Suva Shore Excursions - Princess Cruises
Countryside Drive & Firewalking Spectacular
Take a journey into Fiji 's fascinating past and marvel at the spectacle of the awesome firewalkers.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Arts Village of Fiji - Your arrival is heralded by the reverberating sound of a hollow drum beaten by a Fijian warrior, the blowing of a conch shell and the tune of island serenaders welcoming you to the Arts Village. Thrill to the music of the island serenaders or join your guide for a walk around the Arts Village complex and tropical gardens. Talk to the villagers and see handicraft demonstrations.
ENTERTAINMENT
Watch the famed Fijian firewalkers show their mysterious power over fire. As elders chant, young men remove burning logs from a smoking pit to reveal the white-hot stones signaling the start of this ancient ceremony. What follows is an entertaining cultural performance of special dances interpreting the history and legends of Fiji .
REFRESHMENTS
Hostesses welcome you with a cool drink before serenaders lead you to the amphitheater.
SHOPPING
While at the Arts Village , explore the specialty shops for interesting gifts and local handicrafts.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Traveling by local bus, your guide will point out landmarks as you tour through the Walu Bay industrial area, Lami Town, residential regions and Suva's own Bay of Islands. Take in views of the countryside, scenic tropical forests, coastal areas and villages along the way. On your 60-minute drive, you will also pass by riverside Navua and its surrounding agricultural flat lands.
SPECIAL NOTES
Transportation is by non air-conditioned local buses; guides will use portable microphones. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Rewa Village Tour & Kava Ceremony
Meet the chief, view a traditional Kava Ceremony and craft demonstrations plus gain an insight into everyday Fijian village life.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Fijian Village - Stop at a village where the friendly villagers await to garland and serenade you, as is the traditional Fijian form of welcome. Warriors in traditional dress will escort you to the village meeting place to join the village chief and men folk in the traditional preparation of Kava - a Fijian ceremonial drink. Learn about the islands' history and the Fijian way of life. View traditional art and craft demonstrations, such as mat, basket and hat weaving, along with coconut husking and scraping. Time is allowed to walk around the village to view the bures (houses) and the gardens.
SHOPPING
You will have the opportunity to purchase souvenir items made by the villagers.
REFRESHMENTS
Light refreshments will be served at the village.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Travel through Suva , before taking Edinburgh Drive up to residential Tamavua, one of Suva 's nicest suburbs, for views of Suva Harbour and Lathala Bay . On the way to the village, you will see many landmarks of Suva such as Fiji 's Medical School , the Colo-I-Suva Agricultural Testing Station and the fertile fields that lead onto the town of Nausori .
SPECIAL NOTES
Transportation is by non air-conditioned local buses; guides will use portable microphones.
Waterproof and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
This tour will visit one of several small villages in the same region. Not all buses will visit the same village.
Kava Ceremony is for demonstration only. Guests are asked not to wear hats whilst in the village. All visitors should dress modestly - women are asked to wear knee length dresses or pants.
A Day In A Fijian Village
Escape to a remote, riverside village for a unique opportunity to gain an insight into the lifestyle of the friendly Fijian villagers.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Namuamua Village - An approximately hour long water taxi ride up the calm, meandering Navua River, takes you to the village of Namuamua. After being welcomed by the villagers, spend some time talking with the Fijian elders, playing games with the delightful children and gaining an appreciation of the day-to-day routine of these friendly people. After lunch, you may choose to swim in the Navua River 's cool, clear waters - a fine way of refreshing body and mind. After your swim, a water taxi will return you to Navua to board the local buses back to the ship.
SHOPPING
Locally made handicrafts will be on display at the village.
ENTERTAINMENT
Fijian songs and dances will be offered during your visit, culminating in the singing of the famous Fijian farewell song "Isa Lei."
LUNCH
A picnic style, catered lunch will be served at the village.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Catch a glimpse of Suva's busy produce market before traveling past commercial and urban areas of Fiji 's capital. Once clear of the city and the bayside town of Lami , you will pass forested and rural regions en route to the riverside township of Navua . Board the simple, motorized river taxis for an exhilarating ride upstream through very gentle rapids and past agricultural land, deep gorges, rain forest and cascading waterfalls.
SPECIAL NOTES
Transportation is by non air-conditioned local buses; guides will use portable microphones.
River taxis are long, narrow boats without cover. The seats have no backrests, Cameras should be carried in a waterproof bag and valuables should be left onboard the ship. Wear waterproof footwear and bring a change of clothes.
As a courtesy, do not wear hats in the village. All visitors should dress modestly; women are advised to wear knee length skirts or pants. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring along a towel.
Forest Reserve Trekking Adventure
Explore Fiji 's tropical rain forest, listen for native birds, view waterfalls and take a swim in a cool, clear mountain pool.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Raintree Lodge - This wooden lodge, in its lovely natural setting, was built alongside a large man-made pond and serves as your base as you explore the lush green rain forests of Fiji 's Forest Park . You will take a mountainside trail that leads to the lower pool within this peaceful forest with its abundance of birdlife. Relax and swim in a cool, clear mountain pool and take in views of a 250 foot waterfalls before returning to Raintree Lodge.
REFRESHMENTS
Stop at Raintree Lodge for a drink and seasonal fruits, served while a trio of serenaders circulate and charm you with local songs.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Travel through Suva , taking Edinburgh Drive to Tamavua, one of the capital's nicest suburbs, for views of Suva Harbour and Lathala Bay . Continue up into the mountains behind Suva - the location of Colo-I-Suva Forest Park.
SPECIAL NOTES
Transportation is by non air-conditioned local buses; guides will use portable microphones.
The pathways can be uneven and there are no handrails in many places. Hiking boots or closed-toe walking shoes are recommended.
Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel - a change of dry clothes is advisable.
Suva City Drive & Fiji Museum
See colonial and contemporary landmarks within the city of Suva and capture a glimpse of yesteryear at the Fiji Museum .
WHAT YOU VISIT
Fiji Museum - Set within Thurston Gardens , the museum contains cannibal-era exhibits and the rudder from Captain Bligh's HMS Bounty. Other displays include ancient potteries, double-war canoes and the remains of the boots of Reverend Thomas Baker - a missionary who became a victim of the cannibals.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Pause for a photo at Government House, the official residence of the President of the Republic of Fiji .
REFRESHMENTS
Light refreshments are served at one of Suva 's leading hotels.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
After traveling through Suva 's busy downtown, you will reach Government House, the official residence of the President of the Republic of Fiji . Continue past the Walu Bay industrial area, Saint Giles Hospital, the Australian Embassy and onto Tamavua Heights for a panoramic view of Suva Harbour . Your guide will point out the National Sporting Centre - site of the 2003 South Pacific Games - the University of the South Pacific main campus and the Parliament House building. You will also have a chance to see the British and United States Embassy buildings from the comfort of your motorcoach. Should you wish to remain in town for shopping and independent sightseeing at the end of your tour, you are then responsible for your own transportation back to the ship.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Your scenic drive stops by the main gate of the Government house, the official residence of the President of the Republic of Fiji . The drive will take you past the Walu bay industrial area, Saint Giles hospital, The Australian Embassy toTamavua Heights for a panoramic view of the Suva Harbour . Your guide will point out the National sporting centre, site of the 2003 South Pacific Games, the University of The South Pacific main campus and the Parliament house building. You will also have a chance to see the British and United States Embassy buildings from the comfort of your motorcoach.
SPECIAL NOTES
Air-conditioned buses are used for this tour. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
The visit of the museum is self-guided.
Suva , Rewa Delta & Naililili Village Church
See Suva and neighboring Nausori, along with the riverside village of Naililili , where a church choir will entertain you.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Naililili Village - Board an outboard powered long boat to travel the broad Rewa River on a 5-minute ride through part of the Rewa Delta. Pass grassy plains before arriving at the historic Church of Naililili . The church was built by early Catholic missionaries on the riverbank in the early 1800s. Villagers and parishioners will greet you with a garland and serenade you with a traditional Fijian welcome song. The priest and his parishioners will then invite you into the beautiful Church of Nailili to learn of the history of Christianity in Fiji . After your visit, walk around the village to view the local school and meet more of the friendly people of Fiji .
REFRESHMENTS
Light refreshments will be served at the village.
ENTERTAINMENT
While visiting the church, the village choir will perform for you.
SHOPPING
You will have the opportunity to purchase craft items made be the villagers.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Travel through the suburbs of Suva by local bus, passing Government House, Thurston Gardens , the University of the South Pacific and a Hindu temple. Drive along the King's Road through residential areas, before crossing over the old Nausori Bridge , passing Suva 's only airport and arriving at Nasali landing.
SPECIAL NOTES
Transportation is by non air-conditioned local buses; guides will use portable microphones.
River taxis are long, narrow boats without cover; cameras should be carried in a waterproof bag and valuables should be left onboard the ship. Wear waterproof footwear and bring a change of clothes.
Due to tidal fluctuations, when disembarking from the river taxis, you may have to walk up several steep steps.
As a courtesy, do not wear hats in the village. All visitors should dress modestly; women are advised to wear knee length skirts or pants. |
