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Women business leaders: Jackie Charlton, Captain Cook Cruises Fiji

Jackie Charlton of Fiji’s Captain Cook Cruises was born into the tourism industry.

Tiffany Carroll

Jackie Charlton is tourism royalty in Australia. The daughter of Trevor and Geraldine Haworth the founders of Captain Cook Cruises on Sydney Harbour, Jackie knew from a very young age her life would be in tourism and hospitality.

“Mum and Dad really were among the founders and pioneers of tourism in Australia, I couldn’t see any other career.”

At the height of their business, Captain Cook was the leading cruise line in Australia and the Southeast Pacific, the company operated more than 25 ships. Its passenger manifest exceeded one million customers on their day/dinner cruises, plus an additional 40,000 visitors on overnight cruises.

“I remember clearly working on my parents coffee cruises as an eight year old – washing cups and saucers. I was paid 50 cents a day,” Jackie laughed.

“Then as a 12 year old I was promoted to handing out flyers to tourists at Circular Quay and to answering the phones every weekend a couple of years later.”

Jackie crew up in Sydney’s Neutral Bay, she attended Loreto in Kirribilli along with her sister Alison who later would windsurf to school each day.

Jackie loved all parts of the business, but it was a family holiday to Fiji as a 12 year old that would really set the course for Jackie’s life.

“Dad was the epitome of a workaholic. He never took time off – I don’t remember socialising with him as a kid at all, just working with him. One day he booked a holiday including cruise to Fiji, saying he needed a break.

“Mum was very much involved in the business, running the sales and marketing. She attended some of the very first sales trips and was one of the first Australians to go to ITB in Berlin (Internationale Tourismus-Börse). They really did wave the flag for Australian tourism.”

The long overdue family holiday included time at Fiji’s first resort, The Fijian (now Shangri-La).

“The whole family fell in love with Fiji, the people and the country. We all just loved it.”

It would be many more years of expanding the business in Australia before Captain Cook Cruises would eventually establish a presence in Fiji.

In 1990 a joint venture was formed between Qantas and Captain Cook Cruises to build and operate an accommodated cruise vessel on the Great Barrier Reef. Construction of the ‘Reef Endeavour’ (above in Fiji) took place at the Suva dockyard in Fiji and took 18 months before starting operations in Queensland.

It was during this time Jackie’s father met the man who would become his partner in the Fiji arm of the business, Semi Koroilavesau.

“Dad ended up moving what is now the Reef Endeavour from Cairns to Fiji and partnered with Semi’s family to start Captain Cook Cruises Fiji. That partnership continues today.”

Jackie is now the managing director of Captain Cook Cruises Fiji and leads a team of dedicated, long serving Fijian and expat staff.

“We have a terrific general manager in Fiji and a couple of ex Captain Cook Cruises Australia staff in Fiji too. Together with our fabulous local staff – some of which have been with us for over 15 years – they are responsible for the success of the business.”

Jackie, while still based in Sydney, visits Fiji regularly and tries to go on at least one Captain Cook Cruises trip a year. She can’t pick a favourite island in Fiji but says the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands visited by her ships are simply stunning.

The company has won a string of awards in Fiji for its day, sunset, three day to 11 day cruises and she puts it down to ensuring each and every guest has a memorable experience.

“It’s so easy with our Fijian crew – they make the business and genuinely want to ensure each of our guests has the absolute best time possible.

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Captain Cook Cruises promises high end itineraries aboard MS Caledonian Sky

Captain cook cruises fiji has purchased  ms caledonian sky. and she is promising brand new high-end expedition cruising. the purchase represents an elevation of expedition cruising in fiji..

MS Caledonian Sky offers a level of luxury and facilities not yet seen in the region.

The boutique, expedition ship MS Caledonian Sky which is known to sail the Kimberley, was sold by APT’s parent company Australian Pacific Holdings.

The ship is set to start sailing Fiji on November 11, 2023, sailing out from Nadi. A three-night sailing begins from $3297 and a seven-night sailing begins from $7693.

Allison Hamworth West, Executive Chairman of Capitan Cook Cruises Fiji says the acquisition is a mark the cruise line’s ambition to achieve a new level of luxury in Fiji.

“MS Caledonian Sky will provide a new era in luxury expedition cruising never seen before in Fiji. So her arrival will provide an opportunity to explore many previously inaccessible parts of Fiji in elegant comfort.

“Opening up new island locations never visited by tourists. And doing it in a sensitive and sustainable way as passengers are guided by our team of Marine Biologists and Cultural Experts.”

What’s new?

They will not be keeping the ship’s current crew in its entirety. However, you can expect an improved cruise-to-passenger ratio as well as more specialised expedition staff.

“Although MV Reef Endeavour (63 rooms) and MS Caledonian Sky ( 57 suites) have a similar passenger capacity. The Caledonian Sky has more crew and a larger crew-to-passenger ratio. So return guests will be able to come back and cruise with the Captain   Cook Fiji family they know and love as well as meet some new faces.

“A bigger galley team, an expedition team of multiple Marine Biologists and Cultural Experts. And, the line will have more hotel crew.”

The luxury MS Caledonian Sky can accommodate 114 passengers across 57 ocean-view cabins. Suites have private balconies, and the ship has alfresco dining and a large sky deck. The small size of the ship enables it to visit more remote islands across the Pacific that aren’t possible for larger ships.

She will replace MV Reef Endeavour , creating a more high-end version of current itineraries. New seven-night Northern Lau and Southern Lau sailings begin in April 2024. And there are 14-night voyages from Lau to Tonga and Samoa.

The ship has 10 zodiacs for expedition activities and there will be a team of marine biologists and cultural experts on every sailing. And they will offer insight into the environments and destinations visited.

Ms Haworth West says: “The arrival of MS Caledonian Sky will see an expansion in our small ship expedition cruise programs. And this allows us to share more exquisite and remote locations with our guests, who’ll travel in elegant comfort.”

For more information, click here

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New era for Captain Cook Cruises Fiji

Ms caledonia sky officially welcomed to fijian cruise operator's fleet.

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Captain Cook Cruises Fiji officially welcomed luxury small ship MS Caledonian Sky on Friday morning heralding a new era of expedition cruising in Fiji and the South Pacific.

Allison Haworth West, Executive Chair and Captain Peter Martin of Captain Cook Cruises Fiji guests onboard including Brent Hill, CEO Tourism Fiji Chief Executive and Adi Varanisese Ligalevu Tavaiqia, representing the Vanua of Vuda, named as MS Caledonian Sky ’s Godmother alongside the ship, docked in

The ceremony included a blessing by Reverend Saimoni Rokini and the time-honoured Fijian tradition – the Sevusevu (where 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.

MS Caledonian Sky was then formally named as the ship’s Godmother and wished the ship safe and happy voyages ahead.

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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 Singh.

MS Caledonian Sky ’s arrival elevates the cruising experience in Fiji and offers refined onboard accommodation and hospitality. The luxury expedition ship is tailor-made for the adventurous traveller, offering spacious boutique comfort whilst also being small and maneuverable, taking guests to corners of the Pacific not accessible by larger ships. With a capacity of just 114 passengers across 57 spacious ocean-view suites, guests can enjoy the luxury of their own private balconies, elegant suites, alfresco dining, and an expansive sky deck.

Building on their pioneering success with small ship expedition experiences, in 2024 MS Caledonian Sky will complement existing itineraries with additional seven-night Northern Lau and Southern Lau itineraries plus 14-night voyages journeying through Lau to Tonga and to Samoa. All experiences are enhanced by a 10-strong onboard expedition team of marine biologists and cultural experts plus a fleet of 10 Zodiacs.

Haworth West said she was delighted to welcome MS Caledonian Sky to Fijian waters and to bring a new standard of premium small ship expedition cruising to the region.

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

Lead image, from left: Captain Peter Martin; Adi Varanisese Ligalevu Tavaiqia, Godmother of MS Caledonian Sky; Brent Hill, Tourism Fiji and Allison Haworth West, Executive Chair, Captain Cook Cruises Fiji.

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Why Fiji's new expedition ship is a game changer

By Brook Sabin for Stuff | 6 months ago

Fiji has its very first luxury expedition cruise ship.

Why is that a breakthrough? Well, most of us can barely name three or four Fijian islands without getting stuck.

But the country actually has around 333 in total, and Captain Cook Cruises will help you explore them.

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The MS Caledonian Sky is purpose-built for luxury expedition cruising. It was built in 1991, and most recently sailed in the Kimberley, Western Australia. Now based in Fiji, it replaces Captain Cook's old vessel Reef Endeavour, which was loved by passengers - but showing serious signs of age.

This new ship is full of rich wood panelling and pops of brass - a little like a luxury country hotel - and brings the golden age of ship travel into the 21st century.

The ship is just 90 metres long, with room for 114 guests across 57 suites. There are also around 70 crew - giving it one of the most generous passenger-to-crew ratios of any cruise line in the world.

The ship is all suites - meaning even the most economical rooms are very spacious.

As you'd expect with a luxury ship, all rooms have ensuites, heated towel rails, walk-in wardrobes, air conditioning (crucial in the tropics), dressing gowns, and slippers.

And no matter what room category you get, each has a view - be it from a balcony, window or large porthole.

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The meals onboard are easily some of the best you'll get in Fiji. Breakfast is served al fresco on the stern deck, with a wide selection of hot and cold options. Lunch is buffet style and changes daily.

Dinner, meanwhile, is held in the elegant restaurant down on level two, with a relaxed fine dining approach to meals. Expect things like fresh kokoda (pronounced ko-kon-da, a raw Fijian fish salad), pan-seared mahi mahi, New Zealand lamb, and an ever-changing selection of desserts. The culinary offering is impressive.

The e ntertainment

If you're not exploring exotic islands, there's always something to do onboard. It starts in the morning with ocean swims, then continues with lectures and games. In the evening, there is a daily recap of the day's activities (including photos), an overview of the next day and nightly performances - ranging from kava ceremonies to traditional dance shows.

Everything is voluntary - so if you'd rather sit out under the stars with a drink, you don't need to attend anything (aside from safety briefings).

The voyages

Captain Cook Cruises has significantly expanded its expeditions with the new ship, offering more trips to places like the remote Lau group of islands, which is home to some of the most untouched islands in the Pacific. It's also planning trips to Tonga and Samoa to coincide with the whale watching season.

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Captain Cook offers multiple itineraries around Fiji's remote islands. For the latest pricing and trips, see: captaincookcruisesfiji.com

Getting there: Fiji Airways offers direct flights from Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne to Nadi. See: fijiairways.com

Sustainability: Ocean and river cruising have an impact on the Earth's waterways. To reduce your impact, consider offsetting carbon emissions and booking with cruise lines that use cleaner fuels and adopt recycling practices.

The writer was supported by Captain Cook Cruises Fiji, Tourism Fiji and Fiji Airways.

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Friday 9 June 2023

Captain cook cruises fiji acquires ms caledonian sky.

MS Caledonian Sky will start exploring Fiji from November 11, 2023, and will sail from Nadi. MS Caledonian Sky will elevate the cruising experience currently available in Fiji and further develop Reef Endeavour’s pioneering itineraries as well as offering refined onboard accommodation and hospitality. In addition, the company has revealed a unique new product offering by expanding her itineraries even further into the most remote and beautiful parts of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. 

Rates on the MS Caledonian Sky start from $3,297* per person for her three-night itinerary, and from $7,693* per person for her seven-night cruises. For more information and rates please visit here.  

The MS Caledonian Sky is tailormade for the adventurous traveller. The ship offers spacious boutique comfort whilst also being small and maneuverable, taking guests to corners of the Pacific not accessible by larger ships. Captain Cook Cruises Fiji will continue to deliver an intimate cruising experience with a capacity of just 114 passengers across 57 spacious ocean view suites. Guests can enjoy the luxury of their own private balconies, elegant suites, alfresco dining, and an expansive sky deck. 

With a deep level of experience, Captain Cook are the experts in Fiji cruising. MV Reef Endeavour will continue her current itineraries including the popular three, four and seven-night Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands Cruises, the seven-night Remote North Cruise and the seven or eleven-night Lau and Kadavu Cruises until November this year, offering a ‘last chance’ for passengers to cruise with her before she departs Fiji. 

Building on their pioneering success with small ship expedition experiences, Captain Cook Cruises Fiji will see MS Caledonian Sky continue servicing the existing itineraries with her elevated onboard features until March 31, 2024. From April 1, 2024, these itineraries will be complemented by additional seven-night Northern Lau and Southern Lau itineraries plus 14-night voyages journeying through Lau to Tonga and to Samoa. All experiences will be enhanced by an expansion of the onboard expedition team of marine biologists and cultural experts plus a fleet of 10 Zodiacs.  

Captain Cook Cruises Fiji Executive Chairman Allison Haworth West said MS Caledonian Sky offered a new standard of premium small ship expedition cruising never seen before in Fiji. 

“The arrival of MS Caledonian Sky will see an expansion in our small ship expedition cruise programs and allow us to share more exquisite and remote locations with our guests, who’ll travel in elegant comfort,” Mrs Haworth West said. 

*Subject to availability, conditions apply

For further information and bookings, please contact Captain Cook Cruises Fiji on +61 9126 8160 or from within Australia: 1300 To Fiji (86 3454), email [email protected] or visit www.captaincookcruisesfiji.com

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Captain Cook Cruises Fiji Announces a New Era in Cruise Experiences

• Adrian Stacey
• on May 31, 2023

Captain Cook Cruises Fiji announces new era in cruise experiences with arrival of MS Caledonian Sky

Captain Cook Cruises is proud to announce the arrival of small ship luxury expedition cruising in Fiji. MS Caledonian Sky will replace MV Reef Endeavour, which had been cruising in Fiji since 2008, and will see the dawn of a new era of high-end cruise experiences never before seen in Fiji.

Her arrival will elevate the cruising experience currently available in Fiji and will further develop Reef Endeavour’s pioneering itineraries, with refined onboard accommodation and hospitality. In addition, the company has revealed a unique new product offering by expanding its operations to the most remote and beautiful parts of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.

“MS Caledonian Sky offers a new standard of cruising in Fiji” says Allison Haworth West, Captain Cook Cruises Fiji Executive Chairman. “Her arrival will see an expansion in our small ship expedition cruise programs and will allow us to share even more exquisite remote locations in elegant comfort.”

The MS Caledonian Sky is tailor made for the adventurous traveler. The ship offers spacious boutique comfort whilst also being small and maneuverable, taking guests to corners of the Pacific not accessible by larger ships. Captain Cook Cruises Fiji will continue to deliver an intimate cruising experience with a capacity of only 114 passengers across 57 spacious ocean view suites. Guests can enjoy the luxury of their own private balconies, elegant suites, alfresco dining and an expansive sky deck.

With a deep level of experience, Captain Cook are the experts in Fiji cruising. Building on their pioneering success with small ship expedition experiences exploring Fiji’s Remote North, Lau Islands, Yasawas and Mamanucas, the new itineraries will be complemented by additional 7 night Northern Lau and Southern Lau itineraries plus 14 night voyages through the Lau to Tonga and to Samoa. All experiences will be enhanced by an expansion of the onboard expedition team of marine biologists and cultural experts plus a fleet of 10 zodiacs. 

Another first for Captain Cook Cruises Fiji , is the introduction of Tivua Private Paradise; a deluxe half-day experience. Guests depart Denarau Marina on a highspeed transfer to the company’s own Tivua Private Island where they will experience this jewel of the Mamanucas. Welcomed with a complimentary glass of bubbles, guests will enjoy the beauty of Tivua’s enormous expanse of aqua-blue water, endless private white sandy beaches, 500 acres of coral, and gorgeous, lush gardens. Swimming, snorkeling, a marine biologist guide, glass bottom boats, coral planting sessions and nature walks are all included.

Photo Credit: Captain Cook Cruises Fiji, Tom Vierus

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Captain Cook Cruises Fiji: Off-the-beaten track ports' surprising past

It was once known as Hell, but these days it's one of Fiji's most relaxed, off-the-beaten-path holiday destinations. A cruise to Fiji's less-visited ports reveals some of the archipelago's most surprising spots.

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John Milesi settles into a chair above the MV Reef Endeavour ’s stern, puts his feet up, and looks across the remote Fijian town he now calls home.

“In Levuka, we have Levuka time, and that’s even slower than Fiji time,” the former West Australian says.

“This is one of the few places in the world where an afternoon nap is an accepted tourist activity. We find our guests slow down very quickly and sit on the veranda to have a nap while waiting for the sunset.”

John and his wife, Marilyn, own  Levuka Homestay , ­­a home-away-from-home B&B in Fiji’s former colonial capital on Ovalau, and visit the  Reef Endeavour  when it stops for passengers to explore the island.

The couple fell in love with Levuka when they discovered it on their first overseas trip in 1984. They bought the hillside block where Levuka Homestay now sits and moved to Ovalau to build a life in the South Pacific.

Established in the early 19th century, Levuka was Fiji’s capital until a lack of land halted growth and forced a move to Suva on neighbouring Viti Levu in the 1880s. That was about when the clock stopped, and now walking around town feels like being on the set of a colonial-era film.

John says the town was once nicknamed Hell of the Pacific. Ship captains sat outside the reef until the tide turned, then followed the trail of rum bottles floating out to sea to pick a safe path through the coral; drunks were shanghaied to work on whaling ships, and linen-clad colonials took their quinine in liquid form at the toffee-nosed Ovalau Club.

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It was home to Fiji’s first bank, hospital, post office, newspaper, electricity network, private club and library, while the Royal Hotel ­ is now the South Pacific’s oldest operating pub and the 19th-century church continues to welcome parishioners.

The  Reef Endeavour  visits Levuka on the second day of the Remote North Discovery Cruise –­­ an eight-day Captain Cook Cruises Fiji itinerary departing Nadi’s Port Denarau Marina ­– and in the morning, passengers join local historian-cum-storyteller Nox for a walking tour of the settlement before snorkelling on the reef in the afternoon.

There are no five-star resorts or fine-dining restaurants in Levuka, not a swimming pool or souvenir shop in sight, but that’s the beauty of this voyage to off-the-beaten-track locations on the north side of Viti Levu and far side of Bligh Water.

The journey starts with a visit to Tivua Island and my late-afternoon swim becomes a wildlife encounter, floating with the baby reef sharks that live in the shallows. Two days later I meet baby turtles on Makogai Island.

The  Reef Endeavour  spends a day anchored off Makogai so passengers, a collection of Australians and Canadians, can wander land that was once a leper colony before becoming home to a conservation project.

Our guide, Phillip, who was born on the island, shows us around the hospital’s remaining buildings and mountainside graveyard before providing a tour of the conservation station, where researchers study rare giant clams that live below the surface just off the beach.

“The fisheries division moved in not long after the leper hospital closed, to bring back the giant clams that were disappearing from the reef,” he says.

“And now six families live on this side of the island, with another 14 families on the other side, with that community working as farmers.”

The leper colony opened in 1911 and closed in 1969, and people from around the Pacific were brought there, Phillip says.

Passengers leave the ship several times a day to embark on shore excursions, explore the reefs by glass-bottom boat, spend hours swimming and snorkelling, and walk through the rainforest to visit waterfalls and reach hilltop lookouts.

We stand with one leg on each side of the International Date Line to be simultaneously in yesterday and today, join a traditional earth-oven feast, sit with the crew during kava ceremonies, and nose around the wreck of a ship that went to the bottom during a cyclone.

There’s a day in Savusavu to visit the pearl farm before browsing a village market packed with local produce and attending the Sunday service on Taveuni Island – known as Fiji’s Garden Island – to appreciate the congregation’s spirited singing.

But my favourite moment comes early on our last full day at sea, when a gaggle of crew leaves the ship during breakfast to work on a conservation project in the bush behind a remote beach in Viti Levu’s sleepy north.

I surface from my cabin just in time to be invited to join them for the tender ride ashore and spend the silent hours after sunrise savouring my own private beach.

I walk the full length of the sand in the shadows of tilting palms with only my footprints marking the surface, float in the warm water with my face tilted towards the sun and tropical fish nipping at my feet, and sit submerged in the shallows assigning every detail of the glorious morning and magical location to memory.

The writer was a guest of Captain Cook Cruises Fiji.

ESCAPE ROUTE

Captain Cook Cruises Fiji offers voyages of three, four, seven and 11 nights. The week-long Remote North Discovery expedition aboard MV  Reef Endeavour  departs April 23, August 20 and December 20, 2022; February 18, April 22 and December 23, 2023. Priced from $2641 a person twin share for a porthole cabin.

Captain Cook Cruises Fiji is accredited with the Care Fiji Commitment , which provides a training framework, endorsed by the World Health Organization, to combat the spread of Covid. All passengers must be vaccinated and all passengers and crew are tested before boarding each cruise.  Reef Endeavour  sails with a registered nurse who is able to witness the mandatory RAT on return to Australia.

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Caledonian Sky

Former names: hebridean spirit, renaissance vi (renaissance cruises).

Cruise line TravelMarvel-APT River Cruises (AmaWaterways)

Caledonian Sky current position

Caledonian Sky current location is at South Pacific Ocean (coordinates -21.13003 S / -175.19670 W) cruising en route to NUKU'ALOFA. The AIS position was reported 42 minutes ago.

Specifications of Caledonian Sky

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The 1991-built MS Caledonian Sky cruise ship was constructed by Nuovi Cantieri Apuania SpA (in Marina di Carrara Italy ) and launched under the name "Renaissance VI" for shipowner Renaissance Cruises (1989-founded/2001- defunct ).

The vessel's current shipowner is APT (Australian Pacific Touring) and before 2023 it was chartered to Noble Caledonia. Since 2025, the ship will be chartered by APT's subsidiary Travelmarvel.

APT acquired the boat (named "Hebridean Spirit") in May 2012 after a planned drydock refurbishment . In May 2023 APT announced that Caledonian Sky will be chartered by Captain Cook Cruises Fiji (to replace Reef Endeavour ) starting in November (2023). In August 2023 was announced that the ship was sold by Australian Pacific Holdings (APT's parent company) to Captain Cook Cruises Fiji, starting revenue operations on November 11th (maiden voyage out of Nadi/Viti Levu Island Fiji ).

Before the Captain Cook charter (starting November 8th, 2023), the ship was renovated at Port Lautoka (Fiji) . The project was mainly for routine maintenance and classification works but also included the installation of Resco PMS / POS  systems. The technology is provided by Rescompany Systems Ltd (Caringbah NSW Australia-based firm). It allows real-time management/control over all shipboard passenger operations (including cruise reservations, guest lists, cabin inventory, land tours and itineraries). It generates various reports (including payments, auditing, and balance of revenue/Net Revenue minus Management Fee).

In late-June 2024, Captain Cook Cruises Fiji announced the cessation of operations with Caledonian Sky. The ship's final voyage with the company (7-night/8-day "Ultimate Lau & Kadavu" itinerary) was scheduled to depart from Port Denarau on October 26th (2024) and end on November 2nd (in Lautoka). The itinerary visits Makogai Island, Qilaqila/Vanua Balavu Island, Fulaga Island, Vuaqava Island, Totoya Island and Nalotu/Kadavu Island before Lautoka.

In mid-July 2024 was announced that the ship was chartered to Travelmarvel. The inaugural season (April-October 2025) is based on deployment in Europe/Mediterranean and 8- to 15-night itineraries visiting the Eastern Mediterranean/Aegean (Greek Islands), the Central Med/Adriatic, Spain's Canary Islands and Portugal's Madeira Island. Travelmarvel Caledonian Sky's homeports are in Greece, Turkey Italy, and Spain.

The vessel (IMO number 8802870) is currently Bahamas- flagged (MMSI 311061100) and registered in Nassau .

From the same shipbuilder/sisterships are Sea Spirit (Renaissance V), Hebridean Sky (Renaissance VII), Island Sky (Renaissance VIII).

History - construction and ownership

The 114-passenger ship Caledonian Sky was under construction at the same time and in the same Italian yard as Noble Caledonia other ship - Island Sky .

In June 2012, APT (Australian Pacific Touring) bought a 51% stake in Noble Caledonia, and thus became a shipowner. To its passengers, the vessel offers wine at lunch and dinner, a professional guest speaker program, and in-depth shore excursions included in cruise ticket prices.

Starting in 2000 (when the vessel was bought by Hebridean Island Cruises), Caledonian Sky sailed under the name "Hebridean Spirit". In 2009, the company sold it to a Middle Eastern buyer who wanted to transform the ship into a private superyacht. A few years later, the vessel came back on the market and was again bought by Noble Caledonia and used as a cruise ship.

In 1996, the Australian-based travel company Captain Cook Cruises entered Fiji's day-cruising market. This way, the "Captain Cook Cruises Fiji" company was created, with joint owners Captain Cook Cruises' founder (late Captain Trevor Haworth from Australia) and Semi Koroilavesau (Fiji Ports Ltd company's chairman). The first vessel to provide overnight accommodations on Fiji roundtrip cruises (out of Nadi's Port Denarau Marina ) was Reef Escape. With the introduction of the larger Reef Endeavour, the company started offering longer and more complex/intriguing itineraries.

In 2012, the Haworth family sold the Australian cruise operations but retained the Fiji operations.

Decks and Cabins

The boat has 6 decks , of which 5 are passenger-accessible and with cabins. There are a total of 57 staterooms (providing max capacity 114 passengers), with the smallest cabins sized 20 m2 (215 ft2). All cabins are outside (oceanviews) and with en suite bathrooms. A total of 23 accommodations (in categories Deluxe and Suites) have private step-out balconies.

Most Caledonian Sky cabins are with double occupancy, but there are also lower deck accommodations with triple occupancy (family cabins with a sofabed). Standard cabin amenities include en suite bathroom (WC-toilet, shower, washbasin, hairdryer), sitting area (mirrored dressing table/writing desk with chair, TV, DVD/CD player), spacious wardrobe, mini-bar, individually controlled air-conditioning.

Shipboard facilities and amenities (dining and entertainment options)

With a maximum of just over 100 guests and only one sitting, the cuisine onboard Caledonian Sky is of consistently superior quality. Where possible, the chefs obtain local produce or buy the catch of the day from passing fishing boats. Pre-dinner canapes and afternoon tea take place every day in either the Panorama Lounge or out on the Lido Deck.

When dining, guests are able to choose their seating arrangements, whether that be joining a table of 4 to 6 other passengers outside on the Lido Deck or whether enjoying meals in the a la carte restaurant. Those traveling alone are seated with other like-minded travelers. In the main dining room, breakfast is buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order. Lunch and dinner are a la carte 5-course affair. A selection of wines is included with both meals to further enhance the dining experience.

Refurbished in 2012, the beautifully designed public spaces of Caledonian Sky include the large Panorama Lounge (with a piano and a stylish bar), sun deck, enclosed panoramic viewing deck, library, and small gym.

The ship carries a fleet of Zodiacs (motorized rubber boats) available for accessing remote shores and islands and equipped to offer scuba diving.

Itineraries

Caledonian Sky itinerary program for Captain Cook Cruises Fiji is based on homeporting in Port Denarau/Nadi (Viti Levu) and voyages in the Yasawa Islands, Mamanuca Islands and Lau Islands groups. New itineraries of the Captain Cook brand (introduced in 2023-2024 with the newly acquired Caledonian Sky) visit destinations in Tonga and Samoa.

The list of visited islands includes Levuka, Makogai, Nananu-i-Ra, Vanua Levu (Savusavu, Labasa), Kia, Kioa, Rabi, Lavena, Taveuni, Wailagilala, Vanua Balavu, Lakemba, Oneata, Vuaqava, Fulaga, Kabara, Totya, Kadavu. Short breaks (Fiji Day Cruises) visit the company's private island Tivua .

Captain Cook Cruises' Caledonian Sky itineraries in Fiji range from 3-night to 11-night.

Before the 2023 acquisition by Captain Cook Cruises Fiji, the ship operated in the South Pacific with roundtrips from Papeete Tahiti (French Polynesia) and also offered Australian voyages out of homeport Fremantle-Perth .

Photos of Caledonian Sky

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Captain Cook to Withdraw Caledonian Sky from Service

• July 12, 2024

Captain Cook Cruises Fiji is reportedly realigning its business strategy and leaving the traditional cruise market.

Currently operating for the company under a charter agreement, the Caledonian Sky will be withdrawn in November 2024, according to a report on Luxury Australian Travel Trade E-News (Latte).

Acquired by the company in late 2023, the 114-guest upscale vessel offers luxury expeditions to remote islands in Fiji.

Speaking to Latte, Executive Chair, Allison Haworth West, stated that the move was part of a “strategic step” for the company, which will now focus on its core business of island day cruising and dinner voyages.

“The Caledonian Sky has been a runaway success. The ship, the destination and the crew have received outstanding feedback from guests for the rich, cultural experience that Captain Cook Cruises Fiji provides,” she told the website.

The 1991-built vessel “struck a chord with the expedition market,” she added, and helped the company build up its passenger capacity and grow the company.

The project was supported by the Fijian Government, she noted, and succeeded in its vision to bring passengers to the outer islands.

According to Haworth West, the vessel is scheduled to depart on a farewell voyage on October 26, 2024.

Passengers booked on sailings after that date are being contacted by Captain Cook to discuss alternative arrangements, including moving their bookings to an earlier departure.

The Caledonian Sky is expected to return to its owners, the Australia-based tour operator APT, after completing the final cruise for Captain Cook in early November.

Originally built for Renaissance Cruises, the vessel was operated by various cruise lines in the past, including Noble Caledonia and Star Cruises.

Before acquiring the Caledonian Sky in November 2023, Captain Cook also withdrew the Reef Endeavour. Previously the only ship in its fleet, the 168-guest coastal vessel had been in service for the company since 1996.

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Privacy Overview

M.V. REEF ENDEAVOUR

November 2023 will see the dawn of a new era in high end Fiji cruise experiences never before seen in Fiji with the arrival of luxury expedition small ship MS Caledonian Sky.  We wish Reef Endeavour well as she sails off on her next adventure after many wonderful years in Fiji.

MV REEF ENDEAVOUR

Our small ship was originally designed to cater for 168 passengers however with subsequent refurbishment, including the creation of suites and family rooms, the number of passengers on board at any one time is now significantly reduced allowing for even more public area and deck space to be enjoyed. MV Reef Endeavour offers passengers 4 levels of accommodation with 63 suites, Ocean Staterooms and Porthole cabins. Each cabin is approximately 14 sq metres and features:

Private ensuite bathroom

Air conditioning

Hair dryer and international shaver point

Pure Fiji Shampoo, soaps and towels

Serviced daily.

We bid a fond farewell to a true Fijian icon and celebrated a remarkable achievement in our nation's maritime history. The Captain Cook Cruises Fiji family came together at Port Denarau in Nadi to mark the departure of the beloved MV Reef Endeavour, a ship that holds a special place in our hearts. ‍ The event was graced by the presence of Captain Cook Cruises Fiji Chairwoman, Allison Haworth-West, and Commander Semi Koroilavesau, who have been instrumental in our journey. It was also an opportunity to express our gratitude to the dedicated crew of the Reef Endeavour and the incredible staff of Captain Cook Cruises Fiji, without whom this journey wouldn't have been possible. MV Reef Endeavour's story is unique. Its construction took place in the Government Shipyard in Walu Bay, Suva, where it was meticulously crafted by the skilled hands of Fijians on Fijian soil. The ship stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and talent of our nation, utilizing many materials sourced right here in Fiji. In every sense, it is a symbol of our capabilities, showcasing the finest and largest ship ever to be built in Fiji. This achievement is not only monumental but also a testament to the prowess of a small nation with big dreams. While we bid adieu to the MV Reef Endeavour, we simultaneously welcome a new era for tourism and cruising in Fiji. The MS Caledonian Sky has set sail, promising new adventures, unforgettable experiences, and endless horizons for our visitors. As we usher in this new chapter, we are excited about the endless possibilities and the beautiful journey that lies ahead. ‍ Fiji has always been known for its warm hospitality, pristine waters, and breathtaking landscapes. With the arrival of MS Caledonian Sky, we aim to elevate the cruise experience to new heights, ensuring that the world continues to fall in love with our beautiful paradise. As we bid farewell to the MV Reef Endeavour and embrace the MS Caledonian Sky, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who have been part of this incredible journey. Your support and dedication are the wind in our sails, propelling us toward a future of boundless opportunities and unforgettable memories. ‍ Here's to new horizons, endless voyages, and the promise of Fiji's tourism industry shining brighter than ever before!

CRUISE ITINERARY

Day 1 - saturday.

NUKU-I-MANA Welcome Aboard!  Set sail over lunch through the beautiful Mamanuca islands past many famous resorts collecting some additional passengers, before arriving for a snorkel from a sand cay and discover the vista of a South Pacific sunset.  Tonight book your preferred time early for our a-la-carte Dinner.

Day 2 - Sunday

MONURIKI – MONU BAY Reef Endeavour cruises to idyllic Monoriki where Tom Hanks’ Castaway was filmed. Explore this natural film set on a guided kayak tour and explore idyllic Monu Island for snorkelling before a special village choral service.  The beautiful harmonies of the village choir will simply delight you.  This evening join the entertainment of our Sunday Show.

Day 3 - Monday

SACRED ISLANDS - WAYA ISLANDS The Sacred Island is a place beautiful beyond belief.  Legends tell of the great war canoe `Rogoboka' which landed here with the first Fijians.  On arrival the ship's crew pay tribute to the forefathers of Fijian culture and perform the Sevusevu (gift giving) ceremony.  Spend a magical morning swimming in the aquamarine lagoons, snorkelling in spectacular coral gardens, beach combing or coral viewing from the glass bottom boat. Over lunch cruise to the Southern Yasawa islands.  Enclosed by towering volcanic peaks and palm fringed beaches, Waya Island is a tropical paradise.  Visit a local school this afternoon and a village and shell market. The fit will also have a chance to climb to the peak of Waya for amazing views.  Don your favourite island attire for Pacific Island night tonight!

Day 4 - Tuesday

WAYA ISLANDS - DENARAU MARINA After Breakfast, Reef Endeavour sets sail and returns to Denarau Marina at 07:30am for a 9:00am disembarkation.

YOUR SMALL EXPEDITION CRUISE SHIP

Registration: Fiji Islands

Tonnage: 3,125 tonnes

Length: 73 metres

Beam: 14 metres

Draft: 3.6 metres

Speed: 13.5 knots

Accommodation

Tabua Suites

Comprising of a bedroom with separate lounge, chair, desk, LCD screen TV & DVD player, refrigerator, tea & coffee facilities and second bathroom. Located on the Upper Deck (A). Configuration: twin/double beds.

Connecting Family Staterooms

Located on the upper and main decks, we offer 6 staterooms which can be connected an adjoining door for family accommodation. These Staterooms open onto the outside deck and have picture windows.

Ocean Staterooms

Located on the upper and main decks (B & C), each room opens to the outside walkway and have picture windows. Configuration: twin/double beds.

Porthole Cabins

Located on the lower deck (D), cabins open to an inside passageway and have portholes. Configuration: twin/double/bunk triple/bunk quad.

REEF ENDEAVOUR FEATURES

Food & Beverage

24hr Tea & Coffee Facilities

Single Sitting Dining Saloon

Two Lounges

Library & Videos

Additionals

Swimming Pool & Sun Deck

Guest Laundry

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