Blue Lagoon Cruises – Explorer Cruise – 3 Nights

Exploring Fiji with the Blue Lagoon Cruises – Explorer Cruise (3 Nights)

If you’re thinking about squeezing a taste of Fiji into a short trip, the Blue Lagoon Cruises’ 3-night Explorer Cruise might catch your eye. This cruise is designed for travelers who want to experience the highlights of the islands without committing to a long stay. It offers a good mix of scenic cruising, cultural encounters, and fun water activities—all packed into a manageable four days.

What we really like about this tour is the focus on immersing you in Fijian culture—from local village visits to a traditional Sunday roast—and the fact that meals and water sports gear are all included. Plus, the cruise’s stunning views and well-planned itinerary make it a solid choice for anyone short on time but still eager to explore the islands.

However, a consideration to keep in mind is the price point—at over $1,177 per person—and the mixed reviews some travelers have about the value compared to their expectations. If you’re after a relaxing, scenic, and culturally rich experience, this cruise could be a good fit. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate guided excursions and want everything taken care of, but it might not satisfy those hunting for a more exclusive or personalized experience.

Key Points

• Ideal for travelers with limited time who want to see Fiji’s highlights
• All meals, water sports gear, and activities are included, simplifying planning
• Focus on Fijian culture through village visits and traditional experiences
• Stunning scenery and water activities like snorkeling, swimming, and shark encounters
• Multiple cabin options available to suit different preferences
• Potentially high cost for what you get, based on some reviews

What to Expect from the Itinerary

The Blue Lagoon Cruises’ 3-night Explorer Cruise offers a well-structured experience that balances scenic sailing, culture, and leisure. Here’s a closer look at each day, what it involves, and what you might love or find challenging.

Day 1: Monuriki – The Iconic Island

Your journey starts from Port Denarau, where you board the M.V. Fiji Princess. The first stop is Modriki Island, famous as the filming location for the movie Cast Away. If you’ve seen Tom Hanks stranded on this island, you’ll appreciate the chance to step onto the same sands. The cruise provides a 12-hour experience here, with admission included, letting you explore or relax on the beach.

What you’ll love: The whole setting is postcard-perfect—white sands, crystal-clear waters, and the chance to picture the movie scene. It’s a great way to kick off your trip with a memorable island visit.

What to consider: The long stay means you’ll be off the boat for a while, so if you prefer more frequent stops or shorter excursions, this could feel a tad lengthy.

Day 2: Yasawa Islands – Water and Wildlife Encounters

The second day really showcases Fiji’s reputation for stunning beaches and vibrant marine life. After breakfast, you’ll have time to step ashore, explore the beach, or just soak in the views. The itinerary mentions the opportunity, conditions permitting, to swim with reef sharks at a secret reef—a highlight for many adventurous travelers.

What you’ll love: The chance to swim with sharks in a safe, guided environment is a major draw. The Yasawa Islands are renowned for their clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, and this cruise makes it accessible and straightforward.

What to consider: Since this activity depends on sea conditions, there’s a chance it may not happen every cruise day, which could be a disappointment if you’re eager for that experience.

Day 3: Naukacuvu Island and Cultural Experiences

This day blends a calm, scenic cruise with cultural insight. You’ll be invited to attend a village church service, a chance to see local traditions up close. Later, the cruise takes you to Naukacuvu and Narara Islands, where you can enjoy a traditional Sunday roast, adding a genuine touch of local life.

What you’ll love: The authentic cultural experience—attending a village service and sharing a meal—gives you insight into Fijian daily life that many travelers cherish.

What to consider: Since it’s a Sunday, the atmosphere is relaxed, and activities are more subdued—great if you want a peaceful day, but less so if you’re looking for lots of action.

Day 4: Sacred Isles and Departure

Your final morning features snorkeling, swimming, or kayaking near Port Denarau, with breakfast onboard as the ship cruises toward the Sacred Isles. After a buffet lunch, you’ll be transferred back to Denarau via high-speed catamaran, with your luggage already in your cabin.

What you’ll love: The easy, relaxing finish to your trip with water activities and beautiful scenery. Plus, the included FJD$50 food & beverage voucher at Malamala Beach Club offers a nice bonus for some extra leisure.

What to consider: The early morning schedule means you’ll need to be ready for a quick wrap-up and transfer, which could be rushed if you prefer a more leisurely departure.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This cruise is notable for its all-inclusive approach. All meals—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and teas—are covered, which simplifies budgeting. You also get water sports gear, guided excursions, entrance fees, and cruise entertainment included.

Extras like diving, spa treatments, and beverages outside the mini-bar are not included, so plan accordingly if you want additional indulgences. The cabins come with private facilities, and many feature external windows offering great views. The mini-bar is stocked only on the departure day, so if you like having drinks in your cabin, plan to make the most of it early.

The Quality of the Experience – What Travelers Say

While some reviews express disappointment—like the comment that it’s “way over-priced for ‘Famous Blue Lagoon’”—others appreciate the stunning scenery and smooth logistics. One traveler called it “good value for money”, citing the included meals and water activities.

It’s worth noting that the tour is best suited for those who value guided excursions and all-in-one packages. If you’re after a more personalized or exclusive experience, this cruise might feel a bit crowded or commercialized. The group size is small, with only 32 cabins, which helps keep things intimate, but keep your expectations aligned with the price point.

Who Would Love This Cruise?

This experience works well for adventurous travelers who want a short escape to Fiji, combining scenic cruising with cultural moments. It’s also good if you prefer all-inclusive packages that remove planning stress. The water activities and scenic stops make it appealing to those who enjoy being in the water, whether snorkeling, swimming, or just relaxing on the beach.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or looking for a luxurious, boutique experience, you might want to compare this cruise with other options. Similarly, if you’re seeking privacy or a more tailored itinerary, you may find this tour too structured.

Final Thoughts

The Blue Lagoon Cruises’ 3-night Explorer Cruise offers a compact, scenic introduction to Fiji with memorable water activities and cultural experiences. The all-inclusive meals and guided excursions make it a convenient choice for travelers who want to relax and explore without fussing over every detail.

While the price may seem steep to some, you’re paying for the convenience, the stunning scenery, and the thoughtfully planned itinerary. It’s a solid pick for those short on time but eager to see Fiji’s highlights—especially if you’re excited about water sports and local culture.

If you’re after a balanced mix of relaxation, adventure, and authentic Fijian moments, this cruise could be just what you need. Just keep in mind that some reviews suggest the value might not match the cost, so weigh your priorities carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cruise suitable for families or children?
While the tour is generally suitable for those with a moderate physical fitness level and older children, it doesn’t explicitly focus on family-friendly activities. The activities are mainly water-based and cultural, so kids comfortable with water and active days will enjoy it.

Are all meals included?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and both morning and afternoon teas are covered, making it easier to relax without extra costs for food.

Can I choose my cabin?
Cabin allocation is provided at check-in, but there are different options like Orchid Decks and Hibiscus Decks, all with external windows. Preferences for upper or lower decks can be requested based on availability.

What water activities are available?
Guests have access to snorkelling gear, swimming, and kayaking, with water sports gear included. There’s also a chance for guided shark swims, conditions permitting.

Is Wi-Fi available onboard?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available in lounge bar and outdoor deck areas when in range, ideal for quick updates or sharing moments.

What is the departure point?
The tour departs from Denarau Island, Fiji, with ticket redemption at the port.

Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Diving, hotel drop-off after the cruise, sportfishing, spa treatments, and beverages outside the mini-bar are not included and would be extra if you choose them.

How long in advance should I book?
On average, people book about 83 days ahead, so early planning helps secure your preferred cabin and departure date.

Is there a pre-cruise option?
Yes, Moments at Malamala offers an optional day trip before the cruise for guests booking the 3 or 7-night options, adding extra relaxation or sightseeing.

Can I cancel or change the booking?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so be sure of your plans before confirming.

In all, this cruise offers a balanced, hassle-free way to see some core highlights of Fiji—perfect if you want scenic beauty, cultural moments, and water fun all wrapped into a short trip. Just keep expectations realistic and enjoy the stunning views and warm Fijian hospitality.