One of the South Pacific�s most well-respected cruise operators, Blue Lagoon Cruises (Fiji Islands), has now attained ISM certification of both its headquarters and elegant luxury flagship, the MV Mystique Princess.

The award of the ISM certification follows more than a year of intensive preparation by Blue Lagoon Cruises and a rigorous three day inspection of both the company�s shore-based facilities and flagship, the MV Mystique Princess, by inspectors from Lloyd�s Register of Shipping.

Blue Lagoon Cruises is the first shipping company resident in the Fiji Islands to receive ISM Certification.

�Blue Lagoon Cruises is absolutely delighted to be the first Fiji based ship operator to achieve this significant, internationally recognized milestone.�

�We have been working hard towards this for a long time now and whilst local shipping operators have until July 2002 to comply with these new international safety standards, we felt that as a cruise operator it was incumbent on us to implement these standards for our passengers as soon as possible,� said the company�s Chief Executive Officer, Gerrard Harvey.

The International Safety Management (ISM) Code was introduced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in response to intense public concern worldwide about the loss of life and increasing environmental pollution associated with a number of major maritime incidents.

Compliance with the ISM code is mandatory for all international trading ships and will also become mandatory for all Fiji registered vessels over 500 gross tonnes on 1 July 2002. �ISM certification highlights the safety and quality standards of both boat and operator,� said Mr Harvey.

Blue Lagoon�s flagship, the 56 metre (184 feet) MV Mystique Princess, is an elegant mini cruiser designed to capture the look and feel of a �millionaires pleasure craft�.

Facilities on board include 36 deluxe air-conditioned staterooms, a 120 seat dining saloon, a spacious forward lounge, boutique , three sun decks and two cocktail bars.

For bookings or enquiries about Blue Lagoon Cruises, contact a local travel agent or visit the Blue Lagoon Website on:

www.bluelagooncruises.com

Travellers from Australia can also call 1800 251 012 for further information.

For further information or pics contact:

Renee Ferenc Julie Phillip Impressions PR Director of Operations, Blue Lagoon Cruises Tel 61 2 9969 4011 Tel 679 662 622 Fax 61 2 9969 3011 Fax 679 664 098 Email tal@one.net.au Email: blc@is.com.fj