Cruise News: Captain Cook.

MV REEF ENDEAVOUR

By Roderick Eime

When most people think of cruising Fiji, it’s the big white ships sailing to ports such as Suva, Lautoka and Port Denarau that come to mind. But in truth, these itineraries only scratch the surface of these fascinating islands. The many islands of Fiji are perfectly suited to exploration by small ship and Captain Cook Cruises have more than 40 years’ experience cruising these waters and it shows.

MV Reef Endeavour was built in Suva in 1996 and carries up to 130 passengers in 63 cabins across four levels. She has had numerous refurbishment during her life, the most recent in 2016 added interconnecting family suites and comprehensively upgraded public spaces and decor. Most often MV Reef Endeavour can be found sailing the warm waters of the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, just a few hours out of her home port of Port Denarau, near Nadi. These three- and four-night cruises are a perfect short break and can be either joined for a seven-night cruise or added to a resort stay ashore. Several times each year, she will sail beyond these waters and eastward to Ovalau, Taveuni and the remote Lau group on colonial history or cultural cruises where her prowess as an expedition ship comes to the fore.

Dining, while not lavish, is flavoursome and hearty with reliance on locally sourced fresh fish, fruits and vegetables along with imported meats such as New Zealand lamb. Cuisine reflects traditional island-style dishes such as curries and roast meats with root vegetables such as taro and yam. In the evening, along with musical entertainment, a kava bowl (tanoa) is often set up for guests to participate in an informal ceremony.

captaincookcruisesfiji.com

LE LAPÉROUSE IS COMING TO THE KIMBERLEY!

Explore the oldest of places in the newest of ships

Sail onboard new luxury small expedition ship, Le Lapérouse, the youngest and most environmentally sustainable vessel in the Kimberley, and be one of the first to experience the Blue Eye underwater multi-sensory lounge, a world-first feature. Le Lapérouse’s compact size allows her to get close to shore before launching her 12 Zodiacs®.

Accompanied by your specialist Expedition Team, explore mangroves inhabited by saltwater crocodiles, venture beneath vertiginous waterfalls, probe rivers that carve through high sandstone walls and view heaving emergent tidal reefs. You may also witness migrating humpback whales and interact with Indigenous Australians who will share their stories of the Dreamtime and extraordinary rock art.

Onboard enjoy PONANT’s signature French luxury and ambiance, cool off in the pool, and with an Open Bar, relax, drink in hand, admiring the stunning sunsets before enjoying fine cuisine. With just 92 staterooms & suites, all with private balcony, Le Lapérouse will be your luxurious floating base camp - small ship expedition cruising at its best.

Book now to save up to 10%* on last remaining staterooms in 2019! DARWIN – BROOME or BROOME - DARWIN: Departs May to August 2019

Contact your Travel Agent or our PONANT Cruise Consultants on: 1300 737 178 | reservations.aus@ponant.com | au.ponant.com

*Ponant Bonus discount subject to change based on availability. Correct as at 04/06/2018. Refer to au.ponant.com for T&Cs. Photographs © PONANT Nick Rains, Jean-Philippe Nuel, Philip Plisson. ABN: 35 166 676 517