Monday 4 August 2008

Feedback letter

Dear Morika,

Thank you for your personal response. It doesn't surprise me though, as everything we experienced on the Tui Tai was obviously completed with attention to every tiniest detail, and being a former trip coordinator for 15 years, it did not escape my appreciation.

On the plane ride home, I wrote 3 pages of my Tui Tai impressions - trying to put my feelings on paper. I am aware that many things were in play for our experience to be so perfect, but I have to say, without any exaggeration, it was the best experience of my life - truly life changing - and I will try to tell you why.

From the moment we were greeted by Liga with his sincere welcome, I FELT an earnest that is often not present when staying somewhere. The song greeting was so sweet, and the usher into the lobby with smiles, a genuine welcome, from the crew. Ben was very kind, welcoming and present. He went over the general specifics of the boat, safety (which I was so happy to see is so well covered. My mother just 2 months ago went on a Blue Lagoon Cruise, developed an infection on her leg, there was no doctor on board, not
even a first aid kit, and she came home to 5 weeks in the hospital and was ONE DAY away from dying.) Needless to say, the confirmation of substantial first aid on board Tui Tai was welcomed!

The bike rides, the hikes, the kayaks were all the perfect length for me, and I noticed for most of the guests. Gordon did work really hard to keep the bikes in good order. One thing I so appreciated was whenever we arrived at a beach to kayak or bike, the kayaks or bikes were just there waiting for us seemingly effortlessly. The crew is magic how they slip in and out without any fanfare other than smiles when you see them. They were so kind, helpful, welcoming and at the same time respectful and warm without seeming like they were falling over themselves to wait on us... Every time we were out on any adventure the crew were quietly in the background in case anyone needed anything. There but not in our face, just in the background. I remember every time we got back on board, Kouri was there with clean towels, greeting us with a warm smile. I felt Liga set a high bar for the crew, and they reached it every time.

The food was perfect. It was varied, in plenty supply, had a good offering for my son who is a vegetarian, healthy and so yummy, thanks to the cooks. Mere was darling, gave both of us a massage - very kind, hospitable and had a beautiful singing voice.

The opportunity to visit the villages was wonderful. I really wanted an experience where I felt as if I got to see the real Fiji and you honored that - you promised it in your publications and it was true. I felt we were truly welcomed by the villagers as guests, and not only a source of money. The difference to me is monumental. I don't like to feel a fake welcoming, just to get $$ from me, these people though were genuine and it made the experience so much more real.

I have to say Liga was remarkable. I would say he made the trip for me and for my family. He went out of his way to give us an experience that was overwhelming. I appreciated his understated presence - he was full of information, but like a treasure chest, there for the opening, not dumping all over us, just overflowing once you open the lid. His knowledge of the history, the culture, the language, the villages, the people, the nuances from island to island and the fact that he actually knew the individual people on the islands, made it feel as if we were visiting friends, not just random inhabitants. We felt Liga let us into his world, and it made all the difference to us. He deserves an award or at least a raise!! :^) He truly is remarkable and I will never forget him and all he did for my family.

When we left, listening to "Isa Lei" sung by the crew, just about did me in. I left feeling truly heart sick - as if I was leaving something I had fallen in love with. It was the experience: the lack of interruptions by cell phone, internet, and the feeling of being held in a week-long hug. No stress, no cares, only kindness, genuine people, adventurous fun, soul warming food, and the fact that the mix of other guests, the weather, the crew and the day to day unfoldings were so smooth, made it something that was very hard to leave. The good thing is, it is in my heart and I am a changed person in a way I hope I always stay. Calm to my soul and more appreciative for the people and the country of Fiji. I also want to thank you because I know a good boss is the backbone of a successful establishment and without your guidance I'm sure a lot of this wouldn't just happen on its own. So thank you.

Vinaka vakalevu.

With sincere gratitude,
Whitney

Thursday 10 July 2008

Feedback & Ratings

"Great fun and I felt very safe. Hoepfully I can come on this trip again! Keep up the hard work and wonderful experience." -- Annie, Australia

"A truly wonderful and beautiful experience that all of us will remember forever. Wonderful, fantastic crew." -- Rob and Marilyn, Australia

"It was a perfect vacation for us! Active and had all the comforts that are important. The staff was amazing, the cultural experiences are treasures." -- Kelly, USA

"The perfect vacation for someone who is adventurous and wants to see the real cultural side of Fiji. I think everyone did a great job to make this an excellent experience for me." -- Kiki, USA

"Delightful crew, fantastic food, good dive sites and great scuba instruction (Ben--superb)." -- Jon, Australia

"I really liked it, all the staff were friendly and I liked the activities (visiting villages and bike riding especially)." -- Hannah, Australia

"A fun cruise with good crew members who are always fun. Lots of activities." -- Chris, Australia

"Wonderful experience, friendly people and well-organized." -- Greg, Australia

"Fantastic, friendly staff and very helpful!" -- Kylie, Australia

"Amazing and exciting, something that surpassed my expectations. The chef was brilliant!!! I would recommend to my friends and family," -- Chloe, Australia

"Amazing, a wonderful experience full of great memories." -- Emily, Australia

The following guest feedback scores came from the June 30-July 7 Adventure Cruise,

2007.(1=poor, 10=Excellent)

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

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: 9.1

How would you rate the meals served?
Average Score: 9.6

How would you rate your Fiji diving experience?
Average Score: 9.6

How safe did you feel during your Tui Tai Expedition?
Average Score: 9.8

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

Friday 4 July 2008

TUI TAI COMPLETES NEW STATEROOMS WITH PRIVATE OVERSEA VERANDAS AND ROOFTOP CABANAS


Tui Tai Accommodations Tui Tai Adventure Cruises has completed a renovation of its Starboard side Stateroom and Stardeck to create two new classes of privacy and luxury.

The Stateroom and Grand Stateroom now has its own enclosed veranda with stunning direct-to-ocean views. Guests in these Staterooms enjoy a private entry far from other cabins. These Staterooms boast enormous private cabanas on the rooftop, accessible only from within the private veranda. Private stardeck cabanas feature the best views on the ship (and therefore the best views in the world), plush daybeds, oversized cushions and a table. Relax outside, gaze at the stars (some guests even sleep outside under the stars); and enjoy two decks of total privacy, comfort and space. Guests in this stateroom have the experience of their own private yacht.

"With the new Private Oversea Verandas and Rooftop Cabanas, these Staterooms are Two-Storeys. They are the largest and most decorated accommodation of any expedition vessel in the Pacific," said owner Tige Young.

The interior of these rooms remain the same as the Stateroom and Grand Staterooms, including their own bathrooms, air conditioning, and queen-size beds. Large windows and floor to ceiling glass windows offer exquisite views. Grand Staterooms feature a personal entertainment system: plasma style LCD/TV, DVD/CD player, and iPod docking station.

For images and more info, please see:
Tui Tai Accommodations

Monday 30 June 2008

"FANTASTIC! A trip I will never forget. I wish you had other Tui Tai's in different "

"Great way to see this part of Fiji, a special experience." -- Chris, USA

"Relaxing, definitely an adventure, a one of a kind experience." -- Alex and Jane, USA

"I love the people and country, I don't want to leave. We love FIJI :)" -- Barbara, USA

"Adventure of a lifetime" -- Elizabeth, USA

"I'm blown away. Great combination of exercise, Fijian culture, relaxation." -- Ken, Australia

"Action packed cruise which enables guests to appreciate and get a better understanding of Fijian cultural diversity. Dedicated and excellent staff made this experience a joy." -- Francoise, Belgium

"A floating expedition tent!" -- Geoff, USA

"Wonderful experience, to meet and learn about Fiji and its people." -- Barbara and Tom, USA

"5 days in paradise made memorable by the care and expertise of a wonderful crew." -- Kevin and Karen, Australia

"Great Trip." -- Isabelle, France

"Beautiful experience with great moments. Great crew, very professional and friendly." -- Pablo, Australia

"FANTASTIC! A trip I will never forget. I wish you had other Tui Tai's in different locations around the world." -- Maureen, Canada

"Tui Tai gets you off the beaten track and shows you the real Fiji." -- John, Canada

"A once in a lifetime opportunity that everyone should be fortunate enough to experience."
-- Matt, Canada

"Somehow manages to let you totally relax whilst filling the day with excellent adventures. And allows you to forget everything whilst making you think more about the world around you. Staff were superb, beyond friendly." -- Tim, Australia

"Fun, adventure, culture and true friendship. Vinaka to all!!! Especially Morika and Tige (for assistance planning our entire honeymoon)." -- George and Ann, USA

"Keep the trip just as it is today, PERFECT!" -- Natasha, USA

"A relaxed and comfortable trip with a group of people who quickly became friends and a staff who seemed to be genuinely friendly and interested in what we were doing. I had a great time." -- Mary, USA

"the adventure of a lifetime from our world around trip." -- Rosanna, Italy

"Great program, many activities, very friendly and professional staff. Comfortable boat, good food!" -- Marcel, Netherlands


The following guest feedback scores came from expeditions in May 2008 (1=poor,

10=Excellent)

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: 9.8

Was your cabin/stateroom comfortable and in working order?
Average Score: 9.5

How would you rate the meals served?
Average Score: 9.2

How would you rate your Fiji diving experience?
Average Score: 9.4

How safe did you feel during your Tui Tai Expedition?
Average Score: 9.8

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

"A life changing magical experience...leaving you a better person physically, mentally"

"A life changing magical experience...leaving you a better person physically, mentally and spiritually." -- Matt, USA

"Exhausting, fun, inspiriational, different." -- Sarah and Chris, Australia

"A MUST DO. A once in a lifetime experience that should not be passed up." -- Kyle, USA

"Friendly, relaxing, challenging. A great way to meet new people and experience/share different cultures." -- Heather, NZ

"Best Vacation ever!!! Sharks, whalesm dolphins, all in one day!" -- Andreas, Planet Canadia

"Overwhelming friendliness of all the Fijian people, and all the Tui Tai Adventures put a permanent smile on our faces." -- Adolf, South Africa

"Beautiful islands and people. Staff was friendly and helpful...the best staff ever!" -- Chuck and Joann, USA

"Linda and I had an unbelievable time on the Tui Tai. It was all that we expected and more. We would also like to thank all the staff on the boat again, they all were extremely helpful, friendly and made our trip what it was. Also a special mention for Linga, with his knowledge and experience of the Fiji culture and his wonderful personality, you have a wining combination there." -- Linda and Rod, Australia

The following guest feedback scores came from the June 16-23 Adventure Cruise, 2008.(1=poor, 10=Excellent)

Did you find the Tui Tai Experience held up to its promises?
Average Score: 9.6

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: 9.5

How would you rate the meals served?
Average Score: 9.6

How would you rate your Fiji diving experience?
Average Score: 9.3

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?
100% answered 'YES'

Would you be willing to allow Active Fiji/Tui Tai to refer potential customers to you via

email to answer questions they have about Tui Tai Adventure Cruises?
100% answered 'YES'

Thursday 26 June 2008

Rod and Linda: "an unbelievable time on the Tui Tai"

Hi Morika,
Just wanted to let you know that Linda and I had an unbelievable time on the Tui Tai. It was all that we expected and more. We would also like to thank all the staff on the boat again, they all were extremely helpful, friendly and made our trip what it was. Also a special mention for Linga, with his knowledge and experience of the Fiji culture and his wonderful personality, you have a wining combination there.

Thank you again and we will be sure to let all of our friends know about the Tui Tai and what it can offer

Rod and Linda Fletcher

Tony Whitton, Rosies Holidays: I must say Tui Tai was a delightful surprise

Bula Tige, Bula Morika
I must say Tui Tai was a delightful surprise. Eroni and I wanted to drop you both a short email to thank you both and the amazing crew at Tui Tai for your extraordinary hospitality and the very impressive adventure experience that you showcased last weekend.
It was so good to see a young couple like yourselves redefine the tourism experience in the North and showcasing an extraordinary part of Fiji that many of us may never have seen. You can be proud of your crew, the amenities on board and the delightful part of the world that you operate in.
Please accept this email as our thanks from all the team at Rosie Holidays and we will really be trying hard to send more customers your way.
With the fuel prices and the general economic climate in our source countries, we all have to paddle a bit harder but we do hope we can grow our partnership with Tui Tai.
Vinaka Vaka Levu, Sota Tale.
Regards
Tony Whitton

Clint, Renae and I had a totally awesome holiday

Ni Sa Bula Morika and Tige,
Vinaka, Vinaka vaka levu from the Bonney family!!!
Clint, Renae and I had a totally awesome holiday, as did our friends who traveled with us.

Morika, what can I say..... WOW !!!! you have an excellent product to export to the world. I did try and put in to words my gratitude when I wrote in the guest book...2 full pages, perhaps Ben told you?
Our 5 days and nights on the Tui Tai were truly wonderful. The staff and all the crew are a credit to your company.

Everyone showed us true Fijian hospitality and made us feel so very welcome and part of the Tui Tai family. Everyone from the engine room to the boat and diving crew and of course Una, Meli and Luma made our trip complete. Ben and Kaori are perfect for their jobs and never had anything but smiles and helpful advice.
Una has the best hands for massaging everything into dreamland but more noticable is that Una has the most gentle nature and the biggest heart. Meli has an infectious sense of humour and style and Luma's cooking was delicious whatever meal he prepared. Together those three people are the best ambassadors for the Tui Tai.
We were also fortunate to be on a cruise with other like minded families and couples who laughed and talked as if we all had known each other before. The laughter and conversations also included all the staff, perhaps it was sharing the kava every night with some of the crew that made everyone feel at ease all the time. Whatever it was there was always laughter.
The small amount of Fijian dollars we had left was not appropriate and Clint and I have decided that we would like to show our appreciation and give the crew of the Tui Tai something for their hospitality and friendship. Can you tell me the names of the crew on our cruise (March 10th - 15th) and what is the best way to send them something. I was hoping to give individual cards with some cash and possibly photos... so perhaps if I did that but sent it in one envelope to your office you would be able to forward it on.
If you can get back to me with answers to my request, I will try to get some photos printed to send away.
Once again thank you, thank you, thank you for a truly fantastic, awesome, wonderful holiday that we will remember for all the right reasons.
Talk soon,
Vinaka,
Cate

Generator Donation for Tabiang School in Rabi

Bula Sia.
It's been nearly six months since I traveled on the Tui Tai with my brother
Chris and wife Leanne. Aside from the sterling service provided by Linga and
the rest of the crew on the Tui Tai, I was overjoyed to visit some truly
romantic places.

As a regular visitor to Fiji, I have been to some pretty fantastic places but nothing I have seen so far compares with Cobia and of course Rabi. I was so moved by the children's
performance that I have decided to help out the school. I spoke with the
head teacher who informed me that the school needs a small generator. I am
returning to Vanua Levu at Christmas time and will arrange to have the generator
delivered then. I am looking forward to returning to Rabi a great deal.

In closing I again want to thank all at TuiTai for making the visit so
memorable.

Vinaka,
Andrew

Wednesday 16 April 2008

Thank you!

Bula Tige,
Just wanted to let you know we had an incredible
time-the staff, the itinerary, the food,the boat....everything .
Thank you and we will pass this
little piece of heaven along to our friends.
We actually have some friends that are building a
home in Fiji and go over quite often-and others
traveling over as well. I was wondering if I could get contact info for
several of your employees that we really connected
with and struck my heart strings so to speak!
-Linga, our wondeful host, beautiful Una masseuse and jsut
special lady, and awesome Eddie the dive master.-I
would love their e-mails and /or cell phone numbers or
local mailing addresses-whatever you can spare so I
can stay in contact. I would really appreciate this.
Thanks Tige again for a very special trip to Fiji
I would not have changed anything!
Vinaka, Brandee

Tuesday 15 April 2008

WOW! and VINAKA VAKA LEVU TUI TAI!!

Ni Sa Bula Morika and Tige,

Vinaka, Vainaka, Vinaka vaka levu from the Bonney family !!!

Clint, Renae and I had a totally awesome holiday, as did our friends who travelled with us.

Sorry this e-mail has been so long in getting to you but I had another weeks holiday with my other daughter, Samantha, on the Sunday after returning home from Fiji on the Saturday night. After that was Easter and now I have all children back to school and Clint is back at work giving me some uninterrupted time on the computer.

Morika, what can I say..... WOW !!!! you have an excellent product to export to the world. I did try and put in to words my grattitude when I wrote in the guest book...2 full pages, perhaps Ben told you?

Our 5 days and nights on the TuiTai were truly wonderful. The staff and all the crew are a credit to your company.
Everyone showed us true Fijian hospitality and made us feel so very welcome and part of the TuiTai family. Everyone from the engine room to the boat and diving crew and of course Una, Meli and Luma made our trip complete. Ben and Kaori are perfect for their jobs and never had anything but smiles and helpful advice.

Una has the best hands for massaging everything into dreamland but more noticable is that Una has the most gentle nature and the biggest heart. Meli has an infectious sense of humour and style and Luma's cooking was delicious whatever meal he prepared. Together those three people are the best ambassadores for the Tui Tai.

We were also fortunate to be on a cruise with other like minded families and couples who laughed and talked as if we all had known each other before. The laughter and conversations also included all the staff, perhaps it was sharing the carva every night with some of the crew that made everyone feel at ease all the time. Whatever it was there was always laughter.

The small amount of Fijian dollars we had left was not appropriate and Clint and I have decided that we would like to show our appreciation and give the crew of the Tui Tai something for their hospitality and friendship. Can you tell me the names of the crew on our cruise (March10th - 15th) and what is the best way to send them something. I was hoping to give individual cards with some cash and possibly photos... so perhaps if I did that but sent it in one envelope to your office you would be able to forward it on.

If you can get back to me with answers to my request I will try to get some phots printed to send away.

Once again thank you, thank you, thank you for a truly fantastic, awesome, wonderful holiday that we will remember for all the right reasons.

Talk soon,

Vinaka
Cate