Suva, Fiji 

Fiji's capital is on the south-eastern coast of the big island of Viti Levu. Suva is the country's political and administrative centre as well as the major port. Suva and its urban surrounds are home to half of Fiji's urban population, and it is one of the South Pacific's largest and most sophisticated cities, housing the University of the South Pacific, the fascinating Fiji Museum and many interesting colonial-era buildings.

It's a multicultural city with many mosques, temples, churches and cultural centres. The Roman Catholic Cathedral (1902) is one of the city's most prominent landmarks. The waterfront area is very interesting, and the Suva Municipal Market is a must-see for visitors for its exotic fruits and vegetables, kava, fish and seafood, and spices. It has an exciting multicultural flavour, with vendors selling brightly coloured Indian sweets and savouries, and fruit drinks from glass tanks.

Your ship will dock at the South Kings Wharf in the heart of Suva.

Metered taxis are relatively inexpensive and plentiful.

A visit to a market can be a fascinating experience. Tapa cloth, jewellery, wood carvings and bowls are very popular. Steer clear of ‘traditional’ masks as these aren’t authentically Fijian. Also, it’s best to avoid street peddlers. Downtown streets such as Victoria Parade and Cumming Street are major shopping areas. The Government Handicraft Centre has an excellent selection of traditional Fijian craftwork. Please ensure that the items you purchase do not contravene Australia’s or New Zealand’s strict quarantine laws.

There are many restaurants and cafes to choose from in Suva, everything from traditional Fijian and Indo-Fijian to Chinese, Japanese and western. You’ll find Fijian food very tasty, but the best of it takes quite a while to prepare and cook the traditional way. There are a number of variations based on local vegetables, especially sweet potato, breadfruit and taro, combined with meat or fish, marinated in coconut milk and lime juice, then wrapped in banana leaves and cooked slowly over an open fire. The condition and method of preparation of food and drinks cannot be monitored by P&O Cruises. With that in mind, passengers are advised that if they purchase or consume food they do so entirely at their own risk.

Suva can be hot and humid, but rain and sea breezes often bring welcome relief. May to October is the dry season, however Suva is subject to more rain than many other parts of the country. Make sure you stay hydrated and protected from the sun.

Tipping is not customary in Fiji, but you may wish to round up a bill in a restaurant or café if the service has been excellent. Bargaining isn’t customary either, however it is practised in many Indo-Fijian stores.

Widely accepted. ATMs are located around the city but currency will be available in Fijian Dollars.

Public telephones are located around the central part of the city.

To make your day ashore as enjoyable as possible, wear comfortable, flat soled shoes, lightweight clothes and a hat, and bring along some sunscreen, insect repellent and bottled water. It’s also a good idea to bring an umbrella. Except on a beach, please cover up when walking around Suva and in villages (casual clothes, not swimwear). Nude or topless bathing is NOT permitted on any beach.

You’ll find that Suva isn’t small. With all the attractions in and around the city, you’ll probably want to select a shore tour that perfectly suits your mood and interests. There’s a lot to see and do in Suva, and a shore tour (or even two, if you have time) is the best way to maximise your time in port. Some of them leave you with enough free time at the end of the tour to ‘follow your nose’ and explore Suva under your own steam. Passengers will meet at a specific location for each shore tour departure. Please refer to the daily onboard newsletter for the correct place and time. Your friendly Shore Tours staff will be at that location to assist you.

In case of emergency while you are ashore please contact your nearest crew member. Alternatively, P&O Cruises Port Agent for the Suva is;

Pacific Agencies Fiji Ltd
Level 4 Gohil Complex
Toorak Road
PO Box 15832
Suva Fiji
Tel: (67) 9 331 5444
Fax: (67) 9 330 2754