Here is a unique voyage offering the opportunity to visit little known and remote regions that are well away from the usual cruise routes in the Far East. Setting sail from the vibrant city of Hong Kong to Tawain, we will explore this culturally alluring country with its blend of tradition and technology before we continue on to the islands of Japan which form an archipelago stretching some 500 miles bordered by the East China Sea and Pacific Ocean. Cruising amongst these delightful outpost islands which are probably best described as Japan’s Outer Hebrides, offers an altogether different experience from Japan’s mainland.
Taiwan, a relatively unexplored treasure in the Far East offers breathtaking scenery and a remarkable diversity for an island of its size. During our exploration, we will discover Tainan, Tawain’s oldest city where tradition lives on, and the ultra modern capital, Tapei which is an interesting place to learn more about the Japanese colonial period and the more recent era of Chiang Kai Shek. Whilst in Taiwan we also have a day to explore one of the country’s natural wonders, the spectacular Taroko Gorge National Park. Sailing on to Japan, we reach the southernmost inhabited islands which are home to idyllic beaches, crystal clear waters and an abundance of natural wonders. Largely unspoilt, we will enjoy three days cruising amongst these delightful outposts including the Yaeyama and Amani islands. Then on to Yakushima Island which is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Japan’s megacities with its towering mountains and ancient forest and here we can enjoy nature at its very best whilst on guided walks to appreciate the diverse fauna including the impressive old cedars. Finally, we reach Japan’s mainland for an altogether different experience where we will visit Uwajima to learn about pearl cultivation and spend time in the iconic gardens of Koraku-en.
This unusual itinerary will appeal to those who have perhaps visited Japan’s mainland and would now like to explore her islands combined with the treasures of Tawain, or those simply looking for something different, combining explorations of the natural world with a look at the culture of the region visiting a number of ports which are off the usual cruise route. All this will be achieved with great ease sailing aboard the MS Island Sky and in the company of just over 100 fellow like-minded passengers, our expert Guest Speaker and Japanese guides who will bring to life all that we see and experience.
Island Sky
The MS Island Sky is one of our two flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Hebridean Sky. Both vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them two of the finest small ships in the world.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Hong Kong.
Fly by scheduled flight.
Day 2 Hong Kong.
Arrive and transfer to the MS Island Sky. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 3 At Sea.
Spend a relaxing day at sea as we sail towards Taiwan.
Day 4 Tainan, Taiwan.
This morning we arrive at our first port of call in Taiwan, the southern city of Kaohsiung which is our base for our excursion to nearby Tainan, the former capital of Taiwan. During our tour we will see the Chikan Tower, built by the Dutch in 1653 as an administrative centre, and the Koxinga Shrine dedicated to General Chenggong. We will continue to the beautiful Confucius Temple which is over three hundred years old and played a key role in education and is now a venue for cultural festivals and events. This afternoon we will drive to the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum which covers over 100 hectares and is home to the 108 metre high bronze Buddha, the largest seated bronze Buddha in Asia. The museum houses a number of permanent exhibitions about the life of Buddha, Buddhist festivals and relics. We will enjoy lunch here before exploring this impressive site.
Day 5 Penghu Islands.
Staying in the Taiwan Straits we visit the Penghu archipelago made up of 64 islands of which only 20 are inhabited. We will base ourselves in the historic capital of Magong where we find an array of historical buildings and temples. See the 16th century Queen of Heaven Temple (Mazu Temple) which is Taiwan’s oldest and finest temple and is classified as the first grade relic. Whilst on Zhongyang Street, one of the oldest in the islands, we will hear about the “Four-eyed well”. Return to the MS Island Sky for lunch and this afternoon we will continue to explore the island.
Day 6 Taichung.
From our berth in Taichung we have a choice of tours. Choose from a full day tour inland to the Sun Moon Lake, the largest lake in Taiwan and so named as the eastern part of the lake is round like the sun and the western side is shaped like a crescent moon. Its crystalline, emerald green waters reflect the hills and mountains which rise on all sides and provide one of Taiwan’s most mesmerising landscapes. We will spend time on the lake and also visit one of the temples on the banks before enjoying lunch. We return to the ship via the Chung Tai Chun Monastery, a lavish monument to Chan Buddhism which has fused ancient traditions with modern architecture. Alternatively, join a half day tour to Lukang, one of Taiwan’s oldest port towns which was used as a major harbour by Dutch traders in the 17th century. We will see the 17th century Lungshan Temple, one of the best preserved in Taiwan, whilst in Old Street we can see the historic buildings or purchase some of the rare handicrafts produced here. Return to the ship for lunch and a free afternoon in Taichung.
Day 7 Keelung for Taipei.
After breakfast we will travel by coach to Taiwan’s capital, Taipei. We will delve into the history and heritage of Taiwan and explore how Taipei fuses the past with modernity. We begin our exploration at the National Palace Museum which houses over 600,000 priceless treasures of Chinese art, many dating back almost 5,000 years. Many of the items were removed from the Forbidden Place before the Communist revolution. From here we will visit the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, which pays tribute to the former President of Taiwan. Lunch will be at a local restaurant where we will enjoy a range of dishes including dumplings. Later we will ride the lift to the 89th floor of the Taipei 101 building for panoramic views of the city and after some time at leisure will return to the ship.
Day 8 Hualien.
From our berth in Hualien we will enjoy a full day tour of the Taroko Gorge National Park. Taroko means “magnificent and beautiful” in the local Truku language, and it is clear to see why the name was used. The gorge itself stretches for 20 kilometres with marble cliffs rising hundreds of metres above the Liwu River. We will see the Swallow Grotto and the Tunnel of Nine Turns, a 1.9 kilometre path cut into the cliffs following the route of the original tracks along the gorge and the Changuang Temple, a Buddhist monastery with commanding views of the river. Enjoy a local lunch before returning to the ship later in the afternoon.
Day 9 Ishigaki, Japan.
Our first call in Japan will be at the Yaeyama Islands, a cluster of coral reefs and forested mountains. This morning, from our base in Ishigaki we will explore the island. Our tour will start with a visit to the Yoneko-Yaki Pottery to learn about the craft of making the famous Shisa – half dog, half lion statuettes, typically sold in pairs. From here we will drive along the scenic roads to Ishigaki Yaima Village. We will explore this open-air museum that has preserved traditional Japanese houses. Located in the forests, keep an eye out for the local wildlife such as squirrel monkeys. There will also be a chance to walk through the mangroves along the boardwalk and see the unique flora and fauna. Later, after lunch on board, we will take in more of the island with a visit to the Tamatoizaki Cape, where from the observatory there are wonderful views of the Hirakubo Peninsula and the sea of Ishigaki. We will continue to Kariba Park located on Kariba Bay, taking in the stunning views while exploring the shrines and statues that decorate the park. Our final stop will be the Yaesen Brewery which produces awamori, a sake-like Okinawan spirit.
Day 10 At Sea.
Enjoy a day at sea with time to relax on deck and join the lecture programme in the lounge.
Day 11 Naze, Amami Oshima.
Today we arrive on Amami Oshima, a natural sub-tropical paradise situated in the Amami Islands and surrounded by transparent waters, brightly coloured coral reefs and tropical fish. The island is almost entirely covered in forest and mangrove and offers fantastic bird watching and wildlife sightings. We have the day to explore and will visit the Nature Observation Park where we can walk through the forest and hope to see the Amami jay, ruddy kingfisher, Ryukyu akashobin, butterflies and possibly the rare black hare. We will also see local industry and watch the process of making tsumugi and kasuri silk-cotton fabrics, used for making kimonos, at the Oshima Tsumugi Village, a craft complex in a beautiful hillside setting amongst flowers. Many of the local plants are used in dyeing. In the afternoon we will visit the Amami Park which focuses on the artist Tanaka Isson with a museum of his works which depict the natural beauty and life of Amami.
Day 12 Miyanoura, Yakushima.
Today we spend the morning on the island of Yakushima which became Japan’s first World Heritage Site in 1993. Yakushima is famous in botanical circles for many great garden plants, including dwarf plants that have evolved to grow smaller than their mainland cousins. We will spend time here on nature walks, including Yakusugi Land, a nature park populated by a number of the island’s ancient cedar trees. Return to the ship for lunch and spend an afternoon at sea.
Day 13 Uwajima.
Arrive this morning in Uwajima, situated deep inside the saw-toothed coast of Uwajima Bay. Today there is a choice of morning tours; Uwajima is the nation’s largest pearl cultivation centre and you can learn the process of cultivating and sorting pearls on a visit to a pearl farm before continuing on to Tensha-en Garden which is a typical example of a Japanese garden built during the Samurai era. Alternatively, explore the ancient Uwajima Castle and Tensha-en Garden. The afternoon is at leisure to relax on board or explore further independently.
Day 14 Uno-Ko.
From the port of Uno-Ko we will visit one of Japan’s most famed gardens, Koraku-en, which translates as “Garden of pleasure after”. This 17th century formal garden has 28 acres of walking trails, ponds, plum and cherry trees, and a classic teahouse where we will experience a traditional tea ceremony. After a Japanese lunch in a local restaurant, we will continue to Kurashiki where we explore the old merchant quarter and its fine 17th century wooden warehouses painted white with traditional black tiles, along a canal framed with weeping willows and filled with koi. There is also a chance to visit the Ohara Museum of Art which includes rare works by Matisse, Picasso and Renoir as well as collections from Japan’s Mingei movement including ceramics by Hamada Shoji.
Day 15 Kobe.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 16 London.
Arrive this morning.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £500 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 2 to 17 April 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Magellan Deck Standard Suites | £10495 | £9995 |
| Columbus Deck Superior Suites | £10895 | £10395 |
| Marco Polo Deck Premium Suites | £11195 | £10695 |
| Marco Polo Deck Corner Suites | £11595 | £11095 |
| Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suites | £12795 | £12295 |
| Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £13295 | £12795 |
| Explorer Deck Island Suite | £13995 | £13495 |
| Magellan Deck Standard for sole occupancy | £12495 | £11995 |
| Columbus Deck Superior for sole occupancy | £12895 | £12395 |
Tour Reference Code: SCISK020426
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 13 nights aboard the MS Island Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Deckplan
Island Sky
The MS Island Sky is one of our two flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Hebridean Sky. Both vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them two of the finest small ships in the world.
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Your Dining
Your Dining
It is quite a task to create a dining experience as that found on board our Sky vessels when you are cruising in far-flung corners of the globe, indeed it takes a team of highly talented chefs to deliver fresh, varied dishes no matter where you are at sea. Fortunately, our catering teams are well adapted to the world of small ship cruising where no two days are the same and the menus are often scheduled and tailored around the days’ excursions. With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the cuisine on board is of a consistent superior quality that befits such vessels. Where possible and when it meets their high standards, our accomplished chefs will obtain local produce in markets. Such purchases enhance the well-stocked larders and enable the chefs on board to exhibit their culinary skills and bring a local touch to the varied menus, emphasising the international expertise of the chefs on board. Afternoon tea and pre-dinner canapés take place every day in either the comfort of the Lounge or out on the Lido Deck when the weather is favourable. Tea and coffee are also available 24 hours a day. Special diets can be catered for with sufficient notice.
In keeping with the informal atmosphere on board, when dining you are able to choose your seating arrangements at your leisure. Whether that be joining a table of four to six other passengers outside on the Lido Deck in the evening’s sunshine or whether you prefer to enjoy meals in the à la carte restaurant. For those travelling alone, our onboard friendly restaurant staff will take care to ensure you are seated with other like-minded travellers. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order on request. Lunch and dinner are à la carte with an excellent choice of dishes, with the menu reflecting the daily catch or local delicacies. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with both meals and there is also a comprehensive wine list with a wide selection of new and old world wines from which to choose.
The onboard catering and restaurant staff are experienced at sea and enthuse a passion for superb service. Whether it be ensuring you have an outdoor blanket as you enjoy the crisp sea breeze on the Lido Deck or sharing their knowledge of the characteristics of the days’ wine selections, you will experience a service on board like no other. You may also enjoy sumptuous barbeques on deck whilst at times, the chef will make your dish to order at special pasta or stir fry stations.
Click on image above to view a sample menu.
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Cabin Plans
Cabin Plan
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Ship Directory
Ship Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the vessel or click on the booklet to download.
We are delighted you have chosen the MS Island Sky for your voyage. The 118-passenger, all-suite vessel is one of the finest small ships in the world and benefits from unusually spacious accommodation, public areas and outside decks. You will find the atmosphere on board akin to a private yacht or country hotel with a little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, talks from our onboard team and informative port briefings from your Cruise Director or Expedition Leader. After a day of exploration ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable ship. Along with the Captain and officers and the Noble Caledonia team, our crew of 75 are dedicated to offering you the best possible experience during your time on board. We hope this information booklet answers any questions you may have pertaining to the vessel and wish you a pleasant voyage.
VESSEL TECHNICAL DETAILS
Passengers: 118
Length: 90.60 metres
Width: 15.30 metres
Registered: Bahamas
Crew/Staff: 75
Year built: 1992
Language: English
Gross Tonnage: 4200 tonnes
Net Tonnage: 1262 tonnesADAPTORS
There is a small supply of adaptors that can be obtained from Reception. These should be returned to Reception at the end of the cruise. There is also an adaptor extension box with USB ports in the suite.
AIR-CONDITIONING
The entire ship is air-conditioned. All suites feature individual temperature controls. In order to keep the air-conditioning system working efficiently, please keep doors closed when in use.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The ship uses a public address system to advise guests of all important information and activities during the cruise. Announcements can be heard throughout the public areas of the ship and in all suites.
COMMUNICATIONS
Telephone
If you wish to contact the ship, please call +1 954 6726785. This is a US number so calls will be charged at an international rate. There is a phone in your suite which has access to an outside line. Outgoing call costs will be advised on board. You can make suite to suite calls free of charge. The ship can be contacted by email at rec@is.salenship.com. Please indicate the passenger name and suite number in the subject field.
Satellite Internet & Wi-Fi
Connectivity is now an important feature in our lives and we do our best to bring this service to you on board. Complimentary Wi-Fi provided by Starlink is available in the public areas and passenger suites. You will need to bring your own device to connect in these areas. Wi-Fi details, including your unique log in, will be available in your suite. The service provided on board uses direct satellite technology and has a certain amount of bandwidth available. The same level of connectivity and speed that we enjoy at home through cable or fibre-optic based infrastructures cannot be expected on board.
As you traverse the seas and ports, the ship’s antennae have to re-establish connection with the transmission satellites. Signal may also be blocked by mountains, buildings or even local radio frequency regulations. Remote locations out of satellite range, weather on earth or in space can also affect signal strength. Please also bear in mind that the network is shared by everyone on board so congestion can be anticipated which will slow down speeds especially at peak times. The bandwidth available to the ship means that connectivity is best served using text-based communications and simple social media. Some applications which involve downloading large files may not be available on board.
Here are some tips for using satellite Wi-Fi on board:
• Avoid peak times such as the return to the ship after an excursion.
• Always log off the system when not in use to free up bandwidth space for other passengers and to pause your usage allowance.
• Work offline.
• Download any apps you need before leaving home.
• Turn off or disable background app data services and updates – apps that sync in the background can quickly eat up data without your knowledge.
• Disable push notifications as these use a lot of data.
• Remember to bring any charging or data cables required.
• Your Network provider may offer a cruise package but be careful, once the land signal is lost, this will transfer to the satellite signal which will incur greater costs.
• Cruise Terminals ashore often have good land based internet to supplement your connectivity.
• Put your phone on Airplane Mode when not in use to avoid roaming charges from your Network Provider.
• Be careful not to access private accounts such as bank accounts on public Wi-Fi systems.
DAILY PROGRAMME
A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced on board and delivered to your suite daily.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free and low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department. We regret that not all dietary requirements can be guaranteed. If you have any specific or special foods that you require we recommend that you take some with you although we will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once on board, please speak to the Chef or the Maitre D’ at dinner on your first night on board to reconfirm your needs.
DINING & DRINKING
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the Restaurant. MS Island Sky operates an open seating policy which greatly enhances the convivial atmosphere on board. The Restaurant has table configurations of 8, 6, 4 and some 2’s. As we operate an open seating policy, we regret that reservations cannot be made. House wine, beer and soft drinks are included at lunch and dinner. Please note that passengers are not permitted to consume their own supplies of alcohol on board. Whether we have a morning at sea or you choose not to partake in an excursion, breakfast times have been extended, where possible, for your convenience. Times may vary and will be indicated on the Daily Programme. During good weather, early riser’s coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner may also be served on The Lido Deck. Afternoon tea is served in The Club or in The Lounge depending on activities. Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits are available self-service 24 hours a day in The Club. For those guests who may prefer more flexibility with regards to their meals we are delighted to offer an additional menu on board between 11.00 am and 4.00 pm. Details are available in The Club.
DISEMBARKATION
Your Cruise Director / Expedition Leader will provide you with detailed disembarkation information prior to the end of your cruise. This will include transfer information (where applicable). If you have any specific queries, please do not hesitate to contact the Cruise Director / Expedition Leader as soon as possible after embarkation.
DRESS CODE
The dress code on board is defined as casual. During the day, comfortable and casual attire is appropriate. The evenings are smart casual. Jackets and ties are not required. However, we kindly ask you to refrain from wearing shorts during evening meals in the Restaurant. You may wish to wear something a little dressier for the welcome and farewell dinners, for example, a jacket and tie for gentlemen and occasion wear for ladies. No “black tie” is necessary.
ELECTRICITY
Voltage is 110v/60Hz (American standard) and a 220v razor socket. This is only suitable for low voltage electrical appliances, e.g. mobile phone or camera charger. We recommend that you bring a two flat pin American adaptor for the 110v plug. Please note that the use of personal hairdryers, clothing irons, coffee makers, curling tongs, etc. in the suites is strictly forbidden as they may damage the ship’s electrical system. If you require electrical medical equipment, please notify the Reservations Department as soon as possible.
GOING ASHORE
Wait in public areas or in your suite until an announcement is made with instructions to disembark. Sailing times for each port are listed in the Daily Programme. Please note sailing times and ensure that you return back to the vessel at least 30 minutes prior to departure. In some ports a passport or port landing card must be carried when going ashore. This will be announced over the PA System if required. If the ship is in a remote area and you hear a continuous blast of the ship’s horn then please return immediately to the landing site. When leaving the ship at any time while in port always ensure you have checked IN/OUT at the gangway.
HAIR & BEAUTY SALON
MS Island Sky has a hairdresser providing haircuts and hairstyling. Some beauty treatments and massage are also available. Appointments can be made on board at the Reception Desk. Fees for all treatments are available at Reception and will be charged to your onboard account. Each suite is equipped with a hairdryer which can be found in the right hand top drawer of the dresser.
HEALTH & HYGIENE
We have comprehensive plans in place to protect the health and hygiene of our passengers and crew. These are kept up to date in line with new advice and guidance and are continually evaluated. The ventilation system provides all suites and communal areas with fresh non recycled air. There is no recirculation of air on board. UV technology has been installed to ensure no risk of transmission via ventilation units. Hand sanitisers are present throughout the vessel particularly at entrances to dining venues and at the gangway. We kindly ask that you ensure to use these regularly. When it is required to bring in enhanced procedures you will be advised in either your pre cruise documentation or on board.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
A laundry service is available on board. Laundry bags and a price list can be found in the wardrobe in your suite. Please complete the laundry list and leave it together with the bag of items to be laundered on your bed. Your laundered items will be returned within 24 hours. There are no public launderette or ironing facilities on board. In the interest of safety we ask that you do not use an electric iron in your suite. An ironing service is available at reasonable cost. Dry cleaning facilities are not available on board. In the interest of the environment, towels will not be automatically changed every day. We ask that you put used towels on the bathroom floor if you wish them to be changed for fresh towels. Towels left hanging on the towel rack will not be changed.
LIFT
All passenger decks can be reached by lift. Please do not use the lift in the case of a fire or an emergency.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you disembark the ship, please check your suite to ensure you do not leave anything behind. On board the ship, any liquids, cosmetics, paper(s) and perishable items left behind will be disposed of immediately. Any books left on board the ship will be incorporated into the ship’s library or donated to charity. Other items left behind on the ship will be kept on board for 1 month or 2 cruises (whichever is the longer period), and after this time, any unclaimed items will be given to a local charity at the next main port the ship visits. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia within 21 days of disembarking. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection, and any costs incurred will be at your own expense.
MAIL
Although reception staff are happy to post letters on your behalf, they may not be able to do so straightaway or at the port of call at which you make such a request. Some postal services are unreliable and many letters or postcards that you ask to be delivered on your behalf may be delayed or even lost en route. Under no circumstances can we be held liable for such occurrences.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
Medical services are available 24 hours a day. There is a Doctor on board and crew members are trained in first aid. Suite visits by the ship’s Doctor are available. Please note that all consultations and services are charged for. To arrange an appointment with the ship’s Doctor please contact Reception. It takes some people longer to find their sea legs. Sea sickness tablets are available from Reception, and should be taken at least one hour prior to departure.
MINI BAR/FRIDGE
This is stocked with complimentary soft drinks and beer and will be replenished daily/on request.
NEWS
News channels are available on your suite TV and in addition daily news bulletins can be found at Reception and in The Library.
NOBLE CALEDONIA TEAM
Throughout your cruise you will be accompanied by your Noble Caledonia team who will be happy to assist you with any queries or requests you may have.
ONBOARD ACCOUNT
All passengers will have their own “ship account” which allows you to sign a receipt for any expenses and then settle your bill at the Reception Desk at the end of the cruise. You will need to register your card at Reception shortly after sailing. If you are sharing a suite with a friend and would like separate bills, please inform Reception. Prices on board are shown in British Pounds. All final accounts will be presented in British Pounds. Your ship’s account can be paid by:
Your ship’s account can be paid by:
• Cash (British Pounds, Euros or US Dollars).
• Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express).
If you intend to settle your shipboard account using your credit card, please provide Reception with an imprint of your card at your convenience during the cruise. As a standard procedure, a GBP10.00 pre-authorisation hold for settlements is made via credit card. Please note that this is only a temporary hold placed on your funds and released several days after the final onboard settlement is made. Debit cards and pre-paid credit cards may not automatically be accepted. Please let us know in advance if you plan to use one.
PASSPORTS
All Passports are collected by the Purser upon embarkation. Passports are necessary to facilitate immigration formalities at each port of call and are returned at the end of the cruise.
PUBLIC AREAS
The Club – Located on the Marco Polo Deck, The Club features the main bar and a 24 hour tea and coffee station. A quiet place to meet friends or relax during the day. In the evening our onboard resident pianist plays before and after dinner.
The Library – Located on the Marco Polo Deck. In The Library you can find a well stocked selection of reference books pertaining to the destinations. Fiction books, games and playing cards are also available. Novels brought on board may be exchanged with other books in the paperback library.
The Lounge – Located on the Columbus Deck. Daily Briefings by the Cruise Director or Expedition Leader are given in The Lounge which is fitted with multiple screens and presentation equipment. Informative talks from the Guest Speaker or expedition team are also given here.
Lido Deck – Located on the Erikson Deck aft. The Lido Deck is an alternative venue to the restaurant for meals, weather permitting. Outside of meal times it is an area where you can relax outside. Enjoy a drink from the bar or something to eat from the all day menu.
Observation Deck – Located on the Explorer Deck. There is an area for sun loungers which is ideal for sunbathing as well as a forward facing observation platform.
Promenade Deck – Located on the Marco Polo Deck. We kindly ask for your consideration to those guests whose suites are located on and beneath the Promenade Deck. Please use the deck for walking / jogging between the hours of 08.30 am and 9.00 pm only.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Your comments are important to us therefore before your cruise ends, you will receive a questionnaire. We are always looking for ways to improve your holiday experience and appreciate the time you take to complete the questionnaire. Kindly hand your completed questionnaire in at Reception.
SAFE
There is a safe in every suite located in the closet. The safe can be programmed with your own code, instructions can be found inside the closet door and housekeeping will be available to assist upon embarkation. We recommend that you leave money and other valuables in the safe. Kindly remember to remove all items from the safe before disembarking the ship at the end of your cruise.
SAFETY DRILL & SAFETY
International Maritime Law requires a lifeboat safety drill to take place prior to sailing. All guests must attend this compulsory and important exercise. Please listen for the announcements. During the drill, all ships services will be suspended. Your assigned lifeboat station, location of your life jacket and the signal for lifeboat and fire drills are clearly explained on the emergency card posted on the back of your suite door. Life jackets are located in your suite. During the safety drill you will be shown how to wear the life jacket. It is essential that you take certain safety precautions while on board:
It is essential that you take certain safety precautions while on board:
• Walk, never run and be especially careful on wet and slippery decks.
• Ladies are advised to wear low heeled shoes especially on deck.
• Footwear should be worn at all times.
• Hold on to the handrails in passageways and stairways.
SHIP’S ID CARD
These personal ID cards with essential information are issued to each guest during embarkation. Please ensure you remember to check in and out at the gangway with the crew member on duty in order to ensure that you are on board prior to sailing.
SMOKING POLICY
The MS Island Sky offers a smoke-free cruise environment. Smoking is not permitted inside the ship, including the balcony areas. Smoking is only permitted in the designated area outside on Columbus Deck. Please never throw any cigarette ends overboard.
SUITES
On board there are 59 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. All feature a sitting area, en-suite bathroom with vanity unit and walk-in shower, spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Suites on Explorer (Deck 6) and Erikson (Deck 5) have private balconies. Suites on Marco Polo Deck (Deck 4) have tinted sliding doors for enhanced views and quick access to the deck if any wildlife is spotted.All suites have the following facilities:
• Dressing gowns and slippers
• TV
• Electrical outlet & USB ports
• Hairdryer
• Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled)
• Mini bar/fridge
• Safe
• Toiletries: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion
• TelephoneEach suite has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request. Please advise the Reservations Department or the Reception, once on board, if you would like a double bed. Suites are serviced each morning by housekeeping and again in the evening when the beds are turned down. Please note that on MS Island Sky, all suites have a shower but none have baths.
TELEVISION
All suites are equipped with a television. There is a selection of channels available including news, films and documentaries.
TOILETRIES
Shampoo, conditioner, hand soap and shower gel are provided in your bathroom. If you have forgotten anything ie. toothpaste, please ask Reception, who have a selection of items available for purchase.
VISITORS
For the safety and security of all passengers no visitors are allowed on board the ship.
VISITING THE BRIDGE
At times Bridge visits may be possible. If visiting the Bridge, please note this is a working area and access may sometimes be restricted.
WAKE UP CALL
Wake up calls can be requested through the Reception Desk before 11.00 pm.WATER
In order to reduce the damage caused to the environment by waste plastic, we replaced plastic bottled water where possible with eco-friendly, reusable water bottles and water carafes. These are for your use during the cruise and we kindly ask you to leave them in your suite at the end of the cruise. The bottles and carafes can be filled from the tap in your suite or from the water station outside The Club. Alternatively your Steward/ess can refill your carafe daily. Should you prefer to use plastic bottled water then please just let your Steward/ess know.
ZODIAC OR LOCAL BOATS TO TENDER ASHORE
Some destinations may require the use of the ship’s Zodiacs or local tender boats to go ashore. Guests will be advised where and when to meet the Zodiac or local tender boat to go ashore. Please ensure that your hands are free at all times and accept the assistance given by the crew on board the MS Island Sky when boarding tenders / Zodiacs. A Zodiac safety briefing will be given.
Please note: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
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Deck Plan
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Deckplan
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Deckplan
Travelling with You
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Professor Marie Conte-Helm OBE
Professor Marie Conte-Helm has lectured extensively on the history, arts, and culture of Asia, the Pacific, and the wider world and is an Accredited Lecturer of The Arts Society and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. She holds higher degrees in the History of Art and in Asian Art from the City University of New York and the East West Center of the University of Hawaii and conducted her postgraduate research on Chinese Landscape Painting at the National Palace Museum in Taipei.
Professor Conte-Helm has served as Executive Director of the UK-Japan 21st Century Group and Director General of the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation, the largest UK charity supporting links between the two countries. She has held academic posts as Reader in Japanese Studies and Director, East Asian Developments at Northumbria University, and as Head of the Japanese Studies Division at the University of Sunderland. Her book publications include The Japanese and Europe: Economic and Cultural Encounters and Japan and the North East of England: From 1862 to the Present Day.
She was awarded an OBE in the 2011 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to UK-Japan educational and cultural relations. In 2019 she was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette by the Government of Japan ‘in recognition of her long-time dedication and significant contributions to the promotion of mutual understanding and cultural exchange between Japan and the United Kingdom’.
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some time in Hong Kong before embarking the MS Island Sky, we are offering the opportunity to join a two night extension.
Hong Kong
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Hong Kong.
Fly by scheduled flight.
Day 2 Hong Kong.
Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the hotel for our two night stay. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (D)
Day 3 Hong Kong.
Today we will explore the highlights of Hong Kong including riding the Peak Tram up Victoria Peak for wonderful views of the city. We will also board a sampan and experience life on the water and after a local lunch will visit Stanley and Kowloon. Enjoy an evening at leisure. (B, L)
Day 4 Hong Kong.
Enjoy a leisurely morning. After lunch in a local restaurant we will transfer to the MS Island Sky. (B, L)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
31 March to 3 April 2026 Category Price Twin £995 Single £1195 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Hong Kong, meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner), tours as described, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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If you would like to spend some time in Kyoto and discover the city of Nara, we are offering a two
night extension.
Kyoto
The Itinerary
Day 1 Kobe to Nara & Kyoto, Japan.
Disembark this morning and we will drive to Nara. During the 8th century Nara was Japan’s capital for 74 years and many of the temples and shrines from this era still remain. We will see the Todaji Temple and Kasuga Shrine before taking lunch in a local restaurant. Afterwards we continue our journey to Kyoto and check into our hotel. (B, L)
Day 2 Kyoto.
After breakfast at the hotel discover Kyoto, Japan’s former historic capital and Emperor’s home for nearly 1,000 years. A morning tour will include the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) and the Ryoanji Temple which is the site of one of Japan’s famous rock gardens. After our visit return to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. (B)
Day 3 Kyoto.
Check out after breakfast and transfer to Osaka airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London. (B)
Day 4 Kyoto to London.
Arrive today.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
16 to 19 April 2026 Category Price Twin £1245 Single £1595 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Kyoto, meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch), tours as described, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Also of Interest
Winter in Japan
An escorted tour discovering the winter wildlife & wonders of Japan
Winter in Japan Accommodation
Itinerary at a glance
- Tokyo / Kushiro / Sapporo / Otaru / Asahikawa / Kyoto / Matsumoto / Jigokudani / Obuse
14 nights
from
£8995
Next Departure:
2 February 2025
Laos & the Upper Mekong
Journey through the beautiful landscapes & villages of Laos aboard the Anouvong
Anouvong
Itinerary at a glance
- Chiang Rai / Doi Tung/ Khang Hang Yai/ Pakbeng / Kop Aek / Pak Ou Caves / Luang Prabang / Khok Akha / Pak Lay / Vientiane / Hanoi / Duong Lam
15 nights
from
£8295
Next Departure:
8 February 2025
Enchanting Indochina
A journey through Hanoi, Halong Bay, Laos & the Upper Mekong aboard the Ylang & the Anouvong
Ylang and Anouvong
Itinerary at a glance
- Hanoi / Halong Bay / Luang Prabang /Pak Ou Caves / Ban Khok Phou / Had Sako / Khok Aek / Pakbeng / Huay Xai / Chiang Rai
14 nights
from
£7395
Next Departure:
25 October 2025
Eternal Japan & South Korea
A voyage from Kanazawa to Kobe aboard the MS Island Sky
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £300 PER PERSON
Island Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Tokyo / Kanazawa / Matsue / Ulsan / haeinsa/ Nagasaki / Miyanoura / Hososhima / Matsuyama / Himeji / Kobe
13 nights
from
£8995
Next Departure:
25 April 2026
Timeless Japan
Discover the cultural treasures & ancient wonders of Japan including a call in South Korea aboard the MS Island Sky
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £500 PER PERSON
Island Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Tokyo / Kanazawa / Kyoto / Matsue / Hagi / Ulsan / Kitakyushu / Hiroshima / Miyajima / Koraku-en / Kurashiki / Takamatsu / Kumano / Mount Fuji / Yokohama / Tokyo
15 nights
from
£9995
Next Departure:
14 May 2026
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000