Former Fiji favourites to sail no more

#expeditioncruising .

Just back from an exploration of the Fiji Islands with Captain Cook Cruises and I was sad to learn that three of my favourite vessels from the islands will (most likely) never sail again - at least in a commercial capacity.

Former Mystique Princess of Blue Lagoon Cruises in happier days (RE)

Blue Lagoon Cruises have all but given up on poor Mystique Princess (IMO 9131395). She languishes sadly in the harbour at Lautoka, apparently stripped of all her fittings and waiting for ... who knows what.

The cute all-wooden Tui Tai (RE)

Recent cyclones, especially the devastating Winston took its toll on maritime operations in Fiji and one casualty was the delightful schooner, Tui Tai (IMO 7910644). I hear she's still afloat, but too badly damaged to resume commercial operations.

MV Reef Escape as I saw her in 2008 (RE)

Captain Cook Cruises' Reef Escape (IMO 8512475) was sold to the 'colourful' resort owner, Albert Bertini, for use at his on-again, off-again project, Vautele Island. Last I heard it was beached there after a storm blew it on shore.

Tui Tai Price of a Lifetime Special

Tui Tai Expeditions is happy to present a massive discount for upcoming trips. The prices below are over 40% off normal rates. Give your clients an amazing gift at a super-special discount.

Did you know that, with these specials, Tui Tai is the lowest price cruise option in Fiji?

Retail Rate Comparison: Tui Tai versus Fiji Cruises

Per person, per day price

Blue Lagoon Cruises, USD $335

Captain Cook Cruises, USD $320

Tui Tai, USD $214

Did you also know that, with these specials, Tui Tai is the lowest price scuba dive liveaboard in Fiji?

Retail Rate Comparison: Tui Tai versus Fiji Liveaboards

Per person, per day price, including 7-days scuba diving

Siren, USD $520

Naia, USD $491

Fiji Aggressor, USD $450

Tui Tai, USD $340

Special Price of a Lifetime, Terms and Conditions

New Bookings Only.

Travel from 1-July-13 to 15-December-13.

Cannot be combined with other specials.

Discounts apply only to Expedition Cabin accommodations

All prices are per person and do not include Fiji Government Tax (20%)

7-night Fiji Adventure Special

Normal Price: USD $2495

Special: USD $1495

You Save: USD $1000 (40%)

Includes

7-nights Tui Tai Expedition Cruise, Expedition Cabin accommodation

All meals, snacks, coffee/tea/water/juice

All activities

Ground transfers to/from ship

World class service from the Tui Tai Crew

Does Not Include

Scuba diving, bar, spa

Inter-island flights

5-night Fiji Adventure Special

Normal Price: USD $1995

Special: USD $1295

You Save: USD $700 (35%)

Includes

5-nights Tui Tai Expedition Cruise, Expedition Cabin accommodation

All meals, snacks, coffee/tea/water/juice

All activities

Ground transfers to/from ship

World class service from the Tui Tai Crew

Does Not Include

Scuba diving, bar, spa

Inter-island flights

For bookings, enquiries, questions, please contact

Tige Young

tige@tuitai.com

+679.885.3032

Skype: tui.tai.tige

Tui Tai Awarded TripAdvisor 2013 Certificate of Excellence

For the 3rd year in a row, Tui Tai Expeditions has been awarded TripAdivsor's Certificate of Excellence.

The accolade, which honors hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Only the top-performing 10 percent of businesses listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award.

To qualify for a Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travellers on TripAdvisor, and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

"We're extremely pleased to receive a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence," said Managing Director Tige Young. "We strive to offer our customers a memorable experience, and this accolade is evidence that our hard work is translating into positive reviews on TripAdvisor."

"The award really goes to our staff. They are the ones providing the service, providing personlized service to each and every guest who comes on Tui Tai. Big Vinaka vakalevu to the Tui Tai staff for maintaining a world class experience."

Tui Tai Aussies School Holidays Special, Half-Price for Kids

Tui Tai Expeditions is happy to present a massive discount to Australian families over the upcoming 2013 school holidays. The deal includes 50% off for kids (under 18) travelling with their parents, on Tui Tai trips during Australian school holidays.

Deal: 50% off for kids during 2013 school holidays

Valid for the following trip dates:
June 24-July 1
July 1-8
July 8-15
July 15-22
Sept 23-30
Sept 30-Oct 7
Oct 7-14

Tui Tai: the family adventure trip of a lifetime
Tui Tai's expeditions are an amazing experience for a family. Activities that are fun for all ages, including scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, hiking, fishing and more

Family Expeditions, age guidelines
For the trips listed above: all ages are welcome aboard. Per company policy, for kids under age 14, parents are required to provide assurance that kids are well behaved and reasonably mature. Tui Tai is an active trip experience, and all passengers are expected to be mature and respectful of staff and fellow passengers.

Family of 4 Aussie School Holidays Package
Booking Code: TTAU7EC
7-night Tui Tai Expedition Cruise
2x Expedition Cabins
Includes: all meals, snacks, coffee/tea/water/juice, all activities, ground transfers to/from ship
Does not include: bar, spa, scuba diving, airfare
Rack: AUD $7485 plus tax
Nett: AUD $5988 plus tax

Family of 4 Aussie School Holidays Package
Booking Code: TTAU5EC
5-night Tui Tai Expedition Cruise
2x Expedition Cabins
Includes: all meals, snacks, coffee/tea/water/juice, all activities, ground transfers to/from ship
Does not include: bar, spa, scuba diving, airfare
Rack: AUD $5985 plus tax
Nett: AUD $4788 plus tax

For bookings, enquiries, questions, please contact

Tui Tai Expeditions
"Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth" -- National Geographic
"World Class Escape" -- National Geographic
"Trip of a Lifetime" -- Outside
www.TuiTai.com

Follow Tui Tai Expeditions online:
* Follow Tui Tai Expeditions on Facebook
* Follow Tui Tai Expeditions on YouTube

Phone: +679.885.3032
Mobile: +679.999.6369
Email: tige@tuitai.com
Skype: tui.tai.tige

Small Ship Cruising in Fiji

Head off to the outer islands of Fiji with Blue Lagoon Cruises and Tui Tai.
As published in Summer 2013 issue of Get Up & Go

Tui Tai Expeditions Free Airfare and Save up to 47%

Tui Tai Expeditions is happy to offer you a new set of Book Now specials. These are the best specials we have ever offered, with low rates and a bonus of FREE Inter Island airfare!

In addition to the special rates and free airfare value add, we are offering bonus commissions to our best performing wholesalers!

We have the following COOL Specials, up to 47% off, for bookings confirmed by 30-June 2012. See all specials.


Hot Specials, Book Now
Booking Window: Now to 30-June-2012
Travel Window: Now to 15-January-2013
Exclusions: none
Conditions: Applies to new bookings only. Booking must be confirmed by 30-June-2012. Specials listed may not be used in conjunction with other specials or value adds. Free inter-island airfare value-add is subject to availability, schedule and fares from the airlines. We will make every effort to honor this value add, or provide a "Own Airfare" discount if free airfare is not available.

Own Airfare discount
If you have already booked inter-island airfare, you can just take an additional discount off your nett rate. Here are the discounts:
7-night cruise discount: Nett USD $275 per person
5-night cruise discount: Nett USD $300 per person
Below you'll find the best specials we have ever published, categorized by what's most popular and booked by you: adventure, scuba diver, honeymoons, families.

Cool Adventure Special
Normal Price: USD $3415
Cool Special Price: USD $2295
You save: USD $1120 (33%)
Details
• 7-night Tui Tai Expedition Cruise
• Includes: FREE Inter-Island airfare
• Includes: meals, activities
• Does not include: scuba diving, bar, spa treatments
• Expedition Cabin accommodation
• Price is per person and does not include Fiji Government Tax (20%)

Cool Adventure Special, 5-nights
Normal Price: USD $3013
Cool Special Price: USD $1995
You save: USD $1018 (34%)

Details
• 5-night Tui Tai Expedition Cruise
• Includes: FREE Inter-Island airfare
• Includes: meals, activities
• Does not include: scuba diving, bar, spa treatments
• Expedition Cabin accommodation
• Price is per person and does not include Fiji Government Tax (20%)

These are just some. Contact Tui Tai for all specials.

Follow Tui Tai Expeditions online:
* Follow Tui Tai Expeditions on Facebook
* Follow Tui Tai Expeditions on YouTube
* Tui Tai Blog
* Tui Tai Photos on Flickr

Phone: +679.885.3032
Mobile: +679.999.6369
Email: tige@tuitai.com

Cruise International: Paradise Bound

Open publication

Tui Tai Cruises Fiji New Year Offers

Tui Tai Expeditions is happy to offer some super special pricing to book now!
We have the following HOT Specials, up to 40% off, for bookings confirmed by 29-February 2012.

Hot Specials, Book Now
Booking Window: Now to 29-February-2012
Travel Window: Now to 31-March-2013
Exclusions: none
Conditions: Applies to new bookings only. Booking must be confirmed by 29-February-2012. Specials listed may not be used in conjunction with other specials or value adds.

Below you'll find the best specials we have ever published, categorized by what's most popular and booked by you: adventure, scuba diver, honeymoons, families.

Hot Adventure Special
Normal Price: USD $2995
Hot Special Price: USD $2295
You save: USD $700 (23%)

Details
• 7-night Tui Tai Expedition Cruise
• Includes: meals, activities
• Does not include: scuba diving, bar, spa treatments
• Expedition Cabin accommodation
• Price is per person and does not include Fiji Government Tax (20%)

Hot Scuba Diver Special
Normal Price: USD $3765
Hot Special Price: USD $2895
You save: USD $995 (26%)

Details
• 7-night Tui Tai Expedition Cruise
• Includes unlimited scuba diving (up to 18 dives), dive gear hire
• Includes: meals, activities
• Does not include: bar, spa treatments
• Expedition Cabin accommodation
• Price is per person and does not include Fiji Government Tax (20%)

Hot InStyle Special
Normal Price: USD $3495
Hot Special Price: USD $2895
You save: USD $600 (17%)

Details
• 7-night Tui Tai Expedition Cruise
• Includes: meals, activities
• Does not include: scuba diving, bar, spa treatments
• Stateroom accommodation
• Price is per person and does not include Fiji Government Tax (20%)

Hot Scuba Diver InStyle Special
Normal Price: USD $4390
Bula Special Price: USD $3534
You save: USD $856 (19%)

Details
• 7-night Tui Tai Expedition Cruise
• Includes unlimited scuba diving (up to 18 dives), dive gear hire
• Includes: meals, activities
• Does not include: bar, spa treatments
• Stateroom accommodation
• Price is per person and does not include Fiji Government Tax (20%)

Hot Honeymoon Special
Normal Price: USD $3445
Hot Special Price: USD $2795
You save: USD $650 (19%)

Details
• 5-night Tui Tai Expedition Cruise
• Includes: meals, activities
• Does not include: scuba diving, bar, spa treatments
• Grand Stateroom accommodation
• Private dinner served on a secluded beach, optional serenade
• Price is per person and does not include Fiji Government Tax (20%)

Hot Luxury InStyle Special
Normal Price: USD $5627
Hot Special Price: USD $4395
You save: USD $1232 (22%)

Details
• 7-night Tui Tai Expedition Cruise
• Includes: meals, activities
• Does not include: scuba diving, bar, spa treatments
• Oversea Veranda Stateroom accommodation
• Price is per person and does not include Fiji Government Tax (20%)

Hot Luxury Honeymoon Special
Normal Price: USD $5547
Hot Special Price: USD $4195
You save: USD $1352 (24%)

Details
• 5-night Tui Tai Expedition Cruise
• Includes: meals, activities
• Does not include: scuba diving, bar, spa treatments
• Oversea Veranda Suite accommodation
• Private dinner served on a secluded beach, optional serenade
• Price is per person and does not include Fiji Government Tax (20%)

Hot Family of 3 InStyle Special
Normal Price: USD $4019
Bula Special Price: USD $2495
You save: USD $1524 (38%)

Details
• 7-night Tui Tai Expedition Cruise
• Includes: meals, activities
• Does not include: scuba diving, bar, spa treatments
• Grand Stateroom accommodation
• Price is per person and does not include Fiji Government Tax (20%)

Hot Family of 3 Special
Normal Price: USD $2995
Bula Special Price: USD $1995
You save: USD $1000 (33%)

Details
• 7-night Tui Tai Expedition Cruise
• Includes: meals, activities
• Does not include: scuba diving, bar, spa treatments
• Expedition Cabin accommodation (1 cabin)
• Price is per person and does not include Fiji Government Tax (20%)

Hot Family of 4 Special
Normal Price: USD $2995
Hot Special Price: USD $1995
You save: USD $1000 (33%)

Details
• 7-night Tui Tai Expedition Cruise
• Includes: meals, activities
• Does not include: scuba diving, bar, spa treatments
• Expedition Cabin accommodation (2 cabins)
• Price is per person and does not include Fiji Government Tax (20%)

Hot Family of 5 Special
Normal Price: USD $2995
Hot Special Price: USD $1795
You save: USD $1295 (43%)

Details
• 7-night Tui Tai Expedition Cruise
• Includes: meals, activities
• Does not include: scuba diving, bar, spa treatments
• Expedition Cabin accommodation (2 cabins)
• Price is per person and does not include Fiji Government Tax (20%)

Hot Family Luxury Suite Special
Normal Price: USD $27,191
Hot Special Price: USD $15,995
You save: USD $11,196 (41%)

Details
• 7-night Tui Tai Expedition Cruise
• Includes: meals, activities
• Does not include: scuba diving, bar, spa treatments
• Accommodation in the 2 best rooms on the ship: Oversea Veranda Stateroom and Oversea Veranda Suite. Door opens between private verandas to create a huge onboard villa complete with second-storey stardeck cabanas
• Price is total for the suite (2 rooms, up to 5 guests) and does not include Fiji Government Tax (20%)

Hot Private Charter Special
Normal Price: USD $8000
Bula Special Price: USD $5995
You save: USD $2005 (25%)

Details
• Tui Tai Full boat private charter
• Includes: meals, activities
• Does not include: scuba diving, bar, spa treatments
• Accommodation in all guest cabins and staterooms, including: 7x Expedition Cabins, 1 Stateroom, 1 Grand Stateroom, 1 Oversea Veranda Stateroom and 1 Oversea Veranda Suite.
• Price is per night of private charter. Minimum 5-nights charter and does not include Fiji Government Tax (20%)

www.TuiTai.com

Follow Tui Tai Expeditions online:
* Follow Tui Tai Expeditions on Facebook
* Follow Tui Tai Expeditions on YouTube
* Tui Tai Blog
* Tui Tai Photos on Flickr

Phone: +679.885.3032

Tui Tai Fiji: Small Ship Heaven

Off the map Fiji cruising on the luxury schooner, Tui Tai.
From Issue 46 of Cruise Passenger Magazine

Tui Tai Winner Announced

The winner of our Tui Tai competition has been decided. Narelle Preece will be taking a friend on a seven-night, all-inclusive Fiji cruise with Tui Tai Expeditions.

Congratulations Narelle!

More information on Tui Tai

Want to be a winner too?
Enter now

ABC Nightlife with Tony Delroy: Fiji Adventure Cruising

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Expeditioncruising.com editor, Rod Eime, talks with top-rating ABC presenter, Tony Delroy, about 're-discovering' the remote islands of Fiji by small cruise ship.

Travel & Living 44: Tui Tai Fiji Cruise Feature

Visit your local Harvey World Travel office for your copy of this superb magazine.



Please note: This is a pre-production copy and some editing marks still persist

WIN a 7-night Tui Tai cruise in Fiji for two people

What is it about Tui Tai Expeditions that keeps people coming back for more? Is it the way they combine adventure with luxury, their in-depth Fiji itineraries or that pretty much everything offered during the cruise is all rolled in to one great price?

You could be discovering what it is you love about Tui Tai by thinking up a clever slogan to promote the company. The winner will receive a seven-night, all-inclusive Fiji expedition for two people, staying in an Expedition Cabin, valued at up to $9,360!

Tui Tai Expeditions Save up to 40%

Tui Tai Expeditions is happy to offer some super special pricing to book now!
We have the following HOT Specials, up to 40% off, for bookings confirmed by 31-May 2011.

Hot Specials, Book Now
Booking Window: Now to 31-May-2011
Travel Window: Now to 31-March-2012
Exclusions: 15-Dec-11 to 10-Jan-12
Conditions: Applies to new bookings only.  Booking must be confirmed by 31-May-2011.  Specials listed may not be used in conjunction with other specials or value adds.  Free inter-island airfare does NOT apply to HOT specials.

Below you'll find the best specials we have ever published, categorized by what's most popular and booked by you: adventure, scuba diver, honeymoons, families.

Hot Adventure Special
Normal Price: USD $2990
Hot Special Price: USD $1995
You save: USD $995 (33%)

Details
•    7-night Tui Tai Expedition Cruise
•    All-inclusive: meals, bar, spa, activities (except scuba diving)
•    Expedition Cabin accommodation
•    Price is per person and does not include Fiji Government Tax (20%)

Hot Scuba Diver Special
Normal Price: USD $3900
Hot Special Price: USD $2495
You save: USD $1405 (36%)

Details
•    7-night Tui Tai Expedition Cruise
•    Includes unlimited scuba diving (up to 20 dives), dive gear hire
•    All-inclusive: meals, bar, spa, activities
•    Expedition Cabin accommodation
•    Price is per person and does not include Fiji Government Tax (20%)

Hot Honeymoon Special
Normal Price: USD $3672
Hot Special Price: USD $2655
You save: USD $1017 (28%)

Details
•    5-night Tui Tai Expedition Cruise
•    All-inclusive: meals, bar, spa, activities
•    Stateroom accommodation
•    Private dinner served on a secluded beach, optional serenade
•    Price is per person and does not include Fiji Government Tax (20%)

Hot Luxury Honeymoon Special
Normal Price: USD $5802
Hot Special Price: USD $3495
You save: USD $2307 (40%)

Details
•    5-night Tui Tai Expedition Cruise
•    All-inclusive: meals, bar, spa, activities
•    Oversea Veranda Suite accommodation
•    Private dinner served on a secluded beach, optional serenade
•    Price is per person and does not include Fiji Government Tax (20%)

Hot Family of 4 Special
Normal Price: USD $2990
Hot Special Price: USD $1895
You save: USD $1095 (37%)

Details
•    7-night Tui Tai Expedition Cruise
•    All-inclusive: meals, bar, spa, activities (except scuba diving)
•    Expedition Cabin accommodation (2 cabins)
•    Price is per person and does not include Fiji Government Tax (20%)

Hot Family of 5 Special
Normal Price: USD $2990
Hot Special Price: USD $1795
You save: USD $1195 (40%)

Details
•    7-night Tui Tai Expedition Cruise
•    All-inclusive: meals, bar, spa, activities (except scuba diving)
•    Expedition Cabin accommodation (2 cabins)
•    Price is per person and does not include Fiji Government Tax (20%)

Hot Family Luxury Suite Special
Normal Price: USD $29,302
Hot Special Price: USD $17,617
You save: USD $11,685 (40%)

Details
•    7-night Tui Tai Expedition Cruise
•    All-inclusive: meals, bar, spa, activities (except scuba diving)
•    Accommodation in the 2 best rooms on the ship: Oversea Veranda Stateroom and Oversea Veranda Suite.  Door opens between private verandas to create a huge onboard villa complete with second-storey stardeck cabanas
•    Price is per person and does not include Fiji Government Tax (20%)

"Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth" -- National Geographic
"World Class Escape" -- National Geographic
"Trip of a Lifetime" -- Outside
www.TuiTai.com

Follow Tui Tai Expeditions online:
* Follow Tui Tai Expeditions on Facebook
* Follow Tui Tai Expeditions on Twitter
* Tui Tai Blog
* Tui Tai Photos on Flickr

Win a 10-day Cruise aboard Tui Tai

Every year, Teva invites a few lucky adventurers like you to hang out with us in epic locations around the world.

In 2011, the Teva House is setting sail around the tropical paradise of Northern Fiji for 10 unforgettable days aboard Tui Tai.

We’ll be visiting remote beaches, snorkelling over incredible reefs, kayaking to local villages, hiking and rafting through wild rainforest gorges.

If this is your idea of a good time, enter now.

Begin Date: November 17, 2010 at 12:00pm
End Date: December 19, 2010 at 12:00am
How to Enter: Enter online at www.tevahouse.com.au, complete the entry form.
Entry Restrictions: Sweepstakes open to residents over 18 years of age in Australia ONLY. Void where prohibited by law.
Prize: A grand prize of a trip to Fiji April 1 – April 11, 2011 for winner and a guest.
Full Official Rules apply, please see the following link for details: Rules and Regulations

Bravery Award for crew of Fijian Adventure Yacht

When Hurricane Tomas struck Fiji in March, the little Tui Tai adventure yacht was sheltering in Viani Bay on Vanua Levu trying to ride out the 100 knot winds. Then Captain Angus Hill received a mayday call from a capsized yacht three miles away and despite the hazardous conditions, a tender with four crew was launched to attempt a rescue.

The Tui Tai men boarded the stricken vessel as it rolled along a reef and extracted the trapped crew, bringing them to safety. Last week Captain Hill accepted the 'Seafarer of the Year' trophy on behalf of the team for their extraordinary courage.

Read more on this rescue at Fiji Times OnLine

Cruise Weekly: Mix Me a Tui Tai, Darling?

Location: 16.9' S, 179.7' E, Taveuni Island, Fiji)

Vessel: Tui Tai (42m, 550 GRT)

Australians have reaffirmed their deep affection for Fiji with record numbers travelling to the islands despite outcry from some quarters about the controversial political situation. This tourism surge from Down Under has filled any vacuum left by diminishing arrivals from the US or UK even though those numbers are on the turn too.

The Australian experience in Fiji has often been one of fully-contained, somewhat insulated resort packages that do little to expose us to the wider cultural panorama. Sure, Fiji does hedonistic 'escape' packages up there with the best, but what about something that wraps all facets of these fascinating islands into one irresistible bundle?

It's hard to imagine a more complete Fijian experience than that aboard a Tui Tai cruise. Yes, there is a premium pricetag attached (from A$550pp/day twinshare) but the inclusions are generous and the scope of the expedition astonishing. Diving is a big drawcard for TuiTai and packages can also include full PADI certification courses in some of the best diving locations in the Pacific. Add snorkelling, light trekking, mountain biking, village visits and cultural displays all aboard a vessel not much bigger than Cook's Endeavour.

The motor-schooner Tui Tai began life in 1980 as a modest steel-hulled passenger ferry between the islands often carrying up to 300 souls. But her delightful three-masted design and generous interior space made her an ideal conversion for more boutique itineraries. She was acquired by current owners Tige and Morika Young in 2002 and refitted to carry just 24 in comfortable cabins. In 2006, Tui Tai she was remodelled again with more luxurious refinements like a massage/spa, private cabanas and deluxe staterooms. Dining is under the stars on the rear deck or inside in the large common room. There's plenty of space to flop and relax with a book or just snooze. Any itinerary can be made as active or lazy as you like.

Tui Tai's playground is the rich waters to the east of its homeport of Savsavu on Vanua Levu. Tick off the lush garden island of Taveuni and its Bouma Falls Reserve, the anomalous cultural enclaves of Rabi and Kioa, the uninhabited Ringgold Atolls and the eco-reserve of Qamea and you have some idea of what's in store for the adventure traveller. National Geographic Adventure listed Tui Tai among their 25 best trips for 2009.

Beyond simply carrying well-heeled eco-travellers into delirious destinations, Tui Tai also operates a charitable fund that supports the many tiny and remote communities visited with medical, educational, logistic and infrastructure support. Driven by guests' desire to give back to the communities visited, the project played a crucial role in delivery of relief supplies to cyclone-ravaged villages after March's devastating Cyclone Tomas. Two Fijian crewmembers from TuiTai last week received civilian bravery awards for the rescue of two crew members from the sinking yacht, Siga Na Vanua, during that severe Category 4 storm.

For more information on Tui Tai Adventure Cruises, see www.tuitai.com

Fiji Boutique Cruise: A picture of beauty

Serafina Silaitoga, The Fiji Times

IT can almost blind you. If you're not careful about screening the beauty of Albert Cove and Ringgold Atolls with your naked eyes, then you'd certainly go blind.

It sits behind Taveuni and Rabi islands in the northern division.

The blending colours of the blue skies, crystal clear shallow waters, white sandy beach with a backdrop of green is breathtaking.

That's just how stunning and powerful nature portrays itself through the picturesque setting of trees, birds, coconut trees and mountains.

There is no village or people on the Ringgold Atolls, except wild goats while four families occupy Albert Cove.

The surroundings of both areas have been left untouched. Neither logging of trees, burning of bushes or digging for gravel and sand has ever been done in these areas.

The Albert Cove bay sits on the northern tip of Rabi Island where the families live in typical Banaban built bure.

Upon arrival, while on the Tui Tai Expedition cruise ship, I noticed two men walk out from their bure with a mat, which they spread under a tree while another walked towards them with a basin.

Grog session was the first impression I had and this is their normal Sunday routine after a prayer session in the morning.

With no church at the bay, the four families who belong to the Methodist church have prayer sessions every Sunday morning as part of their church service.

The group sat with their basin of grog on the beach and waited for the arrival of tourists on board the Tui Tai Expedition ship.

Although no special welcome ceremony was accorded for the guests, the villagers, some of whom travelled from Wallis and Futuna said the weekly visit by special guests was like a breath of fresh air.

"It's just us here with our children and wives and having visitors is like breathing fresh air, a different kind of air that comes from the town area," said Bill Naka'u, a villager at Albert Cove.

"Sure we live amongst beautiful scenes tourists come to see. When they come to see and breathe the fresh sea breeze, we get to meet new friends and know more about their countries and that's life for us."

The villagers have also seen financial benefits as guests buy bu (coconuts) and other fruits the villagers sell.

Mr Naka'u said at times the cruise company buys baskets of bu, pawpaw and bananas from them.

"We are happy to have them over at the bay every week because we want to meet new friends and they also help us financially by buying fresh fruits from our gardens," he said.

The clear blue skies on this sunny afternoon tempted a few guests on board to go out for romantic lunches on the beach.

And this is not new for the crew of Tui Tai who on every visit to Albert Cove set up tables at different spots on the beach for couples to have lunch.

Program administrator Losefati Ligairi said Fiji's nature particularly in the northern division is what tourists look for.

"This is paradise for them. It is exactly this beauty that we have in our own country that has attracted tourists from overseas and being involved in the tourism industry for 20 years, this is what I have seen," he said.

"Every trip to Albert Cove there is always lunch on the beach especially during beautiful sunny days and we have to prepare ourselves to cater for their needs."

Listening to our conversation, a group of tourists who were relaxing and sunbathing behind us nodded their heads as I searched for their thoughts.

"Yes, you people of Fiji are so blessed," said Enric Onzak, an American first timer to Fiji.

"You all don't realise just how special your place is until we come and tell the locals how indescribably beautiful your country is.

Onzak, 18, said he has heard a lot of locals are migrating overseas, for greener pasture.

"I understand people move for better living but when it comes to nature, I think Fiji just has it because this is not a normal sight back in my country although we have spots of natural beauty but not as good as what you have here in Fiji," he said.

"This is just so natural and the people of Fiji are so blessed."

The writer was a guest of Tui Tai Expedition Cruises