Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Fiji-Princess

**Title: 'Fiji Princess' Retired After Grounding Incident in Mamanuca Islands** In a significant development for Blue Lagoon Cruises, the iconic 'Fiji Princess' has been officially retired from service following a grounding incident that occurred on April 4 in the picturesque northern Mamanuca Islands. This beloved vessel, which sailed the seas for more than 22 years, met its unfortunate end due to adverse weather conditions. Subsequent assessments of the ship, conducted after initial recovery operations, led the company to determine that retiring the 'Fiji Princess' was the best course of action. Blue Lagoon Cruises is currently reaching out to affected guests to provide alternative travel arrangements to ensure their plans are minimally disrupted. The retirement of the 'Fiji Princess' comes just two weeks prior to the launch of Blue Lagoon Cruises' latest addition to its fleet, the 'Yasawa Princess II'. Set to make its debut on April 27, this new ship will offer accommodation for up to 44 passengers, promising an exciting new option for travelers in the region.

**Title: Cruise Ship 'Fiji Princess' Grounds Off Fiji Amidst Challenging Weather Conditions** On April 4, 2026, the cruise ship 'Fiji Princess' found itself aground on a reef in Fiji, specifically at coordinates 17° 36' S 177° 03' E. The incident occurred during inclement weather, prompting prompt action to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. A total of 30 passengers and 17 of the vessel's 31 crew members were successfully evacuated the same day via a ferry that approached at first light. The evacuees were subsequently transported to Denarau Island, with no injuries reported. The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) quickly deployed officers to assess the situation, and initial inspections revealed significant damage to the ship's rear port side, critically affecting the area housing the steering equipment. Additional damage was observed beneath the vessel, alongside complications including engine failure and water ingress. Rough seas hampered immediate underwater inspections, but the priority on April 6 shifted to mitigating potential environmental threats. Approximately 23 tons of diesel fuel stored on board were removed with the help of the landing craft 'Krishnan' (IMO: 8994752), significantly reducing pollution risks. Fortunately, there were no indications of fuel tank damage during examinations, and precautionary measures were enacted with oil spill containment equipment on site. Salvage operations commenced with the support of a salvage expert from Australia, focusing on the removal of remaining fuel and oil. Recovery efforts are set to escalate once weather conditions improve. Meanwhile, the remaining crew members were temporarily housed on the sister ship, 'Cougar,' to ensure their safety while aiding salvage efforts. The grounding incident occurred near Monuriki Island, roughly 45 kilometers southwest of Nadi—renowned as the filming location for the 2000 movie *Cast Away*, and part of the picturesque Mamanuca Island chain, familiar to fans of the U.S. version of *Survivor* filmed since 2016. As the MSAF collaborates closely with the vessel's operator and response teams, updates will continue to emerge regarding recovery efforts and the status of the 'Fiji Princess.' For further details and photos, you can explore these reports: - [ABC Pacific Beat](https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/pacificbeat/fiji-cruise-stranded/106533888) - [Fiji Times](https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/fuel-removal-underway-from-grounded-fiji-princess-msaf/) - [9News](https://www.9news.com.au/world/30-passengers-evacuate-after-cruise-ship-runs-aground-on-reef-in-fiji/f2a198db-0858-426b-8b62-4866b768df91) - [FBC News](https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/msaf-monitors-grounded-passenger-vessel/) - [Fiji Sun](https://fijisun.com.fj/news/shipping/fuel-removed-from-grounded-vessel-as-recovery-efforts-continue)