Fiji cruise, escape to paradise

Planet

Fiji has a fragile eco-system, vulnerable to misuse & overuse but reliant on the right amount and type of use. Tourism can help maintain the reefs, beaches and landscapes of the Fijian islands by helping them pay their way. If the communities are earning a living from showing off their natural resources, how much more careful will they be in maintaining their fantastic eco-systems.

The small vessel we use can access many of the smaller bays and islands that are completely inaccessible to larger vessels. The small size of the ship, the intimate local knowledge provided by the local crew and the fact that the crew are all drawn from the islands we visit mean, it goes without saying, that they are as concerned as anyone anywhere about maintaining the environment surrounding their own homes and maintaining their income simultaneously, either through their own actions, or by educating those lucky enough to visit.

People

All the crew, from the Captain to the stewards are Fijian, many coming from the island villages that we visit. This provides an important income for the islands, but also provides us with a wonderful insight into island life and the local communities. The crew source much of the produce from the islands and villages we visit, sometimes from their own families.

We visit The Yasawa Trust Foundation, which was established in 2010 with the aim to improve the provision of basic needs and amenities missing from village life in the Yasawas. The programs support villages in with their needs of fresh water, nutrition, education, power, marine and environment.

Fiji's Yasawa Islands are home to 27 villages living below world standards of health and poverty. The Vinaka Fiji Trust was set up to give something back to the villagers and to say "thank you (vinaka), for welcoming us into your islands."

On this trip we are able to visit local communities who are 'off the beaten track' and therefore benefit from our visit. At Nanuya Lailai for example, you will partake in a meke with singing, dancing and story telling by a group of local villagers and on Yasawa island you'll visit village gardens, local island residences and arrive at the 'very local' Lo's Tea Shop on the beach where you can enjoy Lo's famous cakes. You will also have the chance to partake in a Fijian cooking lesson and help prepare a tasty Fijian fish-dish, Kokoda. Basket weaving is another traditional Fijian craft which you can try your hand at.