There are journeys that change you – not just because of where they take you, but because of how they make you feel. And when the overriding soundtrack to your holiday is genuine laughter and happiness, you know you’re experiencing something truly special.
A recent voyage with Blue Lagoon Cruises delivered far more than expected; not only an unforgettable odyssey through Fiji’s iconic Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, but also lifelong new friendships and a true battery-reset on life.
Even before we stepped aboard the iconic MV. Fiji Princess, it was obvious that we were in good hands. After being welcomed at Port Denarau (where our luggage was seamlessly taken care of and details confirmed), we boarded a modern high-speed catamaran towards our floating hotel, for four nights as part of the Wanderer Cruise package.
That transit alone was a 10/10 experience, with exquisite service and food setting the tone for what was to come. It was also a chance to mingle with fellow passengers and our shared sense of anticipation.
First impressions of MV. Fiji Princess: although from the water you can see that she has sailed the sea for some years, that fleeting glance is quickly overshadowed by the sound of joyful Fiji song, welcoming us as we disembarked the catamaran for the 55-metre cruise ship.
The crew’s warmth wasn’t just professional courtesy either – it was heartfelt. Smiles, genuine greetings, and an eagerness to help made even small moments (like navigating suitcases down a narrow corridor or choosing the perfect meal) feel effortless and personal. Their kind and infectious energy set the tone for a memorable trip where every whim was catered for, and our comfort was top priority.
While rooms are compact (as you’d expect on a cruise), everything required for cosy sailing is there – ample storage to keep your space clutter free, a TV for in-room movies (we only watched TV once as there was always so much else to enjoy), a complimentary stocked mini bar and a welcome gift for every guest including reuseable metal water bottle, sunblock and insect repellent, a beach tote and a sulu (sarong).
Guest laundry is complimentary and available daily – a welcome addition ensuring sand-free and pristine clothing throughout.
With a maximum of 64 passengers and up to 30 Fijian crew, there’s never any shortage of personal service. The Blue Lagoon Cruises experience begins from the moment you step onboard. There’s a sense that this is more than a holiday – it’s an immersion into place, people, and experience.
There’s good reason that Blue Lagoon Cruises boasts a thriving 75-year history. While of course there’s the stunning Fiji scenery, this unique experience is elevated through the care taken by the team behind every aspect of your trip, and the way every detail has been thoughtfully considered to maximise your experience.
The genuine goodwill and local knowledge of the 100% Fijian crew bring every island and cultural stop to life. Rather than just shuttling passengers between destinations, the crew introduce you to village life and traditional ceremonies, offer insights into local culture, as well as optional cooking lessons or Kava rituals that deepen your understanding of Fiji beyond its beaches.
Small ship, big heart
Right: Fish feeding doesn’t get much better
As cruise ships around the globe reach eye-wateringly massive proportions, Blue Lagoon Cruises remains true to its winning formula – smaller bespoke personalised trips, where each guest is cared for with that distinctive Fiji charm.
This intimate scale and authenticity are a key part of what sets this experience apart. With the MV. Fiji Princess currently capped at 64 guests (32 cabins) and the new (April 2026) MV. Yasawa Princess II designed for a maximum of 44 guests (across 22 larger cabins), Blue Lagoon Cruises delivers a warmth and attention to detail that giant cruise liners simply can’t match. The small size means the crew know every guest by name and can tailor their service to exactly what you enjoy – whether that’s a quiet beach read or a personalised snorkel adventure. These ships can also access bays and islands not available to larger vessels.
One of our highlights was undoubtedly the day Blue Lagoon Cruises private beach in the famous Blue Lagoon. The ship can back up so close to shore that it can be tied to a coconut tree, allowing guests to swim to the white sandy beach (or opt for a short boat ride). There you can relax in hammocks by the beachside bar, try beach volleyball or water aerobics, or just lie back with a coconut in hand – all without leaving the itinerary or paying extra. Other activities include snorkelling, fish feeding and a coconut husking demonstration. The day ends with a traditional Fijian Lovo (a meal cooked underground in a fire bit), and evening entertainment is a memorable Meke performance by local villagers. This was the day that remains firmly etched in our hearts for shared connections, for utter relaxation and for feeling immersed in a different culture, shared with kindness and generosity.
While some cruises rush from one scheduled activity to the next, Blue Lagoon Cruises strikes a rare balance of structure and freedom. Daily cruising time is limited so that you spend far more time on shore exploring, swimming, snorkelling, hiking or simply lounging on a quiet beach than you do inside a ship. Although, if ship-life is your preference, there’s plenty to do there also. The on-board spa is absolutely worth booking. A decadent hour-long massage with the sound of the ocean and the gentle movement of an anchored boat was definitely time well spent.
Blue Lagoon Cruises also embraces environmental consciousness in a way that many mainstream operators do not. The MV. Fiji Princess operates single-use plastic free, encouraging sustainable practices onboard by supplying keepsake reusable drink bottles and numerous filtered water refill stations.
All of this inclusivity – meals, activities, kayak and paddleboard use, village visits, and even a day pass to Malamala Beach Club – is factored into your fare. That means rather than unexpected add-ons influencing your decisions or enjoyment, your focus can stay on exploring, discovering and unwinding.
Among travellers from around the globe, we met one Australian guest who admitted to being on her third Blue Lagoon Cruise in that 12-month period, having done her first cruise with the company 20 years ago. The relaxed vibe played a key role to her repeat trips, but clearly the biggest drawcard was the wonderful care provided by staff.
It’s this combination of small-ship intimacy, rich cultural immersion, genuine warmth from the crew, and a thoughtfully inclusive program that sets Blue Lagoon Cruises apart – creating not just a trip, but a deeply personal journey through one of the Pacific’s most magical regions.
A (literal) feast for the senses
Food has a magical way of anchoring memories, and this cruise delivered in spades. Each meal was a celebration of Pacific flavours: fresh seafood caught from the rich waters we sailed, vibrant salads built from tropical fruits and vegetables, and desserts that made every sunset feel sweeter. Dining felt like gathering around a table with old friends, the Lovo feasts on shaded beaches and the elegantly catered dinners aboard equally memorable.
Morning omelettes made getting out of bed early all the easier, and guests can choose to mingle or enjoy private moments for their dining, depending on personal preferences. The opportunity to meet and chat with the ship’s captain on our first night on board was a lovely way to learn more about MV. Fiji Princess and her crew.
Adventure, discovery and island life
As you’d expect on a cruise, no two days were the same. Early mornings were often for snorkelling in crystalline water accompanied by shimmering fish. Midday brought cultural encounters – village visits where traditional dances, stories and crafts opened a vibrant window into Fijian life. Afternoons drifted to sandy beaches, where time seemed to slow and the only task was soaking up sunshine or wandering shorelines.
The itinerary was perfectly designed to maximise exploration while still giving room to unwind. Whether we were hiking to breathtaking viewpoints, paddling alongside the ship in kayaks, or simply watching the horizon from the deck, each moment invoked pure bliss.
And choosing how to spend your time was the only decision you needed to make all day.
A legacy of the South Pacific
Blue Lagoon Cruises started in 1950 when young New Zealand stockbroker Captain Trevor Withers dared to chase his dream of creating a Fiji cruise experience. His passion for the sea, and for Fiji, was shared by aviator friend Harold Gatty, both of whom explored Fiji at a time when tourism to the Pacific nation was virtually unknown.
While exploring their hopes of establishing a fishing industry in Fiji, they made firm friendships with the chiefs and the people of the Yasawa Islands. Their aspirations evolved from fishing to pioneering what has become one of the most iconic small-ship cruising experiences in the South Pacific.
Trevor Withers launched Blue Lagoon Cruises and Harold Gatty established Air Pacific, the forerunner to Fiji’s national airline.
Today, more than seven decades later, the company still honours those humble beginnings, nurturing and prioritising strong ties with local communities and supporting traditional villages through sustainable tourism practices.
Blue Lagoon Cruises is managed by the successful South Sea Cruises Group, which continues this early legacy, while also developing the cruise experience up to a whole new level for visitors.
Looking ahead: a new ship on the horizon
Blue Lagoon Cruises is charting an exciting new course for 2026, with the launch of its second newer vessel – the MV. Yasawa Princess II. Designed for comfort and style with modern amenities, the additional ship will join the fleet alongside the MV. Fiji Princess and provide even more opportunities for guests to explore secluded bays and pristine beaches.
Measuring 45 metres with 22 cabins for up to 44 guests, the MV. Yasawa Princess II promises the same intimate, welcoming atmosphere that seasoned travellers have come to expect, along with enhanced features like expanded viewing decks, a relaxed social lounge and effortless water access for swimming and water sports.
Final thoughts: beyond a cruise
More than a holiday, this journey serves as a reminder of what travel is really about – connection. With the staff, with culture, with sea and sand, and with that inner part of yourself that remembers how much wonder there still is in the world.
If you’re dreaming of pristine waters, heartfelt hospitality, and a voyage filled with joy and discovery, put Blue Lagoon Cruises at the top of your wanderlust list. It’s a trip that doesn’t just stay with you – it becomes part of who you are.
