Princess Moana has ceased her services in the Northern Division to look for more vi­able sea routes in Fiji.

In a statemen t early this week vessel owner Miller Shipping Services said circumstances have forced them cease operation in the Northern Division and look for more viable sea routes elsewhere in Fiji.

In the last seven months, Princess Moana has been servicing Taveuni-Vanua Levu routes and other char­ter runs in the Northern Division.

“We apologise for any inconven­ience caused and we wish to thank everyone who has travelled with us,” a statement sent by MSS read.

“We wish we could have continued our services but unfortunately, cir­cumstances have forced us to cease operation here and look for more vi­able sea routes elsewhere in Fiji,” the statement stated.

Princess Moana vessel is owned by Ross Miller and his wife.

When contacted yesterday the Millers refused to comment further.

The vessel was built in Indonesia. It has the capacity to carry 350 pas­sengers.

Princess Moana’s routes in­clude Natuvu, Savusavu, Labasa, Nabouwalu, Taveuni and Rabi.

Facilities on board include restau­rants, private rooms and first class service.

The sudden notice apart from frus­trating customers also left them cu­rious as they said that the vessel was thir popular choice.

Sireli Drauna from Taveuni said Princess Moana provided the best services in the Northern Division.

“Her state of art facilities guaran­teed comfort travel to customers; I wonder what has happened to the 30 people employed by MSS,” Mr Drauna said.

“Are they left unemployed? The company during the launch last year promised many things for people in the Northern Division but I guess some promises are meant to be bro­ken,” he said.

“I knew that this will happen. Two big boats on the same route were not easy. One will have to go. Thank you anyway for your short services, maybe some other time you’ll come back,” he said.

Shayal Chand of Savusavu is wor­ried that the ceasing of one ship ser­vice will affect the customers’ pock­ets.

“When two are in operation there is a chance of one of then charging less for fares, and people have a choice to pick which one they want to board,” Mr Chand said.

“But with only one vessel, we just to go with the one around, as we do not have a choice,” she said.

“That’s disappointing, I really loved your service and to top it off the boat was really clean. Miller Shipping was Customer focused and very clean.

“Definitely there will be a fare hike next week by the other competitor. I feel sorry for vehicle owners like me,” she said.