Cruising in the sun

Press, 28 June 1983, Page 29

Cruising in the sun

Fiji has more than 300 islands — some large, some small, and some for which only one word “idyllic,” can be used to describe their character. Not all the islands are resorts, but with the changing face of Fiji, new developments are being opened up at regular intervals. The Islands in the Sun Group, a leader in the regulated development of tourism in Fiji, has strong links with New Zealand. Managing director, Dan Costello, was educated here and has sent his children back for their education. Islands in the Sun operates the “twin” islands of Treasure and Beachcomber, the islands’ mini-cruise liner, Matthew Flinders, an ocean-going ketch, the Tui Tai, and a fleet of other vessels equipped for day trips or cruising. This year the Islands in the Sun Group is giving particular emphasis to its cruise holidays in the Matthew Flinders and the Tui Tai. The Tui Tai operates on a six-night, seven-day itinerary Included in the price are all meals, sightseeing, use of snorkel and fishing gear, plus special entertainment. The promotional material describes this as an adventure cruise — and that’s exactly what it is. Passengers sleep not in cabins, but on mattresses aboard the Tui Tai or camp ashore. And age or sex is no barrier to enjoyment. The series of adventure cruises last year were notable for the wide range of people of all ages. If, however, real home comforts are required the Seafarer Cruise in Matthew Flinders is the answer. By popular demand, this cruise has been extended to three nights and three days. Departures are from Lautoka every Saturday and Wednesday.