When we were invited to join Captain Cook Cruises Fiji for their very first Northern Lau Islands cruise, we jumped at the opportunity! This was no ordinary passenger cruise, but an expedition cruise to the furthest reaches of the Fijian islands. What followed was seven days and nights of full-on adventure, fun and indulgent luxury, all whilst cruising the stunning blue waters of Fiji’s most untouched areas.

This page may contain affiliate links. If you book a stay or an attraction through one of them, I will receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

The M S Caledonian Sky

Whilst the M S Caledonian Sky cruise ship is small in comparison to her larger cruise ship cousins, she’s big on style and comfort. A luxury small ship, the Caledonian Sky is small enough to reach the most remote areas of the Fijian Northern Lau Islands.

The ship’s compact size allows it to navigate the reefs and channels between the islands, anchoring or drifting in the shallow waters nearby. This enables its passengers to access the islands using the ship’s small zodiac boats – something larger cruise ships could never achieve. The Caledonian Sky is indeed, built for exploring!

What’s it like cruising on Caledonian Sky?

Built for both speed and comfort, places to kick back and relax on board the Caledonian Sky are numerous, including two main lounges complete with bars, a spacious indoor dining room, an outdoor Lido deck for alfresco dining as well as a front sun deck area to work on your tan.

If you’re wanting to keep up in the gym while you’re on holiday you’ll find a small but well equipped gym on board too. There’s even a Spa available for a massage or other treatment appointments.

Reception and expedition desks are located on Deck 3, as well as a hospital equipped with a Doctor on Deck 2.

The Bridge control room for the ship is located on Deck 6, and is even accessible for tours from time to time. This can be arranged with management in advance, however I took a look around during a Captain’s Cocktail event. The Bridge looks very high-tech to my untrained eye!

An all-suite small cruise ship

The Caledonian Sky boasts four main decks of guest accommodation featuring 57 ocean-view suites, capable of hosting over one hundred guests.

A variety of Suite options are available to suit every traveller’s need, from families to solo travellers. But no matter what the choice of Suite, passengers can expect a much higher standard of comfort and luxury than from a stateroom on a standard cruise ship.

Caledonian Sky’s Suites offer a much more spacious private area throughout including an elegant en-suite bathroom. Several of the larger Suites, including ours, even feature a walk-in wardrobe and outside balcony with the ability to interconnect neighbouring suites.

Our Premium Balcony Suites

Second only to the Owner’s Suite, our two Premium Balcony Suites were located side-by-side on the fourth floor, and really were luxury personified.

Rooms are accessed with a slot card key, which is separate to your cruise identification cards that are issued to you at check in. Those are scanned to register when you get on and off the ship during the cruise.

My suite featured a queen bed, whilst my teenage daughters’ suite next door had twin beds. Both suite’s beds were agreed to be supremely comfortable with soft mattresses and good quality linen.

Both suites featured the same decadent décor with mirrors, classic wood panelling, heavy drapes and matching bed linen. The ceiling light was a unique inset panel design reminiscent of a skylight and there were plenty of lamps.

Walk-in wardrobes

Our suites featured large walk-in wardrobes. There was plenty of room to hang and store a generous amount of clothes, plus stack our suitcases. A safe was located on the dresser drawers within the wardrobe. In the drawers were robes, slippers and a laundry service list. There were also spare beach towels, life jackets and a hair dryer. Zodiac life jackets were hung on hooks in the entryway.

Floor to ceiling windows and sliding glass balcony doors gave the suites plenty of light and an “open to the ocean” feel.

The suites were classically furnished with bedside tables, and a large dressing table and stool combo along the wall next to the bed. Along the wall opposite the bed was a desk with chair alongside two upholstered arm chairs. A small fridge was located underneath the desk and a flat-screen TV was mounted on the wall above it. The TV channels featured a live camera pointed at the front of the ship, a live navigation course channel and entertainment channels.

Adjustable heating and air conditioning climate control meant that we could change the room temperature to suit our needs.

A large, elegant en-suite bathroom

The modern bathrooms were double the size of your average cabin ensuite, and very elegant. Ours featured corner walk-in showers (some suites had baths) and country-style vanities. There was an additional makeup and shaving mirror, and plenty of well-stocked amenities. A heated towel rail behind the door was very handy to dry off damp swimsuits at the end of the day, and there were plenty of fluffy bath towels supplied. Using the bathroom was a pleasure rather than a cramped affair!

A bedtime turn-down service

On our beds each night our cabin attendant placed a newsletter outlining the schedule of events for the next day. They also performed the traditional turn-down service complete with a chocolate on the pillow. We could barely use a towel without our cabin attendant replacing it – they were that attentive!

Our suites were connected via the outside balcony, which also had outdoor settings to sit at and take in the glorious sunrises over islands in the mornings and golden sunsets at sea in the evenings. Bliss!

Authentic Fiji untouched by tourism

Every day means a new island destination on the Captain Cook Northern Lau Islands cruise. Even being ferried to the islands was adventurous, as the Caledonian Sky is serviced with Zodiacs instead of big tender boats. Our trusty crew ensured everyone was safely and securely boarded, and off we would go. Riding Zodiacs is so much fun!

Caledonian Sky did it all during our Fiji cruise with ease – and speed! Watching her cut through the water towards us when waiting to be picked up in our zodiacs, I marvelled at both her versatility and manoeuvrability. She really is a modern wonder.

Discover real deserted islands

Several islands we visited during the cruise were private – our very first stop on the day of departure was Tivua Island, which is actually a private island owned by Captain Cook Cruises! Elegantly draped pagodas awaited us there – already we were swimming and snorkeling!

Seeking adventure? There’s plenty of opportunity when you’re on a Captain Cook Fiji cruise! This was no ordinary snorkeling. Every day we were taken to new and amazing spot. Day by day we grew in confidence to snorkel in deep water and see the most beautiful fish and coral.

Often, we jumped straight out of the Zodiac at the drop off point and snorkeled in deep water several hundred metres along beautiful coral reefs teeming with amazing fish. Eventually we would arrive at a nearby beach. Here we would find the rest of the cruisers sunning themselves with a drink! If adventure isn’t your thing, then you can just hit the morning or afternoon’s beach or relax onboard!

On the day we visited Bay of Islands we were astounded that no tourists had ever had access before – it was just stunning, and we explored and snorkeled in it’s azure-blue waters, spotting turtles along the way.

Deserted, beautiful jungle clad islands fringed with pristine sandy beaches awaited us everywhere, and were all-ours to enjoy – with not another ship or tourist in sight.

Wildlife both on land and in the ocean, abundant. One island was full of bird life and nesting areas. Another introduced us to Coconut Crabs, who were enormous – but more scared of us than we were of them!

We saw several turtles surfacing during island and snorkelling explorations. Turtles native to the area include Green, Leatherback and Hawksbill turtles.

Visit remote Fijian Villages

Several of the islands we visited held small villages populated with the friendliest, most gorgeous local islanders. They welcomed us all with open arms and incredible song and dance. As we were the very first cruise ship passengers – and tourists – to visit, it felt like they were just as pleased to see us as we were them!

The village children were a delight – I’ll never forget when they saw a photographic drone being flown over them by the ship’s photographer for the very first time – they were so excited! The joy on their faces really was something to see – we truly felt like daring explorers who had stumbled upon a beautiful lost world.

We passengers felt incredibly privileged to experience this rare window into their untouched world of seemingly simple yet hard-working lifestyle, rich culture and intricate customs. We had been pre-informed to wear respectful clothes that covered knees and shoulders – both men and women. Prior to the cruise we had been told that we could take school supplies or cash to donate to the village schools and they certainly were very happy to see the new presents.

It was such an honour to witness their formal welcome ceremonies and be allowed to visit their villages and schools. We listened to their stories and they to ours. We petted their dogs, admired their chickens, wondered at their conservation contributions and programs, ate their carefully prepared feasts, purchased their wares and just soaked it all in – no other cruise gives this incredible access to such true, authentic Fiji.

A huge range of activities – or nothing at all!

Snorkelling, touring, diving, kayaking, swimming, hiking – even exploring water caves! One things for sure – you won’t get bored on the 7 night Northern Lau expedition cruise!

We loved the dedicated snorkelling excursions each day where you could snorkel straight off the zodiacs in all kinds of environments including deep water reefs, shallow lagoons and bays of islands.

One day there was even the opportunity to swim off the back of the cruise ship – the Pacific Plunge! It felt slightly scary to jump straight into the ocean from the ship, but it was also incredibly exciting!

But if you’re not into the activities on offer you can always just relax onboard or head across on the island excursions to lay on stunning, palm-lined beaches, read a book and make use of the portable bar – hydration is important, after all!

A la carte cruise food galore

Three dining services a day plus snacks, canapes, afternoon teas…breakfast had a huge range of fresh and hot food, plus an egg chef. Lunch would be held on the Lido Deck too.

Dinner was usually held in the dining room, however there was also a candlelit dinner on the Lido deck one night, and even a farewell dinner on an island with the locals. Dining with Captain Cook Fiji Cruises means your palate will never be bored! There is an endless stream of delicious food on board Caledonian Sky that is above and beyond cruise expectations.

We looked forward to each meal because there were so many choices – and it was all so good! Even the fussiest connoisseur would be well satisfied with the Caledonian Sky’s menu – often accompanied with live entertainment and included beer, wine and soft drinks.

Special cruise events

There are lots of different events on board throughout the 7 night cruise to keep you busy – if you choose!

We loved the Island night which encouraged wearing tropical attire including the local Bula Shirts. Another night was the White Night, where passengers were encouraged to wear white – the ships’s events were a lot of fun!

Lots to do on board

Marine Biologist and History talks, Trivia, Crew shows, Cocktails and Canapes in the lounges or on the Bridge with the Captain, Afternoon Teas every day or just spend time in the ships library to pore over the many local interest books. Then there’s the gym and even a spa for a massage – the choice is yours!

Every day a Precap and Recap talk goes over what you’ve done and what you will do the next day – with a drink or two from the bar of course! It was a great opportunity to catch up with fellow passengers and compare activities, amazing moments and funny stories from the day!

The Amazing Ship’s Crew

The Caledonian Sky ship’s cruise was simply incredible. Led by Captain Peter Martin, the majority of crew members were kind and patient islanders. They were constantly helping and supporting the passengers, and performed their duties with an infectious enthusiasm and joy in everything they did.

The official photographer Lucy was amazing – she took lots of candid photos of everyone that were put up in the lounge each evening to wonder over. I provided her with a hard drive and she copied them over for no extra charge, and so we have lots of lovely family photographs of our cruise, and even some candid shots of myself I would normally never have! It was a lovely and unexpected extra bonus.

You always knew you were in safe hands with the crew. Whether they were expertly ferrying you across a shallow reef on the way to an island, handing you onto the ship from the zodiacs or helping you sort something out at the reception desk. They always had everything in hand.

They were also incredibly multi skilled and very talented! All the crew members starring in several evening shows throughout the cruise. Each show was different. One showcasing historical island fashions, another skilful island tribal dancing and even the most beautiful harmonised singing – they really did it all!

What should I take with me on our Fiji cruise?

A cruise with Captain Cook Fiji really isn’t that different to pack for than any other cruise holiday, but there are some bits and pieces that are great to know about in advance! You can read my special FAQs feature all about what to take – and know – about the Captain Cook Fiji Northern Lau islands cruise here.

How do I book with Captain Cook Cruises?

Book your own Captain Cook Fiji cruises Norther Lau expedition on their official website here – cruise prices start from $7,693, and they have regular specials too.

We made the most beautiful memories together on our Caledonian Sky Fiji Cruise to the Northern Lau Islands. This is an incredibly unique cruise you’ll never forget!

What is a good Nadi hotel to stay at the night before the cruise?

The Fiji Gateway Hotel is right across the road from the Nadi International Airport, and it’s a simple matter to take a Taxi to Port Denarau to connect with the Caledonian Sky. There are more Nadi hotel options including Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa, and in the Port Denarau area there is the Sheraton Denarau Villas and Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort.

What’s the best airline to get from Australia to Fiji?

We partnered with Jetstar Australia to fly from Australia to Fiji to cruise with Captain Cook Fiji.  See Jetstar Australia’s cheap Fiji flights here

Jetstar Australia offer cheap fares to Fiji every day – check their website for their low Fiji fares and frequent sales.

If you enjoyed reading this article, please consider giving it a Facebook “Like”, share, plus I’d love to hear all about your own Cruising experiences in the comments below – I love answering questions, so please don’t hesitate to ask the smallest thing!

The Let’s Go Mum family were invited guests of Captain Cook Cruises Fiji for this cruise and partnered with Jetstar Australia airlines to fly to Fiji.  As always, all opinions are our own.
All prices and facts mentioned were correct as at April 2024. Please always re-check the source for current prices.
This page may contain affiliate links. If you book a stay or an attraction through one of them, I will receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Share one of our images to Pinterest…

The post Captain Cook Cruises Fiji Review: Caledonian Sky Northern Lau Islands appeared first on Let's go Mum.

This page may contain affiliate links. If you book a stay or an attraction through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

We’ve just returned from a wonderful Fiji cruise visiting authentic Fiji islands with Captain Cook Cruises Caledonian Sky! I’ve written all about our cruise in a detailed Fiji Norther Lau cruise review here, however this article is all about the basic questions you might have when planning your own exciting Norther Lau islands expedition cruise.

Should I bring cash with me on our cruise?

Yes. It’s very useful to bring Fijian cash in small denominations for island visits. Cash can be used to buy coconuts, souvenirs or to give as donations to villages and schools. Village schools appreciate donations for items such as sporting goods and stationery, and also cash.

There will also be a crew shared gratuity box on the reception desk at the end of the cruise, should you choose to reward their amazing service.

Are there any special events during our Captain Cook Fiji cruise?

During our cruise there were two themed evening events – a tropical night and a white night. These were a lot of fun to dress up for, however they aren’t compulsory.

White night was pretty casual. Clothing ranged from white shorts and shirts up to cocktail dresses and strappy sandals.

Tropical, or island night, was a rainbow of bright bula shirts, dresses and sarongs. Anything goes, really!

There was also an island Farewell dinner where we were guests of the villager’s feast. Most people wore smart casual with dresses covering over knees and/or shirts covering shoulders.

What is the dress code onboard Caledonian Sky?

As the Fijian climate is a warm and sunny one for the most part, the order of the day was mostly shorts and t-shirts – especially for all the adventurous things we go up to on our cruise! Climbing in and out of Zodiac boats, walking along beaches, etc.

In the evenings the dress code for dinner was usually referred to in the daily newsletter as “Smart Casual” and there were no Formal nights, although the first night was referred to as a chance to dress up more than the rest.

For the dining room, a dress or smart pants, sports shirt plus shoes or sandals seemed to be the general order of the day throughout the cruise.

As mentioned there were two themed nights, plus I was invited a a Captain’s cocktail party which I felt required smarter attire, but it did coincide with “White Night”.

General ship’s guidelines were akin to the local RSL club – shirt and shoes – plus no wet swimming costumes in the lounge areas!

What should I wear when visiting Fijian villages?

There is a respectful dress code for visiting Fijian villages, and as cruise passengers are honoured guests it is important to follow them. The basics are to cover your knees and shoulders, and not to wear hats or glasses on your head.

Sarongs on board sold out and were mostly worn by the men to cover their knees. If you have no long clothing with you, you can always improvise and wear a towel!

It’s acceptable to wear swimsuits and normal beach attire when enjoying the village’s island beaches.

Is there a swimming pool onboard Caledonian Sky?

No, there’s isn’t a pool on the Caledonian Sky, however most daytime swimming was carried out snorkelling, or on incredibly gorgeous beaches with white sand, blue, blue water and gently swaying palm trees. There was even a portable bar supplied! We didn’t miss a pool onboard.

Are beach towels supplied on our cruise?

Yes! In addition to beach towels in our wardrobe, beach towels were available separately from reception each day.

Is sunblock supplied on our cruise?

No, you’ll need to bring your own sunblock, however the ship does stock a limited supply of essential items and some souvenirs like sarongs and caps. Be aware that sarongs can sell out due to the demand from passengers wanting to cover their knees in short skirts and shorts when visiting island villages.

Are reef shoes and snorkel gear supplied on our cruise?

Snorkel gear is supplied for no extra charge and issued on the first day of the cruise, however guests should bring their own reef shoes or thongs as all island landings are wet landings – even the evening village feast!

What are the zodiac boats like to ride in?

Zodiac inflatable boats serve as the Caledonian Sky’s tender boats to shore and also for dedicated snorkelling, diving or touring. They are tough, fast adventure boats that hold up to 10 people comfortably and can navigate all kinds of conditions. The Caledonian Sky is also equipped with large life boats.

All zodiac passengers are required to wear their own numbered life jacket. You’ll find your zodiac life jacket hanging on a hook in your suite. Smaller than your larger evacuation life jacket stored in your wardrobe, this zodiac lifejacket is thinner as it only inflates when it comes into contact with water. This makes it comfortable to wear for longer periods.

The Caledonian Sky Zodiacs are boarded from the low deck off the back of the ship. If there is an active sea swell they can be a little unsteady but safe to board thanks to the highly experienced Caledonian Sky crew. They will quickly teach you how to board using a Sailor’s Grip – a firm hand-to-wrist hold using both hands. The crew will pass your bags and gear to you once seated safely on the inside the zodiac.

Do you get wet in a zodiac boat?

Whilst you usually remain dry except for sea spray, it’s possible to get splashed in a zodiac as they do bounce around a little. You will get wet feet when disembarking on the beaches of the islands. There are no wharf landings during the Northern Lau cruis, so be sure to wear waterproof shoes such as reef shoes (available from most discount or sports stores) or rubber thongs (flip-flops). Caledonian Sky crew will teach you the safest and easiest way to alight from the side of a zodiac, and they usually supply a plastic step both into the boat and out of it for easier access.

Is there WIFI on board Caledonian Sky?

Yes there is free WIFI internet onboard the Caledonian Sky. The ship also has a telephone line for emergencies.

Personal mobile phone range can be very intermittent, however even though the Northern Lau Islands are remote the Caledonian Sky maintained unlimited satellite WIFI range for the whole cruise. Therefore you don’t need to worry about falling out of touch with loved ones back at home, or missing those important business emails!

What kind of electrical plugs are needed on the cruise ship?

Fiji’s 3 pin standard plug is the same as Australia’s, however the Caledonian Sky is designed with US plug inlets or European two pins.

A power board with multiple usb inlets on one end was supplied in our rooms, and came in very handy. A travel convertor plug was also supplied in our suites, although I believe this was only available with our class of suite. The convertor was multi-country, and so worked with Australian plugs. I used this one to power my Australian plug laptop.

Can you drink the water onboard the cruise ship?

With a firm eye on sustainability, Captain Cook Cruises decide to help combat plastic waste by encouraging guests to use refillable water bottles instead of plastic disposable ones. A reusable steel water bottle was supplied per person in each cabin, and a drinking water station was available to refill bottles on Deck 3.

Does the Caledonian Sky have a drinks package?

No, however beer, wine and soft drinks with meals are included in the price. Some drinks may also be included for special events. Other drinks are available for purchase from the bar, and you will be invoiced for these upon check out. As a rough guide, soft drinks are charged at $8 Fijian dollars.

How much is a standard doctor’s appointment onboard the cruise ship?

A doctor’s appointment at the ship’s hospital including some medication for basic illnesses is around $135 Fijian dollars.

Are children allowed on the Captain Cook Cruises Northern Lau cruise?

Yes, children above five years of age are welcome on board and can take part in many of the cruise activities available. The Caledonian Sky Northern Lau islands cruise is suitable for families with kids aged five and above.

What is a good Nadi hotel to stay at the night before the cruise?

The Fiji Gateway Hotel is right across the road from the Nadi International Airport, and it’s a simple matter to take a Taxi to Port Denarau to connect with the Caledonian Sky. There are more Nadi hotel options including Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa, and in the Port Denarau area there is the Sheraton Denarau Villas and Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort.

How do I book a cruise with Captain Cook Fiji Cruises?

You can read all about our cruise in more detail in my Captain Cook Fiji Norther Lau cruise review here.

Book your own Captain Cook Fiji cruises Norther Lau expedition on their official website here – cruise prices start from $7,693, and they have regular specials too.

What’s the best airline to fly from Australia to Fiji?

We partnered with Jetstar Australia to fly from Australia to Fiji to cruise with Captain Cook Fiji.  See Jetstar Australia’s cheap Fiji flights here

Jetstar Australia offer cheap fares to Fiji every day – check their website for their low Fiji fares and frequent sales.

If you enjoyed reading this article, please consider giving it a Facebook “Like”, share, plus I’d love to hear all about your own Cruising experiences in the comments below – I love answering questions, so please don’t hesitate to ask the smallest thing!

The Let’s Go Mum family were invited guests of Captain Cook Cruises Fiji for this cruise and partnered with Jetstar Australia airlines to fly to Fiji.  As always, all opinions are our own.

All prices and facts mentioned were correct as at April 2024. Please always re-check the source for current prices.

This page may contain affiliate links. If you book a stay or an attraction through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

Share one of our images to Pinterest…

The post Captain Cook Fiji Cruise Northern Lau Islands FAQs appeared first on Let's go Mum.