Island Sky
- capacity
- 112
- year built
- 1992
- remodeled
- 2017
- crew members
- 75
- length
- 297 feet
- beam
- 50 feet
- draft
- 13 feet
- cruising speed
- 12 knots
- flag
- Bahamas
- ice class
- 1D
Please note that Island Sky is not actively sailing any cruises listed with Adventuresmith Explorations. Contact us for current information on this ship and comparable options, or browse all of our small Antarctica ships to filter by ship size.
With the amenities of a fine hotel, such as rich wooden paneling and polished brass, the 112-guest Island Sky is a deluxe, all-suite vessel with remarkable touches of elegance throughout. Built in the same Italian shipyard as her sister ship Hebridean Sky, Island Sky boasts spacious, well-appointed suites, stylish common areas, and core technology that allows her to operate smoothly, even under the most challenging conditions.
Island Sky Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Island Sky review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our polar experts have been aboard nearly every first-class vessel in Antarctica. Please read our Island Sky review below then contact our Antarctica cruise experts to compare the Island Sky with other Antarctica ships and small cruise ships offering Antarctica cruises.
Choose the Island Sky if you are seeking an elegant, luxury ship for your Antarctic expedition. She has a relatively small size compared to other polar vessels, which gives the feel of a private yacht, yet her cabins remain roomy, some with tinted sliding glass doors and private balconies. Her expedition staff and crew offer service that is second to none on once-in-a-lifetime voyages. This ship includes the unique offering of participation in the Citizen Science Program, creating connection with the landscape through opportunities to contribute to the scientific knowledge base of the climate and Antarctica.
Common Areas Aboard Island Sky
The Island Sky’s upper decks offer panoramic wildlife and glacier viewing from the observation area, outdoor café and sun deck. Relaxation opportunities abound indoors as well, including live entertainment in the bar and lounge, and 24-hour coffee and tea available to sit down with. The library on the Promenade Deck offers books, reading chairs, audiovisual facilities and a DVD library. Forgotten items needed for shore excursions can be purchased at the gift shop. Upgraded WiFi internet is available, with 100 free minutes given to every passenger. The vessel also boasts a hospital room and an elevator that serves all decks.
Dining Aboard Island Sky
Great expeditions require great food. Aboard this ship, a team of world-class chefs share a variety of creatively curated selections of cuisine throughout the voyage. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, while dinner is elegantly plated with all menus changing daily.
Crew & Guides Aboard Island Sky
The expedition team aboard Island Sky consists of skilled and experienced polar veterans dedicated to making sure that every passenger has a safe, memorable and fun voyage. Guides range from historians and ornithologists to Citizen Science coordinators, marine mammal experts and geologists. These well-informed guides lead lectures and discussions throughout the voyage. Photography guides are available aboard this expedition ship as well as on Zodiac cruises and onshore landings, offering tips and suggestions for getting the best shots of the unique wildlife and landscape.
Activities Aboard Island Sky
Uniquely, Island Sky invites passengers to take part in the Citizen Science Program. Citizen Science is a way to harness the power of thousands of travelers around the world to observe, record and report on natural phenomena. A variety of activities that support important research projects in five major disciplines are offered, including oceanography, glaciology, ornithology, marine biology and meteorology. The data collected contributes to a better understanding of climate change and how it’s affecting the Antarctic Continent.
This expedition ship also provides excursions off the Zodiac launching platform located on the stern. On select departures, camping gear including insulated sleeping bags and pads, sleeping bag liner, dry bags, and four-season mountaineering tents or bivy sacks enables an off-ship overnight experience. Kayak excursions are also available with provided dry suits and neoprene gloves.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Island Sky
There are eight different categories of suite accommodation aboard Island Sky. All suites are spacious (at least 220 square feet), with premium appointments throughout and exterior views. Each suite features your choice of one queen-sized or two twin-sized beds, sitting area with sofa and side chair, flat screen TV with DVD/CD player, telephone, independent temperature controls, mini-bar, marble-appointed bathroom with shower, fine toiletries and a hair dryer.