Blue Lagoon Cruises has fifty years� experience in capturing the romance and magic of the Yasawa islands. As the longest running and most successful accommodation cruise company in Fiji, Blue Lagoon Cruises boasts a unique and colourful history.

Captain Trevor Withers, a young New Zealand stockbroker, founded the company in 1950.

Withers approached the island of Waya in the Yasawa Group to obtain the support of the chef and his people to have Blue Lagoon Cruises dawn over the Yasawa islands. To his, delight the cruise proposal was met with enthusiastic promises of co-operation.

The first cruise date was the scheduled and advertised � with a complete lack of response. As the hour of the inaugural departure drew near, it appeared that if the Turaga Levu (first Blue Lagoon Cruise ship) were not to set sail at all, it would sail empty. Withers though tempted to cancel, was reluctant to disappoint the islanders anxiously awaiting its arrival and invited six Fijian men on the wharf who had previously assisted him to become Blue lagoon Cruises first cruise passengers.

The first paying passenger, an American retired colonel who has booked in for the perfect tropical holiday. The vessel was given an extra polish, including a fresh coat of paint to the lavatory seat in the colonel�s bathroom. Alas, the paint was slow to dry and the colonel was hurried to a doctor after a painful parting from the sea! Bandaged but undaunted he returned on board and the magic of the South Pacific took over.

Withers sent his last savings to finance a whirlwind visit to travel agents in the USA and Canada. The trickle of visitors rapidly became a steady stream of visitors and Blue Lagoon Cruises was underway.

Today passengers are from all walks of life. They particularly come from the Australian and New Zealand market as this is the closest destinations to Fiji and a particular hot spot for tourists with Fiji�s palm trees and pure white beaches.

Over the years the typical cruise passenger for Blue lagoon hasn�t changed. They are people seeking a holiday that is both intimate and adventurous with all the luxuries of there own private and pampered universe. They want the holiday that is the definition of a holiday. It�s seeing new placing and meeting new people while still winding down and relaxing in one of the world�s truly unique locations.

MP Gold Cruises are packaged and priced as a premium product, with a more intimate luxury feel then competitors. This is a reason why BLC are in demand by couples (20�s and 30�s) on their honeymoon and holidays and high income earners (late 40�s and onwards) as they want to have the relaxing holiday away from their stressful life.

Today, Blue Lagoon Cruises is one of the most outstanding success stories of the South Pacific Tourism Industry. Blue Lagoon Cruises supports the Yasawa Islands community financially and assists with the vitally important island children�s education and development projects, including the construction of schools around the islands, school fees and necessary book, school uniforms and medical clinics.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Renee Ferenc or Tracey Leitch Impressions Marketing Communications Tel 61 2 9969 4011 Fax 61 2 9969 3011 Email tal@one.net.au

Julie Phillipp Director of Commercial Operations, Blue Lagoon Cruises Ltd Tel (679) 661 622 Fax (679) 664 098 Email blc@is.com.fj