In December, Fiji is set to welcome a total of 61 ship visits across its two main ports, Suva and Lautoka, according to the monthly vessel schedule released by Fiji Ports Terminal Limited. The Port of Suva is expected to host 35 ship visits while Lautoka will accommodate 25 arrivals.
The Port of Suva’s roster for December includes an impressive lineup of vessels: 27 container ships, three oil tankers, two cruise liners, two car carriers, and two naval ships. Notably, the cruise liners MS Riviera and MS Regatta will be visiting this month, with MS Riviera scheduled to arrive in Lautoka on December 16 before proceeding to Suva on December 17. The MS Riviera, an Oceania-class cruise ship, has a gross tonnage of 66,084 and can carry 1,250 passengers across its 625 staterooms. Conversely, MS Regatta is part of the R-class fleet owned by Oceania Cruises.
Lautoka’s port will welcome 22 container ships, one cable ship, and two cruise liners. Among these, the cable-laying ship CS Reliance, measuring 140 meters, is anticipated to arrive on December 25.
Additionally, two Japanese vessels, Yushin Maru 2 and Yushim Maru 3, are confirmed to dock in Suva on December 19. The previous month saw the emergence of cruise ship Villa VIE ODYSSEY, which made stops in Suva and Lautoka, contributing to a robust November with a total of 70 ship visits across both ports. Of these, Suva recorded around 40 visits, highlighting the ports’ vital role in maritime commerce and tourism.
The ongoing maritime activity underscores the significance of Fiji’s dual ports in fostering trade and cruise tourism, enhancing the country’s economic prospects as it continues to draw international visitors to its shores.