Small-ship adventures that showcase local island culture and traditions.
Captain Cook’s itineraries around Fijian islands — which range from three to 11 nights in length — are best for travelers in search of sun, sand and snorkeling. But these quirky voyages may not suit everyone.
Amy Stoltenberg writes about lifestyle and money for Finder, researching the best options for shopping, banking, insurance and authentic travel experiences. After studying writing and fashion at Savannah College of Art and Design, she worked as a technical designer before opting for a career with unlimited travel time. She lives in Los Angeles. When her laptop's closed, you can find her wandering the streets looking for hole-in-the-wall eateries and daydreaming about her next great adventure.
Expert review
Captain Cook Fiji cruises are best for people with a flexible mindset and overarching desire to spend time outside — swimming, kayaking, hanging out on the beach and learning about traditional Fijian culture. Its M.V. Reef Endeavor isn’t decked out with glitzy amenities or resort-style accoutrements. Instead, you’ll find a neat and tidy ship with a friendly Fijian crew.
Daily schedules can frequently change according to the weather and preference of the guests, and the vibe on board really reflects the local culture — that is, sunny, laid-back and relaxed. For evening entertainment, expect vibrant small group performances with music, dancing and lighthearted fun.
Captain Cook really shines when it comes to its all-included shore excursions. You’ll tour local villages, chat with the people who live there and visit local churches and schools. There’ll also be breathtaking hikes and gorgeous coral reefs where you can snorkel and dive. The ship is equipped with glass-bottom boats, which you can borrow at no extra cost.
Travelers seeking water sports and plenty of time to unwind in a true tropical paradise will fall in love with Captain Cook’s Fiji cruises. But those in search of a five-star experience or lively party cruises should look elsewhere.
What sort of cruises does Captain Cook offer?
Captain Cook offers overnight, full-day and sunset cruises around Fiji. This review primarily relates to its overnight cruises — though you can still get a good sense of what to expect if you’re shopping for a shorter trip.
It also runs shorter day and evening cruises around the Sydney harbor off mainland Australia.
Captain Cook cruise ships
Captain Cook sails a fleet of small cruise ships with an intimate onboard atmosphere. Its M.V. Reef Endeavour caters to 130 overnight cruisers on board. Accommodations are neat and decorated in classic nautical blue and white hues — and all have an outdoor view. You can choose between the following room types, ranging from cheapest to priciest:
Porthole cabins
Ocean staterooms
Connecting family staterooms
Tabua suites
The M.V. Reef Endeavor has a pool on deck, along with two lounges, a sun deck, 24-hour tea and coffee facilities, a spa, Jacuzzi and mini gym.
Departure ports
All of Captain Cook‘s overnight cruises depart from Nadi, located on Fiji’s main island.
Destinations
The Fiji branch of Captain Cook cruises operate solely around the islands in Fiji.
While Fiji is made up of over 300 islands, Captain Cook has itineraries that sail to the following ports:
Fulaga
Kabara
Kadavu
Kia
Kioa
Labasa
Lakemba
Lavena
Levuka
Makogai
Nadi
Nananu-i-Ra
Oneta
Rabi
Savusavu
Taveuni
Totoya
Vanua Balavu
Vuaqava
Wallagllala
What’s included on my Captain Cook cruise?
Here’s what’s included in your overnight Captain Cook Fiji cruise:
All meals
Onboard entertainment
Water sports such as snorkeling
Guided tours through each port
Wi-Fi in public areas of the ship
You’ll pay extra for alcoholic beverages and specialty coffee and teas. Gratuities are not included in the fare, but the crew doesn’t expect them. So you can choose whether or not to tip, based on your experience.
Why you should (or shouldn’t) cruise with Captain Cook Cruises
Weigh the benefits and drawbacks before booking your fare:
Pros
Excursions and guided tours are included.
Authentic insight into Fiji culture and way of life
Intimate onboard environment
Crew has a reputation for being friendly and warm, according to online reviews.
Great overall value compared to similar small-ship cruises
Cons
Alcoholic beverages can be pricey due to high local tax.
The Reef Endeavor can feel tired and outdated, according to online reviews
Fewer onboard and late-night entertainment options than larger cruise lines
Still on the fence about Captain Cook Fiji cruises?
Consider Sea Dream Yacht Club for luxury yacht-style cruises around tropical islands.
Opt for Linblad Expeditions if you’re hoping to explore off-the-beaten-path locales.
SeaLink Travel Group. It was acquired in 2016 after being family-owned since 1980.
The recommended dress code for overnight cruises is “smart casual,” according to Captain Cook Cruises. For Gold & Platinum Dinner Cruises, the dress code is “smart and stylish.”
Up to $1,000 to spend on board with Norwegian Cruise Line
Just book your next cruise vacation with Priceline Cruises and get up to $1,000 to use as a liquor, dining, and spa credit, along with other purchases made on the ship! T&Cs apply.
Exclusive – up to $1,000 to spend on board, plus 10% off shore excursions! T&Cs apply. Ports of Call: Miami, Fl, Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas, Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, Miami, Fl
Bahamas Paradise 2-night cruise deal for two: $69 per person
All meals onboard (alcoholic beverages and specialty restaurants not included). Theater shows, live music, pool-deck parties, day in The Bahamas. Spa & beauty salon and full casino available. 2 nights of accommodations.
At Finder, we value and respect our editorial independence. We keep our reviews completely factual so you can use them to make better decisions. While we may receive revenue and referral fees from advertising and affiliate links, advertisers do not approve our reviews.
Captain Cook Fiji cruises are best for people with a flexible mindset and overarching desire to spend time outside — swimming, kayaking, hanging out on the beach and learning about traditional Fijian culture. Its M.V. Reef Endeavor isn’t decked out with glitzy amenities or resort-style accoutrements. Instead, you’ll find a neat and tidy ship with a friendly Fijian crew.
Daily schedules can frequently change according to the weather and preference of the guests, and the vibe on board really reflects the local culture — that is, sunny, laid-back and relaxed. For evening entertainment, expect vibrant small group performances with music, dancing and lighthearted fun.
Captain Cook really shines when it comes to its all-included shore excursions. You’ll tour local villages, chat with the people who live there and visit local churches and schools. There’ll also be breathtaking hikes and gorgeous coral reefs where you can snorkel and dive. The ship is equipped with glass-bottom boats, which you can borrow at no extra cost.
Travelers seeking water sports and plenty of time to unwind in a true tropical paradise will fall in love with Captain Cook’s Fiji cruises. But those in search of a five-star experience or lively party cruises should look elsewhere.
Feedback
How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Advertiser Disclosure
finder.com is an independent comparison platform and information service that aims to provide you with the tools you need to make better decisions. While we are independent, the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which finder.com receives compensation. We may receive compensation from our partners for placement of their products or services. We may also receive compensation if you click on certain links posted on our site. While compensation arrangements may affect the order, position or placement of product information, it doesn't influence our assessment of those products. Please don't interpret the order in which products appear on our Site as any endorsement or recommendation from us. finder.com compares a wide range of products, providers and services but we don't provide information on all available products, providers or services. Please appreciate that there may be other options available to you than the products, providers or services covered by our service.