Fiji Aggressor, September 1997, Roger Roth, Cincinnati, OH. Quality Live-aboard. Handicapped accessible, with rooms, hallways, and an elevator all designed to accommodate wheelchairs. Sleeping cabins on the dive deck make it easy for divers to access; all have own head and shower, sink, and mirror, with plenty of storage. Photo tables and charging stations are well-designed and equipped for numerous divers. . . . Salon on middle floor, with a modern galley and comfortable dining area and living area. Library, videos, CD's, 27" TV monitor. Video patch cords. Rear of this deck; hot tub, grill, table and chairs. Upper sun deck is partially covered for sun protection, and has own grill, ice machine, and bar, and hammocks and lounge chairs for relaxation. . . . Water 74-77 degrees, air about the same. Skies cloudy and rainy most of the week. Many divers used hoods and gloves to help stay warm in the water. Sweatpants for deck activities were also in order. Fijian crew members were extremely helpful and friendly and never without a smile Dive restrictions: depth limit of 130 ft. . . . Cook turned out culinary delights every meal, including a tummy-warming soup, usually of island fare. Iliesa Turagabeci (alias Fiji Bear) has over 11,500 logged dives, and is one of the best dive guides anywhere, able to find anything you ask for, ranging from blue ribbon eels to leaf fish to pipe fish. Arranged visit to island villages and Kava ceremony. Besides a plethora of colorful soft corals and sponges beyond imagination, Fiji was macro heaven. Nudibranchs and flatworms abundant. Turtles and silvertip sharks, lionfish, scorpionfish, and puffers who would pose for photographers, E-6 is a seamount in the middle of nowhere that stretches from the depths of the ocean to a foot of the surface. World-class site offers everything Fiji has to offer, from macro to wide angle, walls to channels and undercuts, and even schooling barracuda in blue water. (Aggressor Fleet, Ph: 800-348-2628 (US) or

504-385-2628, Fax: 504-384-0817,

e-mail: 103261.1275@compuserve.com)

Fiji Aggressor, October 1997, Bob & Gayle Bringas, Gaston, OR. Beautiful boat, big, stable and fast. A sister ship to the Palau Aggressor. Cabins are large, all have windows, double lower and single upper bunks, ample cabinet and closet space for two, individual climate control and the largest bathroom of any live-aboard we've been on. . . . Food excellent; chef struck a good balance between native Fijian dishes and western food. . . . Diving excellent, though some beginners had difficulty with the currents. Most drift dives; skiff picks the divers up wherever they come up. Corals are good, abundant sea life stunning. The bad: Booked two weeks back-to-back; Week One was supposed to be out of Savusavu on a northern itinerary and Week Two was supposed to be out of Suva on a south and east itinerary. Two weeks before departure, they notified us that both weeks would be out of Suva to facilitate repairs to the boat. Dive sites were supposed to be varied to give us different itineraries, but were not. Know before you go: The Aggressors' office told us the water temp was 78 degrees F and rising. The temperature was 74 degrees and steady. The dive club that was aboard for Week One was told they could dive rebreathers. The boat didn't have any on board. Lots of current on some dives; beginner divers had some mishaps. Vis: 40-60 ft. The boat is handicapped accessible but transferring a handicapped diver from the boat to the skiff and vice versa has not been worked out yet.

Fiji Aggressor, December 1997, Richard Lehach, Larchmont, NY. Excellent boat and crew. Southern itinerary. Vis: 60-100 ft. Water: 78-81 degrees. Open water crossing rough at times. They need to improve their dive spot selection. Some spots were great others were just ok (very good by Caribbean standards).

Matagi Princess II, October 1997, Betty Ann Llewellyn, Baltimore, MD. Second stay aboard the Matagi Princess II. Had this not been a return trip, I would be telling you about the wonderful crew, the diversity of marine life, and the comfortable living quarters. However, I had a better experience in September 1996. Boat seemed to be running on Island Time. . . . Last year Matagi Island and the Matagi Princess separated their operations. Boat is anchored on Taveuni, half hour speed boat trip from Matagi. Five of us spent the night before boarding the Princess on Matagi. We were the only passengers for that three-day trip. Although the boat sometimes passes Matagi for the first day of diving, it will not pick up passengers at the island. (Last year, they were anchored in front of the island, so transfer was easy.) Didn't leave until 2:30 p.m. (unlike last year, lunch wasn't served) and didn't do dive until 4p.m.; night dive not permitted due to high winds. Charged for an entire day on the boat. This same experience was repeated three days later on second 6-day trip. At 8 a.m. they transferred us to a Maravu Plantation Resort on Taveuni while the boat was readied for the day cruise; given lunch, but still did not leave our mooring until 3 p.m. and only dive 4 p.m. Another full day charge. . . . Food was excellent and plentiful. The boat crew was skilled. Several times we asked the captain to put us at a specific spot and jumped overboard to find he had done just that. Rooms not made up each day and in nine days our room towels were never changed! Fresh dive towels every day. Divemasters helpful with the equipment. Excellent at spotting and pointing out the critters. Diversity of marine life remains excellent. Corals showed damage from typhoon and other dive boats anchoring. The Princess does not anchor and divemasters advocate good buoyancy and reef conservation. (Ph: 800-362-8244 (US) or 714-379-8060 or 714-379-8061 or 011-679 880660/260, Fax: 011-679 880660/274, e-mail: fijicarol@aol.com)

Nai'a, November 1997, Mel Butler, Claremont, CA. Frustrated with the lack of reasonably sized fish. Most dives had beautiful soft or hard corals and then we spent most of our time finding macro animals. Without the excellent guides, I would have overlooked most of these Only four of 29 dives had sharks and barracuda in interesting numbers. Reef fish in far fewer numbers than I would have anticipated and lobsters were rare. No manta rays. . . . Large ship with space; excellent food; great crew, very friendly and helpful; great dive guides in Rusi, Rob and Cat. . . . Criticisms: BC/tanks removed from Zodiacs after each dive, which causes considerable wear and tear despite careful handling; Zodiac re entries are hardest part of dives' Expensive trip. I liked it, but was not dazzled like New Guinea or Sipadan. (Ph: 011-679 450382, Fax: 011-679 450566, e-mail: naia@is.com.fj)

Nai'a, November 1997, Hans S. Menco, Pittsford, NY. Comfortable and clean boat, fantastic service, crew members go out of their way to be helpful. Food variable; apart from breakfast very difficult to get anything that is not overly saturated with spices and herbs. . . . Boat facilities and services very much photography/video oriented. Unbelievable support from owners Rob and Cat. Despite several failures of my equipment (though serviced shortly before the trip). Never had to miss a dive or enter the water without a functioning camera, due to their prompt assistance. Clear and elaborate pre-dive orientations. No restrictions on diving; "You are responsible divers and can follow your own profile," but help was available when requested. You cannot count on always having a buddy unless you bring someone. Diving from chase boats easy and efficient although crowded (sites never more than a few minutes from the main ship). On surfacing a boat was always near for quick pick-up. . . . Some dives mediocre, some outstanding (E6 and Nigali Pass), most very pretty with abundance of beautiful soft corals, anemones and small reef fish, great for all sorts of photography. Sharks on most dives but few other large fish or pelagics. Most enjoyable dive trip; highly recommended.

Nai'a, February 1998, Scott Kramer, Los Angeles, CA. First-rate 120' sailboat hand-run by Rob Barlett and his counterpart Cat. Amazingly steady, almost no motion even during night crossings. Larger than usual staterooms with multiple lights and portholes complete with modern shower/toilets. Incredible variation at every meal. Many Fijian specialties, special orders no problem. Dive from skiffs. Excellent chase boat drivers, Mo and Kenny. No depth/time limits. Dive your conscience. Vis: 40-70 ft. Wtr: 80-83 degrees. . . . Air Pacific sent my equipment to Sydney. Nai'a set me up with all the stuff for no charge. They busted the airlines butt to get it back to me ASAP. Dives were dependent on currents and distances between sites. Lots of little showers but no real rain. Two days at Nagali Pass full of sharks and barracuda. If in Nadi do supper at Chef's Kava party with the boys-a blast. Trip to Fijian village memorable for all those kids.

Nai'a, April 1998, Doris and Bob Schaffer, Fallbrook, CA. First-rate operation. Accommodations spacious and comfortable. Food excellent. Crew knowledgeable, accommodating and friendly. Pristine reefs, walls and caves. Water: 82-84 degrees, vis: 50-90 ft. Owners Rob and Cat are divemasters; they are hands-on and everything runs smoothly. Boat is stable steel hull sailing vessel and the only thing missing is shade on the sun deck. Would have been nice to sail for even part of a day but to make it to all the dive sites it must motor. Our 14th live-aboard and the trip ranks among the highest.

Nai'a, May 1998, Steve and Pam Ellingson, Atherton, CA. Wonderful boat. Good sized cabins, AC, all but one with own head. Good food, friendly Fijian crew and Rob and Cat great hosts. TV/video and E6 processing. Plenty of room to move about, so one would not feel cramped. Village visit enjoyable; some of more friendly people we've seen in our travels. Diving great. Dive from Zodiacs; ride to most sites was only a few minutes. Drift diving; skiff drivers were never far when you surfaced. Only one dive had strong current. Cat, Rob and especially Rusi were excellent guides. Briefings detailed and accurate, and they let you dive your own profile. Rusi found some amazing small critters, including baby sea horses no bigger than my little fingernail. Water 80 degrees, visibility 70-100'. Profuse soft coral, gray reef sharks most dives, many whitetip reef sharks, large schools of jacks, clouds of colorful reef fish and interesting small critters, such as decorator crabs and tiny gobies on whip and soft coral. Cat's slide show helped to find them on your own. Usually four dives/day. Night dives were before dinner.

Nai'a, June 1998, Robin Dyleski, Marina del Rey, CA. Crew careful handling the camera gear. Large spacious camera room off the dive deck area. Both 220 and 110V chargers convenient and in good supply. E6 available, light boxes and loupes. Most beautiful out of 10 live-aboards. Cabins spacious, with private head/shower ensuite. Salon/dining room is large and spacious and contains the video toys a nd library. Sundeck large with plenty of comfortable lounge chairs. Crew helpful and conscientious, kept the boat and cabins in perfect order, with excellent pickup from the water. Marine life prolific, corals beautiful and plentiful marine life. All dives done from big Zodiacs as drift dives. Usually 4/day. Sites pristine and undamaged. Pelagic and small critters abundant; difficult to decide which lens to put on for any given dive. Divemasters John and Rusi were in the water for nearly all offered dives, exceptional guides. Rusi is skilled at finding nudibranchs, squat lobsters, shrimps, crabs, and anything too small to see without a microscope Pipefish, mantas, hammerhead sharks, juvenile fishes, lionfish, blue ribbon eels, sea snakes etc. Vis: 50-100 ft. Water: 78-80 degrees. No restrictions, within computer limits. Pickups prompt. Night dives special; baby flatheads, cuttlefish, rare hellsfire anemones. . . . Fijian village visit was unique. Kava night with "the Boys Band" was unforgettable. Crew would gather and make music, sing and drink kava, with all guests welcome. Take a day room in Nadi on the day of arrival and departure, not expensive but relaxing.

Nai'a, June 1998, David Kameron, Colorado Springs, CO. First class live-aboard with the friendliest Fijian crew. The diving was class "A" for hard and soft coral, fish small and large. Vis: 60-100 ft, water: 78-80 degrees. Food lacked imagination and snacks were skimpy. Middle or forward cabins are best. Bring ear plugs A/C and engine are noisy.

Nai'a, September 1998, Chris Cauas, Hermosa Beach, CA. First live-aboard; chose it based on comments in the '98 Chapbook. Rob Barrel (owner of the Nai'a) and his crew are fantastic! Sincerely happy to have the opportunity to serve their passengers aboard this beautifully furnished and maintained vessel. Special guest chef (Chris from Marlin Bay Resort) was there. Food was gourmet. Divemaster Judge was enthusiastic and excited to show us the best sites. He and Judge made every dive with the guests and were willing to give as much or as little guidance as you want. Most of the divers on the Nai'a are very experienced.

Princess II (Formerly Matagi Princess), January 1998, Thomas Harvey, Hillsdale, NJ. What a surprise; we were the only passengers. Three hurricanes hit the area so we hid in the Somo Somo Straits for an extra day to avoid heavy weather. Beautiful reef. Great soft coral. No big stuff. You dive with the tides in stiff currents. Did not like their follow the divemaster style. It was not bad with just three of us, but I saw another boat doing this and it was a mess. I'll never travel that far to dive anywhere that uses aluminum 72s. Too little bottom time and not safe. Dove Lau Island; super hard coral, but no big fish. Nice boat, great food but bunks were tight. As the only passengers I asked the crew to join us for meals, they did once and stared at us for an uncomfortable hour, then hid the rest of the trip, till tip time. (Ph: 800-362-8244 (US) or 714-379-8060 or 714-379-8061 or 011-679 880660/260, Fax: 011-679 880660/274, e-mail: fijicarol@aol.com)

Princess II, March 1998, Kendall Botellio, AZ. Boat was beautiful and staff was excellent! Soft corals were incredible! Only problem was with sunflower airlines (Fiji's interisland flights). They couldn't get all our gear on the plane so we had to be without it for a day each direction. Air Pacific was great! LA to Fiji direct-10 hours and no hassles! We'll definitely go back! Great white wall and purple wall were magnificent! Vis: 30-80 ft, water: 78-80 degrees. Dive restrictions enforced were to follow computer.

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