The MV Lycianda, a cruise vessel owned by FHL subsidiary, Blue Lagoon Cruises will commence serving the Yasawa Islands from the 31st of August, 2009 in an effort to meet the transportation need of both tourists and locals to and from the island group.

At present, transportation to the Yasawas is expensive and insufficient with little options available. The MV Lycianda service will depart Lautoka on Mondays and Thursdays, returning on Wednesdays and Saturdays thus providing other options to that currently available.

Blue Lagoon General Manager, Mr Tim Stonhill said, “Whilst it will offer a 2 night backpackers style cruise to the Yasawa Islands, it will also provide a much needed transportation service for passengers and freight to the resorts and villages. Visitors will benefit from this service by having another more affordable option of transportation to, from, and within the island group. Locals will benefit by having more regular accessibility from Lautoka at a more affordable price.”

When launching the new service on Wednesday, 19th August, FHL Managing Director and Blue Lagoon Chairman, Mrs Sereana Qoro, said, “Fijian Holdings, as the parent company of Blue Lagoon Cruises, is delighted to launch this new service, a service that will bring much needed options for transportation within the Yasawas. It is one of FHL’s core values to improve facilities and services within the country’s infrastructure. This new service will create more accessibility to most resorts in the Yasawas, thus making them more marketable in the global arena.”

“Most importantly, it will contribute to the economic development of villages and resorts in the islands that rely on tourism for their livelihood. This falls in line with the core purpose of Fijian Holdings to enhance the socio-economic standing of Indigenous Fijians”, Mrs Qoro added.

The MV Lycianda is a 39 meter cruise vessel with 21 air conditioned cabins, 60 seat dining saloon, sun deck and a cocktail bar.

About Blue Lagoon Cruises:
Blue Lagoon Cruises Limited is a subsidiary of Fijian Holdings Limited which owns and operates a fleet of luxury cruise vessels. The company has over 50 years of experience operating in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Group. 

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For enquiries please contact:
Ilisapeci Levula
Public Relations Officer
Phone: (679) 330 5017
Email: ilisapeci.levula@fijianholdings.com.fj