If you have been to Ireland before and have been meaning to return to explore in greater depth, or are yet to discover the appeal of what is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in the world, then our circumnavigation offers the perfect opportunity. Culturally rich with amazingly gifted writers, poets, musicians and actors, and historically fascinating with a past stretching back some 10,000 years, Ireland has so much to discover. Join us aboard the all-suite MS Island Sky for this unique and comprehensive itinerary that promises to be a most enjoyable and informative experience.
During this circumnavigation of Ireland, we will learn much of Ireland’s forgotten past from the arrival of Christianity in the 5th century, followed by the Vikings and the Anglo Normans to the more recent and often troubled history. A republic and independent nation for barely 100 years it has witnessed enormous changes particularly in the last couple of decades. With a population of less than Yorkshire, it has achieved so much to be proud of and during our in-depth exploration we will aim not only to show its beauty but delve into its past to gain a better understanding of modern day Ireland.
For many the highlight will be our visits to some of Ireland’s grandest houses and gardens set amidst stunning and uniquely Irish landscapes. However, perhaps most of all it will be the charm and warmth of the people that make any trip to Ireland most memorable. As we set sail from Liverpool, a city steeped in Irish history, we can offer an enlightening and entertaining journey and given the joi de vivre of the Irish we can promise, it will not be boring.
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 Liverpool, England.
Embark the MS Island Sky this afternoon. Transfers will be provided from Liverpool Lime Street Station at a fixed time. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 Dublin, Ireland.
We start our exploration of Ireland in Dublin where a city tour will include Merrion and Fitzwilliam Squares and the famous ‘Doorways of Dublin’. We will also see the National Gallery, Dublin Castle and the city’s cathedrals. See the famous Guinness Brewery before ending at Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest college, founded in 1592, where we can wander through the grounds. This afternoon we travel south of the city to discover the magnificent gardens at Powerscourt. The gardens span 20 hectares and are a blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary and ornamental lakes together with secret hollows, rambling walks, walled gardens and over 200 variations of trees and shrubs. The gardens were begun in the 18th century although most of what we see today dates from the 19th century.
Day 3 Warrenpoint, Northern Ireland.
This morning we will sail into the small harbour town of Warrenpoint where the Mountains of Mourne meet the sea. Today we will explore this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty driving along the coastal road and taking in the majestic sweeping Mournes that have influenced poets, singers and writers including C.S. Lewis. Our drive today will take us to Downpatrick where there will be time to visit the St Patrick Centre which shares the story of Ireland’s patron saint. From here we will head to Down Cathedral which stands on a fortified hill and has been continuously occupied since neolithic times and to nearby Saul which is the first ecclesiastical site in Ireland, a church has stood here since 432 AD when St Patrick landed in Ireland. Continue to the coast heading towards the coastal town of Newcastle. There will be time to wander its wonderful seaside promenade after lunch, while taking in the Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest peak. Return to the ship along the coastal road taking in the beautiful mountain scenery.
Day 4 Belfast.
This morning we will head to Belfast and start our exploration of the city with the Titanic Experience, located right beside the historic site of this world-famous ship’s construction. Housed in an iconic, six-floor building, this state-of-the-art visitor experience tells the story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and tragic end. Continue on to the Grand Opera House and the Albert Memorial before passing Queen’s University and the Botanic Gardens. Return to the ship for lunch. This afternoon is free to explore at our own pace or join a tour of the famous gardens at Mount Stewart which were planted in the 1920s by Edith, Lady Londonderry, and are of international importance. The magnificent series of outdoor ‘rooms’ and vibrant parterres contain many rare plants that thrive in the mild climate of the Ards Peninsula. There will be time to explore the opulent house which reveals a fascinating heritage and historic world-famous artefacts and artwork.
Day 5 Giant’s Causeway & Derry.
From our berth in Lisahally we will visit the Giant’s Causeway which became widely known from the 1700s as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ and large numbers of visitors came to view this amazing array of basalt columns of which there are estimated to be around 40,000 in total. After a stop at Dunluce Castle, we return to the ship for lunch followed by an afternoon to explore Derry, a vibrant city steeped in history. Walking the walls, built over 400 years ago, you can see the city’s history all around you. During the tour we will visit St Columb Cathedral which has stood on its prominent site inside the city walls since 1633, as well as the Tower Museum which charts the city’s history.
Days 6 & 7 Killybegs, Ireland.
Spend the next day and a half in County Donegal where from our base in the village of Killybegs we drive west to the Glencolmcille area, a Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) area steeped in culture and rich in folklore and music. One of the most scenic areas in Ireland, the drive through the countryside is outstanding. The Folk Museum which opened in 1967 is a monument to Father James McDyer who came to the village in 1952 and set about infusing the local people with a spirit of self-reliance and pride in their heritage. Here we will learn about the history of the area and be treated to some traditional Irish music. In the afternoon visit the charming Salthill Gardens. Located some 200 yards from the sea, this old walled garden has been gradually transformed by Elizabeth Temple into something very special. Independent of trends, this delightful half hectare enclosure offers a feeling of privacy and mystery that is particular to old walled gardens. Alternatively spend some time at leisure exploring the picturesque village of Killybegs. Irish dancers will come aboard in the evening to perform after dinner. The following morning take a stroll through Donegal town, which was invaded by Vikings in the 8th century and used as their port, giving its Gaelic name Dun na nGall, ‘Fort of the Foreigners’. The walking tour will take you through the town’s history taking in the Castle, the ruined Franciscan friary as well as the ‘The Diamond’ or centre of town where markets were held until 1967. Return to the ship for lunch and sail this afternoon.
Day 8 Galway.
From Galway we explore the beautiful region of Connemara. Here the National Park covers nearly 3,000 hectares of scenic mountains, heaths and woodland and is home to herds of ponies. During our drive along the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ we will see beautiful coves, bays and traditional fishing villages where we will experience local culture in this Irish speaking part of the country. Visit Kylemore Abbey which is set on a lake against a backdrop of the Connemara Mountains and home to Ireland’s only Benedictine order of nuns who have restored and cared for the Kylemore estate since 1920. Uniquely, only Victorian varieties of flowers and vegetables are grown in the walled garden which contains two distinct areas: the kitchen garden and the flower garden. We will overnight in Galway and there will be the opportunity to go ashore this evening.
Day 9 Cliffs of Moher & Skellig Islands.
This morning we will cruise by the magnificent Cliffs of Moher which rise to 213 metres and are over five miles long. Spend the day cruising and in the late afternoon we arrive off The Skelligs, tiny islands just off the magnificent coast of the Dingle Peninsula. Weather permitting, we will sail around these mystical islands with their early Christian history. Skellig Michael is a World Heritage Site and atop this rugged pyramid, that rises from the sea, are the ruins of a monastery.
Day 10 Bere Island.
Docking in Castletownbere we will take the ferry across to Bere Island which lies at the entrance to the deep, sheltered waters of Bantry Bay. The small island, roughly 10 kilometres by three kilometres, has a population of about 200 people but its place in history is assured. After the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921, the island became one of three Irish ports retained by the British because of its strategic value. Evidence remains of earlier visitors too with megalithic standing stones, wedge tombs and ring forts. We will explore on a choice of island walks, spend time at the Heritage Centre which showcases island life and take the chance to meet the islanders.
Day 11 Cape Clear Island & Mizen Head.
Cape Clear is Ireland’s southernmost inhabited place, located eight miles from the Cork coast and home to 120 Gaelic speaking residents. It is a great place to spend a morning and there will be options to visit the Cape Clear Bird Observatory, the Heritage Centre with archive information on the island, or to join a series of island walks where we may see some of the active birdlife and enjoy the views over the Atlantic. Later we hope to use the Zodiacs to land at the quaint village of Schull from where we will take the road to Mizen Head, the most southwesterly point of Ireland. Here we find the famous signal station and there will be a choice of walks, all offering stunning views along the west coast and a great chance to see kittiwakes, gannets and choughs as well as seals on the rocks below. Those feeling active may also want to climb down to the Keeper’s Quarters including displays on the Fastnet lighthouse, the Marconi radio room and the bird mural room, home to a spectacular mural by Jules Thomas showing the birds of the Mizen peninsula, their habitats, nests and eggs.
Day 12 Kinsale.
As we sail into the picturesque harbour town of Kinsale we pass the impressive fortifications of Charles Fort and James Fort which were built in the 17th century to protect against invading Spanish forces. However, today Kinsale is renowned for its brightly coloured buildings and glorious harbour setting which you can explore at your own pace. Renowned as the gourmet capital of Ireland you may wish to take a break in one of the cafés, pubs or restaurants after our morning walking tour. This afternoon we will drive through the delightful countryside and coastal roads to explore the charming and colourful town of Clonakilty, filled with historic buildings, hand painted signs and warm welcomes.
Day 13 Waterford & Kilkenny.
From our berth in Belview, Waterford we will drive inland to the Medieval city of Kilkenny. The great building prowess of the Normans is very evident in the 11th and 12th century buildings bestowed on the city. Characterised by many beautifully restored buildings, the most splendid is Kilkenny Castle which was until recently a stronghold of the Butler family. The castle began life as a Norman fortress and gradually became more domesticated through the centuries. After exploring the interior, including the gallery with portraits by Van Dyck and Lely we will wander in the surrounding 21 hectares of gardens. On the famous Medieval mile which leads from the castle to the city we can see the St Canices Round Tower, the 13th century St Mary’s Church and the enchanting Rothe Gardens. Return to the MS Island Sky for lunch and in the afternoon there will be a visit to Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city. Join a tour to the House of Waterford Crystal to learn about the world-renowned crystal ware and see how it is made or, alternatively, enjoy a leisurely afternoon to explore at your own pace and perhaps visit the excellent Medieval Museum and the Viking built Reginald’s Tower.
Day 14 At Sea.
Today enjoy a leisurely day at sea as we sail towards Portsmouth.
Day 15 Portsmouth, England.
Disembark this morning. Transfers will be provided to Portsmouth Harbour Railway Station at a fixed time.
Ship to Shore: We will be at anchor for a number of calls including Galway, Schull and Kinsale. The vessel’s Zodiacs will be utilised to transport passengers ashore and for Zodiac cruising to explore the more remote places we will be visiting. The use of Zodiacs will be key to the operation of the itinerary shown.
Dates and Prices
| 16 to 30 August 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Magellan Deck Standard Suites | Fully Booked | |
| Columbus Deck Superior Suites | Fully Booked | |
| Marco Polo Deck Premium Suites | Fully Booked | |
| Marco Polo Deck Corner Suites | Fully Booked | |
| Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony Suites | Fully Booked | |
| Explorer Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | Fully Booked | |
| Explorer Deck Island Suite | Fully Booked | |
| Magellan Deck Standard for sole occupancy | Fully Booked | |
| Columbus Deck Superior for sole occupancy | Fully Booked | |
Tour Reference Code: SCISK160825
PRICE INCLUDES: 14 nights aboard the MS Island Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Ship to Shore: We will be at anchor for a number of calls including Galway, Schull and Kinsale. The vessel’s Zodiacs will be utilised to transport passengers ashore and for Zodiac cruising to explore the more remote places we will be visiting. The use of Zodiacs will be key to the operation of the itinerary shown.
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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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
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
Travelling with You
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Martin Sixsmith
Martin Sixsmith is a writer, presenter and former television correspondent. He was the BBC’s Central and Eastern Europe Correspondent in the 1980s, reporting on the political upheavals that changed the shape of the continent and the world. In the 1990s, Martin was the BBC’s correspondent Moscow and Washington. Between 1997 and 2002 he worked for the British Government as Director of Communications and Press Secretary to several cabinet ministers.
He worked as a consultant on the BBC2 political sitcom The Thick of It and the 2010 movie In the Loop. In 2013, his book The Lost Child of Philomena Lee was made into the film Philomena, starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan. It was nominated for four Oscars. His non-fiction books include Putin’s Oil; Moscow Coup; The Litvinenko File; Russia, A Thousand Year Chronicle of the Wild East; and The War of Nerves – Inside the Cold War Mind. His latest book My Sins Go With Me is a story of bravery and treachery in the Resistance to Nazi occupation in World War Two. In 2011, he presented the BBC’s 50-episode history of Russia on Radio Four. In 2014 he presented Radio Four’s 25-part history of psychology and psychiatry.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000