The distant Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic are one of the most fascinating places to visit on the planet. Rich in biodiversity they offer a rare opportunity to observe wildlife up close in their natural habitat. This unique expedition offers the opportunity to discover the archipelago for the first time or, for those that may have previously visited en-route to the Antarctic Peninsula, the chance to rediscover its many wonders and explore the region in more depth. We have timed our expedition for January when the weather and wildlife-viewing opportunities are optimal, the penguin colonies will be loud and active and we can witness young gentoo and rockhopper penguin creches whilst the friendly and inquisitive Commerson’s dolphins play in the surf and albatross brood-guard their fluffy chicks.
The scenery and unspoilt landscapes of the Falkland Islands upon which tourism has failed to leave footprints of any great number or significance is truly spectacular. The wildlife on the 420 rocky islands is staggering and it really is an enchanting place with a unique character, a true outpost and particularly fascinating for the British whose presence in one form or another dates back to the 18th century when whalers and sealers would use the islands for shelter. Rolling hills are interspersed with bogs and small lakes, creating a habitat for penguins and seabirds which nest amongst tall tussock grass, while seals and whales cavort along the coast.
The Falkland Islands are a true paradise for bird lovers; over 220 species have been recorded here many of which are remarkably numerous and tame. The islands are a sanctuary of the elegant albatross which soars graciously against the blue sky and highlights of our expedition for bird enthusiasts will include our visits to Steeple Jason Island where 70 percent of the world’s population of black-browed albatross can be found, the raucous chatter of a rockhopper colony and the opportunity to see one of the worlds rarest raptors, the striated caracara.
To enjoy the wonders of this faraway paradise in the company of a small and enthusiastic party is the perfect way to achieve the most from a visit to this extraordinary place. Our highly adaptable Zodiac craft will allow us to enter tiny inlets and marvel at some truly wondrous sites. Whilst at sea or in between our landings you can pass the time looking for wildlife on deck, attending the series of lectures by our expert expedition team or simply relaxing on board.
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
Please note that flexibility is key to a successful expedition. Although we have outlined an itinerary below, this is only a preliminary plan, our exact route and landings will depend on weather, tides and wildlife we may encounter along the way.
Day 1 London to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Fly by scheduled flight.
Day 2 Buenos Aires.
Arrive and transfer to our centrally located hotel for an overnight stay. This afternoon is free to relax in the hotel or maybe join an orientation tour of the city including the Plaza de Mayo, the Cathedral and the Cabildo (Old City Hall) before we continue towards the most traditional neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, San Telmo which is characterised by its old colonial houses and the cobblestoned streets. Our guided tour will end in La Boca with the opportunity to look around the colourful zinc houses which used to be the refuge and home for the first immigrants and popular artists. The evening is free for independent exploration.
Day 3 Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.
After breakfast in the hotel we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Ushuaia. On arrival we will transfer to the MS Island Sky and start our adventure this evening as we cruise down the Beagle Channel. Here the mountains, still partly unmapped, drop as sheer, densely wooded cliffs into the channel and penguins, dolphins and South American sea lions abound in the channel.
Day 4 At Sea.
Enjoy a relaxing day on board. Watch out for wildlife, such as the albatrosses, prions and petrels that frequently follow the ships and join some lectures in the lounge as we prepare for our time in the Falkland Islands.
Day 5 New Island, Falkland Islands.
New Island has a fascinating history with the abundance of wildlife and sheltered harbours having attracted sealing and whaling operations from 1774. Today it is known for its breathtaking landscapes, spectacular cliffs and white sand beaches. The island is home to forty bird species, including the world’s largest population of slender-billed prions, black-browed albatross, striated caracara and southern rockhopper penguins and due to the variety and density of birdlife, New Island is also classified as an Important Bird Area and National Nature Reserve. The island is home to 73 native and six of the 14 national endemic plant species such as lady’s slipper, clubmoss cudweed, vanilla daisy, coastal nassauvia, woolly ragwort and smooth ragwort. Landing this morning at Coffin Harbour we will have a chance to visit the Captain Barnard Museum before walking to see the resident black browed albatross and rockhopper penguins. Over lunch we reposition to North Harbour to access the colonies of Magellanic penguins, gentoo penguins and albatross. Those feeling active may decide to take a hike amongst the spectacular scenery.
Day 6 Steeple Jason & Carcass Island.
At first light we will arrive off Steeple Jason, named after the HMS Jason which came to survey the islands in 1766. Steeple Jason is home to the world’s largest blackbrowed albatross colony, with over 250,000 breeding pairs. The colony spans approximately 200 metres in width and extends an impressive five kilometres along the southwestern seaboard. The island also hosts southern rockhopper penguins and imperial cormorants. A morning ship cruise will observe this amazing site before we sail to Carcass Island arriving over lunch. First inhabited in 1872, Carcass Island boasts a diverse array of natural wonders, including sand bays, ponds, mountains, and cliffs. At our anchorage at Dyke Bay we may be greeted by playful Commerson’s dolphins before we walk to the nearby Magellanic and gentoo penguin breeding grounds. We may also see Falkland skuas, South American terns and grass and cobbs wrens. For those who prefer hiking we can cross the island enjoying some of the inland flora and fauna including the blackish oystercatcher, the blackish chinned siskin and the Falklands thrush, and be captivated by the sight of yellow orchids, white grass, hairy daisies, balsam bog and the iconic diddle dee. Over dinner we will sail the short distance to Saunders Island where we anchor overnight.
Day 7 Saunders Island & Keppel Island.
Named after British Admiral Sir Charles Saunders, the island was the base for the first British settlement in the Falklands in 1765. We will awake at our anchorage off ‘The Neck’ which is a wildlife haven, teeming with colonies of gentoo, Magellanic, and king penguins. It also boasts a diverse array of shorebirds, including Magellanic and blackish oystercatchers, kelp geese, and Falkland steamer ducks. An active walk will visit the albatross and rockhopper colonies along the north coast which also provide elevated views of both sides of the neck and the stunning white sand beaches. We will sail in the late morning by Rookery Bay which is home to blackbrowed albatross, which nest along the northern slopes for several kilometres. Along the rocky coastline, imperial cormorants and southern rockhopper penguins can also be spotted. In the early afternoon we arrive at Keppel Island, home to the first long term settlement in the archipelago established by the South American Missionary Society in 1855. For the following 40 years a group of British missionaries ran an agricultural settlement here, building storehouses, workshops and cow sheds. Today we can visit the distinctive ruins and remains of the settlements still visible on the island. The island also boasts a diverse range of wildlife including an albatross colony and accessible colonies of gentoo and Magellanic penguins. Small birdlife is commonly observed around the ponds and the quieter areas of the settlement which include Falkland grass wrens, white-tufted Rolland’s grebes, and black-necked swans.
Day 8 Falkland Sound & Port Howard.
This morning we will sail into the Falkland Sound which divides the two main islands and will land at Port Howard, location of the oldest and largest sheep farm in the Falkland Islands with 45,000 sheep. We will have the opportunity to speak to the owners, learn about farming on the islands and see a working farm in action with sheep shearing wool classing and baling. There is also a small museum providing insight to the 1982 conflict when 1000 Argentine troops occupied the settlement. This afternoon we sail past San Carlos Bay which was a major landing site for British troops during the Falklands War and the location for a five day battle in May 1982.
Days 9 & 10 Stanley.
Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands will be our base for the next two days and during our time here we will organise a number of tours. A walking tour of Stanley will include Christchurch Cathedral, the southernmost Anglican cathedral in the world and the Historic Dockyard Museum where we can learn about the maritime history of the islands. See some of the pioneers’ homes in Drury Street as well as Government House. Wildlife enthusiasts can join a 4x4 off road expedition enjoying the rugged landscape as we drive to Volunteer Point, home to a colony of over 1000 king penguins or alternatively join the expedition team on walks around Gypsy Cove where we find a colony of Magellanic penguins. For those wishing to stretch their legs there will be an opportunity to hike in the mountains surrounding Stanley which offer some fantastic views across Stanley and Port William whilst a battlefields tour will visit some of the major sites from the 1982 conflict. There will also be some free time to explore at your own pace and visit the local shops.
Day 11 Southern Falklands.
As we sail along the south coast of the Falklands archipelago our Expedition Leader and Captain will look for a suitable landing site based on weather and sea conditions. We may land at Bleaker Island, home to gentoo penguin colonies, as well as shoreline birds such as kelp geese and blackish oystercatchers. Meanwhile a five kilometre roundtrip hike will take us to the rockhopper penguin and imperial cormorant colonies located near the island’s settlement before returning via the ‘Big Pond’. Alternatively Bull Point boasts a diverse array of beach types, supporting a rich tapestry of wildlife. Magellanic penguins nest in burrows along the entire coastline, while white-rumped sandpipers, two-banded plovers, rufous-chested dotterels, and both Magellanic and blackish oystercatchers can be spotted. Ruddy-headed and upland geese graze in the coastal areas, while smaller bird species like white-bridled finches, endemic tussac birds, long-tailed meadowlarks, and austral thrushes also make their home here. During the summer months, Commerson’s dolphins frequently frolic in the surf, while orcas and baleen whales can be spotted along the coast. The rocky beaches and tussac grass provide an ideal habitat for southern sea lions, and occasionally, southern elephant seals may make appearances.
Day 12 At Sea.
During our final day at sea, our lecture programme will continue in the lounge whilst our naturalists continue to spot wildlife as we return to Ushuaia.
Day 13 Ushuaia to Buenos Aires.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay and the remainder of the day is free to relax or for independent exploration.
Day 14 Buenos Aires to London.
After breakfast in the hotel we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 15 London.
Arrive today.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £1000 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 5 to 19 January 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Magellan Deck Standard Suites | £10495 | £9495 |
| Columbus Deck Superior Suites | £10995 | £9995 |
| Marco Polo Deck Premium Suites | £11495 | £10495 |
| Marco Polo Deck Corner Suites | £11995 | £10995 |
| Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suites | £12995 | £11995 |
| Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £13495 | £12495 |
| Explorer Deck Island Suite | £14595 | £13595 |
| Magellan Deck Standard for sole occupancy | £12495 | £11495 |
| Columbus Deck Superior for sole occupancy | £12995 | £11995 |
Tour Reference Code: SCISK050127
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Two nights hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast • 10 nights aboard the MS Island Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia expedition team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, dinner on day 2 and day 13.
During this expedition you will be visiting out of the way destinations and will be accompanied by an expedition team. Landings and excursions will be made by Zodiac landing craft. The use of Zodiacs will be key to the operation of the itinerary as shown. If you have any queries pertaining to the use of Zodiacs or the level of fitness required for this voyage, please do not hesitate to ask one of our experienced travel consultants.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
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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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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
Please bring a two flat pin American adaptor for the 110v plug socket. If required 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. 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. Whilst Starlink provide the best possible coverage available there are certain areas where the connection maybe slower or non existent. Please refer to the following link for additional information regarding locations of coverage: www.starlink.com/map
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. Please bring a two flat pin American adaptor for the 110v plug socket. 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 beauty technician providing hairstyling, some beauty treatments and massages. 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:
• Cash (British Pounds, Euros or US Dollars).
• Credit Card (Visa or MasterCard).
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
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, The Lounge is a comfortable place to relax or read a book. 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. 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 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
Skys Video Tour
What to Expect
There is no such thing as a “typical” day during an expedition cruise. Flexibility is the key and sometimes the whole day’s schedule will be changed to maximise your experience. Each day holds something new and below are some extracts from a previous log from the MS Island Sky which will provide you with an idea of what to expect if you choose to join this exploration of the Falkland Islands.
Carcass Island: The name “Carcass” was attributed to the island because it was first surveyed by HMS Carcass in 1766. On West Point Island we had enjoyed seeing the southern rockhopper penguins on their nests. Today, we also had southern rockhopper penguins, but the main species we encountered were the charming Magellanic penguins. Whilst vastly different in appearance to the southern rockhopper, the other noticeable difference was that they nested in burrows. Wherever you spotted a hole in the ground, you would invariably see a small eye looking out at you. As was rapidly becoming a welcome tradition, a delightful afternoon tea spread was laid out in the community hall (which served every purpose you can think of) for our delight. Other birds that we saw on our visit to Carcass Island included Falkland steamer ducks, ruddy-headed geese, a few gentoo penguins, striated caracaras, blackish cinclodes, Cobb’s wrens, white-bridled finches and plenty of shite-hawks. All too soon it was time to head down to the landing beach and sit on one of the trusty black chairs and have our boots scrubbed before boarding the Zodiacs and returning to the ship. Our two days in the western part of West Falkland – an area completely bypassed by the 1982 conflict – had certainly made me appreciate that there is much to see, enjoy and explore in this remote corner of the globe. Stanley seems like a buzzing metropolis in comparison!
Stanley: The walking tour started from the Visitor Centre at the public jetty and headed along Ross Road towards the Cathedral. From there a number of the interesting sites around Stanley were visited and the tour ended at the Historical Dockyard Museum on the seafront. The battlefield tour had the benefit of two 1982 veteran soldiers in the form of Mike and Kevin who provided an extra dimension to any commentary from the local guide. During the afternoon many of the guests took the opportunity of seeing the sights of Stanley, whether the Globe Tavern or the Historic Stanley Museum and the several shops. The last shuttle back from the Visitor Centre collected the last passengers still exploring ashore and the MS Island Sky moved out through the Narrows into Port William. Chris gave a few points of interest on the PA regarding the SS Great Britain, which ended her working days in Sparrow Cove, just off Port William.
Travelling with You
Having visited the Falkland Islands numerous times, many members of our expedition team know the islands well and some of the team including Ali, Mike and Colin have an intimate knowledge of the islands through living there, serving there and exploring. Your experience will be greatly enhanced by theirs and the rest of the team’s knowledge of the islands.
Ali Liddle
Ali will be our Expedition Leader for this voyage and has lived on both the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, but these days is based on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. She has been working on cruise ships since 2010 and is a self-confessed ‘Polar Addict’ with a deep love of Antarctica and the Arctic; their landscapes, wildlife and the history associated with the regions. Originally from the UK, Ali spent 15 years living in the Falkland Islands where she worked as a primary school teacher and then as Education Officer for Falklands Conservation where she pursued her passion for wildlife, environmental and conservation issues. Ali visits the islands on a regular basis and still has a home in Stanley with plans to return to the islands and the community that she loves at some point in the future. Ali has published three books to date including Plants of the Falkland Islands and her interests are natural history, wildlife and flora and she enjoys sharing her local knowledge of and passion for the remote Falkland Islands.
Mike Bowen
Mike is a former Royal Marine and was a member of the first Commando unit to land on ‘Blue Beach’ at San Carlos as part of Operation Corporate, the British mission to retake the Falkland Islands in 1982. From a young age, being drawn to adventure, led to a remarkable 27-year career in the military, concluding his service as a Warrant Officer. Following his military career, Mike transitioned into the security sector, where he worked in close protection and maritime security, notably serving as an armed ship security officer in the Gulf of Aden responsible for safeguarding oil tankers and expedition vessels, including Noble Caledonia owned ships from the Somali pirate threats. For the past decade, Mike has dedicated himself to the expedition travel industry, and as an Expedition Leader, Senior Polar Guide, Firearms Master, Zodiac Master, and First Responder he has worked in the Arctic, the Antarctic, the Falkland Islands and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. With a deep interest in the natural world Mike also presents on topics ranging from the Falklands War to the War in Afghanistan.
Colin Souness
Born and raised in Scotland, Colin is descended from a Southern Ocean whaler and has had a fascination with the Falkland Islands and the Antarctic for as long as he can remember, making him proud to work in the area and follow (loosely) in his great grandfather’s footsteps. He first visited the Falkland Islands in January 2005 whilst crewing aboard a small, private Antarctic expeditionary yacht. Colin’s love for the Falkland Islands was born at this time and he was to return aboard an expedition ship in 2012 and has been leading groups in their visits to the Falklands almost every year since. In December 2016 Colin returned under his own steam to explore the islands further, spending a month in the archipelago and completing a solo crossing of the two main islands on foot, walking from Hill Cove on West Falkland back to Stanley. Camping along the way, Colin enjoyed ascents of Mount Adam and Mount Usborne, working in the sheep shearing at Port Howard and exploring the various battle sites dating to the 1982 conflict. He loves the geology, the climate, the people and the Land Rovers of the Falklands, and can’t wait to get back.
Tour Extensions
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After disembarking the MS Island Sky, we are offering the opportunity to visit the Iguazu Falls, often considered the most dramatic waterfalls in the world.
Iguazu Falls
The Itinerary
Day 1 Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls, Argentina.
Check out this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Iguazu Falls. On arrival check in to the hotel and this afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the falls. Today we will explore the Brazilian side of the falls walking through the tropical rainforest. (L, D)
Day 2 Iguazu Falls.
Enjoy a full day at the Iguazu Falls on a series of guided walks seeing the upper and lower circuits and the triple frontier, the meeting point of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Iguazu Falls to Buenos Aires.
Return to the airport this morning and join our scheduled flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. (B)
Day 4 Buenos Aires to London.
Transfer to the airport this morning for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 5 London.
Arrive today.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
18 to 22 January 2027 Category Price Twin £2295 Single £2795 Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, overnight hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires and two nights hotel accommodation in Iguazu Falls, meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner), guided tours at the Iguazu Falls, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000