Fiji back to Sydney by boat...one way

Hi there,

Does anyone have any idea how my boyfriend and I might get back to Sydney from Fiji by boat? Is it even possible at all? Would the only option be to try and jump on board a cruise ship (not an appealing option)? Has anyone ever done anything like this?

I'd ben interested to know peoples ideas, costs if you know them, logistical issues or creative thinking!

We have a bit of budget so wouldn't need to backpack it home but don't want to be stuck spending thousands of dollars.

Thanks very much in advance.

Kat

There is no scheduled boat service. Your only option would be on a private yacht, as crew or paying passengers. And don't forget, you will need to show the airline your ticket out of Fiji beofre they will let you fly out of Australia.

Thanks very much for your reply Ozziegiraffe. We'll actually be flying into Fiji from LA (our starting point is London as I'm moving home from London to Sydney...hence the one way).

I suppose I'd have to place an ad somewhere if I wanted to get on a yacht...or maybe take chances when we get there (which is less than ideal as i really do want to get home sometime!)

Thanks again.

Kat

As Ozzie says - you will need an onward ticket before you board your plane into Fiji - so looking for a boat once you got there is not an option. My husband had to produce a letter with all boat details signed by the skipper & witnessed by a JP when he was coming home by boat after flying to Fiji. More recently, when he flew to Fiji a few days ahead of me, (I had the return tickets with me so he wouldn't lose them!) he was stopped from boarding, fortunately the airline was able to access the booking online and printed a copy out for him.

Thanks TaiMarilyn. That is hugely helpful!

There are websites where skippers post that they are looking for crew or where crew can advertise their availability for that sort of thing. Usually the crew pitch in for costs and help out aboard in exchange for the living and transport on the boat.
You could also call in at yacht clubs and check their message boards/post a message yourself there. That is often a good place to find out. Otherwise, I've made connections through just hanging out where the yachties are - on the docks etc.

Thanks gillrh. Those are all great suggestions. I'll look into them.

Kat