We were privileged to be able to do the 11 day Lau Islands and Kadavu cruise on Reef Endeavour in August 2015. This cruise is only run 3 times per year and can only be described as an adventure into remote and unspoilt Fiji. It is all inclusive except for alcohol, so daily activities, all meals and entertainment were included in the price, unlike some other cruises where you pay an extra small fortune for each shore based activity.

We embarked on time and after a quick safety demonstration were on our way. We visited one or two different islands every day with extended daytime stays, plenty of opportunity to meet the local villagers, snorkel on coral reefs or view in the glass bottom tender, hike in native bushland, swim up to waterfalls, snorkel into sea caves, attend a church service and schools in tiny remote villages, walk on fine white sand beaches, cruise scenic bays in the tender, attend village ceremonies, etc. No two days were the same and you were made to feel as welcome to participate in as many or as few activities as you wished each day. Being in the eastern most islands of Fiji the culture was as much influenced by Tonga as it is by Fiji and the villagers so rarely see tourists that they were truly fascinated and seemed honoured by our presence.

Reef Endeavour is not your average cruise ship. It is quite old but well maintained. Do not expect 4 or 5 star accommodation but by the same token it is certainly comfortable and well equipped for an adventure cruise. The Tender lift at the stern made going ashore a breeze, even for the less mobile passengers on board. The crew are predominantly Fijian natives from all parts of the country and could not be more friendly and welcoming. The food is surprisingly fresh and varied, despite not being able to replenish supplies for the whole 11 days. A mixture of a la carte dinners, buffets, lovo ashore, afternoon tea, canapes, and a made to order egg station at breakfast each morning. Drinks were mainly available from the lounge bar (and the beach bar when ashore). All charged to the room and reasonably priced. You could purchase wines by the glass or bottle and bottles were tagged and kept in the fridge for consumption at your own pace. Read more