Page 33 - Explore Magazine Winter 2016

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PRECIOUS MOMENTS

FROM THE VERY FIRST “BULA”

Maggie Wong warms to the instinctive “guests are first” approach
of Blue Lagoon Cruises’ cheery all-Fijian crew.

It’s evident from the first cheery “bula!” that Blue Lagoon seriously straight up and down. While on duty they are in
Cruises’ staff members are genuinely happy in their work accordance with their Maritime Safety Authority training
as they welcome visitors to what they regard as their home which involves regular refresher courses, but when not
and village – a floating one called the Fiji Princess. at the helm they will often stop for a chat too and even
invite passengers to join in the crew’s night-time fishing
A number of the crew do in fact hail from small villages, excursions that produce fresh mahi-mahi or coral trout for
including some from tiny settlements in the stunningly the passengers’ lunches the next day.
beautiful Mamanuca and Yasawa islands that are the
setting for the voyages of Fiji Princess. Growing up in No Blue Lagoon Cruise would be complete without a taste
such an idyllic place is surely what makes them smile so of kava, and as they do when in their own villages, the crew
winningly and treat passengers like treasured members of sit down to a relaxing bowl at day’s end. They are always
the family. happy to shuffle over to make room in the kava circle for
passengers interested in a taste. Another locally made
There’s a ratio of one crew member to every two beverage of more universal appeal is Fiji Rum, made from
passengers on the ship and they quickly get to know Fiji sugar cane.
their guests by name. Their instinctive “guests are first”
approach is heart-warming, and as a quick dip into the The bar staff on Fiji Princess report that Fiji Rum is favoured
page of Blue Lagoon Cruises’ Facebook page reveals, it as the base of many cocktails – piña colada or mai tai,
makes the cruise experience unique. anyone? It is also enjoyed straight up or paired to create
a delicious liqueur with Fiji-grown coffee, bananas,
“Blue Lagoon Cruises are my happy place. I just finished coconut or honey. Passengers on Fiji Princess can taste
cruise number five”, says one visitor to the page.
these specialities individually or via a “rum paddle” of four
“Cannot praise the crew and staff enough. We had an tasting glasses. And you’ll be sure to find the delighted
amazing four days and highly recommend this mini- comments on Facebook.
cruise”, says another. Blue Lagoon Cruises offers an early bird discount of 25% on cruises
Amongst the happy crew faces and their singing and booked and paid six months in advance, plus onboard bar credits of
up to FJD$500 for a limited time.For details contact your helloworld
guitar playing, the captains of the ship seem at first travel agent.

HELLOWORLD : EXPLORE : WINTER EDITION