Fiji Cruises 2023/2024

Fiji Travel Guide

Fiji Cruises Things To Do

• 
  Thurston Gardens

  Thurston Gardens is an incredible collection of Fiji's diverse plant life, sure to stun anyone who enters. The garden contains a plethora of water lilies, palms, gingers, and more. It's a great place for those who want to step away from the city life and have a moment of peace.   

  Best Time To Visit

  Thurston Gardens are open every day of the year, and there is no admission fee to enter.   

   

  You Should Know

  The garden was first established as Suva Botanical Gardens in 1881 by Colonial Secretary Sir John Thurston, the fifth governor of Fiji. It was moved to its current location in 1913 and received its current name in 1976. Thurston Gardens sits on the original site of the town of Suva. It was burned in 1843 in one of Fiji's bloodiest battles.
• 
  Fiji Museum

  Inside of Thurston Gardens, you'll find the Fiji Museum, a stunning collection of the nation's artifacts dating back around 3,700 years. It first opened in 1955 and is a must-see for those interested in learning more about the island nation.  

  Best Time To Visit

  The Fiji Museum is open all year long. They are closed on Sundays. They are open on Saturday, as well as Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.   

   

  You Should Know

  The museum holds artifacts from Fiji's native inhabitants as well as other communities that have called Fiji home for the last 200 years. You'll find exhibits across three adjoining buildings. In addition to the exhibits, the Fiji Museum maintains a Reference Library and Archive. They also rent out the verandah for special events.
• 
  Colo-I-Suva Forest Park

  Nature lovers won't want to miss an excursion to Colo-I-Suva Forest Park. Here, you'll find opportunities for birdwatching, swimming, and hiking, all located just outside of Suva. The entire reserve is about 2.5 square kilometers.   

  Best Time To Visit

  It's recommended to visit the Forest Park between May and August, which is the dry season. The park is patrolled and open for visits from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Adults pay $5 for admission, children under 14 pay $1, and children under 2 are free.  

   

  You Should Know

  This National Park was established in 1872. In addition to the native vegetation, be on the lookout for African mahogany, which was planted in the 1940s and 1950s. You can easily reach Colo-I-Suva Forest Park via the Sawani Bus, which takes off from the Suva City bus station.
• 
  Sacred Heart Cathedral

  Sacred Heart Cathedral is the primary ecclesiastical building for the Roman Catholic Church in Fiji. You'll find it on Pratt Street in the heart of Suva. You'll find classic European design elements like two towers, concrete balustrades, and concrete staircases. Be sure to look above the altar to admire the stained-glass window.  

  Best Time To Visit

  The cathedral welcomes visitors all year long. If you would like to attend mass, they are held Saturday at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., as well as Sunday at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m.  

   

  You Should Know

  Sacred Heart Cathedral is also referred to as the Cathedral of Suva. It was built in 1902 and contains sandstone imported from Australia. This cathedral is the headquarters of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Suva, established in 1966 by Pope Paul VI.
• 
  Sabeto Thermal Mud Pool & Hot Springs

  Outside of Lautoka, you'll find Sabeto Thermal Mud Pool & Hot Springs, the ideal spot for relaxation. Caking oneself in mud and soaking in the hot springs is a traditional Fijian activity that visitors from around the world have come to love.  

  Best Time To Visit

  Sabeto Thermal Mud Pool & Hot Springs is open every day from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Visitors pay a $20 admission fee, which goes to benefit the village that owns and maintains the pools.   

   

  You Should Know

  It's easy to schedule a half-day guided tour of the hot springs if your cruise allows for a longer excursion. Basic changing and shower facilities are provided on-site.
• 
  Lautoka Botanical Gardens

  For a stunning natural attraction, just a short walk away from your cruise ship port, visit Lautoka Botanical Gardens. You'll have a beautiful view of many of the native plant species, as well as spectacular birds.   

  Best Time To Visit

  Lautoka Botanical Gardens is open year-round, though some visitors in March and April claimed that not many flowers were in bloom. The Gardens operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.  

   

  You Should Know

  Some of the plants you can expect to see include palms and orchids. They also have many species that don't grow in Northern climates and are unique for global visitors. You're welcome to get some mosquito repellent at the front desk before you enter the Gardens.
• 
  Koroyanitu National Heritage Park

  Koroyanitu National Heritage Park has six villages cooperating for its upkeep, and their efforts are immediately apparent. You can stroll through the park to view some of Fiji's most beautiful nature, and if you're really ambitious, you can make the climb up to Castle Rock for an unmatched view.  

  Best Time To Visit

  Visitors enjoy Koroyanitu National Heritage Park all year long. Admission costs $12 per adult and $6 per child under age 14. Children 2 and under enter for free.   

   

  You Should Know

  You may also hear this park referred to as Mt. Batilamu, Nase Lodge, or Abaca National Heritage Park. The summit of Castle Rock offers views of the Yasawas and Mamanucas. This trail takes about 4 hours one way, but there is a shorter two-hour hike that takes you right past a waterfall.
• 
  Krishna Kaliya Temple

  Krisha Kaliya Temple is an important place for religion and culture. Once you arrive, you can immediately see the influence that India has had on Fiji in terms of the Hindu religion. As Fiji holds the highest percentage of Hare Krishas per capita, it's apparent why this site is so vital to the area.   

  Best Time To Visit

  You're welcome to visit Krishna Kaliya Temple at any time of year. Visitors recommend going in the early afternoon during puja (worship), or at twilight when you can witness the sunset that makes the stones glitter.  

   

  You Should Know

  Krishna Kaliya Temple is the first ISKCON temple in all of Fiji. ISKCON is the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. When you enter, be seated in the designated area for your gender. You can expect a loud ceremony with bells, drums, chants, and conches. There is no admission fee, but a donation tray will be circulated at the end of the service.

Fiji Cruise Packages

• Dry Season - May to October - Good Season

  It is recommended to visit Fiji, as well as many other nations in the South Pacific, from August to October. During these months, the region sees less rainfall than it does for the rest of the year. You're likely to experience higher prices for attractions, though, since this is the peak season. Fiji is also pleasurable from May and June, which is considered the shoulder season. You'll still have warm weather with high temperatures in the low 80s Fahrenheit, but there aren't quite as many tourists. You'll wind up with more affordable prices and fewer crowds to deal with.

• Wet Season - November to April - Low Season

  Finally, it's not generally recommended to visit Fiji from November through April. While you may have comfortable weather conditions for most of your visit, there is a greater chance for tropical storms during these months. If at all possible, schedule your trip outside of this season.

Fiji Cruises Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Fiji Ocean Cruise?

  Most Fiji cruises travel for 7 or 8 days. If you want a cruise that also takes you to a port city in Australia or New Zealand, you can opt for a 10-12-day cruise. Your journey will likely take you to the popular Fiji port cities of Suva and Lautoka. You'll be able to experience the unique Fijian culture and learn about the history of the native people.

• What’s Included on a Fiji Ocean Cruise?

  Your Fiji cruise will include premium lodging, all meals, and excursions at your port sites. Some excursions may not be included, so if you choose to participate in an activity that your cruise does not cover, be sure to have the proper currency. Fiji accepts the Fijian dollar, and many businesses accept credit cards. 

• What’s the Best Cruise for a Fiji Ocean Cruise?

  Fiji is a popular tourist destination, especially for Western visitors. As such, many of the world's largest cruise lines feature Fiji tours, including Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean. You can also find Fiji cruises with smaller companies such as Blue Lagoon Cruises, Captain Cook Cruises, and Paul Gauguin Cruises.

• How Much Does a Fiji Ocean Cruise Cost?

  For many of the larger cruise lines such as Carnival, Fiji ocean cruises cost around $700 per person for a 10-12-day journey. However, this price does not include any travel costs you may incur to arrive at their port city in Australia. More expensive cruises can cost upwards of $1,000 to $2,000 per person. The biggest factor in your overall price will be traveling to and from the port city, which is typically Brisbane or Sydney, Australia.