Date: October 15-22, 2005
Destination: Bligh Triangle, Fiji
 Scorpionfish. |
 "Josh & Liz"-ardfish. |
It’s that time of year again - the water is warming up but still nice and clear, and the weather almost always seems to be hovering somewhere between good and great. A full boat of keen divers were on hand to make the best of the conditions whether diving, enjoying their honeymoon, or racking up milestones, there were plenty of excuses for celebration.
 Sharon Wada and a new friend at Lovu Village. |
 Esteban Ramirez celebrates his 40th. |
Wolfgang & Birgit Quirchmayr were among the honeymooners, both
logging their 100th dives and putting in impressive performances
in the high diving events. Alan and Mary Vandeford were on Part One
of their Fiji adventure and proved a great team, Mary acting as spotter
for Alan, who snapped hundreds of underwater photos. Bob and Gayle
Bringas were among the keenest of divers, always flipping their tags
to black. Alex Davids was right up there with them as he continues
his round-the-world diving spree.
Esteban Ramirez celebrated his birthday early on while buddy Paul Duhamel gave the dive guides a run for their money – a pair of leaf fish being one of his many finds. Sharon Wada was swapped between her tried-and-true Nik V and her brand spanking new HDV camera, mastering the fine art of white balance along the way. Daniel Lilly always had at least one camera in hand, capturing some wonderful wide angle shots and amazing coral shots using fluorescent filters – he also showed all how NOT to play Superman. Dan’s wife, Krista, was also pretty handy with the camera, and notched up triple figures in the dive log book.
 Spotfin lionfish. |
 Blue ribbon eel. |
The luck was running underwater for Kevin Meyer, on his honeymoon with wife Eileen, as the mantas and sea snakes seemingly singling him out for photo ops. The luckiest guest this week was undoubtedly Jerry Anderson, who not only won the trip, but managed to flood his cameras multiple times and still have them working the entire trip. Jerry’s wife, Karen, took to the water in the perfect conditions for snorkelling but kept the boat close at hand… and after a few taste tests decided for certain, she did not like kava.
 Krista Lilly clocks 100 dives. |
 Gayle & Bob Bringas. |
FROM THE GUEST BOOK
Vinaka for a memorable week of fun, boat antics,
wonderful food, ‘totoka’ crew and world class
diving – Maytag is the Cat’s Meow in my dive book.
Look forward to seeing you on a future trip, perhaps Tonga, or
a retrun trip to Fiji, or both!
Sharon Wada, Snohomish WA
We looked forward to visiting and diving Fiji for many years – and
the NAI’A and especially the cruise directors, captain and
crew exceeded expectations – the best crew attitude of any
liveaboard we’ve been on. We’ll definitely come back!
Thanks so much for a lifetime experience!
Paul Duhamel & Esteban Ramirez, San Francisco CA
The NAI’A is truly its crew – their wamth and
hospitality made our journey wonderful. Kevin and I are thankful
we were welcomed into your hearts and you will always be a part
of ours.
Kevin & Eileen Meyer, North Bellmore NY
Thank you for a beautiful experience. It was just so wonderful.
Everyone was so nice.
Jerry & Karen Anderson, Wrightwood CA
Our first liveaboard experience and second time in Fiji.
Most amazing time aboard the NAI’A. Incredible crew and the
food was to die for. Second honeymoon – each one gets better
and better. Thank you for a wonderful time.
Dan & Krista Lilly, PoseiDan.com,
Norwalk CT
So many thank you’s to say to the crew of the NAI’A.
We know we’ll be back soon. What a spectacular experience!
Allan & Mary Vandeford, Vail CO
Thank you very much – we loved it!
Birgit & Wolfgang Quirchmayr, on honeymoon from Austria
Thanks to the brilliant NAI’A team for an unforgettable
week! Things only get this good when everyone on the team excels.
Every aspect of the trip has worked like clockwork. What a great
introduction to Fiji’s wonderful world.
Alex Davids, from England and travelling the world
