M is for Meke

Meke is the Fijian term for traditional song and dance entertainment. See how it is done and then join in. The dancers from Matacawalevu village are among those that share their traditional dance with cruise guests.

N is for Nanuya Lailai

Exclusive access to a private beach is something worth bragging about. Especially when it looks like this. Nanuya Lailai is Blue Lagoon Cruises’ private island with 58 tropical acres available for guests to explore. Whether you stretch out on a sun lounger, head offshore in a kayak, feed the fish, join in a game of volleyball or just walk around the coast, there is enough to do at this secluded spot to fill your day.

O is for Ocean

Being surrounded by the ocean for days, guarantees you’ll spend a fair amount of time in and on the water. You’ll also notice how the water changes colour as the ship ventures to different areas. Opportunities to snorkel coral reefs, scuba dive, kayak and paddle board allow you to mix up your water activities.

P is for Port Denarau

Port Denarau is where the cruises to outer islands of the Mamanucas and the Yasawas begin. Denarau Island is a man-made island connected to the main island of Viti Levu via a causeway. Denarau is awash with resorts making it a convenient place to stay pre or post cruise (see also

Resort). Q is for Quiet R for

is only available in certain places, so other distractions can be kept out too.

R is for Resort

It is unlikely you’ll be able to work your itinerary so that you spend no time on the mainland. Whether you stay a night before or after the cruise there are plenty of accommodation options less than 30 minutes from Nadi airport and even closer to Port Denarau. Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau (sofitel.com) is a luxury hotel that mixes Fijian and French cultures. By opting for the Waitui Beach Club packages you can get a personalised check-in away from long queues, access to the adults-only pool and beach club area including private cabanas, a pool butler service, complimentary cocktails and live entertainment. Waitui Beach Club also focuses on healthy eating, fitness and wellness with a range of food options approved by the resort’s consultant nutritionist and daily exercise classes.

S is for Sunset

Remember to have your camera or smartphone close at hand around sunset. Sunsets over the open water draw plenty of eager snappers and you may have to jostle for position to get your perfect shot.

T is for Take Care With What You Eat and Drink

tourism ventures were restricted until 1987. More and more resorts will pop up in the Yasawas in the coming years as tourism operators look to move from backpacker beginnings to cater for the luxury travel market, but at the moment some of these islands off the beaten track still have a feeling of being undiscovered.

V is for Villages

Visiting villages in remote Fijian islands shows a different side to the country. The indigenous Fijians who live in traditional villages, largely live a subsistence existence. Blue Lagoon Cruises takes guests to Tamasua village to eat with the locals and see how they live. There is also a trip to Kese village on Naviti Island to see to the local school and meet some of the students. Being immersed in these villages offers a stark contrast to the resorts many people go to Fiji for. When taking part in these village visits make sure you are properly attired (see also

to Wear). W for What W is for What to Wear

On board Fiji Princess the dress code is more casual than some other cruise ships, so a mix of beach wear and smart casual will get you through most of the activities. However modesty and respect are key when visiting Fijian villages. Women should cover their shoulders and wear a skirt or sarong to at least their knees, and men should also wear a sulu (wrap-around skirt). Sulus are handed out on the ship and the crew will show you how to tie it and when to wear it.

X is for eXperience

For first-timers to Fiji or to newbies to cruising, the Fiji Princess experience is a unique introduction to both the country and the concept of a holiday afloat. The smaller cruise ship can go places larger boats can’t. For those who have been to Fiji numerous times, the cruise will probably take you to places or offer exclusive experiences you haven’t encountered before.

Y is for Yasawas

The Yasawas are made up of more than 20 islands across an 80-kilometre stretch to the northwest of Nadi. This cruise does not stop off at every island in the archipelago but you will disembark feeling like you have seen some of the ‘‘real’’ Fiji.

Z is for Zika virus

There have been reported cases of Zika virus in Fiji and the New Zealand Ministry of Health recommends that if you’re travelling there you should always take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. See safetravel.govt.nz for up-to-date advice before travelling.

The writer travelled as a guest of Blue Lagoon Cruises.