To truly understand Fiji, one must understand the communal life that many Fijians live in their villages.  On your cruise you will have the opportunity to visit several villages, participate in a church service and see how their children are educated in their schools. When visiting a village, it is customary to present a gift of "yaqona" which is also known as "kava". The gift, called a sevusevu, is presented to the "Turaga ni Koro", the traditional head of a village. It is pounded into a powder and mixed with water and served. The tradition dictates that you clap three times before receiving the cup of Kava, drink it all at once and then clap one time after you hand the cup back to the Fijian who served you.

There is an etiquette involved when visiting a village based on respect  for the Fijians living there.   You must cover your knees (carry a sula), keep your shoulders covered and do not wear a hat in the village.  You do not wear shoes in people's houses or in church. It is also insulting to touch someone's head..    

This particular church was Methodist which is the predominant religion in Fiji.  The singing of the choir was unbelievable! Outside the church with the singers.