Island Sky

The 1992-built MS Island Sky cruise ship was constructed by Nuovi Cantieri Apuania SpA (in Marina di Carrara Italy) and launched under the name "Renaissance VIII" for shipowner Renaissance Cruises (1989-founded/2001-defunct). The boat's current shipowner is Island Sky Shipping Inc (subsidiary of Noble Caledonia) and was previously owned by APT/Australian Pacific Touring (2017-2022). Besides Noble Caledonia, the ship was also seasonally chartered by Quark Expeditions (since 2017) when Quark started an all-inclusive fly-cruise program with Island Sky.

The vessel (IMO number 8802894) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311743000) and registered in Nassau.

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

History - construction and ownership

The 4200-ton, 118-passenger ship Island Sky was under construction at the same time and in the same Italian shipyard as the other ship of Noble Caledonia - Caledonian Sky. In June 2012, APT (Australian Pacific Touring) bought 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.

The ship's draft is only 13 ft (4 m) allowing access to remote islands and unique coastal destinations. The ship is powered by two B&W MAN marine diesel engines (total power output 4750 HP). The hull is ice class 1D. The ship has all 4 lifeboats, which are fully enclosed. Ship-to-shore communications are via Inmarsat Capsat Fleet 77 (satellite phone and Internet).

Decks and Cabins

The boat has 6 decks, of which 5 are passenger-accessible and with cabins. There are a total of 57 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 Island 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, 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 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. Lunches and dinners are a la carte 5-course. A selection of wines is included (complimentary) with both lunch and dinner meals.

The ship's beautifully designed public spaces include a large Lounge (with a grand piano), stylish bar (served by a professional bartender), sun deck (with plenty of observation space), enclosed panoramic viewing deck, Polar Library, Lecture Theatre, spa pool, small gym.

The ship carries a fleet of Zodiacs and stand-up paddleboards for accessing remote shores and islands. The ship also provides complimentary equipment for scuba diving. Passengers also enjoy high-quality onboard entertainment and enrichment program.

Itineraries

Island Sky itinerary program includes Suez Canal cruises (leaving roundtrip from Aqaba Jordan) and also Mediterranean voyages leaving from Venice Italy.

MS Island Sky's Quark Expeditions fly-cruise deals

As chartered by Quark Expeditions, Island Sky cruise ship is operated with all-inclusive deals. The ship's capacity was also decreased to 108 max passengers.

Quark Expeditions "Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake" cruise itinerary (duration 7 or 8 days) visits King George Island and the Antarctic Peninsula without cruising the Drake Passage (instead of flying over it). This Antarctica fly-cruise is inclusive of charter flights between Santiago de Chile, Punta Arenas (Chile) and South Shetland Islands (King George Island), where is the embarkation on the ship bound to Antarctica. The itinerary's duration is 7 or 8 days.

Quark Expeditions "Antarctic Explorer: All-Inclusive" cruise itinerary (duration 10 days) visits Antarctic Peninsula and is themed on wildlife viewing and onboard lectures (penguins, seals, whales). This fly-cruise is inclusive of domestic flights in Argentina (between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia), also of all gratuities and onboard drinks. Ship embarkation is in Ushuaia (late afternoon). The itinerary includes passing through Beagle Channel, cruising through Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Disembarkation is in Ushuaia with the following flight to Buenos Aires (price-included).

Quark Expeditions "Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle" cruise itinerary (duration 11 days) is also inclusive of all domestic flights (between Punta Arenas and King George Island, where are the ship embarkation/disembarkation). This fly-cruise is inclusive of 2 charter flights and features crossing Drake Passage (on day 2) and Crossing the Antarctic Circle (on days 6 and 7).

Quark cruise deals

Quark Expeditions cruise deals are inclusive of:

• 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay, group transfers (airport-hotel on the day prior departure, and hotel-ship on embarkation day)
• onboard accommodation (daily housekeeping service)
• all onboard meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners) - know that the ship's galley/kitchen can't prepare kosher meals
• all Zodiac landings (daily, weather permitting) and Zodiac transfers and cruising (daily)
• media presentations by Expedition Team members and special guest lecturers
• waterproof expedition boots (onshore landings)
• complimentary Quark Expeditions logoed parka
• lifejackets and immersion suits
• complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa (24 / 7)
• hairdryer and bathrobe (in all cabins)
• pre-departure materials (including maps)
• all service taxes and port fees
• all onboard luggage handling
• emergency evacuation (medevac) insurance to a max benefit USD 100,000 pp
• Fly-cruise deals are inclusive of complimentary house wines (by the glass), beers and spirits on the ship, also of all gratuities (staff and crew) and all domestic flights (prior to embarkation).
• Shipboard laundry and Ironing services are available at additional cost.
• Ship-to-shore communications are via Inmarsat Capsat Fleet 77 (satellite phone and Internet) and cost extra.