Enjoy the warmth and beauty of the Indian Ocean aboard the wonderfully comfortable MS Island Sky as she undertakes exactly the type of itinerary that suits her best. Join us in the tropics as we journey from Sri Lanka to the islands and atolls of the Maldives and Seychelles.
Our voyage begins with a cultural focus in Sri Lanka where we spend time in Colombo with its Buddhist and Hindu temples and old colonial buildings before we explore Galle, the fortified old city founded by the Portuguese colonists in the 16th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will also discover some natural world wonders during our visit to the Bundala National Park, a haven for birdwatchers and Sri Lanka’s first designated wetland site of international importance.
Following a relaxing day at sea our voyage will take on more of an expeditionary and natural world focus as we sail across to the Maldives and the Seychelles, two of the world’s most pristine and picturesque archipelagos. With our fleet of Zodiacs we will explore some truly beautiful islands, land on otherwise inaccessible beaches, explore vast lagoons and coral reefs and encounter some wonderful tropical scenery. Our small ship is ideal for the region, allowing us to enjoy the peace and tranquility of these paradise islands, afterall it would be disappointing to find yourself in the company of hundreds on what was a deserted beach.
This unusual itinerary will appeal to those looking for something different, incorporating a fascinating look at Sri Lanka followed by island hopping through some of the most idyllic tropical scenery in the world. With the MS Island Sky as our base and, travelling with just over 100 fellow passengers, we can enjoy great food, good company, a convivial atmosphere and of course the expert onboard team and friendly crew which entices travellers to cruise on her time and time again.
- Cultural Sri Lanka with Colombo, Kataragama, Galle Fort and wildlife-rich Bundala National Park
- Extended small-ship exploration of the Maldives with snorkelling, reefs, atolls and island walks
- Inner Seychelles highlights including Vallée de Mai, seabird sanctuaries, giant tortoises and pristine beaches
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Arrive and transfer to the MS Island Sky. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight.
Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and largest city dates back over 600 years having been a trading hub for sea merchants and colonial rulers. Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, mosques and churches reflect the various beliefs practiced all over the island and the beautiful facades of the old, colonial buildings contrast with the modern but elegant shopping arcades that have been developed inside. There will be a choice of activities this morning including a cultural tour visiting the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, the National Museum and Independence Square. Alternatively, visit the Kelaniya Buddhist Temple, located on the outskirts of the city. It is said that Buddha visited and preached his doctrine here to a gathering of serpent-kings. Today worshippers come to lay sprigs of lotus flowers around the great white dagoba, light oil lamps, and sprinkle the base of the Tree of Enlightenment with purifying water. We will see the fine carvings and lovely frescoes, fascinating geometrically patterned ceiling paintings, and three important images of Buddha. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon at sea.
From our berth in Hambantota there will be a choice of excursions today. You can choose to to visit Kataragama, one of the three most important religious sites in Sri Lanka and a popular place of pilgrimage for Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and the indigenous Vedda communities of Sri Lanka and South India. According to Buddhists, this was one of the 16 places visited by Buddha during his visits to Sri Lanka. We will explore the religious complex built across the Menik Ganga which contains buildings from all three religions including the mosque, temple, the small archaeological museum and the principal shrine of the god Kataragama. Alternatively explore Bundala National Park, a haven for birdwatchers and Sri Lanka’s first declared Ramsar wetland. Located in the deep south of the island, the diversity of the park lies in its landscape, from dry thorny scrubland to sand dunes and salt marshes, to mangroves and lagoons. Take a jeep through the park and discover close to 200 species of bird as well as many species of butterflies, crocodiles, elephants, and deer.
Awake this morning in Galle where we take a walking tour of the impressive Galle Fortress. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the port where the Portuguese first landed in Sri Lanka in the 16th century and was then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century. Also see the maritime museum, which is housed in an old Dutch house, the lighthouse, mosque, and church before taking a stroll through the narrow streets with their shuttered mansions and cloistered courtyards. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore Galle further at your own pace or alternatively join a tour to a nearby tea plantation where we will learn about the growing processes and enjoy a tasting.
Spend a relaxing day at sea as we cross the Laccadive Sea towards the Maldives.
We spend four days exploring the whole archipelago. This vast area of ocean is scattered with staggeringly beautiful dots of land surrounded by a cerulean sea. It offers some of the finest lagoons, beaches and coral reefs in the world. Our day to day schedule will be left in the capable hands of the Captain and Expedition Leader and we hope to include visits to a number of atolls as we sail from the northern islands to the south. Our expedition team will be on hand to take guided walking tours to explore the flora and fauna on land whilst our Snorkel Master will take us to some stunning reefs to view the wonderful coral and marine life.
Relax and enjoy our days at sea as we continue to the Seychelles. Watch out for the bird and marine life and listen to the informative talks by our expedition team. We are assured of warm weather so make the most of the fresh air, get lost in a novel from your deck chair and enjoy all the comforts of the MS Island Sky.
We have two days exploring the islands of the Inner Seychelles group. After clearing immigration formalities at Praslin we will explore the ‘Vallee de Mai’, the last remnant of the original high canopied Seychelles palm forest and home to the coco de mer. We will walk its paths looking out for the rare black parrot and enjoying its natural beauty. We also hope to include time on Aride which is one of the finest and most important seabird islands in the Indian Ocean. Over one million seabirds breed on the island including tropical shearwater, lesser noddy, frigate birds and roseate tern in addition to five species unique to the Seychelles such as the Seychelles warbler and Seychelles magpie robin. The island is largely covered in native woodland, including the endemic Wright’s gardenia, a shrub with beautifully scented flowers found nowhere else in the world. Also see Curieuse, a rugged island which was once home to a leper colony and now houses an eco-museum and visitor centre. The island is an important nesting site for hawksbill turtles and boasts endemic vine and mangroves which we explore on an island walk. Maybe also relax on Grande Soeur, an idyllic uninhabited island. Walk the island trails which link the white sand beaches and maybe catch sight of some of the island’s giant Aldabra tortoises, or take a swim in the turquoise waters. Our final night will be spent alongside at Mahe.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London. Arrive this afternoon.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Island Sky
| Length: | 90 Metres |
|---|---|
| Built/Refurbished: | 1992/2018 |
With a maximum passenger capacity of only 116, a vessel of her size is capable of carrying many more but instead the MS Island Sky has the benefit of unusually large suites, luxuriously appointed public areas and spacious outside decks.
There is a high ratio of crew to passengers- the friendly crew of 75 crew and Scandinavian captains are experienced mariners, having been in service aboard large 2000 plus passenger vessels and who now prefer a less frantic life aboard a small ship. If, like them and us, you prefer a more peaceful life at sea, you will find the MS Island Sky the perfect ship. When choosing the vessel for your next voyage of discovery, you can select a ship with endless entertainment and impersonal service or come with us where peace, high quality service and attention to detail are the order of the day. We promise there will be no organised entertainment, fancy dress, deck games or any of the usual big ship experiences. The atmosphere on board is more akin to a private yacht or country hotel. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, guest speakers, informative port briefings from our cruise director and of course good food which may be enjoyed leisurely in the attractive dining room. After a day ashore you will return to the comfort and peace of a well run and exceedingly comfortable ship.
Your SuiteOnboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, large wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD player which can also play CDs and a telephone in each suite. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. The suites on each deck have their own colour theme. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be.
Your SpaceThe spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. The onboard library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. There is also WI-FI access throughout the vessel. Outside there is a rear sun deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade, a bar and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. On the top deck there is a Jacuzzi and further observation and sun deck. There is also a small hairdressers on board with appointments made on request.
Your DiningAnother benefit of a small ship is the quality of the cuisine. With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the galley is able to provide delicious meals. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, the chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus.
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
