This voyage tells the story of Polynesia and uncovers its history and legends as we sail through the South Seas and visit some truly captivating islands. By wind, wave and star the ancient people of Polynesia ventured to the farthest reaches of the South Pacific. Isolated by miles of ocean over thousands of years, these, the world’s first island cultures, developed a pantheon of gods, myths and legends. The real age of European exploration did not take place until the 18th century and some of the islands we will visit have changed little since that time. Their sheer isolation has been their saving grace and apart from an influx of missionaries in the late 19th century, western culture has made few inroads into most of the islands.
From aboard the MS Island Sky we will discover the diversity and warmth of the islands and experience their description-defying beauty along with the fascinating culture and ambience which have long attracted adventurers, explorers and travellers to their magical shores. The natural beauty of the islands is mesmerising and one of the many advantages of our small ship is the opportunity to venture off the beaten track where others seldom have the opportunity to explore. With this in mind we have planned our itinerary with visits to many remote and idyllic isles including the little-known French Territory of Wallis and Futuna, the island of Niuatoputapu in Tonga and the Fijian island of Fulaga.
Our days will be spent on nature walks, searching for the endemic birdlife, beachcombing, snorkelling or swimming from the pristine beaches, interacting with the locals and learning about their way of life and traditional handicrafts or, simply experiencing some of the most pristine tropical scenery to be found anywhere in the world. An expedition such as this requires a vessel akin to the MS Island Sky with the ability to adapt to her surroundings and land on remote atolls using the fleet of Zodiac landing craft whilst providing a comfortable base. We will explore inlets, lagoons and land in otherwise inaccessible places and although we set sail with a set itinerary, it is often the unscheduled events that become the highlight. We will be joined on board by an expert expedition team, consisting of naturalists and marine biologists who will share their knowledge and enthusiasm during forays ashore and whilst on board.
- Levuka Island’s UNESCO Heritage: Explore Fiji’s historic colonial town of Ovalau, with its preserved buildings and the Cession Monument marking its British past.
- Komodo Dragons on Komodo Island: Encounter the rare and massive Komodo dragons in their natural habitat, guided by park wardens to a feeding station.
- Fulaga Lagoon’s Limestone Wonders: Marvel at the mushroom-shaped islets and vibrant waters of this Fijian gem, renowned for traditional woodcarving and canoe-making.
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 this morning and transfer directly to the MS Island Sky which will be moored in Lautoka. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to settle in on board and relax before we sail this evening.
The island of Levuka and the town of Ovalau has a special place in Fijian history as it was here in 1874 that the Fiji islands were ceded to the British and also where in 1970 Fiji was declared independent again. The town is unlike any other Fijian town having retained the colonial buildings which made it the first Fijian site to be granted UNESCO World Heritage status. Join a walking tour around Nasova village on the shores of the bay and visit the museum and Cession Monument, the site where Chief Cakobau signed the deed ceding Fiji to Great Britain. This afternoon we will relocate to one of the nearby islands where we can relax on the beach, snorkel or swim.
Today we visit the island of Tavenui which due to its abundant flora is known as the ‘Garden Island of Fiji’. There will be a choice of guided excursions and you can choose to take a four-wheel drive to Dos Voeux Peak where at the summit we will be treated to fantastic views of Tavenui and across to Lake Tagimoucia. Here we will see the tropical plants, palms and rainforest and we hope to spot some of the spectacular birdlife such as orange-breasted doves, silktails, ferntails and parrots. Alternatively, join a walking trip to the Bouma Heritage Park to see some of the waterfalls and enjoy a swim. The view from the highest waterfall is spectacular. Finally, during the cultural tour there will be the opportunity to witness lifestyles in a traditional Fijian village including some cooking demonstrations.
Well off the beaten track, Wallis and Futuna are part of the smallest of France’s three South Pacific territories and sit on the threshold of Polynesia and Melanesia. Wallis is isolated from its neighbours geographically, culturally and politically with strong historical connections to Tonga. Here we will explore the interior of the island visiting Mata Utu Cathedral, the crater lakes of Mount Lulu Fakahega and the recently excavated fort at Talietumu. Nearby Futuna has closer links to Samoa and here we will discover the famous Church of Pierre Chanel, a peculiar church with a stepped tower erected to honour Polynesia’s first and only Catholic Saint. Later we will enjoy nature walks on the beaches to take in the amazing scenery and wildlife.
Spend a relaxing day on board as we sail to Samoa. Spend time on deck, relax with a book in the library and attend some of the onboard lectures which will take place today.
Arrive this morning in Apia, the capital of Samoa which is regarded as the heart of Polynesia and where we will be guaranteed a warm welcome. Leaving the city behind we will make our way to the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum located in the house where the author spent his final years. After touring the house we can explore the 12 hectares of Botanical Gardens and possibly take a swim in the freshwater swimming hole. Those feeling active may also wish to walk to the grave of Robert Louis Stevenson which is situated on Mount Vaea offering wonderful views over the island. Returning to Apia we can spend some time shopping in the Maketi Fou, visit the museum of Samoa or learn about local traditions at the Cultural Village.
After a morning at sea we arrive at Niuatoputapu in the Kingdom of Tonga, a lovely untouched island where tourists are still a rarity. With just 1000 residents and a land area of only 6.4 square kilometres the island is known for its natural beauty. There are wonderful beaches, sheltered lagoons, lush vegetation and crystal clear waters. We will spend the afternoon swimming or snorkelling from the beach or maybe join one of our expedition team for a nature walk.
We arrive during breakfast in the Vava’u islands, part of the kingdom of Tonga, and the pretty port of Neiafu. Spend the morning exploring the town independently, maybe visit the local market or enjoy a drink in a harbourside café. Alternatively join a tour to the Ene’io Botanical Gardens, founded in 1972 they are the only botanical gardens in Tonga. Here the local guides will identify some of the 550 different plant varieties found in the gardens. Over lunch we hope to reposition to the nearby Nuku Island and use our Zodiacs to find a suitable location to land and set up snorkelling activities. There are many different species of colourful tropical fish here and we hope to see the graceful black-and-yellow angelfish and curious clown fish on the surrounding reefs.
Spend the day in Nuku’alofa, the capital of Tonga, a laidback town on the island of Tongatapu. Having never been colonised by Europeans we will experience traditional Polynesian culture alongside beautiful beaches and spectacular natural wonders. We will see the historical Captain Cook landing site from his 1777 voyage, explore the Royal Palace (Tonga retains the last monarchy in the Polynesia), and the famous Tongan blowholes, considered the most spectacular in the South Pacific.
After a morning cruising we return to Fiji in the Southern Lau group and the island of Fulaga, famous for its woodcarving and the making of large outrigger canoes. Over 100 tiny islands in the Fulaga Lagoon have been undercut into extraordinary mushroom shapes and the surrounding waters are tinged with striking colours by the dissolved limestone. On arrival we hope to meet with the village elder to welcome us to the island before spending the afternoon chatting with the villagers, taking nature walks or using our Zodiacs to find a suitable beach to land for swimming, snorkelling or beachcombing.
Enjoy a final leisurely morning at sea before we arrive at lunchtime off Beqa Island. Situated just 10 kilometres off the coast of Viti Levu, this small island is encircled by one of the world’s largest barrier reefs and dotted with villages renowned for their traditional fire walking. We will spend our final afternoon relaxing on one of the beaches, swim or snorkel in the clear waters surrounded by tropical fish or join members of the expedition team on a nature walk in the nearby rainforest.
Disembark and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.
Arrive today.
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.
