Fiji Princess Liveaboard Overview

By
Sarah Turnbull
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Sarah is a writer, PADI instructor and underwater photographer based in Mauritius. Diving across 5 continents, she has a love of all things ocean-related and an...
Rebecca Strauss
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...
Fiji Princess liveaboard anchored near a Fiji island with a guest wading in the shallows
The Fiji Princess runs Blue Lagoon Cruises' routes through the Yasawa Islands, staying close enough to shore that guests can wade straight off the boat.
aerial view of the Fiji Princess anchored near a Fijian island
The Fiji Princess runs Blue Lagoon Cruises' routes through the Yasawa Islands.
Fiji Princess anchored off a palm fringed beach in the Yasawa Islands
Shallow anchorages let guests wade straight from the boat onto the sand.
aerial view of the Fiji Princess with a tender boat trailing a wake
A tender ferries divers and snorkelers out to nearby sites each day.
vegetable stack appetizer with a skewer garnish plated on the Fiji Princess
Even appetizers get a stacked, restaurant style presentation on board.
colorful chopped salad bowls set out buffet style on the Fiji Princess
Buffet spreads mix fresh salads in with the ship's rotating dinner menu.
Tropical flower centerpiece beside drink dispensers on the Fiji Princess dining table
Fresh tropical blooms and chilled juice greet guests between dives aboard the Fiji Princess.
Snorkeler surrounded by a school of sergeant major fish in Fiji
Fiji's reefs teem with schooling fish close enough to touch, no scuba gear required.
Spa therapist giving an outdoor massage on the Fiji Princess deck
Topside pampering balances out the dive schedule, with massages served dockside under the palms.
Fiji Princess liveaboard anchored at dusk with a paddleboarder nearby
The Fiji Princess employs small skiffs for excursions.
snorkeler swimming near two reef sharks above a Fiji reef
Reef sharks cruise close to snorkelers on Fiji Princess excursions, a highlight of the Yasawa Islands.

The Fiji Princess cruise offers guests the chance to snorkel in some of the most pristine waters in the world. The Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands are home to some of the best snorkeling spots in Fiji, with clear waters, abundant marine life and abundant soft coral. These idyllic islands lie off the western coast of Viti Levu, and have some of the most beautiful and striking scenery in the South Pacific.

The Fiji Princess is a boutique cruise ship and a popular choice for travelers looking for a personalized and intimate cruising experience. Offering 3-, 4- or 7-night cruises, the ship is 179 feet (55 m) long and can accommodate up to 64 guests in 32 cabins. All cabins are air-conditioned, have private en-suite bathrooms, and a stocked mini-bar.

Well-known for its friendly and attentive staff, the onboard crew of 30 goes out of their way to make sure that guests have a memorable experience. Thanks to the smaller size of this ship, it can access bays and islands that would be impossible for larger ships, getting so close to shore that it can anecdotally tie off to a coconut tree so guests can swim to the beach.

Let’s dive into our review of the Fiji Princess.

About this overview

To help you decide whether this liveaboard fits your dive style, budget, and comfort needs, we’ve researched the boat, itinerary, onboard experience, diving setup, and overall value.
We review liveaboards based on the details that matter most during a multi-day dive trip, including cabins, food, crew support, dive operations, safety, route quality, and how the boat compares with similar options in the destination.

Things we like:

  • Exceptionally attentive crew
  • Thoughtful cabin gift on arrival
  • Meals varied and of great quality
  • A good choice of watersports activities included
  • Twice-weekly Captain’s Dinners
  • Predominantly adults only, with specific weeks available to families

Things we don't like:

  • Cabins are small
  • Only limited diving available

Diving on the Fiji Princess

Fiji Princess liveaboard anchored at dusk with a paddleboarder nearby
snorkeler swimming near two reef sharks above a Fiji reef
Fijian dancer performing a torch lit meke for cruise guests on the beach
yellow and green kayaks lined up on a white sand Fiji beach
swimmers and sunbathers along a palm lined beach on a Fiji Princess shore stop

The Fiji Princess is a snorkeling boat rather than diving, though limited diving is available on certain days for an extra fee. Snorkeling is available to all guests and is included in the cost of the cruise.

Guests are provided with fins and masks at the beginning of their cruise to use for the duration. With a maximum of four hours cruising a day, guests have lots of opportunities to swim and snorkel when the ship is moored.

Highlights include an optional night-snorkel and a visit to the Sawa-I-Lau Caves, a series of underwater caves that are home to a variety of marine life. Another unforgettable experience is snorkeling with reef sharks and manta rays, if conditions permit. The crew gives detailed safety briefings and are in the water with guests for safety.

Diving is outsourced to one of the Fiji Princess’s partner companies and is available on Sunday and Thursday only. Not included in the cost of the cruise, it can be booked on board as an optional extra.

The Yasawas and Mamanucas offer some exciting diving opportunities for inexperienced or brand-new divers in the form of a Discover Scuba Diving experience. Certified divers can join a guided dive at Drawaqa Island.

A bull shark dive is also available on Mondays at Kuata Island, subject to a minimum number of certified divers pre-booking.

Highlights:

  • Snorkel with sharks and manta rays
  • Opportunity to dive
  • Paddleboarding, kayaking and fishing also available

Onboard the Fiji Princess

twin cabin with navy and white bedding aboard the Fiji Princess
queen bed with tropical print pillows in a Fiji Princess cabin
crew member serving cocktails to guests relaxing in the Fiji Princess's onboard pool
guests chatting with the bartender at the Fiji Princess's onboard bar
Dining tables set on deck as the sun sets over Fiji
wood shelving stocked with books beside a dining table aboard the Fiji Princess

Cruising on the Fiji Princess is a relaxing and enjoyable experience. With 32 cabins for up to 64 guests, the atmosphere is friendly and intimate. The crew are exceptionally attentive and make sure their guests have a truly memorable experience.

Catering to the mid-level market, the Fiji Princess offers a comfortable and stylish cruising experience, with amenities such as air-conditioned cabins, private bathrooms, a restaurant, bar, lounge, onboard spa, and sundeck. Cabins are compact and comfortable with a nautical theme. Some of the cabins also have balconies with ocean views.

The salon is decorated with Fijian artwork and handicrafts and features a comfortable seating area where guests can relax and socialize. The dining area, next to the salon, features large windows with panoramic views of the ocean.

At the bar, you’ll find a variety of drinks, including cocktails, beer, and wine, all as an optional extra. Hop in the saltwater splash pool when the ship is moored and visit the onboard spa for a massage, facial, or a variety of other therapies.

Evening entertainment options include Bollywood dancing, island bingo and a traditional Fijian meke performance.

Highlights:

  • Onboard spa
  • Self-service guest laundry
  • No single-use plastics onboard

Dining on the Fiji Princess

plated roasted vegetables and greens with balsamic drizzle on the Fiji Princess
seared pork loin topped with tomato salsa on a Fiji Princess dinner plate
chef preparing an omelet at the Fiji Princess's breakfast cooking station
dining room set with white linens and folded napkins aboard the Fiji Princess

The cuisine is a mixture of European and Fijian styles, with an emphasis on local produce. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style with hot and cold options, and evening meals include themed-buffets, a traditional Fijian Lovo on the beach at Nanuya Lailai, and a twice-weekly Captain’s Dinner.

On these evenings, complimentary pre-dinner drinks and canapes are served on the sky deck, if the weather permits, followed by an à la carte menu. Alcohol is complimentary during the Captain’s Dinner and, from April 2024 onwards, will be complimentary during evening meals.

Vegetarian, vegan and special dietary requirements can be catered for. Meals can be enjoyed either in the open-air dining room or on the sky deck where diners can soak up the views.

Highlights:

  • Twice-weekly à la carte Captain’s Dinner
  • Alcohol included with several meals
  • Excellent quality and choice

Things we like:

  • Exceptionally attentive crew
  • Thoughtful cabin gift on arrival
  • Meals varied and of great quality
  • A good choice of watersports activities included
  • Twice-weekly Captain’s Dinners
  • Predominantly adults only, with specific weeks available to families

Things we don't like:

  • Cabins are small
  • Only limited diving available
Key facts
Year built: 1998
Max divers: 64
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: No
Internet: Yes (free)
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: No
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 5-7 Nights
Price range: Mid-range
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