Caledonian Sky

MS Caledonian Sky cruise ship belongs to the fleet of Australian Pacific Touring Small Ships Cruising, together with Island Sky and Hebridean Sky. The company acquired the vessel in May 2012 after a planned dry-dock refurbishment. Caledonian Sky was initially built for the Renaissance Cruises line (defunct) and launched in 1991 under the name "Renaissance VI".

History - construction and ownership

The 114-passenger cruise ship Caledonian Sky was under construction at the same time and in the same Italian yard as the other ship of Noble Caledonia - Island Sky. In June 2012, APT (Australian Pacific Touring) bought a 51% stake in Noble Caledonia, and thus became a shipowner. To its passengers, the vessel offers wine at lunch and dinner, a professional guest speaker program, and in-depth shore excursions included in cruise ticket prices.

Starting 2000, when the ship was bought by Hebridean Island Cruises, ms Caledonian Sky sailed under the name Hebridean Spirit. Nine years later, for some reason, the company had to sell the cruise ship to a Middle Eastern buyer who wanted to transform her into a private yacht. A few years later the vessel came back on the market and was again bought by Noble Caledonia and used as a cruise ship. 

Cruise itinerary program

Caledonian Sky itinerary program is based on South Pacific cruises from Papeete, Tahiti. The cruise ship also operates on Australian voyages from Perth, Australia.

Cabins

Caledonian Sky is a spacious, yet intimate, all-suite expedition vessel. All 57 suites boast an ocean view and offer an en suite bathroom, a sitting room, flat-screen TV, dressing table, and spacious wardrobes. 23 of the suites have private balconies.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

With a maximum of just over 100 guests and only one sitting, the cuisine onboard Caledonian Sky is of consistently superior quality. Where possible, the chefs obtain local produce or buy the catch of the day from passing fishing boats. Pre-dinner canapes and afternoon tea take place every day in either the lounge or out on the Lido Deck.

When dining, guests are able to choose their seating arrangements, whether that be joining a table of 4 to 6 other passengers outside on the Lido Deck or whether enjoying meals in the à la carte restaurant. Those travelling alone are seated with other like-minded travellers. In the main stylish dining room, breakfast is buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order. Lunch and dinner are an à la carte 5-course affair. A selection of wines is included with both meals to further enhance the dining experience.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Refurbished in 2012, the beautifully designed public spaces of Caledonian Sky include a large lounge with piano, stylish bar, sun deck, enclosed panoramic viewing deck, library, and small gym. The ship carries a fleet of Zodiacs, available for accessing remote shores and islands and equipped to offer scuba diving.