The Caledonian Sky Liveaboard Overview

portrait of a smiling woman with dark hair in a light blue sweaterDIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
By
Sarah Turnbull
portrait of a smiling woman with dark hair in a light blue sweater
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Sarah is a writer, PADI instructor and underwater photographer based in Mauritius. Diving across 5 continents, she has a love of all things ocean-related and an...
Rebecca Strauss
DIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...
Caledonian Sky expedition ship anchored on calm blue water near green hills
Launched in 1991, the Caledonian Sky was refurbished in 2017.
The Caledonian Sky expedition ship cruising past green coastal hills
The ship accommodates up to 114 guests in 57 spacious ocean-view suites.
Wood-panelled Caledonian Sky cabin with a double bed, armchairs and a curtained picture window
Cabins are incredibly spacious and comfortable with luxurious fittings.
Outdoor dining tables set with blue linens overlooking a forested bay
Guests can dine on the Lido deck, where they can take in the magnificent views and enjoy more informal buffet meals.
The Caledonian Sky at anchor in flat turquoise water with a small tender alongside
Cruising onboard The Caledonian Sky is a truly luxurious experience.
Diver among soft corals and orange anthias fish on a colorful reef wall
Catering for occasional, novice, and first-time divers, The Caledonian Sky is most suited to less-experienced divers who want to grow their skills and experience.
Bull sharks circling in blue water above a diver watching from the reef in Fiji
On the Yasawa Island Cruise, guests can see bull sharks, tawny nurse sharks, tiger sharks, lemon sharks, reef sharks, and silvertip sharks with insight provided by the onboard marine biologist.
Diver alongside a dense school of yellow snapper near a reef wall
Discover Scuba Diving and other courses are available to non-divers during the cruise.
Aerial view of small green islets and sandbars scattered across a turquoise Fijian lagoon
The Caledonian Sky offers northern itineraries, visiting Makogai, Savusavu, and Taveuni, and once or twice a year they cruise to remote Lau.

With crystal-clear waters and a kaleidoscope of color from the vibrant soft coral and beautiful marine life, Fiji is recognized the world over as a fantastic destination for divers.

Particularly attractive to underwater photographers and videographers, are the huge variety of hard and soft corals, an incredibly diverse range of fish, and pelagics including sharks, rays, dolphins, and five of the world’s seven species of turtle. Divers can find walls, caverns, drift dives, shallow reefs, and wrecks.

The Caledonian Sky is a luxury boutique cruise ship offering unforgettable Fiji experiences. Launched in 1991 and refurbished in 2017, it is 297 feet (90.6 m) long and accommodates up to 114 guests in 57 spacious ocean-view suites.

The ship’s crew of 70 includes an onboard marine biologist and cultural experts who lead guests on shore excursions. With several dive packages available, guests can learn to dive or, for more experienced divers, explore the beautiful reefs and variety of sites.

Let’s dive into our review of the Caledonian Sky.

About this overview

To help you decide whether this liveaboard fits your dive style, budget, and comfort needs, we’ve researched the boat, itinerary, onboard experience, diving setup, and overall value.
We review liveaboards based on the details that matter most during a multi-day dive trip, including cabins, food, crew support, dive operations, safety, route quality, and how the boat compares with similar options in the destination.

Recommended in: Liveaboards in Galápagos

Things we like:

  • Exceptionally spacious and luxurious cabins
  • Friendly and attentive staff
  • Range of itineraries from 3 to 14 nights
  • Diving available through partner Viti Water Sports
  • Onboard marine biologist

Things we don't like:

  • Expensive: Standard cabins range from around$2100 per person for three nights to $9800 per person for 14 nights
  • Cruise with limited diving rather than a dedicated dive liveaboard
  • Diving costs extra

Diving on the Caledonian Sky

Snorkelers swimming above a coral reef near the surface
Green sea turtle resting on coral rubble and facing the camera
Diver alongside a dense school of yellow snapper near a reef wall
Bull sharks circling in blue water above a diver watching from the reef in Fiji

Catering for occasional, novice, and first-time divers, the Caledonian Sky is most suited to less-experienced divers who want to grow their skills and experience. All equipment is provided by the Caledonian Sky’s dive partners, Viti Water Sports.

Guests can expect to do two to three 45-minute dives per day, depending on the itinerary. The Awakening Shark Dive, available on the Yasawa Island Cruise, gives guests the opportunity to see bull sharks, tawny nurse sharks, tiger sharks, lemon sharks, reef sharks, and silvertip sharks with insight provided by the onboard marine biologist.

The Caledonian Sky’s typical itinerary is a 7-night cruise that departs from and returns to Port Denarau, Fiji. The cruise visits a variety of islands and reefs, including the Mamanuca Islands, Yasawa Islands, and Lau Islands. Three to 14-night cruises are available, with longer cruises ranging as far as Samoa or Tonga.

The Caledonian Sky offers northern itineraries, visiting Makogai, Savusavu, and Taveuni, and once or twice a year they cruise to remote Lau. For those wishing to visit Lau, The Caledonian Sky is the only operator for this location. Ten tenders are available for diving and for trips ashore.

Discover Scuba Diving and other courses are available to non-divers during the cruise. Diving conditions in Fiji are generally excellent year-round, with clear waters, warm temperatures, and diverse marine life. The water temperature ranges from 73 to 82 F (23 to 28 C), and visibility can reach up to 100 feet (30 m) or more.

Highlights:

  • Up to three dives per day
  • All dives guided with a maximum ratio of 10:1
  • Diverse marine life including sharks and five species of turtle
  • Good for photographers and videographers
  • Dive options include walls, wrecks, drifts, and reefs

Onboard the Caledonian Sky

Rattan lounge furniture and orange cushions on the ship's outdoor deck
Wood-paneled lounge on the Caledonian Sky with armchairs and patterned carpet
Onboard gym with treadmills, weights and a view of the ocean deck
Spacious suite aboard the Caledonian Sky with a large bed and armchairs

Comfortable and with lots of space, the salon is perfect for relaxation and socializing. The sundeck is a highlight and offers supreme comfort and panoramic views. Activities and entertainment include kayaking, a swimming pool and hot tub, a fitness center, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Educational talks from onboard experts, movies, and live music are also available. Those looking for some quiet time can visit the library, which offers a good selection of books. Guests can also learn about the local culture and traditions through visits to villages and schools and island tours. Guests wishing to pamper themselves can book at the onboard spa, which offers treatments, massages, and relaxation therapies.

The Caledonian Sky is decorated throughout in a traditional maritime style, with lots of teak and brass. Cabins are incredibly spacious and comfortable with luxurious fittings, seating areas, and large storage spaces. The bathrooms are spacious and well-equipped—a step above those normally expected onboard a ship. All cabins and interior spaces on Caledonian Sky are air-conditioned.

Cruising onboard Caledonian Sky is a truly luxurious experience—with a price tag to match. For the discerning traveler, this is a wonderful way to see the Fiji islands, with many guests returning frequently. Caledonian Sky’s prices are reflective of its luxury status, but there are some ways to save money, such as booking early or taking advantage of discounts and promotions.

Highlights:

  • Extremely luxurious and comfortable
  • Spacious cabins and excellent bathrooms
  • Exceptional service from the onboard team
  • Lots of excursions and activities

Dining onboard Caledonian Sky

Formal dining room on the Caledonian Sky set with white tablecloths and roses
Plated pork belly dish with fruit puree and edible flowers
Tables set with blue linen on the Caledonian Sky open deck overlooking a forested shoreline

Two restaurants serve locally sourced, excellent-quality meals. Guests can dine either in the more formal, air-conditioned restaurant or on the Lido deck, where they can take in the magnificent views and enjoy more informal buffet meals.

All meals are included, as well as complimentary tea/coffee, bottled water, and mid-morning and afternoon snacks. Special dietary requirements can be catered for and Caledonian Sky requests 24-hours’ notice for any special dietary needs.

 Highlights:

  • Excellent quality meals, both buffet and à la carte
  • Choice of dining options – air-conditioned or on deck
  • Selection of Fijian and western menu options
  • Special dietary requirements can be catered for with only 24 hours’ notice

Things we like:

  • Exceptionally spacious and luxurious cabins
  • Friendly and attentive staff
  • Range of itineraries from 3 to 14 nights
  • Diving available through partner Viti Water Sports
  • Onboard marine biologist

Things we don't like:

  • Expensive: Standard cabins range from around$2100 per person for three nights to $9800 per person for 14 nights
  • Cruise with limited diving rather than a dedicated dive liveaboard
  • Diving costs extra
Key facts
Year built: 1991
Rental equip: No
Camera station: No
Internet: Yes (free)
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: No
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: 5-7 Nights
Price range: Luxury
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