Captain Cook Cruises Fiji has purchased MS Caledonian Sky. And she is promising brand new high-end expedition cruising. The purchase represents an elevation of expedition cruising in Fiji.
MS Caledonian Sky offers a level of luxury and facilities not yet seen in the region.
The boutique, expedition ship MS Caledonian Sky which is known to sail the Kimberley, was sold by APT’s parent company Australian Pacific Holdings.
The ship is set to start sailing Fiji on November 11, 2023, sailing out from Nadi. A three-night sailing begins from $3297 and a seven-night sailing begins from $7693.
Allison Hamworth West, Executive Chairman of Capitan Cook Cruises Fiji says the acquisition is a mark the cruise line’s ambition to achieve a new level of luxury in Fiji.
“MS Caledonian Sky will provide a new era in luxury expedition cruising never seen before in Fiji. So her arrival will provide an opportunity to explore many previously inaccessible parts of Fiji in elegant comfort.
“Opening up new island locations never visited by tourists. And doing it in a sensitive and sustainable way as passengers are guided by our team of Marine Biologists and Cultural Experts.”
What’s new?
They will not be keeping the ship’s current crew in its entirety. However, you can expect an improved cruise-to-passenger ratio as well as more specialised expedition staff.
“Although MV Reef Endeavour (63 rooms) and MS Caledonian Sky (57 suites) have a similar passenger capacity. The Caledonian Sky has more crew and a larger crew-to-passenger ratio. So return guests will be able to come back and cruise with the Captain Cook Fiji family they know and love as well as meet some new faces.
“A bigger galley team, an expedition team of multiple Marine Biologists and Cultural Experts. And, the line will have more hotel crew.”
The luxury MS Caledonian Sky can accommodate 114 passengers across 57 ocean-view cabins. Suites have private balconies, and the ship has alfresco dining and a large sky deck. The small size of the ship enables it to visit more remote islands across the Pacific that aren’t possible for larger ships.
She will replace MV Reef Endeavour, creating a more high-end version of current itineraries. New seven-night Northern Lau and Southern Lau sailings begin in April 2024. And there are 14-night voyages from Lau to Tonga and Samoa.
The ship has 10 zodiacs for expedition activities and there will be a team of marine biologists and cultural experts on every sailing. And they will offer insight into the environments and destinations visited.
Ms Haworth West says: “The arrival of MS Caledonian Sky will see an expansion in our small ship expedition cruise programs. And this allows us to share more exquisite and remote locations with our guests, who’ll travel in elegant comfort.”
