Hebridean Sky

The 1991-built MS Hebridean Sky cruise ship was constructed by Nuovi Cantieri Apuania SpA (in Marina di Carrara, Italy) and launched as "Renaissance VII" for Renaissance Cruises (founded 1989, defunct 2001). The current shipowner is Hebridean Sky Shipping Inc (a subsidiary of Noble Caledonia). The previous owner, APT (Australian Pacific Touring), acquired the vessel (then named "Hebridean Spirit") in 2016 after a planned drydock refurbishment.

The vessel (IMO number 8802882) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311000253) and registered in Nassau. As "Sea Explorer," she was France-flagged (MMSI 538004274 / Marshall Islands-registered in Majuro).

Her sisterships, built by the same shipyard, are Sea Spirit (Renaissance V), Caledonian Sky (Renaissance VI), and Island Sky (Renaissance VIII).

History - construction and ownership

The 114-passenger Hebridean Sky was built concurrently with the other Noble Caledonia ocean ships (Island Sky, Caledonian Sky) at the same Italian yard. In June 2012, APT (Australian Pacific Touring) bought a 51% stake in Noble Caledonia, becoming the shipowner. The vessel offers passengers complimentary wine at lunch and dinner, a professional guest speaker program, and in-depth shore excursions included in cruise fares.

After several ownership and name changes, in June 2014, APT (in partnership with Noble Caledonia) acquired the ship. In October 2014, MV Sea Explorer joined the Noble Caledonia fleet alongside the two other former Renaissance sisterships, MS Caledonian Sky and MS Island Sky. Following a drydock refit and refurbishment in April 2016, she was renamed "MS Hebridean Sky" in 2017. Like her sisters, the vessel is fully equipped with Zodiac crafts, allowing passengers to explore remote destinations, including the Scottish isles.

Decks and Cabins

The ship has 6 decks, of which 5 are passenger-accessible and with cabins. There are a total of 59 staterooms (maximum capacity 118 passengers), with the smallest cabins sized 20 m² (215 ft²). All accommodations are outward-facing with en suite bathrooms. A total of 23 suites (Deluxe and Suite categories) feature private step-out balconies.

Most staterooms are double occupancy, though lower deck cabins with triple occupancy (family cabins with a sofabed) are also available. Standard amenities include en suite bathroom (WC, shower, marble-top washbasin, hairdryer), sitting area (mirrored dressing table/writing desk with chair, TV, DVD/CD player), wardrobe, mini-bar, and individually controlled air-conditioning.

Shipboard facilities and amenities (dining and entertainment)

With just over 100 guests and single-seating dining, the cuisine onboard Hebridean Sky is consistently of high quality. Where possible, chefs source local produce or purchase the catch of the day directly from fishing boats. Pre-dinner canapés and afternoon tea are served daily in the lounge or on the Lido Deck.

Guests may choose their dining arrangements, whether joining a table of 4–6 passengers on the Lido Deck or enjoying meals in the à la carte restaurant. Solo travelers are seated with other guests. In the main dining room, breakfast is buffet-style with made-to-order options. Lunch and dinner are 5-course à la carte meals, with wine included to enhance the experience.

Public spaces include a large lounge with piano, stylish bar, sun deck, enclosed panoramic viewing deck, library, and a small gym. The ship carries a fleet of Zodiacs, used for landings on remote shores and islands, and is equipped for scuba diving.

Itineraries

The Hebridean Sky itinerary program features cruises to Patagonia and the Chilean Fjords from Ushuaia to Valparaiso-Santiago/Guayaquil, Panama Canal transits, and exploration voyages to the coasts and islands of England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.

In early October 2020, Noble Caledonia announced two new itineraries for September–October 2022 focusing on Italy’s Mediterranean islands. The 9-day “Italy and Her Islands” voyage (September 2022) featured guest speaker Captain Peter Hore and visited Sardinia, Sicily, and Elba, with two days on France’s Corsica. Two departures in October 2022 were scheduled for the 8-day “Circumnavigation of Sicily” itinerary.