Blue Lagoon Cruises commences Port Denerau trials

Jo Tuamoto, Fiji’s iconic Blue Lagoon Cruises GM has announced that Blue Lagoon has commenced a limited trial of its seven-day ‘Gold Club’ cruise program from Fiji ’s recently upgraded Port Denerau.

Timed to coincide with Fiji ’s high-profile annual Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange (BFTE), the inaugural trial on 02 June 2008 marks the very first time the boutique cruise specialist has operated a service outside of its home port of Lautoka in its 58 year history.

Blue Lagoon Cruises is currently using its flagship MV Fiji Princess [pictured right in the Yasawas recently] on the trials which will continue on a twice monthly basis until further notice.

The next trial is scheduled to take place on Monday, 23 June 2008.

The catamaran’s 2.5 metre draft makes it the only one of the company’s four-strong fleet able to enter the very shallow Port Denerau which, subject to a major dredging, is around the 3.5 metre mark.

The vessel’s arrival and departure on Monday with 50 passengers on board attracted huge attention from both locals and visitors alike, the 60-metre ship being one of the largest ever seen in the port.

Jo said the main purpose of the trial was to enable the company to ascertain both industry support and the viability of the route, adding, “The recent developments in the Denerau area, specifically the opening of several new five-star resorts and the huge amount of work and investment that has been poured into the port, make it an ideal alternative departure point for our vessels”.

“But there are several factors that need to be addressed If we are to ahead with this on a permanent basis.”

“Uppermost is the need for Port Denerau to undergo a major dredging before we would be able to bring our other, more deeper keeled ships into the area.”

The 60 metre MV Fiji Princess is the newest addition to the Blue Lagoon Cruises’ fleet.

Her features include 34 deluxe air-conditioned cabins, a luxurious dining saloon, spacious upper deck lounge bar, sun deck bar, boutique, Lagoon Spa, swimming pool and four sundecks.

For more information, visit www.bluelagooncruises.com.

For cruise reservations telephone Blue Lagoon Cruises in Lautoka , Fiji , on +679 666 1622, facsimile +679 666 4098 or via email on [email protected].

Watch out later this week for The Mole on location reports from Blue Lagoon’s  stunning cruise to the Yasaws taken by the Mole prior to BFTE 2008.

by the Mole