Diveblog, Dive Images from December 2006

Here's a few shots from the Tui Tai divers during December 2006. The premier adventure vessel in the South Pacific, Tui Tai, has an onboard marine biologist, dive instructor and photographer. Guests are enjoying a world-class dive experience.

"If you want a cultural experience, off the beaten path, with complete luxury, Book the Tui Tai!"

"If you want a cultural experience, off the beaten path, with complete luxury, Book the Tui Tai!" -- Devonne, USA

"I had a wonderful experience. For me my favorite moment was just swimming and splashing about in the sea." -- Richard, UK

"Great fun, my favorite moments were the scuba diving." -- Deiter, USA

"A nice blend of activities and relaxation. My favorite activity was the Tavoro Waterfalls excursion. I also enjoyed relaxing onboard the Tui Tai and meeting other passengers." -- Hank, USA

"My favorite moments were lying out on the day beds, watching the stars at night. Also the snorkeling was amazing!" -- Nick, USA

"Great trip. Lots of activities to fill your day, but still very relaxing. My personal highlights included seeing a sea snake while snorkeling, the view from Cobia Volcano summit, and jumping into the Bouma waterfalls after a hot bike ride." -- Sri, USA

The following are questions and the average scores during the adventure cruise ending 9th December 2006:(1=Poor, 10=Excellent)

Did you find the Tui Tai Experience held up to its promises? Avg. Score: 9.3

How would you rate the level of service from the onboard staff? Avg. Score: 9.5

Was your cabin/stateroom comfortable and in working order? Avg. Score: 9.0

How would you rate the meals served? Avg. Score: 8.3

How would you rate your scuba diving experience? Avg. Score: 10

How safe did you feel during your Tui Tai expedition? Avg. Score: 9.7

Would you recommend Tui Tai Adventure Cruises to your friends and family? 100% answered "Yes"

"Better than I ever imagined"

"Excellent balance between adventure and relaxation."
-- Jay and Starin, USA

"Relaxing but very active. The perfect way to explore the part of Fiji one would not normally see."
-- Paul and Jane, Wales

"The visibility on the dives was excellent!!! Rainbow Reef, Purple Wall, Albert Cove. We loved the lovo night on the beach and the village visit on Rabi Island."
-- Nancy, USA

"Adventure Cruise keeps you as busy as you want to be. Staff onboard the ship were fantastic!"
-- Katherine, USA

"Better than I ever imagined. Friendly, fun staff, well organized, very comfortable, relaxing and fun. Great food! I love the warmed towel service after each dive."
-- Vicki, USA

"Very relaxing, great staff -- friendly and helpful. Food was great, loved the exotic teas and warm afternoon snacks. The diving was amazing, Daniel is a great divemaster. The hot towel service RULES!"
-- Cheryl, USA

"Exactly what I was looking for. Relaxing and active."
-- Melanie, Australia

"I loved the diving, jumping off the boat, swimming at the waterfalls. Great island locations and great staff."
-- Jennifer, USA

"Great trip, love all the action: volleyball, diving, kayaking, all good. Fiji people are very fun."
-- James, USA

The following are questions and the average scores during the adventure cruise ending 25th November 2006:(1=Poor, 10=Excellent)

Did you find the Tui Tai Experience held up to its promises? Avg. Score: 9.3

How would you rate the level of service from the onboard staff? Avg. Score: 10

Was your cabin/stateroom comfortable and in working order? Avg. Score: 9.0

How would you rate the meals served? Avg. Score: 9.2

How would you rate your scuba diving experience? Avg. Score: 10

How safe did you feel during your Tui Tai expedition? Avg. Score: 9.9

Would you recommend Tui Tai Adventure Cruises to your friends and family? 100% answered "Yes"

"Multi-national, multi-cultural, multi-enjoyable trip"

"Very active trip. Many more new experiences than I thought possible in 5 days. Tui Tai is the best trip we have ever taken. I look forward to coming back!" -- Jeff, North Carolina, USA

"Fantastic,lots of fun and we felt very comfortable on Tui Tai. The scuba diving, hiking and mountain biking were are favorite moments, in addition to making new friends." -- Lisa, USA

"The Tui Tai Experience was extraordinary. I could not have hoped for a better experience, Thank You. The diving was excellent, even for a beginner! Daniel and Dom were very helpful." -- Deborah, USA

"The Tui Tai Adventure Cruise has something for everyone. The crew takes impeccable care of the guests, while we enjoyed the trip of a lifetime. Daniel is a superb divemaster." -- Troy and Dana, Britsh Virgin Islands

"Multi-national, multi-cultural, multi-enjoyable trip. I especially enjoyed the Discover Scuba Diving course, but absolutely everything was great!" -- Alison, England

"A unique adventure to very remote and spectacular islands. The staff and guides were knowledgeable and professional. Excellent." -- David, Suva, Fiji

"Beautiful trip all around. The friendliest staff we have seen in all of Fiji. Our highlights were the snorkeling trips and also the presentation of the dinners." -- Alba, USA

"Unimaginable trip from beginning to end. Adventures never experienced elsewhere. The scuba diving, dinners served on remote island beaches, the hiking excursions, those were a few of our favorites." -- Daniel, USA

"The Tui Tai and staff made me feel very comfortable. As a new diver I was well looked after. AWESOME TRIP!" -- Emile, USA


The following are questions and the average scores during the adventure cruise ending 18th November 2006:(1=Poor, 10=Excellent)

Did you find the Tui Tai Experience held up to its promises? Avg. Score: 9.7

How would you rate the level of service from the onboard staff? Avg. Score: 9.5

Was your cabin/stateroom comfortable and in working order? Avg. Score: 9.0

How would you rate the meals served? Avg. Score: 8.9

How would you rate your scuba diving experience? Avg. Score: 9.9

How safe did you feel during your Tui Tai expedition? Avg. Score: 9.5

Would you recommend Tui Tai Adventure Cruises to your friends and family? 100% answered "Yes"

"Escapism with fun, eclectic mix of active outdoor experiences." Guest Feedback from Nov 6-11 cruise.

"Awesome cruise, with a great crew and activities for all. Keep doing what you're doing."
-- Chris, Scotland

"The diving was my favorite activity."
-- Jochen, Germany

"A great way to see the different islands. I love the Tui Tai: all of it, the biking, hiking, kayaking, waterfalls."
-- Vicky and Denise, USA

"Fun activities, a good balance of active and relaxation. Great food!"
-- Laura, Canada

"My favorite activities: jumping into the pool at the waterfalls, the beach on the last island (Rabi), just swimming off the boat was an experience I'll never forget."
-- Cari, England

"The Tui Tai experience for me was complete relaxation. I totally forgot about work and life back home. My favorite moments were the village visits, experiencing their singing, dancing and hospitality. Keep up the good work and best wishes to all the crew."
-- Margo, Canberra, ACT, Australia

"Escapism with fun, eclectic mix of active outdoor experiences. Tui Tai is a well researched and prepared programme. Nice touches including the cultural messages and handicraft items on our pillows each night."
-- Jeff, Australia

"A good balance of adventure and pampering. We loved the activity and the rest. The crew were incredibly accommodating."
-- Katlin, Park City, Utah, USA

"A`well organized and well executed adventure. The staff were all wonderful. We have no hesitation in recommending the Tui Tai to friends. Any culture that has singing as a foundation has to be beautiful. Tui Tai's support of local communities is a wonderful way to give back to the community."
-- Andrew, Nichols, ACT, Australia

"Outstanding program of active adventures, a unique cruise with an emphasis on cultural experience."
-- Jeff, Canberra, ACT, Australia

"Wonderful, exceeded our expectations, we will be back!"
-- Tracy & Steve, Australia

The following are questions and the average scores during the adventure cruise ending 11th November 2006:(1=Poor, 10=Excellent)

Did you find the Tui Tai Experience held up to its promises? Avg. Score: 9.5

How would you rate the level of service from the onboard staff? Avg. Score: 9.8

Was your cabin/stateroom comfortable and in working order? Avg. Score: 9.3

How would you rate the meals served? Avg. Score: 9.0

How would you rate your scuba diving experience? Avg. Score: 9.3

How safe did you feel during your Tui Tai expedition? Avg. Score: 9.5

Would you recommend Tui Tai Adventure Cruises to your friends and family? 100% answered "Yes"

Perspective on Politics in Fiji

The short article below offers some insights about the way of things in Fiji. I encourage those who are worried about the threat of political instability in Fiji to read on.

The worst-ever Fijian political events occurred in 2000, and as you’ll see from the article below, even that was less serious than the risks in any major American city. This article was written by the best-known expert on violence and safety, books published in 14 languages, etc. Take a look.

Inside Fiji’s Peculiar Political Coup
By Gavin de Becker

SAVUSAVU, Fiji (APBnews.com) –
In many ways, it was a most peculiar sort of political coup that just ended in the capital city of this South Pacific island nation.
Played as a faraway sideshow by most U.S. media outlets, the takeover of the Fijian Parliament was spectacle that suggested a complete breakdown of law and order. But, as all things Fijian, it was more complex than that.

This is a nation whose indigenous Fijian population lives mostly in small seaside villages of two or three hundred people. It remains, despite recent events, one of the world’s least violent cultures. I have a second home here and have enjoyed close ties to the Fijian community since I first arrived in 1995 to do research about violence for my book, The Gift of Fear.

Pulled into the turmoil
Last week, I learned even more about how incredibly different Fijian culture is from America’s when I was pulled into the turmoil of the final phase of this eight week political crisis.

In May, rebels entered the Parliament compound and took the Prime Minister and most of his government hostage. Against a backdrop of some looting and takeovers in the capitol city of Suva, the old government declared a state of emergency. The President stepped down and left the city as the military assumed power. And, after a popular luxury resort was affected, the U.S. Department of State directed all Americans to leave Fiji as soon as possible. It all must have sounded very frightening to the outside world.

The police headquarters building just down the road from my house was also taken over.

But the word “takeover” conjures an image for American news readers that is far from the reality of what actually happened at many places around Fiji. In the case of our police building, fifteen villagers arrived early one morning and told the four police officers on duty that they intended to take over. The officers requested a few minutes to lock up some files, and they left.

Voila: political takeover.

‘Liberating’ police headquarters
Late last week I was part of “liberating” police headquarters. Local village chiefs asked me to go with them to meet with the rebels. We loaded up my truck with fruit, vegetables, and a chicken, and set out toward the building. Along the way, the chiefs of other villages waved us down and joined the delegation by climbing onto the back of our truck. As we slowly approached the police compound, our truck was halted by a tourist’s worst nightmare: a gang of serious-looking rebels manning a check-point, like something you’d see in news photos of a revolution in Zambia.

But this is Fiji, a culture woven together with peacefulness, friendliness, and deep respect for elders—even during political upheavals. Within five minutes, we were sitting inside police headquarters laughing and exchanging stories around a huge bowl of Kava (Fiji’s traditional ceremonial drink).

Rebel apology
In Fiji, “rebel” is not a full-time job but rather someone from a nearby village. The chiefs showed respect for the rebels by giving the offering of food; and the rebels returned the respect by agreeing to go back to their homes. They asked only for an opportunity to apologize formally to the chiefs and the local military officers for any harms they might have caused.

Not everything that’s happened here in recent weeks is so innocent, of course, but to put it all in perspective, more people were shot in my home state of California in the last 56-minutes than were shot during this entire political crisis over the last 56 days. That any people at all were shot makes this the worst lawlessness and civil unrest in the nation’s history, but a thousand people are shot every week in California, and we barely even pay attention.

As reported around the world, American guests were asked to leave Fiji’s Turtle Island Resort when it was “taken over” by people from a nearby village. But what didn’t get reported is that there’s been a 20-year land dispute about Turtle Island, and villagers have staged similar demonstrations three times in the past. It was not part of the coup attempt.

Safer than American downtowns
When you boil it down, fifteen Americans enjoying a tropical vacation had to leave a resort by ship and go to another resort on another beautiful beach. More tourists are inconvenienced when there’s bad weather at O’Hare. And even when occupied by Fijian villagers, walking around Turtle Island is safer than walking around a downtown hotel in just about any American city.

Even though not a single tourist has been the victim of violence here (ever, so far as I know), I certainly understand why the lack of effective authority would persuade the Department of State to advise Americans to leave Fiji. The irony is, however, that they’ll be far less safe back home in Detroit or Chicago.

More Irony: Some Americans might cancel a trip to Egypt to see the Pyramids for fear of being killed by terrorists, and then stay in Detroit, where the homicide risk is 22 times higher than in Cairo! Can you imagine if foreign governments advised their citizens to leave America every time there was a violent incident, like say, a Laker’s game where the fans got out of control? It seems we expect a much higher standard of safety from small foreign governments than we demand from our own.

Profoundly un-American
I don’t minimize the seriousness of rebels taking over Parliament, but here’s the context: Fiji is a young country, having gained independence from Britain less than thirty years ago. During that time, they’ve had three bloodless coups. It’s unreasonable to expect that power will always change hands the way we’d like, for indeed, Fiji is profoundly un-American.

Power in Fiji does not flow from its impersonation of a Western democracy, but rather from the people’s commitment to peacefulness and decency.

In America, we’d have had a commando team go in and free the hostages, but in Fiji, the military just waited it out and set up a temporary Government down the street. Sounds crazy perhaps, but all the hostages went home safely, and in true Fijian style, when the Prime Minister was finally released after weeks in captivity, he first hugged the coup leader who had just ousted his government.

Also in true Fijian style, the coup leaders had a ceremony to apologize to the Chiefs and the nation for any harms they may have caused, and then the military did the same thing.

People and not governments make up countries, and we have something to learn from Fiji—even at its worst moment

(Gavin de Becker is a widely regarded expert on violence whose best-selling books are published in fourteen languages. See Amazon.com)

More guest feedback

"A great cultural and active vacation. Tui Tai enables you to enjoy Fiji naturally." -- Alicia and Daryl, USA

"An adventure cruise for those who like to stay active and experience the true culture of Fiji. This was a wonderful experience. All the staff work so hard to make it fun for everyone." -- Kayla, USA

"Tui Tai is an adventure around the most remote parts of Fiji. The diving is great and great land activities too. The village visits and ship's crew are fabulous. While active, it was also very relaxing.

I really loved going to my room each night and finding a little gift to read and enjoy. The small details, such as having a warm towel and a big smile presented to me after each dive, that's what makes Tui Tai such a great experience." -- Denise, Australia

"My favorite moments were the tour of the crater (Cobia) and the village visits. The Tui Tai experience is very well planned and offers an excellent variety." -- Darrell, Canada

"My favorite activities were the snorkeling and village visits. The Tui Tai is the best and most relaxing way to see all the wonderful islands in Northern Fiji. As guest services and tour guide, Linga is very, very good. His kindness, professionalism and sense of humor made the trip." -- Laura, Italy

"The Tui Tai experience is invigorating and educational."

The children on Rabi island were a highlight to us, we also loved the diving and snorkeling." -- Paul and Sally, Australia

"Tui Tai is the best adventure we have ever done." -- Sam, USA

"Great experience! The staff were first class, especially Linga, they made this trip extra special." -- Kerry, Canada

"Very lovely experience." -- Margaret, New Zealand

"Unforgettable, romantic, fun, adventure!" -- Veronica and Eli, USA

The above comments were made from the Tui Tai Adventure Cruise departing on Oct 23, 2006. Below is an average of their feedback on questions about their trip (10 is Excellent, 1 is Poor).

Did you find the Tui Tai Experience held up to its promises? Average Score: 9.4

How would you rate the level of service from the onboard staff? Average Score: 10

Was your cabin/stateroom comfortable and in working order? Average Score: 9.2

How would you rate the meals served? Average Score: 8.6

How would you rate your scuba diving experience? Average Score: 9.9

How safe did you feel during your Tui Tai Expedition? Average Score: 10

Would you recommend Tui Tai Adventure Cruises to your friends and family? 16/16 answered "Yes"

Everyone loves the Tui Tai

some recent guest feedback

Bob Heinzen : Cruise date: October 16th - 21st
"The Tui Tai experience was all around enjoyable - we had a great time. The crew took very good care of us. The Tui Tai was the highlight of our visit to Fiji - Vinaka Tui Tai! "


Bev Simpson - Cruise date: September 30th: "The only vacation where I truly got my money's worth! The Staff, Food and Activities were awesome - All breathtaking and memories for a lifetime!"


Curtis Thompson October 2006"A relaxing trip through the northern parts of Fiji. An opportunity to see parts of Fiji rarely seen by outside visitors."


Jeff Schweitzer Sept 2006"Authentic adventure travel to places tourist don't usually see. Friendship, great service and personalized attention. I loved the cruise and will do it again!"

Tui Tai Surf Charter Explores new breaks in Fiji

Dick Boranian led a group of 18 surf/adventure enthusiasts on a recent Tui Tai Surf Expedition. The expedition combined some of Fiji's best known and newly discovered surf breaks, in addition to Tui Tai's signature adventure activities: biking, hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and of course village style cultural entertainment.

Expedition member, Chuck Hart, had this to say following the trip:
"Our Fiji trip was incredible. The Tui Tai crew were fantastic in every way. We went to new territory way off any usual routes, chasing surf south of Viti Levu and surfed for two days off of Beqa Island at a spot called Frigates Passage. We had a Kava ceremony and watched fire walkers on Beqa Island. The fishing was great. We caught two large Ono, several Walu and Mahi Mahi. Some of us rode bicycles on Taveuni starting at Lavena and went up to the waterfall and back while the surfers surfed Lavena Point. Half of our group had a big party in Lavena one night with the whole village. We did a dive off of Kioa Island which was terrific. I haven’t dove with a tank in about 12 years. We stayed up late the last night drinking Kava with the crew making music and telling stories. Overall, a wonderful time was had and I hope to do it again.
Aloha,Chuck"

For more information on future surf expeditions, please check out the Active Fiji Expeditions Calender:
www.activefiji.com/expeditions_calendar.cfm

Swimming with a humpback whale

Last week in Koro, a baby humpback whale was sighted, circling the Tui Tai. The show lasted over 30 minutes, as the whale crossed back and forth, underneath Tui Tai, breaching, and enjoying the cheers from the Tui Tai guests and crew.

Tige, Morika, Daniel and Michael quickly threw on their snorkel gear and hopped in for a chance to swim with the majestic beast. The snorkelers were rewarded as the whale came in close for a look at its admirers.

This was the third humpback whale sighting over the past 4 months for Tui Tai and its guests. In addition to this sighting in Koro, humpbacks have been seen in Somosomo Strait and Qamea Island. The humpbacks have been amazingly curious and come right alongside the Tui Tai.

New Tui Tai Relaunched at BFTE

What a great event and week we had! All on board for the trip to Denarau Marina in Nadi for the big Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange 2006 Show (BFTE).

Mr John Campbell, CEO of Air Pacific, was the guest of honour and did the deed of re-launching the new look Tui Tai with more than a couple of bottels of champagne.

Seems everyone was onboard Tui Tai for cocktails at some point during the week! See the photo of Tige and Morika with John, glowing over our "new family baby" as John put it. And what a baby she is, with everyone cooing over her.

Everyone had a great time and we were all set and prepped for the 7 day surf charter that left at 6.30am on the Sunday after.

All in all a very successful week showcasing our new cabin configuration and raising many an eyebrow. We may have to do this again next year!

Stuart
Genral Manager

Brilliant week with Chris McLennan onboard

A fabulous week and gorgeous weather for our annual photo shoot on Tui Tai. Here's a quick preview of Chris's work on board...




Stay tuned for more photos on our website and new brochures. Also see his website: http://www.cmphoto.co.nz/

Stuart

One of the best things I have ever done

Bula Morika,

Just a quick note to say again how much I enjoyed the trip. It definitely goes down in the books as one of the best things I have ever done. And re-telling the tales to my friends brings it all back (hence I have not stopped going on about it!!). All are particularly impressed with my description of the boat (especially the lovely touches, like moving the spa to the waterfall). You really did a great job of creating a fantastic experience.

I am passing your website around so hopefully something will come out of that for you guys.

Bye for now

Richard Addlestone,
Tui Tai Guest, May 2006

Shannon's Pictures

Hi All,

Here are some of my pix from Tui Tai. Thanks for sharing yours!!

Aloha!

~Shannon

http://s61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/mousetrap8/Tui%20Tai/

Tui Tai Survival Evidence

Bula and Greetings to our Fellow Tui Tai Adventurers,

Hope everyone made it home safely. I'm sure you had as difficult time as Debby and I did, in getting back to the real world of work and responsibilities. We had such a great time on the Tui Tai, not only the activities, etc but with meeting each of you and sharing the time with others that have common interests.

We continued on to Taveuni of a week in a house. Tough to go to a quiet setting from the Tui Tai. We also had a vehicle which allowed us to drive to Bouma Falls to meet up with the crew on Wednesday. What a great bunch and were happy to see us ( the next week only had eight passengers. Liga was his usual smiling, gracious, welcoming self.

Please keep in contact. We may meet up some where in the future or drop by to visit during in future travels. You are always welcome at our house if you travel to Oregon, USA. Although not as warm, it has its own unique beauty.



Vinaka,

Doug and Debby Schultz

Tui Tai helps drill moorings at Namena Marine Park

On May 17-18, rough seas and storms didn't stop Namena's tour operators from installing the first set of moorings at the Namena Marine Reserve. Stuart Gow, Active Fiji's General Manager led a team of local dive operators to place 5 moorings in the park.

A CORAL microgrant paid for the mooring installation, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort covered the cost of fuel, and L'Aventure Divers, Tui Tai Adventures, Namale Resort, Koro Sun, Moody's Namena, and Nai'a Cruises made the project happen!

The dive sites moored were:
1. Grand Central Station
2. Kansas

The other moorings were placed off the island for surface intervals, the only place the small boats had been regularly dropping anchors.

We are now in the process of organising a splicing party to get them finished this week.

AS Tui Tai fits new Environmentally Friendlier Air Conditioning System

Most air-conditioners and heat pumps sold around the world use a refrigerant called R-22. Emissions of R-22 are considered by some experts to be a significant factor in depleting the ozone layer that protects animals and people from harmful rays from the sun.

Active Fiji has made a commitment to fit environmentally friendlier systems in all its operations. The company made the choice of a new air-conditioning system on board Tui Tai that uses a more efficient and environmentally friendlier refrigerant called R-410.

The Fujitsu Inverter System or Halcyon System employs 4 units in the cargo hold to power all of the 16 indoor units in the cabins, staterooms and spa. Each indoor unit can be operated independently. That is, on/off, temperature, air movement, up/down/left/right, time clock operation, can all be controlled from their own wireless remote.

The Fujitsu Inverter System is equipped with a state of the art DC twin rotary compressor. It can reach the room temperature you set 15% quicker than conventional models and precisely maintain it at a difference of just 0.5°C. Advanced DC twin rotary compressor makes operation at high power and high efficiency a reality. The high efficiency DC Inverter multi system offers energy saving operation and 50% higher efficiency than a constant speed multi system. Improved Inverter cooling ratio prevents a drop in capacity when operating when under high load conditions. Se the website for full details see Fujitsu Website.

What makes R-410A a better refrigerant?

It’s Environmentally Friendlier. If our system ever leaks, the escaping refrigerant won’t contribute to ozone depletion

"State of the Art"

R-410A air conditioning is today’s “state of the art” systems, and utilizes the most current technology available for efficient and reliable operation. The heart of every air conditioner is the compressor, and newer systems are specifically designed to use R-410A refrigerant. It incorporates smaller, heavier-duty “scroll-type” compressors that are quieter and operate with less damaging vibration than older compressors that operate on R-22. Since R-410A can absorb and release heat more efficiently than R-22 ever could, compressors with R-410A run cooler than R-22 systems, reducing the risk of burnout due to overheating.

The new system uses a synthetic lubricant that helps to keep the system operating smoothly. All air-conditioning systems use an oil that circulates through the inside of the system to keep all of the parts well lubricated, just like the engine of your car. R-22 air conditioners use an oil known as “mineral oil” that has been used for decades. R-410A air conditioners use newer synthetic lubricants that are usually more soluble with the R-410A than the old mineral oils are with the older R-22 refrigerants. This means the synthetic lubricants and R-410A can mix and circulate more efficiently to keep the compressor and other moving parts lubricated, reducing wear and extending their life. Also, just as many new cars use synthetic oils because they are less likely to break down under high stress and heat, the new synthetic oils used in R-410A air conditioners are less likely to break down under extreme conditions.

The Theory of Ozone Depletion

What is ozone?
Ozone is a type of molecule that is made of 3 connected oxygen atoms, which is written in scientific terms as O3. It is mostly found in the stratosphere, and absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation that would otherwise find it’s way down to us and cause a variety of problems for humans, animals, and plants. Stratospheric ozone is different from ground-level ozone, which contributes to smog in our cities.

How could CFCs and HCFCs affect the ozone layer?
Ozone is constantly being made in our atmosphere, mostly by collisions of oxygen molecules (O2) and oxygen atoms (O). Ozone is also constantly being destroyed by similar collisions between O3 molecules and O atoms, resulting in pairs of O2 molecules. In theory then, there is a balance between creation and destruction that results in a constant layer of ozone.

The full names for CFCs and HCFCs are Chlorofluorocarbons and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons. CFC molecules are made of chlorine, fluorine, and carbon, and HCFC molecules also have hydrogen atoms attached. The widely accepted theory of ozone depletion is that these molecules, once emitted to the atmosphere, eventually are broken down over long periods of time into their individual atoms. The chlorine atoms then react with the ozone and cause ozone destruction to happen faster than ozone creation.

Why is ozone depletion considered bad?
Because stratospheric ozone protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays, ozone depletion means people, animals and plants are all affected by these rays when the ozone layer fails to stop them. This may include:

- Increases in skin cancers.
- Increases in cataracts of the eyes which can result in loss of sight.
- Reduction in the yields of important food crops, according to some scientists.

Why can’t R-410A affect the ozone layer?
R-410A is not a CFC or an HCFC. It is called an HFC, or hydrofluorocarbon, and is made of hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon atoms. Because it has no chlorine, it won’t interact with the ozone layer once it breaks down.

Active Fiji is commitedd to helping build a better environement in the Fiji Islands and globally. We have made a financial commitment to purchase environmentally friendlier systems, even though the cost is considerably higher than the older, damagaing alternative.

(This information was found from a number of websites and brochures. For more information see : http://www.410a.com/index.html)

Doctors on vacation to the rescue!

During our 5-night Adventure Cruise the first week of May while visiting Nacamaki Village on Koro Island, I was called into a family home. In the house I found a new mother on the floor unable to move with an extremely swollen and painful leg. She had given birth to a new baby girl a week ago and had not been able to move since.

Luckily, we had 2 doctors from New Jersey onboard the Tui Tai - Martin and Susan Uram! They appeared with Tui Tai first aid / medical kits in hand and diagnosed her immediately as having a large blood clot in her upper thigh. They knew immediately that they has to give her something to start thinning out her blood so eventually the clot would thin itself out.

They assessed the situation and the fact that she is in an extremely remote area and safely subscribed aspirin. We left her with enough aspirin so she can thin her blood and hopefully within 6 months feel much much better and dissolve most of the clot.

Vinaka to Dr. Martin and Dr. Susan Uram of New Jersey - she is up and moving around!

She sends all of her Lolomas (love) to them from Nacamaki Village!

Come back soon Susan and Martin...

Nacamaki Village will always remember you!!

Mountain Travel Sobek: Fiji Discovery Expedition

Mountain Travel Sobek: Fiji Discovery Expedition

And Mountain Travel Sobek are onboard for a couple of expeditions next year with their own expedition experts along. Should be an awesome trip by the looks of the plan.

Stuart

Taveuni Island - Fiji!: The Great Sea Reef

Taveuni Island - Fiji!: The Great Sea Reef

hey this is a good personal blog of places we go and info on Fiji background.

Stuart

New species found in Fiji's Great Sea Reef

The first ever comprehensive survey of Fijis largely uncharted Great Sea Reef, the worlds third longest barrier reef was done on board Tui Tai. It has revealed a staggering array of life, including a new species of reef fish. See all WWF Fiji work and the expedition report:

http://www.wwfpacific.org.fj/where_we_work/fiji/index.cfm

http://www.wwfpacific.org.fj/publications/fiji/GSR_Summary.pdf

Stuart

Inaugral adventure cruise a grand success!

Well we went out there and had a great time, excellent to be back doing what we do best instead of all this construction. Into a glorious sunset and some Coopers beers on the daybeds on the sundeck.

Here are the "Dive Guys" lounging and starting their battle on our bar to see if they can indeed drink us out of beer by the end of the cruise. Actually they almost did... At the end Meli only had 3 lonely bottles of Fiji BITTER left! Best assault we've ever had on the bar, beating out even the 7 night surf charters out to Lau last year.



Monday night dinner and Tige joined us. Here we all are sitting down to Captain's Dinner of Cajun Night.




Next up we should include a photo of at least one of honeymoon couple on board, oh what the heck lets get them both up here, first off Lawrence and Erica, looking damn good in their diving gear.








Here's one of our dive boats heading out for a dive off Qamea called "Stillwater". This is the Hoer family mostly, but everyone kinda mucked in together on the dive boats.



Okay that's enough for one posting. More in my next week's adventure into cyber space blogging.

Stuart

Brand new coat of paint (& new colours)

Well here it is, the all new, all singing, all new coloured AS Tui Tai! We've morphed the colour scheme into a more classic "superyacht" scheme of Misty Moon Grey superstructure and Royale Blue Hull.

You can also see our new stabalizers/bilge keels. This will allow us to offer more of the outer island trips to Lau and Cakau Levu at all times of the year. The combination of the stabilizing effect of the stay sials with these will make Tui Tai extrememly stable in the open oceans now.

These pictures were taken just before AS Tui Tai was launched from the Fiji Ships and Heavy Industries Ltd, 500 tonnes slip way. We lucked out completely with the weather in Suva and managed to get all our painting done with no rain! The skies were just like in the photos, beautiful sky blue 99% of the time!

Anyway more from the first cruise which was last week in a few days (we had a full boat, family of 8, 2 honeymoon couples, a dive group of 7....!)

Stuart

The New Grand Staterooms

A couple quick shots of Tui Tai's new Grand Staterooms. We now have 2 of these on the A deck level and they are selling out fast! Each Grand Stateroom has a queen size bed and a single bed/sofa seating. Private ensuite bathroom, shower with pebble tiled floor. Floor to ceiling glass sliding door plus observation view window means you never miss a dolphin or whale sighting.

CONDE NAST NAMES TUI TAI ADVENTURE CRUISES AS ONE OF “WORLD’S SEXIEST CRUISES”

Conde Nast media’s online travel portal Concierge.com has selected Tui Tai Adventure Cruises as one of 8 “Love Boats: the Worlds’s Sexiest Cruises.” The feature article celebrates 8 of the premier cruise vessels from around the world.

The full feature can be viewed online at
http://www.concierge.com/ideas/cruise/tour/detail?id=1231

Tui Tai Adventure Cruises is featured under the theme “Quest for Adventure,” http://www.concierge.com/ideas/cruise/tour/detail?id=1231&page=3

“The recognition by Conde Nast emphasizes our position as an elite provider of luxury adventure cruising,” said Director Morika Young, “Conde Nast is one of the top travel medias in the world and it is an honor to be selected by them.”

TripAdvisor.com posting

This is a lovely little post from one of our guests on Tui Tai:

Lucky-J Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 7 Tacoma, WA (3145820)

Posted on: 2:57 am, Mar 24, 2006 We were on the Tui Tai in Oct 05 and had a fantastic time. I dive but my wife doesn't, so it was a great for both of us. Each day has a choices of dive or other adventure activities. The staff was great, the food was good and we got to see some of Fiji that isn't on the usual tourist routes. My only regret is that it's not likely I'll get back there any time soon to see the newly re-fitted boat. It should make a great trip even better.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294331-i883-k510448-Liveaboard_Dive_Vessels-l3145820-Fiji.html#3145820

Tui Tai off to Suva for slipway

The 8 weeks refit is over and it's time for Tui Tai's "annual medical" visit to the Suva ship slipway (well she is a vintage ship at 25 years old you know, birthday party on 19th April 2006 when she's 26!). She gets pulled out annually for a full check over and repaint and now is the perfect time. Departed Savusavu at 11am this morning and will arrive in Suva about 3am tomorrow morning.

The new Expedition Cabins, Staterooms and Grand Staterooms are receiving their finishing touches and final coat of varnish en-route today. All the new mirrors from Pearls Fiji are mounted and look awesome.

I just flew in to Suva this afternoon, Tige flew in on Monday, and the rest of the crew are on board. It'll be a full on team effort for the next 7 days, so maybe not much posting will be done.

We'll do the Tui Tai glamour photos when we relaunch next Saturday!

Stuart

Diary of an adventure cruiser : WAIKATO TIMES, NZ

Diary of an adventure cruiser

20 March 2006 , Waikato Times, New Zealand

By JEFF HOWELLJeff Howell has five unforgettable days aboard the Tui Tai in Fiji.

Looking for something more exciting than a sun lounger and a trashy novel for your next holiday? How about a cruise?

No, not that kind of cruise. This is different. For pokie machines and deck quoits, think mountain bikes, kayaks and dive gear. For portside cities and souvenir shops, think isolated bays, dive spots and natural wonders. Dress-down, not dress code.

Everyone's on first names, including the crew.

Welcome aboard the Tui Tai, a 40m Fijian motor sailer, which plies the waters of Vanua Levu and Fiji's eastern islands. There's an all-Fijian crew of 16, and room for up to 24 guests in air-con cabins.

With a couple of runabouts, a Padi dive operation, and enough adventure gear for everyone, Tui Tai is a cruise ship set up for serious, active fun.

Day 1
We cast off mid-morning from Savusavu harbour to the start point for our first activity, a kayak trip up the Yanowai river.
Our pace is sedate. The river teems with life. Kids play in the water, trampling through taro plots, jumping from giant trees, floating downstream clinging to morsels of banana palm, paddling in impossibly overladen tin boats.
Kayaking back to the rendezvous point, Liga, our guide, entertains with stories of iguanas, how-to-cook-breadfruit, and a long abandoned goldmine.
Most of my fellow travellers are American. Half the guests Padi-certified. John and Suzy have come all the way from Tucsonwith mates Pat and Carl. They relish the prospect of two dives a day, the first scheduled for this afternoon.
The divers saddle up and head to deep water. I grab a snorkel and flippers and jump overboard for a low-tech coral experience.
Imagine being shrunk in size and plonked in an aquarium. Coral sprouts like giant mushrooms, human brains, and sawn-off coconut palms.
Some twinkle on the ends; others look like spilled blue paint.
Fish. Angel fish, south seas devils, bristletooth, black snapper. Little aquamarine ones swim in dense schools, brahmin blue fluorescent starfish with waving tentacles.

Day 2
Paradise is waking with sleepy eyes, walking to the deck and diving into the deep clear blue water. The world's biggest swimming pool.
After breakfast (omelette, cereal, coffee, fresh pineapple) we kayak around the mainland coast.
When everything gets too hot, we ditch the kayaks for a swim in the bay, and take turns surfing behind the support dinghy.
After lunch we head to Nagigi village in a classic old window-less school bus. The visit is remarkable: unrehearsed, candid and authentic.
The elders were expecting us. Sitting cross-legged under the meeting house verandah, men sing and pass around kava (a local infusion, mildly intoxicating, made from the root of the yaqona bush).
Over the road, the rest of the village slug it out at an all-you-can-eat volleyball match.
We stroll around the village. Back at the meeting house, women present garlands, sing songs and get us all dancing. Smiles, pride, exuberance, grace, warmth, fun.
Night falls as we head home. The aroma of wood smoke, kerosene and burning fern leaves. Dirt roads, bumps and potholes. Headlight beams through the dust.
After dinner everyone lounges around the big communal dining table on the back deck. Then to bed early. Clearly, this is no party cruise.

Day 3
During the night the Tui Tai cruises to a channel between the islands of Taveuni and Qamea.
What a beautiful place to anchor: deep blue water hemmed in by luxuriant, mountainous and mysterious islands.
From a distance it could be Milford Sound. Except it is 30< bay. the in bob coconuts fallen and>
Morning exercise is a 10km mountain bike ride, and a hill walk to see Taveuni's famous Bouma falls. Along the way the skies open, turning the dirt road into a puddled, muddy, hideous mess. Exhilarating. We arrive at the Bouma information centre in muddy glory.
Ten minutes later, sweat is still oozing from every pore.
The first waterfall at Bouma is a torrent of water falling 30m into a deep shaded pool. The second is another 20 minutes up the track. Talk about steep. Talk about slippery. Talk about sweaty.
The swim at the top is heaven. After a picnic lunch of yummy vege rotis, water melon and more swims, we opt not to pedal back, preferring the comfort of the minibus.
Tonight's dinner features seafood: tasty white-fleshed walu and masala prawns bought from Savusavu market.

Day 4
Patrick, the divemaster, promised today's snorkel would be the best of the trip. Too right. Called The Farm, it is a coral wall on the edge of a deep channel.
Hectares of coral blooming up from seemingly endless depths, schools of fish, even a lurking reef shark.
On nearby Rabi (pronounced Rambi) the locals are commemorating 60 years of habitation –- and we are invited. Latter-day Pacific migrants, they arrived in Rabi from Banaba island in far-off Kiribati in 1945.
They'd been forced to leave Banaba after Britain, New Zealand and Australia mined it to oblivion, extracting rich deposits of phosphate-rich guano.
As Banaba became unviable, the British Government simply found them another island to live on in distant Fiji. Remember, these were colonial times.
Rabi is normally closed to visitors, but Patrick is Rabian.
He wrangled the visit and ushers us into the VIP pavilion before disappearing to catch up with family and friends.
Across from me sits a woman who looks remarkably like our governor-general. Maybe, maybe not. Anything's possible in the Pacific!
Dignitaries make speeches. A police band plays. Girls and boys perform, dancing the age-old vivacious and sensual Pacific moves that have captivated foreigners for centuries.

Day 5
A scorching day. Mountain biking seems like a good idea until the first giant, swoon-inducing hill. Stopping at the first beach, we end up staying all day.
The crew ferries over some deck chairs. Around noon they bring lunch (beef curry, rice and rotis) and a well-stocked chilly bin.
Later, more crew arrive in the inflatable for a volleyball challenge. They are 10 times better than us, but we seem to win an equal share of games. Fijians are natural diplomats.
Our final night aboard Tui Tai. A Fijian sing-a-long and kava on the back deck. Plenty of Fiji Bitters are downed as we dissect the last five days. Everyone agrees: the trip's been active, yet no one had felt pressure to over-exert themselves. The divers rave. The Americans are in love with Fijian warmth and informality. We toast the crew, the food, the spontaneity.
Later, as Tui Tai cruises the moonlight back to Savusavu, the wind rustles the sails and a thousand stars dance above the silhouettes of distant islands.

DETAILS
· The five-night cruise costs about F$1790 share twin, including meals and activities (except Padi dives). There are three and four-night packages. See www.tuitai.com for details.
· Jeff Howell is a Hamilton writer.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/waikatotimes/0,2106,3610282a6578,00.html

Vinaka and kind regards,
-Miriam
Miriam Whippy
Reservations Officer
Active Fiji / Tui Tai Adventure Cruises

Yaka beds and shelves

Quick sneak preview of the yaka hardwood leeboards on the bunks and used for the shelving in the cabins and staterooms. This is after only 1 coat of varnish, and they will eventually get 5 coats to really bring out that wonderful grain.

Stuart

First mirror into Expedition Cabin 5

These mirrors were hand made by J Hunter Pearls and Pearls Fiji, our next door neighbour in Savusavu.

The surrounds are made from the pearl oyster shells polished to highlight the mother-of-pearl.

If you look really carefully you can see 2 golden coloured shells in the shape of our Tui Tai logo (the 2 sails) in the bottom right hand corner.

Every cabin will have one of the Pearls Fiji mirrors, and the Staterooms and Grand Staterooms will have one in the bathroom, and 2 in the main cabins.

Stuart

Shane and Wayne at night

I was just on board and watching the guys cut and weld up to 8pm (long 12 hour days are now in full swing) and the light caught my eye. I think black and white really give dramatic results at night.

Eco forestry

Bula all,

Here is the Yaka hardwood drying for the leeboards and shelving in all the cabins. All of this exquisite hardwood was harvested from a single tree grown in the highlands behind Savusavu. Mr Bill Driver and his crew walked half a day into his forestry and to find the one tree that would give the amount of wood we required in the correct size. We needed about 800 linear feet of 12' x 1" planks, between 5 and 8ft long. The final product of the tree that he chose came to 874 linear feet (trees not really growing THAT much to order...).

The tree was then felled by chainsaw and then a portable sawmill using the same chainsaws were used to cut the logs into rough "green" planks. The wood was then loaded onto the crew's backs and walked out of the forest. No logging roads were carved into the hillside, and secondary forest damage was minimal. This kind of forestry is known as Eco-Forestry and is currently being supported in the Fiji Islands by German Forestry Agency to try and reduce the damage and soil erosion caused by mass forestry and the logging roads normally used during harvesting.

The planks were then dressed and finished to our final required thickness and size by the local Savusavu Sawmill over by the airport. in the photo we see the resulting timber drying out beneath a tarpaulin on our day beds on the sun deck. An alternative use for a very comfortable piece of deck furniture. This is now dry and ready for sanding and polishing for use as the leeboards on all our beds. It will also be used for the splash guard around the vanities and the shelves in the Grand Staterooms.

Stuart

New KONA Mountain Bikes arrive in country

Just received the phone call that our new 26 mountain bikes have arrived at Nadi Airport, 2 weeks ahead of scheduled delivery date!

These are new, state-of-the-art 2006 model KONA mountain bikes, not any old bike out there. The Fire Mountain ius specifi`cally made for cross-country riding like the road to Bouma and Buca Bay during our Adventure Cruise.

"Cross Country riding and Cross Country racing are cornerstones of Kona Bicycles. For the last 17 years we’ve collaborated with and sponsored some of the fastest racers in the world, who ride the most demanding courses out there. Each one of them contributes to design and innovation in order for our bikes to withstand World Cup racing and the brutal punishment it puts on equipment. This year, the Kona Les Gets Factory Team will be putting our bikes through another rigorous season of racing, research and development."

I'm seriously looking forward to putting these bikes through our own Fiji testing grounds in the coming months!

Go visit the website and find out for yourself:
http://www.konaworld.com/shopping_cart/FrontEnd/Products/product_detail.aspx?productid=336&parentid=253

Stuart

National Geographic Adventure Article

Just out in the March 2006 issue of one of our favourite magazines, National Geographic Adventure:

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/travel/fiji.html

Stuart

Cabinets into Expedition Cabins

This a much nicer view of what's happening, the clean new wood and the carpenters. Here is Gopal fitting the wardrobes and vanity cabinets into Expedition Cabin 4.

These are now finished and are recieving their second coat of varnish (but I left my camera on the ship tonight so can't upload the photos).

We're down to only 17 days left in Savusavu before we head to Suva to go up on the slip for our annual survey and repaint (oh exciting news on the paint front, but that can wait for another blog!)

Stuart

My current office and why this blog isn't updated often at the mo...

For those of you who have been on Tui Tai these photos show the current look of the saloon and bar area on board. In the first photo my "office" is the first table and chair on the right with my yellow water bottle (hydrate, hydrate!) and Starbucks coffee (made by the Tacoma Girls in the Active Fiji real office for me daily!)

; always appreciated if you want to bring a gift for us coffe lovers out here in the sticks, any type or variety of good coffee beans works of us!

The rest of the mess is the materials and stock needed for the refit. Toilets, sinks, engine parts, desal plant, glue, nails, welding rods, cutting disks, sound proofing insulation mat, electrical cabling, distribution boxes, light switches, lights themselves, goodness I could do this all evening. Enough said that there is literally tonnes of equipment and supplies.


In the second photo you can just see one of the heads off of our starboard main engine, a Gardner. Chief Engineer Timoci has taken the 12 weeks refit time to grab a chance to do a full top end rebuild of all our critical systems. Oil and diesel everywhere!

All for now, 'll try and do a nicer photo in my next blog.

Stuart

Oompa Loompa's help in refit

Work is well underway in the refit now. We are on Day 17, and dare I say it we are slightly ahead of schedule!

Here are two of our carpenters kitted up for installing the soundproofing and fireproofing mat between the cabins. As Tania says, they are just so Oompa Loompa we had to take a photo!

We loved the food

Hello and bula- We saw the most incredible rainforests and beaches, met great people from all over the world and had the best food I’ve ever eaten.  How the chef did it I don’t know.  He turned out amazing dishes and sweets every morning and afternoon as well as serving themed evening meals – the only meal he didn’t cook onboard was the Lovo feast which was begun in the kitchen, then carried by small boat to the beach, where it was cooked in a hot rock pit and then returned to the ship – it was fabulous.

-- Stan and Judy Moore, Idaho, USA

Tagimucia Spa takes shape

The new Tagimucia Spa has been framed and sized by the on staff carpenters today.

The spa will feature face, body and feet massages as well as a number of traditional and regular treatments to rejuvenate guests before and after the adventures.

The new spa will have a full size massage table as well as a mobile massage chair which will be relocated to the adventure sites such as Cobia beach and Bouma waterfalls, for an unforgettable massage in an unbelievably beautiful place.

Cabin 6 has a door!!!!!!!!

The first of the new cabin doors has been cut by the Welding team, ARGH! Here we see Shane, Ian and Wayne fixing the hammer used to knock the door out... And it's a BIG hammer.

Cabin 6 door has been cut to allow the carpenters to get access to finish the walls and ceiling. All the frame is finished in the Expedition Cabins on the main deck, so they now need doors to get in.

The Dream Team

Pictured here are Nazir, our star carpenter with his boys. Also is our own "Welder Smurf" Shane Bower, more often seen welding works of art than cutting plate steel! But we have him for 8 weeks.
See his website: http://www.islandartfiji.com/artist_shanebower.cfm

The Gateway to the Star Deck

The new stairs up to the Star Deck are completed already, done by the famous Savusavu ship carpenter, Tom Whippy.

Adventure Cabins no more

Well, we're now moving pretty fast, and as you can see there are now no more Adventure Cabins any more. This is the big space that is being expanded with new doors and windows to make up our 8 new en-suite Expedition Cabins.

Project Cooper's Begins!

Okay this is it, we've finished our last pre-refit cruise this week and we're full speed ahead into the refit! Nazir and his Dream Team of carpenters have arrived from Lautoka, Shane and his welding team are here and Tom Whippy the speed ship carpenter is in place.

And so we see here the removal of all the old adventure cabins and the luxury cabin! All making space for our new Expedition Cabins, Staterooms and Grand Staterooms.

More on all this every few days as I get to my computer.

Stuart, GM

And may be, there is Kava again.

Bula vinaka, Miriam.

Well, I do not know if you remember me, but I remember you, when you brought me along the Hibiscus-Highway to the Tui Tai, about 4 week ago.

I am travelling now since 2 week around New Zealand. It is a beautiful country, but it is really cold here. There are a lot of activities, one can do here. You will find 6 photos of an activity I did, when you go to the Internet with http://www.ajhackett.com/ .

I have no shirt, because they put me into the water.

Nevertheless, I am glad to go to Tonga on Wednesday. It will be a lot warmer there. And may be, there is Kava again.

With best regards

Peter

Peter Taubitz

Tui Tai Guest

November 2005

This was the adventure of a lifetime

This was the adventure of a lifetime and I am blessed to have had these amazing adventures with amazing new friends.

Thanks so much

Leslie Wallace, Eckerd College

Guest,
Tui Tai Expedition 2-9th January 2006

Awesome dives, Thanks Pat!

Bula Patrick,

I'll bet you thought that I forgot this, but I'm a man of my word! Hope you like these photos.

No if you're really as good an ex-policeman as you say, you'll remember who I am (world's slowest scuba diver!).

Have a Merry Christmas

Enjoy

Dick Davis
Franklin Lakes, NJ
USA

Guest
Tui Tai Expedition 10-15 October 2005

Taveuni's Lost Coast Discovered

One of Fiji's most hidden treasures, the scarcely seen windward coast of Taveuni was recently explored by Tui Tai Adventure Cruises. In local lore, the coastline is known as the "land of 100 waterfalls" and it appears that there are at least that many gushers flowing down the rugged island landscape into the sea.

With exceptionally calm conditions, 4 explorers departed Tui Tai in its Naiad Zodaiac RIB. Maritino Tiko, Tige Young, Cari and Kalen Zantolas made the expedition and enjoyed the breathtaking scenery.

Predominant weather makes this coast quite rough in terms of waves and wind, so it is generally inaccessible. There are no roads on this side of the island and a vast expanse of uninhabited coastline remains pristine.

During our exploration we were treated to some close ups to waterfalls that crashed very near the deap sea. The ocean water was a surreal color of jade and sapphire.

The beauty of the coastline makes it an attractive area to consider for future expeditions, however, the potential for rough weather remains a constant concern during any visit.

Enjoy the pictures!
-Tige, Owner and Managing Director, Active Fiji / Tui Tai Adventure Cruises