Island Sky: Cruising in Intimate Style

Given the choice, it is unlikely that I will travel aboard a large cruise ship again. I'm certain that many of our travelers would admit the same. This feeling doesn't come from any bad experience, rather from so many good ones on a more intimate scale. You see, my entire professional life has been spent on and around cruise ships of differing shapes and sizes, which has led me to conclude: when it comes to ships, smaller is definitely better.

This affinity was reaffirmed recently from a vantage point aboard the 100-passenger Island Sky on our Baltic Odyssey expedition. Seasoned travelers know that limiting passenger capacity provides many benefits: the ability to get on and off the ship quickly, no standing in line, and more personal interactions with staff, crew, and fellow travelers. I found Island Sky to be of optimal size, especially so for Europe where a smaller group can see more of the sites in a more personal way.

The Island Sky is 300 feet in length, with five passenger decks connected by elevator. A smart layout of public rooms and stately cabins lend the spacious ship a welcoming feel. A while back, when Zegrahm was first considering chartering this ship, I had a dialogue with long-time Zegrahm passenger Margery Pfund, who was quite excited about her time aboard the Island Sky. As I took in the buzz of happy passengers enjoying lunch on the aft deck during my own voyage, Margery's words echoed in my head: “Zegrahm travelers will enjoy the Island Sky's spacious cabins, and also find the option to dine on deck quite appealing.”

Among the striking onboard features is the rich wood appointing the cabins. The large staterooms offer a seating area with sofa, chair, table, and television with GPS mapping. For our style of cruising, features like a mini-fridge, hair dryer, individual climate control, and ample storage are well-received. All cabins have ocean views; those on the two upper decks boast good-size balconies. Other amenities include a pleasant library with Internet stations, a hair salon, and a medical clinic.

The main restaurant, situated on the lowest deck, accommodates all passengers in a single seating. The dining service is excellent and a good wine list accompanies the variety of well-prepared entrées. A popular alternative to the Restaurant is the Lido Lounge, where breakfast and lunch are served outside, weather permitting. The lounge serves as an excellent venue for our lectures and briefings, while the main bar, The Club, located one level up, is the setting for daily cocktail hour.

The Island Sky's generous deck space is ideal for scenic cruising and includes a sheltered sun deck as well as an open deck which encircles the ship—perfect for stretching the legs. The bridge is open while at sea. Efficient Zodiac operations are key for our programs and Island Sky carries the equipment necessary for lowering boats into the water quickly to maximize our time ashore.

In form and function, Island Sky fits ideally within the framework of the Zegrahm Expeditions concept. Adding to its excellent physical layout is a terrific international crew— warm, friendly, and experienced. It is obvious this is a well-run ship… so much so, that I found myself yearning to stay on board for the next adventure.