country presented a story or song to the audience, and of course....kava!
We were back at Nanuya Lailai on our last day, where lunch and tea breaks were served on the beach, as well as our dinner. Our day consisted of swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, reading...and a beach massage for Sandi from Spa Girl Yiri.
The crew prepared such a festive evening for our final dinner together. The lovo feast was delicious and singing on the beach was a lot of fun. The night sky was amazing, with an incredible display of stars, and we were able to see the Southern Cross.
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As the ship pulled into Port Denarau, the crew sang us their Farewell Song, "Isa Lei". With hugs from crew members as well as fellow passengers, we reluctantly left the ship....but precious memories of our Blue Lagoon cruise will always remain with us.