Hebridean Sky

The 1991-built MS Hebridean Sky cruise ship was constructed by Nuovi Cantieri Apuania SpA (in Marina di Carrara Italy) and launched under the name "Renaissance VII" for shipowner Renaissance Cruises (1989-founded/2001-defunct). The boat's current shipowner is Hebridean Sky Shipping Inc (subsidiary of Noble Caledonia). The previous owner (APT/Australian Pacific Touring) acquired the vessel (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", it was France-flagged (MMSI 538004274/Marshall Islands-registry in Majuro).

From the same shipbuilder/sisterships are Sea Spirit (Renaissance V), Caledonian Sky (Renaissance VI), Island Sky (Renaissance VIII).

History - construction and ownership

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

After changing ownership and names several times, in June 2014, AP Touring (Australian cruise line) in a partnership with the UK-based travel company, Noble Caledonia announced that they had acquired the vessel. In October 2014, MV Sea Explorer joined the Noble Caledonia fleet, together with the other 2 former Renaissance sister ships - MS Caledonian Sky and MS Island Sky. The vessel had a drydock refit and refurbishment in April 2016 and was renamed to "MS Hebridean Sky" in 2017. Just like her sisters, the cruise ship is now fully equipped with Zodiac crafts allowing passengers to get the most out of the remote places in Scotland.

Decks and Cabins

The boat has 6 decks, of which 5 are passenger-accessible and with cabins. There are a total of 59 staterooms (providing max capacity 118 passengers), with the smallest cabins sized 20 m2 (215 ft2). All cabins are outside (oceanviews) and with en suite bathrooms. A total of 23 accommodations (in categories Deluxe and Suites) have private step-out balconies.

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

Shipboard facilities and amenities (dining and entertainment options)

With a maximum of just over 100 guests and only one sitting, the cuisine onboard Hebridean 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 a la carte restaurant. Those traveling alone are seated with other like-minded travelers. In the main dining room, breakfast is buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order. Lunch and dinner are a la carte 5-course. A selection of wines is included with both meals to further enhance the dining experience.

The beautifully designed public spaces of Hebridean 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.

Itineraries

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

In early-October 2020, Noble Caledonia revealed two new Hebridean Sky cruise itineraries scheduled for September-October 2022 that focus on Italy's islands in the Mediterranean Sea. The 9-day "Italy and her Islands" voyage (September 2022) is accompanied by guest speaker Captain Peter Hore and visits the Italian islands Sardinia, Sicily and Elba, combined with 2 days on France's Corsica Island. Two departures in October 2022 were scheduled for the 8-day "Circumnavigation of Sicily" itinerary.