The 100% Fijian Cruise: Yasawa Islands Exploration With Blue Lagoon Cruise

Fiji has always been on our travel bucket list, and when we finally planned the trip to explore the Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands with Blue Lagoon Cruises, we knew we were in for the adventure of a lifetime! The 4 days Explorer Cruise turned out to be the perfect way to experience the beauty and culture of this stunning region. Here’s a glimpse into our journey on the M.V. Fiji Princess.

Day 1: Malamala Beach Club + Modriki Island (Cast Away Filming Location)

Our 4-day adventure began with the convenience of a complimentary pickup from our hotel, a service offered to most hotels and resorts in Nadi. All guests were encouraged to do an early check-in at Port Denarau (10 AM)—because who wouldn’t want to start their vacation with a little more beach time? The early check-in gave us the chance to visit the luxurious Malamala Beach Club, a complimentary stop for 3 nights, 4 nights and 7 nights Blue Lagoon Cruises itinerary. We checked in our luggages at the port it was so smooth. After a short boat ride, we arrived at the beach club and WOW - it felt like we’d stepped into a tropical postcard. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and soft white sands, we spent the morning relaxing, enjoying the beachfront infinity pool, snorkeling, and soaking up the sun. It was a welcome escape from the rainy and cold winter in New Zealand.

 [Click here to see our full review of Malamala Beach Club.]

Later in the day, the M.V. Fiji Princess arrived to pick us up directly from the beach club, and we set sail toward the Yasawa Islands! We were welcomed with a traditional Fijian ceremony, followed by an 'all-you-can-drink' happy hour and the captain's dinner. Honestly, enjoying a glass of champagne while watching the sunset over the South Pacific was THE perfect combination.Who would have known? The Blue Lagoon Cruise is known for its family-style, boutique small ships, creating an amazing and welcoming social environment. We met people from around the world and across all age groups. Everyone was so friendly, making us feel right at home immediately!

Anchorage: Modriki Island

Floating Home Away From Home - The Cabin

Our stay aboard the M.V. Fiji Princess was in a yacht-style en suite cabin—cozy, clean, and full of character - the perfect blend of yacht chic and cruise comfort. Our cabin featured storage, a TV for movies, a vanity table, a hairdryer, towels and Pure Fiji amenities. Each cabin offers stunning ocean views and includes a complimentary mini-bar stocked with premium drinks (Fiji Gold, Champagne and soft drinks) and snacks on departure day. A Blue Lagoon Cruises tote bag, a reusable metal water bottle, and a sulu (sarong) also awaited us on the bed.

Day 2: Soso Bay + Village Tour + Swimming with Shark

The next morning, we stepped ashore at Modriki Island, where the beach was as picturesque as it gets—soft white sand and crystal-clear waters inviting us for a refreshing swim before breakfast. It was the perfect way to start the day!

Later, we set sail for Soso Bay, excited for our stop at a secret reef location where we were supposed to swim with sharks. Unfortunately, the winds and waves were too strong, and we missed out on the shark swim. But we made up for it on the last day—talk about a splashy comeback!

In the afternoon, we visited the chiefly village of Soso Bay. The locals welcomed us with open arms, and we enjoyed learning about their way of life. The local kids were especially curious about our cameras and drones—they were so excited to see them! We ended the day with a delicious traditional Thali dinner, danced to Bollywood tunes, and watched a live Rugby game under the moonlights. What a night! (You can see our real experiences in my Instagram @miaandtheworld story highlight!)

Day 3: Naukacuvu Island and Fijian Tradition

Sunday in Fiji is a day of rest. We had the special opportunity to attend a village church service at Soso Bay. We then returned to the ship for a traditional Sunday roast lunch, which was as delicious as it sounds. As we approached Naviti Island, the stunning islands and remote beaches came into view, and we couldn’t wait to dive in! The colorful coral and exotic marine life made us feel like we were floating on cloud nine. The sunset in the middle of the ocean was simply breathtaking.

Dinner featured a South Pacific theme, followed by drinks and games. We opted for an early night so we could recharge and get up early to capture the sunrise.

Anchorage: Naukacuvu Island

Day 4: Sacred Islands and Farewell

Our final day on the cruise was nothing short of magical. Before and after breakfast, we had some time to snorkel and swim around the serene Naukacuvu Island. As we set sail, we headed towards the most remote and beautiful island group on our journey—the Sacred Islands—a perfect finale to our adventure. We spotted so many sharks swimming around, and they were SO CLOSE and SO MANY that I almost cried from excitement (people say the Fijian sharks are vegetarians—guess why?)

After lunch, we bid farewell to the friendly crew who had made our journey so special. A high-speed catamaran met us at the Sacred Islands for our private transfer back to Port Denarau, bringing our incredible 4-day cruise to a close.

Highlights:

• As a small ship, we could access some places that bigger ships can’t reach, including stunning snorkeling spots, beautiful beaches, and sandbanks!

• There’s never a shortage of delicious food on board—breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner are all served with flair. On Monday and Friday, enjoy free-flowing alcohol during happy hour and the captain’s dinner.

• Unlike other large cruise lines in Fiji, Blue Lagoon Cruise is 100% Fijian, which made our experience so special and authentic. Getting to know the crew and the captain was a highlight, and learning about their culture and traditions gave us that 100% Fijian experience!

[Click here to see tips for choosing and enjoying a Cruise in Fiji ]