The island of Taveuni is a very popular dive spot so we booked the Garden Island Resort who were offering a ½ price deal with 7 nights & 10 dives. We caught the overnight ferry from Suva that takes 16 hours, stopping at Vanua Leva first and then Taveuni. We booked a 1st Class cabin for FJ$250 (about $150US) and had our arms stamped upon boarding. This stamp gave you access to the lounge area that had tv, the cafeteria and rows of bunks for the 1st Class sleeper ticket holders. We ordered dinner – beef stroganoff, rice and salad – each item was the same temperature, but it was pretty tasty. The Oscars were on tv so we watched that and then went to bed. Our cabin was better than the one we had on the 3 Gorges trip in China, but not much! 
This life jacket poster was the original from 1979!We arrived at 10.30am and the resort is only 3 mins from the dock. Garden Island Resort is very popular with dive groups from the US and our friends, Bob & Merle had been here a few years ago - so we knew what to expect. They have 30 rooms along the rocky seafront and a lovely pool and bar/restaurant area. The rooms are a little tired but the gardens were well maintained and the staff are numerous and friendly. Andy played volleyball with them most days.
We met another Andrew at check-in from the UK (why is everyone I know called Andrew?) and it turned out that he had come over on the same ferry. Being an intrepid traveler, he had opted for 3rd class - but actually ended up sleeping outdoors when the carpet started moving with cockroaches after dark!
