On Wednesday, 13th and 14th of October, Fiji One, a Captain Cruise’s sailing catamaran sailed to Mamanuca & Yasawa islands and another one called Reef Endeavour to the Northern Yasawa on 15th October. Both ships were loaded with essential supplies to help the villages, affected by the crisis caused by border closures and lack of tourism. 

It is clear that the cruise industry has problems of its own, but it never stopped helping the communities that support tourism, especially cruising. The help included groceries, medical supplies, personal hygiene packs, baby plants and seeds for edible plants. This included a range of groceries, medical supplies, personal hygiene packs, baby packs and seeds for edible plants. 

The fundraiser was initiated by Captain Cook Cruises who worked in conjunction with the Rotary Clubs of Sydney Cove and Nadi on the project.  Captain Cook Cruises were very grateful for the generous contributions from their past passenger network, social media followers, a Tourism Fiji Australia travel industry fundraiser and the general public as well as the significant contribution made by The Rotary Club of Sydney Cove.

 “It was wonderful to see the smiling faces of the villagers as we delivered these essential supplies to these areas affected by border closures and lack of tourism to these beautiful islands in Fiji,” said Allison Haworth West, CEO of Captain Cook Cruises.

Jackie Charlton, whose mum helped found the line, said: ” I am a past President of the Rotary club of Sydney Cove.  Our club meet on a Captain Cook Cruises vessel moored at Circular Quay and my father, Trevor Haworth, was a founding member.  He also founded Captain Cook Cruises with my Mum, Geraldine.”

Captain Cook Cruises also promoted the fund through past passengers, Rotary club members and the Board of the Rotary Club of Sydney Cove also agreed to a $15,000 donation from club funds 

Hundreds of workers, particularly in the hospitality industry, have been hardest hit by the lack of tourism. Captain Cook Cruises’ Reef Endeavour usually visits the region this time of the year, bringing in passengers who want to experience the beauty of Fiji.