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Post by Low Light Mike on Sept 7, 2011 20:29:12 GMT -8
LOMAIVITI PRINCESS I live in Fiji, on Koro Island, and will be using LOMAIVITI PRINCESS to travel between Koro and Suva, the capital city. I have also taken Alaska State Ferries twice out of Rupert to Petersburg, AK where I was living. I would be happy to supply info and photos of her new home. Welcome here, and thank you for saying that you'll post information and photos. Much appreciated!
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Sept 7, 2011 21:18:32 GMT -8
LOMAIVITI PRINCESS I live in Fiji, on Koro Island, and will be using LOMAIVITI PRINCESS to travel between Koro and Suva, the capital city. I have also taken Alaska State Ferries twice out of Rupert to Petersburg, AK where I was living. I would be happy to supply info and photos of her new home. I'd also be very interested in how you currently get around between islands- what the standards of vessels are, and how the Lomaiviti Princess compares. Welcome.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Sept 13, 2011 18:50:41 GMT -8
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Post by lmtengs on Sept 13, 2011 20:27:20 GMT -8
Is it just me, or does the story seem really one-sided?
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Post by Low Light Mike on Sept 13, 2011 21:08:12 GMT -8
Is it just me, or does the story seem really one-sided? Well, it was written by a lobby-group which has a specific agenda.
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FNS
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Post by FNS on Sept 14, 2011 8:06:14 GMT -8
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FNS
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Post by FNS on Sept 14, 2011 18:34:39 GMT -8
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on Sept 15, 2011 16:56:17 GMT -8
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Sept 15, 2011 18:25:27 GMT -8
There's no shortage of 'neat' stories about the Lomaiviti Princess, but I can't help but notice that it's impossible to find one that questions the wisdom of having such an elderly vessel serving on open ocean routes, when that vessel probably meets few of the modern IMO/SOLAS standards for such service.
The uproar would be deafening if a Canadian operator tried to import such a vessel for service here, even if Transport Canada would allow it. In Fiji, the government does PR for the company, and the vessel is praised in the press for having modern washrooms and navigation equipment.
I wish the LP the very best in her new career, but, my goodness, the difference between shipping in Canada and in a developing country like Fiji- or, dare I say it, Tanzania- is far more than just the distance.
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Post by Scott on Sept 16, 2011 22:06:52 GMT -8
I wonder what the second-class is like? Does this mean they have no access to bathrooms? I wonder how it would be divided on the boat?
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FNS
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Post by FNS on Sept 16, 2011 22:56:36 GMT -8
I wonder what the second-class is like? Does this mean they have no access to bathrooms? I wonder how it would be divided on the boat? I think what they mean about First Class is taking out and traveling in Staterooms with your own private facilities included within these cabins. This is the same aboard Amtrak's overnight trains as you would be a First Class passenger traveling in Sleepers.
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Post by Jacob on Sept 24, 2011 20:23:18 GMT -8
The point being made in all the articles though is that she is a far superior ship to any existing vessels there... So regardless of her age she is still a vast improvement both in terms of safety and comfort. Having been in Fiji and many similar counties myself and being a professional mariner I can attest to the truth of this. Better may not mean best, but it is still better. No one in any developing nation could afford a 200 million dollar new vessel...
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FNS
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Post by FNS on Oct 1, 2011 19:52:07 GMT -8
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Post by Starsteward on Oct 2, 2011 12:25:05 GMT -8
Once again, FerryNutSeattle strikes again with a most interesting and informative posting relating to the QPR's new life in Fiji. It is unfortunate that the QPR's original number of approximately 106 cabins was whittled down to about 17 cabins located on what used to be the former 'Bridge Deck', after the loss of the Queen of the North. Given that there are a number of cabin rate classes listed on the Dolphin Bay Divers web-page, one is led to wonder if the former crew cabins on the former Promenade deck have been returned to passenger assets, while the live-aboard crew may have been shuffled of to the old crew cabins in the 'Tween Decks' From the 1979 'Inside Passage' brochure, which outlines the schedule, services, and general information, relating to the QPR, it is interesting to note the posted rates for Staterooms aboard the old girl. Rates for sailings between Kelsey Bay and Prince Rupert, One Way were as follows: Bridge Deck 2 berth Deluxe $ 13.00 Promenade Deck 2 berth Semi-deluxe (view): $ 11.25 Promenade Deck 2 berth Semi-deluxe, (Basically these were all inside cabins: $ 9.50 Lower Deck 4 berth Standard Unit: $ 20.25 Lower Deck 2 berth Standard Unit: $ 6.25 By comparison, rates aboard the Lomaiviti Princess are as follows: Economy Class units: $ $133.00 CAD 1st Class units: $ 249.00 CAD OUCH! I suppose the "good old days" are but a faint memory, temporarily brought back to life when one goes poking around in their QPR memorabilia vault,
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FNS
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Post by FNS on Oct 3, 2011 10:05:06 GMT -8
Just to say, I'm still looking after that semi-old girl (she's less than half a dozen years younger than I am ;D). I think it's time for others here on this Forum do the researching for news about this ship in her new area. It's been fun for me in doing this for the ferry history geeks here. Have fun doing this! Getting to and from this ship by bus may be a bit of a challenge these days. This has been quite a catastrophic year for their services. They need better buses!! The Fiji Sun explains: BUSES: SIMPLY THE WORSTwriter : SITERI SAUVAKACOLO 10/4/2011 The Fiji bus industry is going through one of its worst period of operation, says the Land Transport Authority (LTA). This follows a spate of accidents and bus fires around the country - some blamed on mechanical problems, negligence and poor bus conditions... More of this saga can be read at: www.fijisun.com.fj/main_page/view.asp?id=62777*** *** *** Back to the LOMAIVITI PRINCESS, her crew is still learning how to navigate her. Last week, she kissed a dock out at one of the islands. No damage to her, but the dock got a slight royal dent. No damage to Lomaiviti PrincessReport by : Epeli Tukuwasa Saturday, October 01, 2011 www.radiofiji.com.fj/fullstory.php?id=40258Inter-island ferry - the Lomaiviti Princess was not damaged after it rammed into the Savusavu wharf on Thursday morning. This was confirmed to FBC News by Ministry of Works spokesperson Iliesa Sokia. Sokia says the ferry was berthed at the wharf when the another inter island ferry - the SOFE arrived. While giving space for the SOFE to berth - the Lomaiviti Princes rammed into the wharf. Sokia says there was only minor damage to the wharf and no one was hurt. An investigation into the incident is currently underway. *** *** *** From this we have a happy story from the Fiji Times: Islanders in need of consistent ship serviceSamisoni Nabilivalu Monday, October 03, 2011 www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=182265THE people of Koro Island need a ship that can service them on a regular basis. The Turaga ni Koro of Nacamaki village, Eparama Naqarase said this during the welcome ceremonies for the new vessel "Lomaiviti Princess". Villagers on the island will benefit greatly from the regular services offered by the Lomaiviti Princess. Mr Naqarase acknowledged the services provided by the Spirit of Free Enterprise but added that at times it was irregular and had inconvenienced passengers both on board and waiting to board in the past. "This will certainly push other companies to lift the standards of their services," he said. "We can board and disembark during evening and night unlike before when we did this at odd hours of the night. "We know we will also be treated with respect unlike on some other vessels where passengers are treated with no regard for their safety or their luggage. We have been waiting so long for something like this new vessel," said Mr Naqarase. *** *** *** Yet, another nice story from the Fiji Times: Ship brings in new hope for islandersSamisoni Nabilivalu Tuesday, October 04, 2011 www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=182337THE arrival of the MV Lomaiviti Princess will bring about many developments in Koro's tourism and small scale businesses. This is the view of the chief steward of the Lomaiviti Princes Mack Delana who once operated a number of businesses on the island of Koro in Lomaiviti. The Nabasovi villager believes a new vessel with a regular timetable is just what entrepreneurs need to stimulate business. He said that aside from times when the sea was too rough or the weather unsuitable for docking at the jetty on Koro, many local shipping companies seemed to have forgotten the Lomaiviti Group, in particular Koro. "It's understandable when it's because of the weather but sometimes the ships skip Koro continuing on to Savusavu. It's during these times that not just us Koro islanders suffer but others as well," Mr Delana said. "Shop owners on their way to buy supplies in Levuka or Suva or awaiting supplies are left stranded, so are passengers and trucks carrying cargo that want to board or disembark," he said. The former businessman, who used to operate a 'home-stay' business, baked and sold bread, and also an agent for Vodafone and Inkk on the island, knows too well the difficulties face by the islanders and visitors to the island. "At times I was forced to cover the costs of delays for tourists who missed flights as a result of irregular shipping schedules. "I've come with my yaqona and had to wait days, missed funerals and important functions, my nieces and nephews have missed school in Suva and Levuka all as a result of the poor services," he said. He said villagers on the island were now preparing to see the new vessel for the first time this week. "They're really looking forward to it because it will make such a difference in their lives and businesses," Mr Delana said.
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mrdot
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Post by mrdot on Oct 3, 2011 11:12:35 GMT -8
:)lets hope my old QPR holds up better than the old Fiji buses, and it would be nice to visit her in her later life! I'am just looking at my ships locker poster of the innaugral voyage in June 66, and the start date of my 35 year municipal pension, the folks here in Delta managed to re-acquire the five years of ferry pension and one year of BC teachers pension and add it to my 30 years of Delta pension, it's not as good as the gold plated one mr. hahn will acquire, but it is adequate for modest means retired deckhands! :)mrdot.
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FNS
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Post by FNS on Oct 4, 2011 23:35:17 GMT -8
Here's something that will likely affect the Fijian operation of the LOMAIVITI PRINCESS clockwise: Daylight savings to start on October 23rdPublish date/time: 04/10/2011 [07:37] Story by: Selina Navuso [Source: MINFO] fijivillage.com/?mod=story&id=0310117a1e04c6c33210d949875a96Prepare to wind your clocks one hour ahead because Fiji’s daylight saving starts from October 23rd. Minister for Labour, Filipe Bole made the Daylight Savings Order saying this initiative in Fiji has benefitted both the private and public sector over the years. He has asked everyone to take full advantage of the daylight saving period time because this allows more quality time for recreation and to be with family, while also increasing overall economic activity, work and agricultural productivity. Members of the (Fijian) public are reminded to change their time to one hour ahead at 2am to 3am on October 23rd. The daylight savings will end on February 26th next year. *** *** *** It's interesting that this south Pacific nation of Fiji observes DSD for part of the year. And, this is during our winters as our globe is tilted so the folks south of the equator can have their summers.
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mrdot
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Post by mrdot on Oct 5, 2011 14:11:30 GMT -8
:)believe you my freind I am very thankful for my pension and I realize there are many out there that would envy my final years provision after
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mrdot
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Mr. DOT
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Post by mrdot on Oct 5, 2011 14:19:32 GMT -8
:)believe you my freind I am very thankful for my pension and I realize there are many out there that would envy my final years provision after droping the anchor! Some of my colleges took different career paths and received greater remuneration in past years, but now envy the good package I waited out for. That being said there is much to be thankful for at this time of thanksgiving! :)mrdot.
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FNS
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The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
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Post by FNS on Oct 23, 2011 10:31:51 GMT -8
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Post by Starsteward on Oct 29, 2011 8:25:56 GMT -8
Wow! what a neat set of pictures that actually show the QPR, come Lomaiviti Princess "on the job" and how the interiors look from the car deck on up. She may be an grand old girl, and the good folks of Fiji aren't getting a 'new ship', but there's still enough 'good stuff' under that petticoat of hers that she can be appreciated as a new ship in her new life. I know what I meant to say in that last paragraph, but may have missed the mark but hopefully the gist of the idea got through. Love listening to Fiji Radio off and on, cheap busman's holiday to Paradise, maybe get over there before the L.P. is retired for the LAST time,. Love your research FerryNut, great stuff.
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Post by dofd on Oct 29, 2011 20:53:38 GMT -8
Do not know if this was posted before, could not find it. "On Thursday morning they had a few teething troubles, so didn't arrive at Levuka until about 3pm. The wharf was lined with people to see the Princess arrive and with so many people milling around, the we didn't set sail again until after 5pm. The journey to Koro was nice and smooth and included a spectacular sunset. Mun gave is a full tour around the Princess, which is much more modern and of a much higher standard than other ferries around Fiji." The whole blog is here beta.offexploring.com/stevepalmer/blog/fiji/koro-island/2011-09-16+03%3A02%3A09
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FNS
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The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
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Post by FNS on Oct 29, 2011 21:44:39 GMT -8
Wow! what a neat set of pictures that actually show the QPR, come Lomaiviti Princess "on the job" and how the interiors look from the car deck on up. She may be an grand old girl, and the good folks of Fiji aren't getting a 'new ship', but there's still enough 'good stuff' under that petticoat of hers that she can be appreciated as a new ship in her new life. I know what I meant to say in that last paragraph, but may have missed the mark but hopefully the gist of the idea got through. Love listening to Fiji Radio off and on, cheap busman's holiday to Paradise, maybe get over there before the L.P. is retired for the LAST time,. Love your research FerryNut, great stuff. My pleasure, Mr. "Starsteward"! The conductor is tapping his baton for my return to the stage for an encore. Let's see what I can dig up. Oh, here's one the QPR's audience would enjoy: www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=183186Ceremony for a princess Samisoni Nabilivalu Friday, October 14, 2011THE happiness of the people of Koro was expressed in traditional ceremonies to welcome the Lomaiviti Princess to the island. The first of the two ceremonies was held after the Lomaiviti Princess successfully docked for the first time at the Mua ni Vanua jetty on Koro Island. The jetty was awash with merry making, shouts of joy and applause as the ship's ramp was lowered and people immediately thronged onto the car deck. Forgotten nicknames were shouted across the deck, hands were left interlocked in lengthy handshakes as members of the Goundar family, some of whom had been away from Koro for years rekindled old acquaintances. Subramani Goundar, the owner of the Lomaiviti Princess was torn between his responsibility as the chief engineer to supervise and ensure the safety of those using the ramp and the car deck, and the urge to greet old friends. As the large crowd that had gathered on board were divided into groups and taken on tour of the vessel, others continued to pour onto the car deck carrying bundles of dried voivoi (pandanus leaves), rootcrops, mats and yaqona. A solemn atmosphere descended on the car deck as elders from 11 of Koro's 14 villages bearing their traditional gifts performed their sevusevu which included the presentation of a tabua (whale's tooth) as a sign of gratitude. There were organised tours after the formalities. The ship later left the jetty and anchored off shore adjacent to the Goundar family property.
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Post by lmtengs on Oct 29, 2011 22:33:06 GMT -8
I wonder if the Lomai's more luxurious presence in Fiji will act as an inciter to encourage other ferry and ship operators in the Fiji area to better their service standards. She seems to be pretty widely publicized down there, so other ship operators must be feeling the pressure now.
Thoughts on the topic?
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Post by dofd on Oct 29, 2011 22:35:52 GMT -8
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