New era in cruising launched

A traditional local welcome has heralded a new era of expedition cruising in Fiji and the South Pacific.

Captain Cook Cruises Fiji officially launched luxury small ship MS Caledonian Sky at an official ceremony over the weekend.

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. 

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 Sing.

“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,” said Allison Haworth West, Captain Cook Cruises Fiji Executive Chair.

“With our commitment to give back to the people and places we visit, this is cruising of Fiji, for Fiji.”

The ship has a capacity of 114 passengers across 57 ocean view suites and has already embarked on her first voyage.

www.captaincookcruisesfiji.com