South Sea Cruises Group has unveiled Jaguar, a 227-passenger high-speed ferry entering service in early August across Fiji’s Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands.
Jaguar becomes Fiji’s third-largest high-speed passenger ferry and is the final vessel in the operator’s two-year fleet renewal programme.
It follows the launch of Yasawa Flyer III and joins recently introduced vessels Yasawa Princess II, Lynx and Puma in a fleet that carries visitors between the mainland and the two island chains most Australians associate with a Fiji beach holiday.
The vessel will run multiple scheduled services and tourism routes, giving travel sellers more capacity and flexibility to move clients out to resort islands across the Mamanucas and Yasawas.
What’s onboard Jaguar?
Jaguar was purpose-built by long-term Australian shipbuilding partner Aus Ships Group in Brisbane, designed to improve connectivity throughout the islands while lifting guest comfort and lowering environmental impact.
Guests will find air-conditioned lounges, panoramic viewing areas, licensed onboard refreshments, open-air seating and a dedicated travel desk.
The vessel joins Yasawa Flyer III as one of only two passenger vessels in Fiji fitted with a full ride-control system, which the operator says delivers smoother sailings and greater passenger comfort in more challenging sea conditions.
How efficient is the new vessel?
Powered by the latest MAN V12 engines, Jaguar delivers an estimated 10 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency compared with similar vessels.
An advanced hull design further reduces fuel consumption, wake and emissions.
Why it matters for selling Fiji
Brad Rutherford, CEO of South Sea Cruises Group, said Jaguar represented another major milestone in the company’s long-term commitment to Fiji’s tourism industry.
“Following the incredibly positive response to Yasawa Flyer III, Jaguar has been purpose-built to complement our existing fleet and provide greater flexibility across both the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands,” he said.
“While slightly smaller than Yasawa Flyer III, Jaguar fills an important operational role, allowing us to better support our resort partners, tourism operators and wholesale distribution network while continuing to enhance the guest experience.
“This investment reflects our confidence in the future of Fiji tourism. Jaguar enables us to continue delivering world-class marine transport with improved efficiency, greater sustainability and the exceptional service standards our trade partners and guests have come to expect.”
Fiji remains one of the top outbound destinations for Australian travellers, and reliable island transfers are central to selling the resort-hopping experiences across the Mamanucas and Yasawas.
KARRYON UNPACKS: With the last piece of a two-year fleet overhaul now in the water, South Sea Cruises has more seats and more flexibility to move clients out to Fiji’s resort islands. For travel advisors booking Mamanuca and Yasawa stays, smoother transfers and added capacity make the day-of-arrival logistics that much easier to promise.
