Tui Tai Expeditions
Line: Tui Tai Expeditions
Established: 2002
Vessels: A/S Tui Tai
Passengers: 22
Tui Tai is a sailing ship operating cruises in the South Pacific and based in Fiji. She has a length of 140 feet and accommodates a maximum of 24 passengers in 12 cabins. She was last refitted in 2008 when many more modern facilities were added for cruising comfort. She sails whenever she can but is equipped with two Gardiner 450 horsepower engines which will push her along at 11 knots if the wind fails her. Cruises are between islands for passengers to enjoy deserted tropical beaches, walks in the rainforest and kayaking in the caldera lake of an extinct volcano.
Life on board is very laid back and the Fijian crew try to satisfy every whim. The crew are all from the islands that are visited and are proud of their heritage. They will explain their culture and the on board lecturer adds information to enable passengers to take full advantage of their visits to the remote islands. Food on board is tailored to Australian palates but the food of other cultures is often served. Everything is fresh and sourced locally, if not from one island, then from the next. Seafood is a speciality and fish caught by cruisers can be cooked on the spot. Breakfast and dinner are usually enjoyed on board but lunch is usually served on a beach, by a natural pool at or some other beauty spot ashore. Vegetarian dishes are always available and special dietary needs can be catered for if sufficient notice is given. Dinner is often eaten on deck illuminated by candles and lanterns. Throughout the day there are snacks and drinks available and this is particularly attractive as everything is included in the price.
The cabins are spacious and well fitted out with the heritage of the sailing ship not overlooked. There are two suites, two staterooms and eight expedition cabins. All have en suite facilities and individually controlled air conditioning. The staterooms are equipped with floor to ceiling windows to maximise the wonderful views. They have flat screen TV, DVD player and an iPod docking station. The suites have their own veranda complete with private cabana which cannot be reached from other parts of the ship, so giving maximum privacy. Cabanas are equipped with over-size day beds and table. Some cruisers even sleep out there under the stars. In the evenings some local musicians and dancers come aboard to entertain cruisers with traditional song and dance. There is a spa on board with a number of treatments available. There is also a yoga teacher which is sometimes included in the daytime activities ashore. Other activities are surfing, snorkelling, fishing and diving for those that are qualified. There is kayaking and trekking. The ship also carries some mountain bikes for getting around some of the bigger islands.
The Tui Tai provides cruisers with a once in a lifetime experience of cruising between South Pacific islands. The atmosphere on board is very relaxed but the service is second to none. The price includes all food and soft drinks, coffee and excursions. Scuba diving, spa treatments and the bar are extra but at very reasonable prices.