Tag Archives: Caledonian Sky

Secondhand Update: Here Are the Latest Ship Moves and Transactions

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Secondhand Update: Here Are the Latest Ship Moves and Transactions

The new year began with news for numerous secondhand cruise ship transactions.

Cruise Industry News highlights some of the key transactions and developments that occurred in the first weeks of 2026.

For a complete overview of the market, see the Secondhand Market Report from Cruise Industry News.

Blue Zephyr (former Caledonian Sky)
Company: Kalama Shipping
Capacity: 114 guests
Tonnage: 4,200
Year built: 1991
Move: To be operated by Blue Zephyr Cruises
Date: January 2026

The former Caledonian Sky will sail for Blue Zephyr Cruises after being sold to Greece-based Kalama Shipping in late 2025.

According to a recent announcement, the 114-guest ship will be renamed Blue Zephyr for boutique cruising in the Greek Isles starting in late April 2026.

Exploris One
Company: Exploris
Capacity: 132 guests
Tonnage: 6,130
Year built: 1989
Move: Sold at auction for 4.5 million euros
Date: January 2026

The Exploris One was sold at auction in late January as part of Exploris Expeditions & Cruises’ liquidation process.

As Cruise Industry News informed, while further details of the operation were not disclosed, the ship was reportedly acquired by a new operator for 4.5 million euros.

German media reported Nordic Hamburg Group as the buyer. Requests for comment went unreturned. The company has involved with both Polar Latitudes Expeditions as well as Heritage Expeditions.

Alaskan Dream Fleet
Ships: Alaskan Dream, Baranof Dream, Chichagof Dream and Admiralty Dream
Company: Alaskan Dream Cruises
Capacity: 223 guests including all vessels
Tonnage: 40 to 76
Year built: 1979 to 1986
Move: Laid up in Alaska after the company’s shutdown
Date: February 2026

The Alaskan Dream Cruises fleet is facing an uncertain future after the company’s sudden shutdown, which was announced earlier this month.

Currently laid up in Sitka, the four coastal ships were built between the late 1970s and the mid-1980s and were scheduled to offer summer cruises in Alaska.

Ocean Endeavour
Company: SunStone Maritime Group
Capacity: 199 guests
Tonnage: 13,000
Year built: 1981
Move: Chartered to the Danish Defense
Date: January 2026

SunStone Maritime Group has chartered the Ocean Endeavour to Danish Defense in January 2026.

Last operated by Adventure Canada in the Arctic, the 1981-built vessel will accommodate Danish and international soldiers participating in a military exercise in Nuuk, Greenland.

Blue Dream Melody
Company: Blue Dream Cruises
Capacity: 1,218 guests
Tonnage: 42,200
Year built: 2002
Move: Laid up in China
Date: January 2026

The Blue Dream Melody was placed in lay up in the Chinese port of Beihai earlier this year after completing a final cruise for Blue Dream Cruises.

The Chinese cruise line announced the ship would be withdrawn from service for updates and maintenance, but operations are suspended indefinitely.

Captain Cook Cruises Fiji Introduces the Caledonian Sky

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Captain Cook Cruises Fiji is introducing the Caledonian Sky to its fleet. Acquired from APT Cruises earlier this year, the 114-guest expedition ship will debut for the Fiji-based brand in November 2023.

According to a statement available on Captain Cook’s website, the 1991-built vessel will replace the Reef Endeavour, ushering in a “new era of high-end cruise experiences never seen before in Fiji.”

Currently, the company’s sole vessel, the 168-guest Reef Endeavour has been in service for the company since 1996.

The arrival of the Caledonian Sky “elevates and expands the pioneering expeditions” that its original ship has undertaken since entering service, the company added.

Described as a “luxury expedition small ship,” the Caledonian Sky will sail to destinations that are otherwise unreachable, Captain Cook said, including the most remote parts of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.

The program includes different three- to 14-night expeditions, all accompanied by a team of Marine Biologists and cultural experts.

The schedule also includes new itineraries for the 2024-25 season, such as a seven-night cruise to Southern Lau and Kadavu.

Sailing from Port Denarau, the expedition explores the remote southern Lau and Kadavu island groups and allows guests to witness the great sea reef while visiting islands including Dravuni, Moala, Fulaga, Mutuku, Beqa and Vatulele.

Also new is the 14-night Southern Lau and Tonga Whale Migration Cruise.

According to Captain Cook, the itinerary sails to the southern portion of the Lau group of islands before embarking on an expedition to the outer islands of Tonga during the whale migration period.

Originally built for Renaissance Cruises, the Caledonian Sky has sailed for several operators during its three-decade cruising career, including Noble Caledonia and Star Cruises.

According to Captain Cook, the vessel is “tailor-made” for the “adventurous sophisticated traveller” and offers “spacious boutique comfort” with just 57 ocean-view staterooms.

The ship also carries a fleet of ten zodiacs, the company said, in addition to a team of 70 crew members.