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An Island Hopping Caribbean Odyssey

A voyage from Cuba to the Bahamas and Secret Caribbean aboard the MS Island Sky

Perhaps you believe the West Indies is a little too tame for you and that all the islands are too similar. Join us aboard the MS Island Sky for her fi rst complete Caribbean voyage and let us show you a very different world to that inhabited by the new breed of mega-cruise ships and some of most delightful of islands.

There is no doubt that the less commercialised of the islands have enormous charm and great natural beauty. But, beyond the fabulous beaches and pastel painted towns there is more. During the 17th and 18th centuries the West Indies attracted all manner of adventurers, buccaneers, pirates, slave traders and the navy’s of the major European seafaring nations. This colourful history makes for an intriguing background to a voyage as we are able to island hop from island to island and experience the heritage left by the Spanish, French, Dutch and British. We will learn of the great sea battles, including those of Nelson and of the rise of the sugar plantations where erring son’s of the landed gentry were sent to increase the families fortunes.

This combined with opportunities to snorkel in some of the most enticing sub-tropical waters, beach comb, birdwatch and enjoy the colourful flora makes this area an ideal location for the MS Island Sky. Our Zodiacs will be put to good use in the more remote places allowing us to land on pristine beaches and explore otherwise unreachable places.

Our journey begins in Cuba with a chance to experience Havana and then makes way through the waters of the little known southern Bahamas to the stunning beauty of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our stepping stone itinerary then visits the northern shores of the Dominican Republic before exploring the natural wonders of the Virgin Islands and along the chain of Leeward Islands.

An Island Hopping Caribbean Odyssey itinerary:

Day 1 - LONDON TO HAVANA.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive in the evening and transfer to the MS Island Sky. Moor overnight.
Day 2 - HAVANA.
This morning we will focus on Habana Vieja (old Havana) which was once enclosed within fortified walls. We will explore its twisting, cobbled streets past both beautifully restored Baroque churches, castles and palaces to the 16th century Plaza de Armas, the oldest plaza in the city and its original administrative centre. Nowhere, in the whole of the West Indies does the centuries of New World history come to life in such a dramatic way as in old Havana. After lunch we will drive along the Malecon, Havana’s seafront to Verdado. See the Plaza de la Revolution and the headquarters of President Fidel Castro and his Council of Ministers. Our excursion will end with a visit to the top of the 350 foot observation tower, which offers a panoramic view of the city.
Day 3 - AT SEA.
A day to relax onboard.
Day 4 - ANDROS ISLAND.
The largest island by far in the Bahamas, Andros is everyone’s ideal of a paradise island, it is the Bahamas’ natural wonder. The earth’s third-largest barrier reef (after Australia’s Great Barrier and Central America’s Belize Barrier Reef) lies adjacent to its shores. A mile-deep abyss, walled with coral and filled with whales, dolphin, marlin and all the wondrous reef animals – that’s called the Tongue of the Ocean, licks along Andros’ east coast. Underwater caves riddle the island, surfacing as mesmerizing blue holes and mangrove-lined wetlands cover huge swaths of the island intercut with endless mazes of Nevis Iles des Saintes channels that open onto bonefish flats and hidden beaches.
Day 5 - ACKLINS ISLAND.
In the afternoon we will drop anchor off Acklins Island, an untouched island that is the antithesis of what you would expect to find in the Bahamas. There are no smart resort hotels just miles of creeks, flats, channels and mangrove marls. This is the premier area in the world for bonefishing. The vast area of crystal clear flats teem with fish and you can walk for miles in ankle to knee deep waters. There are only a few inhabitants on Acklins, making it feel like a deserted island. The beaches are stunning and wonderful for swimming, snorkelling, and beach-combing. Nature is all around- flamingoes, vast numbers of seabirds, porpoise, eagle and stingrays and the endangered great iguana.
Day 6 - TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS.
These islands are about as idyllic as you get. Surrounded by one of the world’s largest coral reefs, this little visited group of some 40 islands is a haven for wildlife on sea and land. We will call at the island of Providenciales, which is blessed with beautiful and mostly deserted beaches.
Day 7 - GRAND TURK.
Spend the morning on Grand Turk, the capital of the archipelago. It is an enchanting place which owes its colourful Bermudian British colonial architecture to Salt Rakers who arrived here from Bermuda some 300 years ago. Visit the National Museum with its recovered artifacts of the Molasses Reef Wreck (1513) the oldest known European shipwreck in the New World. Afternoon at sea.
Day 8 - SAMANA.
A morning in Samana on the north coast of the Dominican Republic will introduce you to a fishing village that was settled in the 1820’s by thousands of escaped American slaves who established an English speaking Protestant community, in an otherwise Spanish speaking Catholic island. Afternoon sailing.
Day 9 - THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS.
These islands are recognised throughout the seafaring world as one of the finest sailing areas. The 36 islands and cays sit in a dazzling turquoise sea surrounded by beautiful coral reefs. We will drop anchor at Virgin Gorda, one of the principal islands of this charming and unspoiled British Crown colony and later sail across to Joost Van Dyke dropping anchor at the little visited hideaway island.
Day 10 - ST BARTHELEMY.
Very French in atmosphere St Barthelemy is tiny, only eight square miles, yet is one of the most beautiful in the whole of the Caribbean. Mellow green mountains, coral sand coves and dolls house-size capital make this one of the most appealing ports in the area. It is also one of the most sophisticated with excellent French restaurants, ultraexpensive hotels, smart yachts in the harbour and a relaxed atmosphere.
Day 11 - ILES DES SAINTS.
This eightisland archipelago dots the waters of the southwest coast of Guadeloupe. Still untouched by the hand of tourism these attractive islands offer lovely coves and beaches and colourful fishing villages, populated by fair haired and blue-eyed descendants of Breton and Norman fisherman. Moor overnight.
Day 12 - DOMINICA.
The island of Dominica is still the primitive garden that Columbus first sighted in 1493. An area of tropical rainforests, flowers of incredible beauty, and animals that exist nowhere else in the world. No doubt in time this lovely place will succumb to the developers and be taken over by hotels, casinos, duty free shopping and all the commercialisation of some of its neighbours. But for now it is a place of beauty and solitude.
Day 13 - MONTSERRAT.
Ask any Caribbean connoisseur about their favourite places and Montserrat will years ago, much of the island is now returning to normal. We will have the opportunity to learn how the islanders coped with the devastation it caused and see some of the untouched areas which are as beautiful as ever.
Day 14 - NEVIS.
True, most of the old plantations are now deluxe resorts, but then you can see why they have chosen this little bit of paradise. The island of Nevis featured significantly in Nelson’s time in the West Indies. It was here that he met Fanny Nisbet and later married her in the old Montpelier House, on the site where a hotel now stands. Prince William, later to become William IV who was under Nelson’s command attended the wedding and gave the bride away. After an island drive we will stop at Montpelier for refreshments.
Day 15 - ANTIGUA.
It is said there are 365 beaches around the island, one for every day of the year. An important British naval base in the 18th century, Nelson arrived in Antigua during the hurricane months in 1784 to shelter his frigate, HMS Boreas, in what is now known as Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour. Our morning excursion will begin here and later we will explore the island famous for its stunning beaches. Moor overnight.
Day 16 - ANTIGUA TO LONDON.
Return to London by scheduled flight.
Day 17 - LONDON.
Morning arrival.
Map for An Island Hopping Caribbean Odyssey
Island Sky, the ship servicing An Island Hopping Caribbean Odyssey

Island Sky

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.

On board there is a high ratio of crew to passengers. Our friendly crew of 75 are mainly Filipino and Eastern European and our 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 Suite
Onboard 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 Space
The 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 Dining
Another 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. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast and a buffet-style lunch are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board.

Exploring Ashore & Expedition Cruising
Our inclusive pricing policy for the MS Island Sky means that the majority of shore excursions are included in the price of your cruise. Due to her size the MS Island Sky has the freedom of the seas and can come alongside in small docks or drop anchor in any suitable spot. In remote, undeveloped areas or places with restricted access, we will use the vessel’s tender to go ashore and when the vessel is operating expedition cruises in areas such as the British Isles, we will employ the vessel’s Zodiacs. These inflatable craft offer marvellous manoeuverability allowing us access to otherwise impossible landing places. There is snorkelling equipment onboard and when weather and location permits, the expedition team will set up a snorkelling platform. One of the joys of expedition cruising aboard a small vessel is the flexibility it allows. We have twenty years experience of designing trips to some of the most remote places in the world and although we set sail with a set itinerary it is the unscheduled events that often become the highlight of the journey. It is our belief that you do not go on holiday to be part of the all engulfing masses which descend on a town when a number of large ships dock at the same time. Arriving at a port for the first time should be an invigorating experience and can certainly be so when the right place is chosen and your arrival is on a small ship. With only 116 passengers, there is no queuing to disembark or embark the MS Island Sky for an excursion and when required there will only be three coaches waiting on the quayside to transport you to the day’s attraction as opposed to a whole fleet waiting for the passengers travelling on the big ships.

For Your Comfort & Security & Safety
Our vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilizers to minimize the ship’s motion. The captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only.

Cabin layout for Island Sky
Enquire now about An Island Hopping Caribbean Odyssey