SOUTH Sea Cruises Group is launching its South Sea Cats — offering Fiji’s newest resort transfer service and two half-day, ultimate snorkelling adventures.
The two-purpose built fast catamarans, designed in New Zealand and built in Fiji, will be operated by South Sea Cruises Group under the South Sea Cats brand name.
The vessels will launch early next year to enhance island travel by offering additional resort transfer options and by introducing new half-day sightseeing and reef snorkelling adventures.
Measuring about 14.9m in length, the two vessels will cruise at 22 knots and able to carry up to 40 passengers.
South Sea cats will offer a morning transfer to Tokoriki and Matamanoa islands, and early evening transfer to resorts on Malolo Island and Castaway Islands.
Customers will be able to experience Fiji’s first inflatable slide onboard a commercial vessel as well.
South Seas Cruises Group sales executive Sanjeshni Nand said their new season would start in April next year through to 2026.
“Our main purpose for having this is — for these communities across the Yasawas and Mamanucas — it’s quite hard to get across. So, we’re trying to offer the means and methods of making sure that we sort of, like, provide the service for them,” Ms Nand said.
Ms Nand said for a shorter trip, the group would offer passengers enough snorkelling experience and a day out on its smaller vessel.
“With South Sea Cats, we’re introducing two of those vessels, and both will be operational in the new season. In terms of pricing, it’s roughly about $200 per person, but for the morning trip, I think it’s about $159.
“We give them a chance to have an inclusive buffet and canapés or little bites that they can have for families, and we’ll take them around the Mamanucas, several spots where they can get a quick drop off to get a snorkel and be back in port within three to three and a half hours.
“In Fiji, people like taking advantage of the resort facilities as well. But beyond that, they want to have a short, simple ship as well, so this is where the South Sea cats fall into place, because we are able to offer them to the guests by allowing them to choose a product that is suited, not just for the adults, but for the kids as well, to go out around the Mamanucas and see the beautiful islands and enjoy lovely snorkelling.”
She said corporate groups were also coming up.
“We’ve seen quite a few corporate groups reaching out already, and we’d like to build on that to show them what a beautiful place it is, because they can tailor their itinerary with all the inclusions, like they could either make the trip the same seven hours or they can shorten it, but at least they give them an allowance to say we want our own exclusive space and our own exclusive vessel.”
She said the group’s Sabre vessel gives guests a feel of something more exclusive.
“You need to give yourself a chance to actually try this product. It is definitely worth the experience. You can save up for it because, as you know, we as locals would want to plan things out.
“You can go in as a solo traveller or with your families. There’s also the option of going as a corporate group, but with locals, we give them all year round at 20 percent off.
“If you’ve chosen Sabre today, and if you travel within seven days of our other products, you still get 20 percent for locals. We get 20 percent throughout the year. All they need to do is give their local identification cards.
“It is recommended to book in advance, the demand is there right now, we are getting a lot of requests, and that is why we actually recommend people to book a day prior, for those travelling from overseas, it’s the same process.”
Group General Manager Fiji and Asia Sales Loretta St Julian-Ooms said the Sabre departed from and returned to Port Denarau.
“With departures from this centralised location, which is only 20 minutes from Nadi International Airport and located close to a range of resorts and hotels, this makes the South Sea Sailing Day trip, sunset or dinner cruise a great option for groups,” she said.
“We can either cater for a full day or an afternoon or evening charter.
“If you have groups of up to 30 pax, we can allow shared service on our scheduled departure. Current local specials are $191.25 per adult and $96.75 per child (5-15 years).”
NOTE: This article was first published in the print version of the Fiji Times dated December 16, 2024.
