Review: Fiji Aboard MS Caledonian Sky with Captain Cook Cruises
PLEASE NOTE: Caledonian Sky's Fiji cruising programme ceased operation in October 2024.
Details: 7-night Southern Lau Fiji expedition cruise, 22 June 2024 departure.
If you're dreaming of an exotic getaway to Fiji's pristine islands, the 7-night Southern Lau islands expedition cruise aboard the luxurious MS Caledonian Sky is a perfect choice. Recently, I had the opportunity to embark on this unique voyage, and I'm excited to share my comprehensive review. From the ship's facilities to the exceptional service, here's everything you need to know before booking your trip. Remember, time is of the essence as Captain Cook Cruises will be ending these expeditions in November 2024. This particular itinerary will only depart again on 20th July, 14th September and 12 October 2024.
MS Caledonian Sky: Ship Facilities and Accommodation Review
The MS Caledonian Sky exceeded my expectations with its five guest-accessible decks, all outside-facing suites, two dining areas (one indoor and one alfresco), two lounges with bars, and a sun deck. The cabins were spacious, featuring comfortable beds, an elegant dressing table, a desk, a television, a walk-in wardrobe, and en-suite bathroom. Our room had a beautiful balcony also, and we often kept the door open to hear the sounds of the ocean as we slept. The power outlets were American so bring an adapter to be able to charge your items, there were also 4 USB outlets beside the bed.
The ship is designed with ornate timber panels and brass accents giving an ‘old money’ charm. The common areas, including the lounge, dining room, and sundeck, had ample space for relaxation and socializing, however we only had about 60 fellow passengers onboard when capacity is 114, so I think it could get a tad crowded with that many travellers. There were some spaces of the ship that I didn’t explore – the Gym, the Medical Clinic, and the Spa (Massage room) – although I did hear glowing reviews from fellow passengers who had taken up the offer of a complimentary 10-minute foot massage. The ship also features a lift – which was especially useful when you left your life jacket in your room and didn’t fancy rushing up and down the stairs again!
Boarding the Zodiacs
Which brings me to the next section – the logistics behind boarding the zodiacs. Guests all would meet in the Caledonian lounge equipped with any equipment (towel, snorkel gear, dry bag etc) and your red tender lifejacket! We would then make our way down in groups of 10 to board the zodiacs. The deck staff made this process as smooth as physically possible – taking your belongings onto the tender before grabbing both your arms and stepping you across to the zodiac. For those a tad more wobbly on their feet, this process was daunting – and I did speak to an elderly woman who didn’t attempt to board a tender for the duration of the trip. Some other passengers also mentioned to me that the bumpy tender ride isn’t “comfortable on old bones”. I recommend anyone with concerns to speak with the Expedition Leader and also try to sit closest to the back of the tender near the driver for the least bumpy ride (also is a bit drier down the back too!). My other recommendation is bring a waterproof bag! The company supplied a drybag large enough for a phone and other nicknacks, however, a waterproof bag would have been handy for anything larger (eg Drone, clothing, towel etc). A backpack is also handy for stepping on and off the tender keeping your arms free.
Shore Excursions and Activities
The all-inclusive shore excursions were thoughtfully curated to provide a mix of underwater, culture, and relaxation. Each day brought new experiences, from snorkeling with Manta Rays and diving in crystal-clear waters to exploring remote villages and walking through lush rainforests. The excursions were well-organized and led by knowledgeable guides who provided insights into the Fijian culture and environment. Highlights included a relaxing beach visit and scenic cruise in Fulaga, swimming with Manta Rays in Buliya, and a visit to a local school on Totoya Island.
The day sheet with activities is left on your bed each evening for the following day. I recommend you take the time to read EVERYTHING on that day sheet because many guests missed out on the 7:30am Manta Ray swim. The early morning activities generally don’t have an announcement over the PA (for those who want to sleep in past 7am). Also if you are someone like me who suffers from FOMO (Fear of missing out), just put your name down for everything! Most of the time everyone is the same and wants to do it all too. You have the opportunity to write your name down for the activities the night before, which helps the expedition team know how many zodiacs to prepare for the day.
My other piece of advice is to pack your day pack in preparation for everything. Many days there were swimming opportunities and you might have only packed for walking around the village, or there’s a beach visit straight after a snorkel so you haven’t packed your camera gear. So just bring it all, again in a waterproof back pack to be safe!
One thing I regret not doing is a scuba dive, particularly the shark dive at Beqa. So if you are a scuba diver, build a relationship with the onboard dive team. The dive team are an external operator and therefore there is an additional cost. You do need to make sure you introduce yourself to the dive team and let them know what you are interested in doing, and then make sure you go see the dive team again during breakfast time on the day you want to dive. I hesitated at scuba diving due to the additional cost, and mainly because I didn’t want to miss out on the activity everyone else was doing – but from speaking with the others who went scuba diving the marine life they encountered, and the expert guidance was incredible. I probably would have chosen to dive instead of snorkel at Totoya and Matuku as well as Beqa.
Culinary Experience: Food & Beverage Review
The food onboard was delicious, with a variety of options. Breakfast and lunch buffets were usually held in the alfresco dining area – bring your hat and sunnies! The dinners were a three-course al la carte table service. Alcohol was included at meal services which was lovely. As someone who isn't typically a foodie, I enjoyed the meals, but certain aspects could be enhanced to make the food and beverage more satisfying. The Fijian feast dinner night was a highlight, allowing guests to sample traditional dishes in a festive atmosphere.
Customer Service and Crew
The Fijian crew aboard the MS Caledonian Sky were phenomenal. Their warmth, friendliness, and dedication to service were truly remarkable. From the long hours they worked to their infectious cheerfulness, the crew made the trip special. Many guests, were repeat customers who had sailed with Captain Cook Cruises before, which is a testament to the service provided.
Entertainment and Onboard Activities
In addition to the shore excursions, the cruise offered a variety of onboard activities and entertainment options. Daily briefings provided information about the destinations and activities planned for the day. There were also lectures on Fijian culture and marine life, which added an educational aspect to the journey. In the evenings, guests enjoyed live music, movie nights, and themed parties, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere onboard.
Conclusion: A Must-Experience Journey
The 7-night Fiji expedition cruise aboard MS Caledonian Sky with Captain Cook Cruises was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The combination of luxurious accommodations, exceptional dining, immersive shore excursions, and outstanding service made this trip unforgettable. However, with the ship's lease ending in October 2024, there's limited time left to embark on this extraordinary adventure. Don’t miss your chance to explore the Southern Lau islands in this unique and luxurious way.
For more daily updates and highlights from my trip, check out our Instagram @expeditioncruisespecialists. Vinaka vakalevu, and happy travels!
Dianne Swain travelled with Captain Cook Cruises Fiji on the 22nd June 2024 cruise departure. You can follow more of Dianne's adventures at www.sirenandseafarer.com or on Instagram @sirenandseafarer.
