Caledonian Sky Review

The all-suite Caledonian Sky emerged from an Italian shipyard in the 1990s. The ship passed through various hands, most recently cruising under the APT banner in the Kimberley before Captain Cook Cruises took the helm of the 90m-long expedition ship in late 2023.

Outside-facing guest suites and public areas across five decks include two restaurants (one indoors, one alfresco), two lounges with bars and a sun deck with sun lounges and umbrellas. The aft marina deck platform is used for embarkation into zodiacs for shore excursions.

Caledonian Sky's Italian heritage and 30-year-plus vintage is evident in its spacious suites lined with timber paneling, polished brass fittings and plush soft furnishings. Fijian artworks by local artisans are gradually replacing bland generic prints adorning walls throughout the ship.

A collection of historic Fijian photographs lining the corridor outside the Panorama Lounge gives the area a museum-like feel. The near-circular Panorama Lounge is bathed in natural light from a bank of windows along with an overhead leadlight dome replicating a compass rose.

There's a small gym, an even smaller massage room and a clinic where medical facilities include an onboard Doctor available 24-hours (fees apply).

Caledonian Sky Deck Plan Covers Five Decks

Caledonian Sky has six decks with five accessible to guests. Castle Deck (Deck 2) has cabins at front and the main dining room at the back. The Caledonian Deck (Deck 3) has cabins, the Pursers and Expedition Team desks and the Caledonian Lounge with its bar, piano, tea and coffee station and plenty of comfy chairs and sofas. 

The Promenade Deck (Deck 4) is entirely given over to cabin accommodation with balconies, with the exception of the massage and gym rooms, and there's a smoking area at the aft. The Bridge Deck (Deck 5) is taken up with the Bridge and Officers accommodation, Deluxe Balcony Suites midships and a large alfesco dining and lounge area. The Panorama Deck (Deck 6) has a light-filled lounge bar with tea and coffee station, library, board games and sofas indoors, with a sun deck is furnished with sun lounges and umbrellas.

Guests gather in the Caledonian Lounge for daily briefings, recaps and shore excursions before descending to Deck 2 to board Zodiacs. With two dining areas, buffet breakfast and lunch take place on the alfresco Lido Deck dining area (Deck 5), while dinners are slightly more formal in the air-conditioned dining room (Deck 2). There is one central lift along with a wrap-around stairwell connecting decks two to six. External stairs aft link decks two to five.

Guests are welcome to visit the Bridge during daylight when the doors are open.

Cabins on Caledonian Sky are Generously Sized

Fifty-seven spacious suites across four decks are all outward facing with ocean views through either sliding glass doors, panoramic windows or portholes. Twenty-three suites on the Bridge and Promenade decks have small private balconies with hinged doors which can be opened up if guests are travelling together in adjoining cabins. Two Owner's Balcony Suites each have a massive forward-facing outdoor area large enough for a pair of sun lounges. Ensuite bathrooms are fitted out in marble and some have bathtubs with shower overhead.

There are seven room categories with price variations mostly determined by position (forward or aft), deck level and whether they have a balcony or not. Suites are generously sized and are furnished with ample storage space (some have walk-in wardrobes), twin or queen beds, sitting area and desk with mini-fridge. Suites are equipped with hairdryer, electronic safe, wall-mounted TV and individual air-conditioning controls.

Suites are serviced daily and a nightly turndown service includes a chocolate and printed program for the following day. A laundry service is available (fees apply) on 24-hour turnaround.

Food on Caledonian Sky is Plentiful and Locally Influenced

Food on Caledonian Sky is plentiful with buffet style breakfast and lunch and a-la-carte dinner service. Special dining events are held during each voyage such as island lovo feasts, where villagers prepare food cooked in a traditional fire pit.

Other nights there might be a BBQ buffet on the Lido Deck particularly when the ship is anchored in a picturesque anchorage. Locally caught seafood and fresh topical fruits feature along with local specialties such as kokoda (pronounced ko-kon-da), where fresh fish is marinated in coconut milk, lime and spices.