The launch of the largest locally-built ship, the Yasawa Princess, was an exciting milestone in the development of Blue Lagoon Cruises Ltd, chairman David Wilson said.
According to an article published by The Fiji Times on January 2, 1985, he said the construction of the Yasawa Princess was a tribute to the skill and dedication of the country’s ship-building industry.
The ship was owned and operated by Blue Lagoon Cruises Ltd of Lautoka. It was launched by the Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara at the Government Shipyard in Walu Bay, Suva.
“The Yasawa Princess is the product of three years of planning and more than 16 months of sustained construction effort,” Mr Wilson said.
“She represents an achievement of which Fiji, and all those involved in her development and construction, can justly be proud of.”
He said the vessel was the first to be built to the international standards of the American Bureau of Shipping and the 1974 Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.
Mr Wilson said the support and encouragement from the Fiji government were a major element in the decision to build the vessel.
“The Government Shipyard workers have demonstrated that Fiji has skills, expertise, and motivation to compete on equal terms with the best shipyards in the world.”
Mr Wilson said the cruise company, over time, developed into one of the most successful of Fiji tourism companies.
“Much attention has been given to the quality of our cruise experience, and Blue Lagoon Cruises satisfies more graphically than any other experience in Fiji, the expectations of visitors to our shores.”
Mr Wilson said as a result, the company had achieved a record year and also carried a record number of passengers.
He said the achievement had, in turn, supported a significant contribution the company had been able to generate for the economy of the Yasawas.
“With the introduction of the Yasawa Princess, the special relationship between the company and its support of the Yasawa economy will be further enhanced.”
In conclusion, Mr Wilson said the development opportunity for the Yasawa, afforded by the potential increase, would be realised only by a coordinated and wise application of this income to development projects in those islands
