Blue Lagoon Cruises, Fiji’s premier small-ship cruising company has launched the MV Yasawa Princess II with local sailings set to commence this April.
Designed for comfort and style and cruising Fiji’s most pristine waters, the South Sea Cruises Group had invested about $15 million for the refurbished vessel, as part of its $100m investment pipeline.
The vessel’s features include;
- Mid and main decks housing light and airy cabins with expansive views, available in twin or double configurations;
- An upper deck dedicated to dining, lounge seating, and a fully serviced bar;
- A sun deck perfect for soaking up the rays by day or enjoying spectacular sunsets over happy hour;
- A hydraulic rise-and-fall stern platform for effortless access to the water for swimming, water sports, and boarding the tenders;
- The MV Yasawa Princess II is a catamaran with a shallow draft, granting access to areas within the islands unreachable by larger ships – including the iconic experience of tying up to a coconut tree on Blue Lagoon Cruises’ private beach, where guests can swim directly to shore; and
- The M.V Yasawa Princess II measures 45 metres and offers 22 air-conditioned cabins for 44 guests.
Officiating at the launch, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka said Blue Lagoon Cruises was not simply a name in our tourism industry.
“It is part of the foundation upon which Fiji’s global reputation has been built,” he said.
“For more than 76 years, it has stood as one of our most enduring and respected operators, helping shape how the world experiences our islands.
“Its true strength lies not just in its history, but in what it offers. Blue Lagoon Cruises delivers connection.”
Mr Gavoka stressed that visitors did not just travel through Fiji; but experience our way of life.
“They engage with our people, our culture, and our environment in a way that is personal and genuine. In today’s competitive global market, that authenticity is our greatest advantage.
“As a proudly Fiji-owned business, this legacy reflects the direction of the Coalition Government. We are committed to strengthening local ownership, supporting Fijian enterprise, and ensuring our people are at the centre of economic growth.
Driving strategic growth through diversification
Mr Gavoka said the introduction of the MV Yasawa Princess II marked an important step forward the future of tourism.
“It adds 22 cabins and capacity for 44 guests, but more importantly, it strengthens the quality of our tourism offering,” he said.
“Our focus is clear. We are pursuing smart, sustainable growth. We are building a tourism sector that delivers value, protects our environment, and enhances the visitor experience.
He said small ship cruising is central to this approach because it offered something distinct.
“It allows visitors to explore Fiji in a more intimate and meaningful way. It takes them beyond traditional destinations and into the heart of our maritime regions.
“This strengthens Fiji’s position as a premium destination. It is not about numbers alone. It is about the depth and quality of experience that we provide.”
Empowering communities, expanding opportunity
Mr Gavoka said one of the greatest strengths of this newly refurbished Yasawa Princess II model was the vessel’s impact on local communities.
“Through its operations in the Yasawa Islands, Blue Lagoon Cruises connects visitors directly with rural and maritime communities.
“It creates real economic opportunities, supports local businesses, and helps sustain cultural traditions.
He said this was the kind of tourism Fiji was building, a growth that was shared and reached communities that needed it most.
Mr Gavoka said the Coalition Government remained committed to inclusive development.
“We want every Fijian to benefit from tourism. We want to ensure that opportunity is not concentrated but distributed across our islands.
“That is how we build resilience. That is how we strengthen our nation.”
A renewed vessel, a renewed vision
He said the Yasawa Princess II represented both renewal and progress.
Since its acquisition in July 2025, the Yasawa Princess II has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment, with upgrades across all cabins and guest areas.
It now offers a modern standard of comfort while maintaining the unique charm that Blue Lagoon Cruises is known for.
Operating alongside the Fiji Princess, the fleet will now deliver a combined capacity of 54 cabins per week, creating more opportunities for visitors to experience Fiji through three, four, and seven-night cruises across our islands.
Local sailings begin this April, followed by its first international voyage on April 27.
