Island Sky Review

4.5 / 5.0
7 reviews
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Editor Rating
4.5
Very Good
Overall
Sue Bryant
Contributor

A former Renaissance Cruises expedition ship, Island Sky joined Noble Caledonia in 1992 and helped establish the company's reputation for quality, luxurious expedition cruises in predominantly northern hemisphere destinations. The 91-metre-long ship was extensively modernised and refurbished in 2010 and continues to enjoy top reviews from both critics and her legion of repeat cruisers

The 114-passenger Island Sky differs slightly in internal configuration to her external twin, Caledonian Sky, with The Club and bar above reception on the third (Marco Polo) deck (where premium suites are located on Caledonian Sky). Island Sky's Owner Suites are on the top (Explorer) deck (where the Panorama Lounge is on Caledonian Sky).

Seven categories of cabins, spread across five passenger decks, range from Standard Suites (with portholes) to Deluxe Balcony Suites and Owner's Balcony Suites. All of these rooms are almost the same size, but prices vary according to location on the ship and the size of the windows.

Cruisers embark and disembark for Zodiac excursions from the rear transom/marina.

In 2012, APT purchased an almost 50 percent strategic stake in UK-based Noble Caledonia. The deal saw Noble Caledonia retain control of Island Sky, while APT operates most itineraries for sister ship Caledonian Sky in the South Pacific.

About

Passengers: 114
Crew: 72
Passenger to Crew: 1.58:1
Launched: 1991

Fellow Passengers

Fellow passengers are almost all Brits (apart from a handful of Australians) and almost all 60 or older. They're well-travelled and well-informed, mostly retired professionals with a keen interest in culture. There were a few single ladies on my cruise, as well as a couple of younger women who were accompanying their mothers. Friendship groups formed quickly, as they do when you're on tour all day and dining together at every meal. Almost everybody I spoke with had sailed or travelled with Noble Caledonia before, and without exception, people considered Island Sky as big a ship as they would enjoy. A few had sailed with Viking River Cruises, Star Clippers, Spirit of Adventure and on Noble Caledonia's other trips, while others alternated Island Sky cruises and land-based tours. There was a great sense of fun and camaraderie, and on some nights, the dancing in The Club went on late.

Noble Caledonia Island Sky Dress Code

The dress code is completely relaxed. Smart-casual day and night is the norm, apart from the Captain's Welcome and Captain's Farewell, when people dressed up a bit more. Good walking shoes are essential, as the included shore excursions are pretty intense and long. (Some people brought walking poles, too.)

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Noble Caledonia Island Sky Cruiser Reviews

Is there a better small cruise ship?

If I had a criticism I would say that some of the itinerary was a bit samey and the expedition team a little over enthusiastic about what we might and did see.the expedition staff are excellent and so enthusiastic.Read More
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sjahants

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 60s

Check the details of the cruise

From what it seems to me the Island Sky does not have side/front/rear thrusters on it's ship to be able to assist with docking and getting the Ship through small spaces.Read More
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grey traveller

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 70s

Noble Caledonia and Island Sky; Excellent!

I chose the cruise because of it being a small ship that would transit the Corinth Canal and I had enjoyed a previous cruise on island Sky.Read More
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jpp4

few6-10 Cruises

Age 20s

Enjoyable and relaxing cruise

We are booked on another 3 dates with NC on the Island Sky and Caledonian Sky and am pleased to be able to post such a positive review ☺  Read More
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Yggdrasil98

few6-10 Cruises

Age 60s

Noble Caledonia Fleet
Island Sky

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