Did the 7 day cruise with around 20 pax. Crew are wonderful and hard working with the exception of one individual (keep reading). Shout out to Captain Ji and James, Nau, Misi and Fee, Wati. The capitain in one cool dude!
Boat is in pretty good shape, but a few warts are apparent. Cabins are nice, air conditioned and represent a safe haven from the muggy weather. The wet bathroom is fine and the shower, sink, medicine cabinet and toilet are pretty new, but why oh why would you not replace the rusty toilet roll holder. It's the little things like this that constantly cropped up that keep my rating at a four rather than a 5.
Food is tasty but gets to be repetitious after awhile. The espresso machine is great for your morning coffee and eggs any way are appreciated. Good desserts, cakes, squares, bread and buns. Also, requested ketchup but it was not available until they got some on the 4 day turnover. Then it disappeared again. Recommend the lamb sausages.
Shore excursions overall were really great. It was interesting to get a taste of Fijian culture, to see the schools, villages and their way of life, but are very hot so be warned. A sarong and no hat are requirements for visiting a village, so shade is welcome.
Beaches are always gorgeous and lunches and dinners ashore very nice. Snorkelling was often not very good as the coral was pretty dead. The shark feeding was great. The caves were really good and people should definitely do this one. The day on their private island, with paddle boarding, kayaking, kava tasting and lovo dinner was terrific.
Now, Harry who functions as the “Cruise Director” and Crew leader is very close to useless. He doesn't seem to care. When I mentioned that you cannot hear his annmt's in the lounge or the restaurant, he replied “yes, I know”. That tells you the attitude that he gives. Unfortunately people are looking for guidance as to the daily activities and timing, but it wasn't forthcoming from him. He was invisible. There is a daily itinerary on your bed the night before, but things are often not on that schedule. We just need a bit more communication.
I would recommend this cruise and hopefully they will get their act together on the little things.