3, 4 or 7 day Reef Escape Cruise

Based at Denarau Marina in Nadi, Captain Cook Cruises offers a cruise or day trip to fulfill the dreams of any visitor to the beautiful waters of Fiji, whether sailing through the Mamanuca or Yasawa islands on their magnificent cruise ship, the M.V. Dro Ki Cakau (Reef Escape) or on their two tall sailing ships, The Ra Marama or the Spirit of the Pacific.

After stepping aboard the Reef Escape for either a three or four night cruise, you will at once experience the welcome that is synonymous with Captain Cook Cruises. Awaiting you are glorious days and romantic nights in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, magnificent cuisine and personalized service while you cruise to pristine beaches and exclusive destinations including the legendary Sawa-i-lau limestone caves and the Sacred Island of Vanua levu, the birthplace of Fijian culture. Enjoy the bounty of the lovo feast, dance to the drums of the meke and sleep to the sound of surf on a distant reef and enjoy and relax in the real Fiji on a voyage for only 120 passengers.

The Reef Escape is designed for all the comforts and luxury of modern day with four elegantly appointed passenger decks, all open onto the outside deck with a choice of sunny and shady retreats. The ship features spacious public areas including a lounge and bars, swimming pool, chart house, dining room, reef room with conference and video facilities, spa, sauna, library, gift shop and 24 hour self service coffee bar. To fully experience the coral reefs and marine life, there is a glass bottom boat, snorkelling and dive equipment with an onboard dive master.

By day, the dining saloon offers sumptuous breakfasts and luncheons combing international fare with the exotic tastes of Fiji.  In the evening, enjoy superb 3 course table d'hôte dining with a different menu every night, prepared by international chefs.  Savour the delights of a traditional "lovo" feast where congenial native hosts share the bounty of village gardens, tropical fruits, suckling pig and seafood straight from the sea.  Combined with al fresco luncheons, spicy curry tiffins and gourmets barbecues all to enjoy.

After dinner, there is a unique blend of cultural and international entertainment, including traditional island dances and music.  The Captain's Dinner is the gala event with music, dancing and romance under the stars.   When it is time to retire, there is a choice of 50 air-conditioned staterooms and cabins all situated on the outside of the ship with spectacular floor to ceiling windows and private ensuite bathrooms.

3day Reef Escape Cruise

The Yasawa Islands cruise departs at 3.00pm Saturday. Reef Escape sets sail for the Malolo Islands. Enjoy a refreshing swim, snorkel and discover the vista of a South Pacific sunset. Tonight celebrate at the Welcome Dinner.

The Sacred island is a place beautiful beyond belief.  Legends tell of the great war canoe "Rogoboka" which landed here with the first Fijians.  On arrival, the ship's crew pay tribute to the forefathers of Fijian culture and perform the Sevusevu (gift giving) Ceremony.   Passengers are then invited to spend a magical day swimming in the aquamarine lagoons, snorkelling in spectacular coral gardens, beachcombing or coral viewing from the glass bottom boat. Late in the afternoon, the ship cruises to idyllic Nalauwaki Bay for a special village choral service. Tonight, join the Captain and crew in the lounge for a sunset cocktail before this evening's gala event - the Captain's Dinner.

Monday - Waya Island & Yalobi Village

Sun, sand and relaxation is the morning agenda as you cruise to the small islands off Waya for their customary morning swim and island exploration.  Yalobi Bay, enclosed by towering volcanic peaks and palm fringed beaches is a tropical paradise - this is the real Fiji.  Experience a timeless Fijian culture in a village far removed from 20th century technology.  Be charmed by the local children on a guided tour of the village school and search for treasure at the local handicraft & shell market.  Tonight, the warm sands beckon you for a romantic island night on the beach.  Enjoy the tastes of Fiji with a moonlit "lovo" feast, kava tasting and exciting "meke" entertainment hosted by the local village.

Tuesday

Reef Escape returns to Denarau Marina at 9.00am.

Departure & Arrival

4day Reef Escape Cruise

The Mamanuca Islands cruise departs Tuesday at 3.00pm. Ni sa Bula' is the magical call of welcome as you board Reef Escape for your island adventure. Enjoy a tropical cocktail and welcome celebration through the Mamanuca Islands unto a South Pacific sunset.

Wednesday - Naviti & Yasawa Islands

Start the day naturally with a morning swim in an idyllic bay in the reef fringed Naviti Islands.  Savour the bounty of a gourmet barbecue lunch as you journey to spectacular Vawa Bay.  Yasawa Island:- Here is beauty in it's original state where you can bask in aquamarine waters along white sandy beaches.  Join the watersports, volleyball, snorkel, swim or explore nearby Vaturua and Vawa Islands.  This evening join the festivities and entertainment of Pacific Island Night.

Thursday - Sawa i lau

Discover the legendary grandeur of Sawa-i-lau and the famous limestone caves at your own pace.  Swimming in the cave lagoon is a wondrous experience and there are awe-inspiring inner sanctuaries for the adventure seeker.  Join the escorted walk to the island villages, snorkel over spectacular coral gardens, swim in fabled lagoons and simply relax in the warm tropical sun.  The welcome ceremony, lovo feast, kava tasting and traditional meke entertainment, hosted by the local village will complete your day in paradise.

Friday - Matacawa levu

This morning cruise through the soaring volcanic peaks of the Southern Yasawas.  Arriving Matacawalevu, there is plenty of opportunity to visit the local handicraft & shell markets.   Cruise the spectacular Naviti Channels to Naukacuvu.  Discover a kaleidoscope of fish on the coral reef and laze on the warm sands of the beach.  Tonight enjoy the celebrations of the Captain's Dinner.

Saturday

Reef Escape returns to Denarau Marina at 9.00am to the wistful song of "Isa Lei".

Departure & Arrival

7day Reef Escape Cruise

Diving is available for holders of current open water dive certificates, which must be produced onboard.  There is a nominal fee per dive, fully inclusive of onboard equipment.

Your Cruises Includes:

• Camping style bure accommodation
• All meals
• Use of all onboard facilities
• Snorkelling equipment
• Guided treks

Transfers

What to Bring

On board Amenities & Safety

• Cabin Climate Control: All staterooms and cabins are equipped with air-conditioning, preset for guests’ comfort. Adjustments to the temperature may be made using the wall-mounted controls.
• 240 Volt Power Outlet: This is provided in your stateroom or cabin with 110-volt converters available if required.
• Safe: The Captain has a safe for valuables. In addition on the 4 day cruises passengers will find personal safes in their staterooms.
• Laundry Facilities: Self-service washing and drying facilities are available on four and seven day cruises.
• Drinking Water: The water onboard is perfectly safe to drink but if you prefer, bottled and natural spring water are also available.
• Smoking: For your safety, please refrain from smoking in the cabins or any enclosed area of the ship.
• Safety Drill: Shortly after sailing, a mandatory safety drill will be conducted onboard. Your life jacket is located in the Wardrobe of your stateroom or cabin.
• Sun Tips: Captain Cook Cruises wishes to emphasise the importance of using sun screen and recommends that you should use a water-resistant 15+ when in the sun. Make sure you maintain your waterproof sunblock and lip screen throughout the day and wear a hat and sunglasses when you are on the beach or on a boat. While snorkelling, you are most vulnerable to the sun so wearing a t-shirt is recommended
• Snorkelling Tips: The snorkelling opportunities around the Yasawas and Mamanucas are legendary with some of the most beautiful coral and marine life in the world on view. To ensure that you and future visitors may enjoy the beauty of the reefs, we ask that you consider the following:
  • Never snorkel alone.
  • Do not remove living shells or coral from the reef – you may be depriving a hermit crab of a home.
  • If you turn any coral rocks around to get a better view, please make sure you turn them back as there are organisms under the coral sheltering from predators. Left exposed, they will soon be eaten. Similarly eggs of various reef creatures are laid under coral blocks. Their survival is vital for posterity.
  • Do not kneel, walk on or grasp any coral. Some are remarkably fragile and any small pieces you break will take several years to grow again.
  • Alcohol, drugs and snorkelling can be a fatal combination: always enter the water with a clear head.