TOURISTS on board the Carnival Spirit cruise liner were out and about in the capital city on Tuesday as the ship berthed for a day at the Suva Wharf.
Australian tourists Wendy Ryan and Vince Dennis were among the visitors on board the liner and told this newspaper they planned to return with their grandchildren.
"This is my first time to the capital of Fiji, it is really lovely. But it's a shame that it is a public holiday because I had wanted to go to the market, but apart from that Fiji is just a perfect place to come to for a holiday," Ms Ryan said.
While only a handful of retail outlets were open on the day, tourists took advantage of the empty streets of Suva, travelling on public transport on sightseeing tours around the Suva area and purchasing souvenirs.
"We have visited Fiji 10 times already last year, normally we always end up in the Coral Coast and Denarau.
"Fiji is such a lovely place and what keeps us coming back is the hospitality of the Fijian people and their warm smiles," Mr Dennis said.
Having travelled to 14 countries, Mr Dennis said Fiji seemed to be the best and ideal holiday destination.
"The bula greeting from these big Fijian men and their smiles is just awesome," he added.
The cruise liner left Suva yesterday for Port Denarau where it would stop for a day before leaving Fiji for New Caledonia.