Captain Cook Cruises Fiji Launches MS Caledonian Sky with Traditional Fijian Welcome. In an official ceremony held in Fiji this morning, Captain Cook Cruises Fiji has officially launched luxury small ship MS Caledonian Sky, heralding a new era of expedition cruising in Fiji and the South Pacific.
Overview
Captain Cook Cruises Fiji Executive Chair Allison Haworth West and Captain Peter Martin welcomed official guests onboard including Tourism Fiji Chief Executive Officer Brent Hill and Adi Varanisese Ligalevu Tavaiqia, representing the Vanua of Vuda, and named as MS Caledonian Sky’s Godmother. The official welcome ceremony took place on the wharf in front of MS Caledonian Sky.
The festivities commenced with a blessing by Reverend Saimoni Rokini. The heart of the ceremony was the Sevusevu, a time-honoured Fijian tradition wherein a new arrival presents kava (yaqona) to the traditional owners of the land and asks for their blessing. Adi Varanisese Ligalevu Tavaiqia accepted the kava and welcomed the ship to her new home in Fiji. She was then formally named as the ship’s Godmother and wished the ship safe and happy voyages ahead. Speeches followed by Allison Haworth West and Brent Hill where they both shared the sense of excitement for the launch of a uniquely Fijian luxury cruise experience.
Following maritime tradition, and to commemorate the arrival of the ship, the ship’s Godmother cut a flower garland that stretched from ship to shore to signify the ship’s launch and to welcome her to Fiji. After the formal proceedings, guests enjoyed a tour of the spacious suites and well-appointed public areas on the ship and enjoyed drinks with canapes prepared by Executive Chef Ashim Singh.
MS Caledonian Sky’s arrival elevates the cruising experience in Fiji and offers refined onboard accommodation and hospitality. The luxury expedition ship is tailormade for the adventurous traveller, offering spacious boutique comfort whilst also being small and maneuverable, taking guests to corners of the Pacific not accessible by larger ships. With a capacity of just 114 passengers across 57 spacious ocean view suites, guests can enjoy the luxury of their own private balconies, elegant suites, alfresco dining, and an expansive sky deck.
With a deep level of experience in the region and a Fijian crew, Captain Cook Cruises is Fiji’s cruise line. Building on their pioneering success with small ship expedition experiences, in 2024 MS Caledonian Sky will complement existing itineraries with additional seven-night Northern Lau and Southern Lau itineraries plus 14-night voyages journeying through Lau to Tonga and to Samoa. All experiences are enhanced by a 10-strong onboard expedition team of marine biologists and cultural experts plus a fleet of 10 Zodiacs.
Captain Cook Cruises Fiji Executive Chair Allison Haworth West said ‘she was delighted to welcome MS Caledonian Sky to Fijian waters and to bring a new standard of premium small ship expedition cruising to the region.
“This is a momentous occasion for our extended family here at Captain Cook Cruises Fiji and we’re both proud and excited to be offering guests a new, more genuine, ‘bucket list’ experience of Fiji. With our commitment to give back to the people and places we visit, this is cruising of Fiji, for Fiji,” Mrs Haworth West said.
MS Caledonian Sky departs on her first voyage in Fijian waters on Saturday November 11,
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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.