Blue Lagoon Cruises, Fiji’s premier small-ship cruising product, is delighted to announce the upcoming launch of a second vessel, the MV. Yasawa Princess II. Designed for comfort, style, and an unparalleled small ship cruising experience, the MV. Yasawa Princess II will join the fleet in April 2026 and marks an exciting new chapter in the brand’s 75-year legacy of cruising Fiji’s most pristine waters.
In recent years, Blue Lagoon Cruises has been going from strength to strength, with demand for its intimate cruises often exceeding availability. Many months of the year are sold out well in advance, making additional capacity a priority. The MV. Yasawa Princess II will operate alongside the current flagship, MV. Fiji Princess, enabling more guests to enjoy these outstanding cruises through Fiji’s stunning Yasawa Islands.
Measuring 45 metres and offering 22 well-appointed cabins for a maximum of 44 guests, the ship is currently undergoing an extensive refit and boasts a full suite of modern amenities to ensure the ultimate onboard comfort. Like the MV. Fiji Princess, the MV. Yasawa Princess II is a catamaran with a shallow draft, granting access to areas within the islands unreachable by larger ships – including the iconic experience of tying up to a coconut tree on Blue Lagoon Cruises’ private beach, where guests can swim directly to shore.
Blending modern innovation with nods to the brand’s heritage, key features include:
- Middle and lower decks, which house the light and airy cabins, which are all available in twin or double configurations, offering expansive views.
- An upper deck dedicated to dining, lounge seating, and a fully serviced bar.
- A sun deck perfect for soaking up the rays by day or enjoying spectacular sunsets over happy hour.
- A hydraulic rise-and-fall stern platform for effortless access to the water for swimming, water sports, and boarding tenders.
For most departures across 2026 and 2027, the 4-night itineraries will be hosted onboard the MV. Yasawa Princess II, whilst the 3- and 7-night cruises will continue to be operated onboard the MV. Fiji Princess. Vessel allocations will remain subject to change, however, and dependent on forward bookings and operational requirements. All cruises will continue to depart from and return to Port Denarau.
“The MV. Yasawa Princess II reinforces our commitment to sustainable tourism in the Yasawa Islands whilst also meeting the unprecedented demand for small ship cruising in Fiji,” said Brad Rutherford, CEO of South Sea Cruises Group. “The additional vessel is a perfect size and will provide an excellent guest offering as they enjoy Blue Lagoon Cruises’ renowned hospitality and itineraries.”
With the MV. Yasawa Princess II is scheduled to begin cruising in April 2026, additional availability is now bookable for all 3-night, 4-night, and 7-night Blue Lagoon Cruises departures.
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REFERENCES: This guide is based on over a decade of research and firsthand experience living in Fiji. It incorporates extensive knowledge gained through long-term residence and ongoing engagement with the region. Images and text have been sourced from official references, which are acknowledged below, to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness.
FOOTNOTES: Additional details, clarifications, or sources referenced in this article are included as Footnotes below the text when applicable; otherwise, no Footnotes are provided.