Overview
Originally built in Italy, this vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in the spring of 2016 before being relaunched as the MS Hebridean Sky. This small, all-suite expedition vessel offers a stylish and exclusive base for adventurous Antarctic exploration. Just over 100 passengers can be accommodated in the spacious well-designed suites that are spread over 5 decks, with lifts between the decks. All suites have outside views, en-suite bathrooms and a sitting area, with some suites featuring private balconies. The suites are equipped with mini-fridge, flat-screen TV, telephone, electronic safe, hairdryer and individually controlled heating and air-conditioning. The public areas include the main lounge fitted with the highest standard presentation equipment including multiple screens, club lounge with bar, library containing reference books and computers with complimentary internet access, spacious dining room, observation area, sundeck, boot room and clinic with doctor. There is a hairdresser on board and the ship operates an open bridge policy allowing you to interact with the navigating crew. With its ice-strengthened hull and roll stabilizers to minimize the ship’s motion, combined with high quality service and attention to detail, the Hebridean Sky offers an atmosphere of charm and elegance.
Why we like it:
A few extra elements of comfort can make all the difference when you’re on the high seas! Hebridean Sky has a sundeck and boasts 59 spacious cabins, all of which have a window or a minimum of two portholes and private facilities; a few even have a balcony. The large Dining Room has tables ranging in size from 2 to 10 people, and the wonderful crew go out of their way to look after you whether you’re out and about exploring your polar surroundings, or relaxing on board with your fellow passengers.
FEATURES
Length: 90.6 metres
Breadth: 15.3 metres
Draught: 5.14 metres
Speed: 14 knots
CRUISE SPEED: 12.5 knots
Passengers: 114 (70 crew)
Zodiac & RIBs: 8 zodiacs
Electrical Outlets: 110 V
Classification: Ice Strengthened
Ice Class: 1C
Bow Thrust: 1x 500Kw
Ship Region:Antarctica
The Hebridean Sky features four fully enclosed lifeboats with a capacity of 192 passengers. There is a medical clinic as well.
GALLERY
ITINERARIES ABOARD THE Hebridean Sky
FAQS
The health and safety of our guests, employees and the communities we visit are our highest priority. We have implemented the following measures to secure the highest degree of safety on board. Our policies and procedures may be subject to change due to as we monitor the evolving scientific and medical advice.
At home guest preparation: If you suffer from underlying medical conditions that increase your risk of severe illness, you should not travel with us at this time. You should follow the recommendations of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control) and consult with your doctor who can assist you in your evaluation. It is also highly recommended that you purchase insurance to cover the risks associated with issues related to Covid-19. Those include, but are not limited to, denial of entry in the country or region of embarkation, medically advised denial of boarding, quarantine requirements either on land or on board the ship, medically advised isolation due to suspected or confirmed Covid-19 infection, and any other issue or risk related to pandemic events. In the absence of insurance coverage, you assume any financial costs associated with such events.
Pre-Departure Safeguards: You may be required to sign an affidavit upon your arrival in the destination country and to comply with other entry requirements. You may also be required to provide proof of a recent negative Covid-19 test. Applicable protocols will be informed closer to the time of travel.
Before undergoing any departure on the Hebridean Sky you will be required to undergo a Covid-19 screening process no matter the departure city of your expedition. You should understand and accept that any infection or suspected infection detected during the screening process may result in denial of boarding for your trip
Onboard Safety: The ship offer spacious panoramic public areas, including our interior hallways, that allow for interpersonal distancing requirements. The use of personal protection equipment (PPE), such as face masks, may be required when interpersonal distancing cannot be maintained. All common areas are thoroughly and regularly sanitized, with specific focus on high-touch points. In addition to daily cleaning, all cabins and common areas undergo deep cleaning and sanitization before and after each departure.
Crew and Staff Safety Measures: All our shipboard teams are required to follow strict guidelines for working on board our ships. A Covid-19 screening takes place well before arrival to the vessel. While on board, our staff and crew follow industry mandated guidelines designed to maintain a healthy ship environment. Our staff and crew are selected according to strict sanitary and medical vetting. They must undergo a preventative isolation period and take a Covid-19 test before boarding.
During any voyage on board the Hebridean Sky there is always a medical doctor on board. In addition, extra crew members with nursing training may be on board to assist in various health and safety functions. On-call service from our medical contractor’s shore-based team is accessible 24/7 to support the ship’s doctor. Extra stock of PPE are available on board in case of need.