They left their hearts in Fiji

We spent six wonderful weeks in Fiji last spring and took a Blue Lagoon cruise (“Casting Away in the South Pacific,” Feb. 23). Author Carolyn Rice left out -- or missed out on -- the heart of the cruise.

What made our Blue Lagoon cruise so wonderful was the almost instant camaraderie that developed among the passengers, as well as between the passengers and the crew.

We would go back in a heartbeat. Fijians are so warm and friendly that their wonderful spirit permeates every minute you spend on board.

We made friends during the all-too-short time we were on that cruise. Perhaps our ship, the older Yasawa Princess, had more flavor or was even more casual than the newer Mystique Princess. Or perhaps Rice’s fellow passengers were traveling in their own closed groups.

Dottie and Jerry Walsh

Irvine