Caribbean Island Odyssey
A voyage from Barbados to Antigua aboard the MS Serenissima
- 6 March 2019
If you have been contemplating a cruise in the Caribbean but the thought of crossing paths with one of the megafactory like cruise ships with their thousands of passengers who operate in the area has deterred you from doing so, this could be the perfect voyage. With so many ships sailing in the Caribbean Sea you might well ask what is so different about our journey. The answer is the itinerary. By and large we will head for the smaller, less visited islands and with the MS Serenissima as our base and only 95 fellow passengers, we have the advantage of berthing or anchoring at some of the smaller islands. As we will be sailing short distances, we have full days on many of the islands allowing time to wander and explore at our own pace in addition to joining the included guided excursions. If you have a desire to see the forts and learn of the history of the region, visit national parks and botanical gardens with their endemic plants and wildlife or simply relax on pristine beaches all in the company of a small number of like-minded travellers then this is the itinerary for you.
Useful Links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
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Our View
“There are many ships sailing in the Caribbean ranging in size from small yachts to huge superliners. Our itinerary aims to take us to the smaller islands and away from the hordes of people disembarking the large ships. When we land ashore we are absorbed by our destination rather than taking it over and it is only on such a small self-contained ship as the MS Serenissima that we are able land on islands such as St Eustatius or Les Saintes or use the anchorages in St Lucia and Tobago.”
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Charitable Trust Project
It is our vision to use the Noble Caledonia framework to improve economic, social and environmental conditions in the areas we work and visit. To this end, in 2013 we established the Noble Caledonia Charitable Trust (NCCT): Registered Charity No. 1153281.Noble Caledonia Ltd cover the costs of administering the NCCT so that 100% of your donation will go directly to the beneficiaries. Money is raised from a percentage of Noble Caledonia’s profits and through fundraising by staff and donations from our travellers and business partners.
Dominica Relief Project - Portsmouth Library
Hurricane Maria hit the Caribbean in September 2017 causing fatalities and extensive damage to homes, buildings and infrastructure. The clean-up operation took months and rebuilding is still in progress.
The Portsmouth Public Library on the island of Dominica lost over 3,000 books and equipment as well as a large part of the roof and sustained damage to windows and doors and all its furniture. This seriously impacted library service delivery in Portsmouth and surrounding communities.
The cost of repairing the roof, replacing equipment and restocking the library will come to over £50,000. So, we started by collecting books donated by friends, family and those of us working in the office, topped up with some supplies from Amazon. In total we had 30kgs of books which were kindly carried out by office and field staff travelling on Sea Cloud II cruises in early 2018.
In addition to the books, to assist with the building repairs and replacing the equipment the NCCT donated £10,000, in addition to which we have been receiving generous donations from our travellers which has brought our total contribution to over £16000.
In early 2019 Sea Cloud II and Serenissima will be calling into Dominica again so we are collecting books and donations to help finish the building work and re-equip and restock the library.
Building work is still ongoing but the new roof is looking very smart.
DONATING
If you would like to make a donation by cheque please make it payable to ‘NCCT’ and send it to NCCT, 2 Chester Close, London, SW1X 7BE. If you are eligible for gift aid you can increase your donation by 25% at no extra cost to you by using our Gift Aid Form. Or
Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Since 2003, when she was extensively renovated, she has been operating as a classic cruise ship. Previously known as the MS Andrea, she was upgraded again in 2013 and started her new life as the MS Serenissima. With her small size she can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs, she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
Itinerary
Day 1 - London to Barbados.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the MS Serenissima moored in Bridgetown. Enjoy Welcome Dinner and Drinks aboard as we moor overnight
Day 2 - Barbados.
Barbados is the most easterly of the Caribbean Islands, with Atlantic surf on the east coast and sparkling Caribbean waters on the west coast. Captain Powell landed here in 1625 and claimed the island for England. Now independent, it continues to embrace its British Empire roots; afternoon tea remains a tradition and cricket is the national sport. This morning an island drive will include visits to the historic 17th century Sunbury Plantation House and the impressive St John’s Church. The afternoon will be free to relax or explore independently before we sail this evening.
Day 3 - Tobago.
Today is dedicated to exploring the natural wonders of Tobago. We will anchor in the small fishing village of Charlotteville which is situated in Man of War Bay and enjoy a choice of activities. There will be an island drive which will include the Argyle Waterfall for a refreshing swim and a chance to explore the lush surrounding forest. The keen birders will enjoy a visit to Little Tobago, a hilly, arid island situated 1.5 miles offshore and an important seabird sanctuary for frigate birds, brown boobies and red billed tropic birds. Meanwhile the waters around Goat Island offer some of the region’s best coral reefs and abundant marine life - perfect for snorkelling or taking a glass bottomed boat trip.
Day 4 - Trinidad.
Due to its location close to the South American mainland, Trinidad has a unique diversity of plant and animal species which we will discover today. From our berth at Port of Spain we will drive inland to the Asa Wright Nature Centre. Founded on a former cocoa and coffee plantation in 1967 it comprises 1500 acres of forest providing habitat for a range of wildlife. We will explore on a series of guided walks, searching for the 166 species of birds. Return to the MS Serenissima for lunch and this afternoon either take time to explore Port of Spain and maybe visit the botanical gardens or National Museum. Alternatively, in the late afternoon join a tour to the Caroni Nature Sanctuary, a mangrove swamp covering an area of 40 square miles. On arrival at the sanctuary we board a flat-bottomed boat and slowly travel along the beautiful peaceful waterways and lagoons admiring the beauty of the landscape and a variety of birds including egrets and herons and other wildlife. The most astounding bird is the Scarlet Ibis, a large bright red bird feeding and nesting here and we hope to catch them as they return to their nests at sunset.
Day 5 - St Vincent & the Grenadines.
Arrive this morning in Bequia, a delightful Grenadine island which is totally unspoilt and a place of pure escapism with its charming old-world atmosphere. Only seven miles by two it is a long way from the well beaten tourist track, a serene and peaceful island with some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Choose to spend time in the main town of Port Elizabeth, find a spot on a local beach and relax or join a drive to Spring Bay where we can visit the Hawksbill Turtle sanctuary. Arrive after lunch in bustling Kingstown, capital of St Vincent. On an afternoon excursion we will drive to the outskirts of the city to the 19th century Fort Charlotte and the oldest botanical gardens in the western hemisphere. Dating from 1765, this 20 acre site was developed to provide medicinal plants.
Days 6 & 7 - St Lucia.
We have the pleasure of spending two days in St Lucia, a splendidly rugged island of towering mountains, lush green valleys and acres of banana plantations. This morning we anchor in sight of the island’s best known feature, the twin peaks of the Pitons, which rise dramatically from the sea to more than 2400 feet. In the nearby town of Soufriere we can visit the bubbling sulphur springs, part of a low lying volcano which erupted thousands of years ago. Our island tour will also include the splendid botanical gardens, and one of the local plantations where we learn about cacao and sugar cane production. At dawn we will sail along the west coast to our berth in Castries, the island’s capital, from where we will explore the north of the island including the 44 acre Pigeon Island. The island changed hands 14 times between the British and French and at Fort Rodney we will learn more about the history as we walk through the ruins.We will also visit the colonial house of St Marks offering panoramic views to Castries below.
Day 8 - Martinique.
Martinique is a truly cosmopolitan island and a Department of France. The strong French influence is seen everywhere and, without doubt, Martinique is one of the most sophisticated islands in the West Indies enjoying a remarkably high standard of living. We will base ourselves at the small port of Anse D’Arlets and enjoy a morning scenic drive including the Musee de la Pagerie, the birthplace and childhood home of Empress Josephine, see the impressive plantations and have a chance to sample some of the local rum. This afternoon there will be time to relax in the small town or on a local beach.
Day 9 - Dominica.
Stepping back in time, the island of Dominica is still the primitive garden that Columbus first sighted in 1493. An area of tropical rainforests, flowers of incredible beauty and animals that exist nowhere else in the world. We arrive this morning in the small port of Cabrits, just below the National Park and the former British garrison of Fort Shirley. There will be a choice of activities today and the active can climb to the fort to explore the ruins, visit the small museum and maybe wander the surrounding trails on the lookout for birds, hermit crabs and lizards. For the keen birders we will offer a tour driving through the plantations to the Morne Diablotin National Park where, from the viewpoint we hope to see the two endemic parrots of Dominica. Alternatively, join a local boat for a journey along the Indian River, a mangrove lined creek with interesting bankside vegetation including gnarled tree roots and which is home to herons, egrets, hummingbirds and iguanas.
Day 10 - Guadeloupe.
Known as the “papillon” due to the butterfly shape of the two main islands, Guadeloupe offers a taste of France within the Caribbean. From our berth in Pointe a Pitre we will head to mountainous Basse Terre which is home to the Guadeloupe National Park covering 17,000 hectares of tropical forests and topped by the Soufriere volcano. A walk through the rainforest will bring us to the impressive 245 metre Carbet Falls, the highest in the Lesser Antilles whilst we keep an eye out for the resident wildlife. Return to the ship via one of the island’s rum distilleries. The afternoon is free to explore Pointe a Pitre and its colonial architecture including the Place de La Victoire as well as the vibrant market.
Day 11 - Les Saintes, Guadeloupe.
At first light we sail to this eight island archipelago which dots the waters of the southwest coast of Guadeloupe. Still untouched by the hand of tourism these attractive islands offer lovely coves and beaches and colourful fishing villages. On an island drive this morning in Terre de Haut we will visit Fort Napoleon with its museum and gardens, the Catholic Church and Town Hall.
Day 12 - Montserrat.
Ask any Caribbean connoisseur about their favourite places and Montserrat will always be high on the list. Following the damaging volcanic eruptions of 1995 and 2010, much of the island is now returning to normal. We will visit the volcano observatory and learn how the islanders coped with the devastation it caused. Even now we will drive through areas where volcanic material lies in the roads. We also see some of the untouched areas which are as beautiful as ever.
Day 13 - St Eustatius.
In the 18thcentury the port of Oranjestad was a major player in the trade between Europe and the new world. Today the island maintains a low key existence and has avoided the modernisation and development of her neighbours. We will explore the small town including the 17th century fort and the museum with information on slavery, colonial relics and historical artefacts. Meanwhile, the more active may wish to take the strenuous hike to “The Quill”, the 600 metre hill that dominates the landscape. This afternoon is free to explore at leisure and shuttle buses will be available to take you to the town or to one of the local beaches.
Day 14 - Nevis & St Kitts.
The lovely island of St Kitts has it all, restful green fields of sugar cane plantations, rainforests and long stretches of uncrowded beaches. The atmosphere here is wonderfully relaxed and full of old-world charm. Either wander the streets of Basseterre including the colonial buildings or see the impressive UNESCO fortress at Brimstone Hill. This 18th century British garrison played a key role in the battles with the French and is situated on a hill offering fine views over to Nevis. Sail over lunch to Nevis and here we will enjoy an island drive where we will stop at the Museum of Nevis History which includes a large collection of Nelson memorabilia and also the Botanical Gardens.
Day 15 - Antigua to London.
Disembark this morning and on a morning tour we will enjoy the views from Shirley Heights before heading to Nelson’s Dockyard, beautifully located in English Harbour. See the impressive collection of restored historic buildings which were occupied by the British Navy from 1707 till 1899. After lunch we transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Day 16 - London.
Arrive this morning.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £300 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 6 to 21 March 2019 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| 2 Standard Stateroom | £6995 | £6695 |
| 3 Classic Stateroom | £7295 | £6995 |
| 4 Superior Stateroom | £7595 | £7295 |
| 5 Deluxe Stateroom | £7795 | £7495 |
| 6 Junior Suite | £8295 | £7995 |
| 7 Owner’s Suite | £9395 | £9095 |
| 8 Serenissima Suite | £9395 | £9095 |
| 10 Standard Single | £7295 | £6995 |
Tour Reference Code: SCSE060319
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, 14 nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis with house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board, Noble Caledonia onboard team, shore excursions, gratuities, transfers, port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Ship to Shore: Please note that although this cruise is not classified as an expedition cruise, the vessel will be at anchor in several ports where Zodiacs will be used to transport passengers ashore.
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Deckplan
Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Since 2003, when she was extensively renovated, she has been operating as a classic cruise ship. Previously known as the MS Andrea, she was upgraded again in 2013 and started her new life as the MS Serenissima. With her small size she can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs, she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
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For your comfort
For your comfort
There are so few ships of this generation still cruising and MS Serenissima is a great testament to her present and previous owners that they have seen fit to invest considerable sums over the years to keep her in top form and complying with the stringent health and safety requirements. There is a doctor onboard and during your voyage you will have the opportunity to visit the Captain and Officers on the bridge.
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Drone Footage
Please click below for some great drone footage of Serenissima.
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Ship Directory
Ship Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the vessel or click on the booklet to download.
We are delighted to have had the MS Serenissima on long term charter since 2013. There are so few ships of her generation still cruising and the fact that she is is a great testament to her owners who invest considerable sums to keep her in top form. In December 2018, the vessel will once again undergo a significant refurbishment after which she will accommodate a maximum of just 95 guests.
MS Serenissima is a charming vessel and one of her best known and loved features of this vessel is its unique style. During a major refit the then owners commissioned Swedish interior designers to create a Gustavian style interior. This bright Swedish 18th century influenced, country house style works particularly well on a vessel of this vintage, providing intimacy and classic nautical sensibility often lacking in larger vessels.
The vessel is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac landing craft allowing us to visit remote places where normal tender arrangements are not possible. The European Captain, Officers, Expedition Staff, and crew offer a first class service and have been selected for their professionalism and caring attitudes. The atmosphere on board is warm and welcoming and dedicated to discovery and relaxation.
We hope this information booklet answers any questions you may have pertaining to the vessel and wish you a pleasant voyage.
AIR-CONDITIONING
The ship is air conditioned throughout. Please note that only the Serenissima Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning.
ALTERATIONS TO THE SCHEDULE
Our planned schedule may be changed at short notice due to weather conditions or technical reasons. Should there be any alterations the Captain or Cruise Director will inform you of any changes.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The ship uses a public address system to advise guests of all important information and activities during the cruise. Announcements can be heard throughout the public areas of the ship and in all cabins.
CABINS
The cabins are attractively designed for comfort and convenience. There are eight different grades of cabins arranged over five decks, and all staterooms feature either windows or portholes. Windows and portholes do not open in the cabins/suites, except for the Serenissima Suites (numbers 701 – 704) which have a window and a balcony door which opens out onto the balcony.
Facilities include: • Air conditioning (please note that only the Serenissima Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning) • Dressing table with chair or stool • En-suite bathroom with shower, (please note cabins 601-605 and 507 have a bath with shower attachment) • Hairdryer • Mini Bar (Serenissima Suites only) • Balcony (Serenissima Suites only) • Robe and slippers • Safe • Flat screen television • Telephone (charges apply) • Wardrobe • Wi-Fi access – You will require your own laptop, tablet or smartphone (charges apply).
COMMUNICATION
In case you wish to contact the ship, please call + 47 2367 4607. This is a Norwegian telephone number so calls will be charged at an international rate. The ship can also be contacted by Email: cruise@msserenissima.com (please indicate passenger name and cabin number as the subject).
The telephone system for ship to shore functions is via satellite and charged at €7 Euros per minute for outgoing calls. Please be advised of the following for internal communication:
Cabin to cabin: dial cabin number International line: dial 0 + code of the country + telephone number Reception: dial 800 Doctor: dial 331 or 332
DAILY PROGRAMME
A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced onboard and delivered to your cabin each evening during the turn down service.
DINING, DRINKING AND DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
The Venice Restaurant onboard serves international cuisine and accommodates all guests at a single open seating. Tables seat 4 to 10 diners. In addition, there is an outside dining area for when the weather and itinerary permit. Breakfast and lunch are both buffet style, dinner is waiter service only. Complimentary (red and white) house wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner. Bar drinks and other beverages with meals are not included; these may be purchased onboard and paid for at the end of your cruise. Complimentary tea and coffee are available 24 hours a day at the tea and coffee station located in the Andrea lounge.
Please advise of any special dietary requests such as vegetarian, vegan, low salt, low cholesterol, gluten free, lactose intolerant to Noble Caledonia (in writing) in advance and we recommend that you also reconfirm with your Cruise Director and Maitre D’ once on board. We regret that the ship is unable to guarantee special requests and is not equipped to prepare or serve kosher or halal cuisine.
DISABLED FACILITIES
The ship can accommodate passengers with mobility restrictions and wheelchair dependent passengers in cabin 407, which has a wider door. There is a lift serving decks 3 to 6, but there is no stair lift.
DISEMBARKATION
Your Cruise Director will provide you with disembarkation information prior to the end of your cruise.
DRESS CODE
During the day, comfortable and casual attire is appropriate. The evenings are smart casual (e.g. a shirt and trousers for gentlemen and a skirt/trousers and blouse for ladies). There will be a Welcome and Farewell dinner, so you may like to bring something a little dressier for these events, for example, gentlemen may wish to wear a jacket and tie, and ladies a dress or trouser suit. Black tie is not required.
DOCTOR
A medical doctor is available on board 24 hours a day. A fee is charged for any consultations and medication prescribed. Please ensure you carry adequate supplies of any regular medications you may require. If you have any medication which must be kept cold, please ask at reception to store it in the fridge.
ELECTRICITY
The electrical outlets in the cabins and public areas are 220V and take a two-round-pin plug (as in continental Europe). There is a 110/220V, 60Hz outlet for electric shavers in the bathroom. We recommend that you bring an international adaptor.
EMERGENCIES
In case of an emergency please leave your cabin and follow the instructions given by the Captain and Hotel Manager. All public areas have an emergency button. We request that you read the safety instructions on the back of your cabin door.
FIELD STAFF
Throughout your cruise you will be accompanied by your Noble Caledonia Cruise Director/Expedition Leader and an experienced team who will be happy to assist you with any queries or requests.
GOING ASHORE
Please leave your cabin key at reception and take your ship card with you. As soon as you are back on board please hand back your boarding card and pick up your key as this will confirm your presence on board.
SHORE EXCURSIONS
Please be on time for the organised excursions, so as not to keep others waiting. If you do not wish to participate in an excursion, please let your Cruise Director know.
GOING ASHORE INDEPENDENTLY
When you go ashore individually, please be back on board at least 30 minutes before the advertised departure time of the ship.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities to crew and whilst on excursions are included in the cost of your holiday.
HEALTH & HYGIENE
In order to maintain health standards you will find hand sanitizers at key positions around the ship particularly at the entrance to restaurants and near the gangway. We kindly ask you to use these regularly.
INTERNET
Wi-Fi access is available in public areas with your own laptop, tablet or smartphone, and charges apply – 500MB for €15 Euros, or 1GB for €25 Euros. Please note that connection is dependent on weather conditions and location.
LANGUAGE
All members of the crew speak English.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
If you require the laundry service, please leave your laundry bag together with the completed laundry list on your bed before 0900. The laundry bag and list can be found in your wardrobe. Every effort will be made to return your laundry to your cabin within 24 hours. There is no dry cleaning service onboard.
LIFE JACKETS
All life jackets are stored on Deck 6 near the Muster station.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you disembark the ship, please check your cabin to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia within seven days of disembarking. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection, and any costs incurred will be at your own expense.
MASSAGE
Please contact reception (charges apply for massages).
MONEY
The official currency on board is the Euro, but British Pounds are also accepted. All passengers will have their own ship account, which allows you to sign for purchases and services such as bar drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc. throughout your cruise. The following payment methods are accepted for settlement of shipboard accounts:
• Cash (Euros or British Pounds) • Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express) • Debit Card (MasterCard and Visa) Please note that personal cheques and Travellers’ Cheques are not accepted.
As a result of Russian ownership, please note that credit/debit card payments will be charged in Russian Rubles. The debited amount shown on your bank/building society statement in British Pounds will be based on the relevant exchange rates on the day of the transaction. You may need to make your bank/building society aware that your card payment will be authorised ‘in Russia’ so that payment is not declined, and also to ascertain if any additional charges will be applied. Unfortunately, the ship is not able to offer a money-changing service onboard, as this would be contravening official regulations.
PASSPORTS
Your passport will be kept securely at reception throughout the duration of the cruise, and you will be issued with a ship card which we advise you carry with you at all times when ashore.
POST
Please note that although the reception staff may be happy to post letters and postcards on your behalf, they may not be able to do so straightaway or indeed at the port of call at which you make such a request. Please also note that some postal services are unreliable and that any letters or postcards that you ask to be sent on your behalf may be delayed or even lost en route. Under no circumstances can the ship be held liable for such occurrences.
PUBLIC AREAS
• Andrea Lounge (on Deck 5). The bar is open from 09.00 until 24.00. • Harald Jarl Lounge (on Deck 5). There is a small library here with books and games. There is also a computer for public use (charges apply for internet access) • Lido area (on Deck 5) with a Jacuzzi and fitness room with two running machines • Observation Deck (access from Deck 5 lido area) • Deck 5 and Deck 6 outside seating areas
RECEPTION
Reception is open 0700 to 2200. Overnight the reception’s phone will be switched over to the bridge.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Your comments are important to us therefore before your cruise ends, you will receive a questionnaire. We are always looking for ways to improve your holiday and in order to do this we need some feedback from our guests. Kindly hand your completed questionnaire in to your Cruise Director.
QUIETVOX
During our excursions, we use a whisper system called Quietvox. In your cabin there is a charging station with two devices and two sets of earpieces. Please keep your devices in the charging station (and the station plugged in) whilst you are not on an excursion. Bring the sets with you on excursions as your guides with speak to you through their microphone. The use of the equipment will be explained before the first excursion starts.
SAFE
Although there is a safe in your cabin, we recommend that you leave all extra valuables at home, and bring with you only what you consider necessary. Neither the ship, nor Noble Caledonia, are responsible for any valuables left in the cabins. Beware of petty crime and pickpockets whilst ashore. A money belt worn underneath clothing is useful. Do not take all your money with you when out sightseeing. We advise utmost caution at popular tourist spots. Please do not leave any luggage unattended at any time.
SAFETY AND LIFEBOAT DRILL
The safety briefing will take place prior to sailing. All guests must attend this compulsory and important exercise. Please listen for the announcements. During the drill you will be instructed on how to wear and operate your life jacket.
SEA SICKNESS
As on any seagoing vessel, some marked motion may be anticipated in certain areas, dependent upon weather, season, etc. It is recommended that you bring anti-motion sickness medication just in case, even if you have never experienced motion sickness in the past. Please consult your Doctor/General Practitioner (GP) or local pharmacist regarding which medication is appropriate and its side effects. To avert motion sickness, avoid alcohol, tobacco, excess liquids and confined spaces. Most people feel better sitting on deck looking at the horizon or lying down with their eyes shut. Oddly, you will feel better with some food, such as crackers or dry toast in your stomach. Many people eat to avoid feeling sick. Remember, once you start to experience motion sickness, medications are of little help. SHOP The shop sells branded MS Serenissima merchandise.
SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted in the cabins or public areas. Smoking will only be permitted outside in the designated areas.
SNORKELLING
Snorkelling equipment is kept onboard. Please note that there is no snorkelling from Zodiacs. All snorkelling stops will operate from a beach.
TELEVISION
The ship is equipped with a satellite TV system which receives 15 channels. TV reception depends on the satellite dish and on occasion it may not be possible to receive a signal. There is one central video channel on which it is possible to listen to the lectures delivered in the Andrea Lounge. There is also a channel for the ship’s camera located in front of the ship.
TOILETS
The ship is fitted with a sensitive vacuum system. Please do not put anything into the toilet except toilet paper.
TOWELS
Towels will be changed once in the middle of your cruise. Should you need new towels earlier, please let the housekeeper know. Please do not use the bathroom towels on the beach. A separate towel for swimming will be provided.
WATER
We recommend that you do not drink the tap water in your cabin. The tap water in your cabin is not potable. Complimentary bottles of mineral water will be placed in your cabin daily and near reception before an excursion.
ZODIACS
Some destinations may require the use of Zodiacs to go ashore. These are usually on expedition cruises though may sometimes be used on destination cruises.
Please Note:
The above information is accurate and correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publishing. Noble Caledonia accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions and none of the facilities or features of the vessel described herein which are not specifically described in our advertisements and on your holiday invoice as being included in your holiday price will be deemed to be included in your holiday package. If you would like further information about the vessel or about any of your holiday arrangements, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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Videos
Videos
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Deck plans
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Deckplan
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Deckplan
Video Library
Our View
“There are many ships sailing in the Caribbean ranging in size from small yachts to huge superliners. Our itinerary aims to take us to the smaller islands and away from the hordes of people disembarking the large ships. When we land ashore we are absorbed by our destination rather than taking it over and it is only on such a small self-contained ship as the MS Serenissima that we are able land on islands such as St Eustatius or Les Saintes or use the anchorages in St Lucia and Tobago.”
Travelling with You
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Captain Peter Hore RN rtd
Peter Hore served in Royal Navy 1962-2001, spent ten years in the film and television industry and is now a full-time journalist and author. When not on the Camino in Spain, he lives in West Sussex.
Peter won the Harwood prize for modern languages at Dartmouth in 1965, and a gold medal in the Tall Ships race to Oslo in 1980. Highlights of his naval career include service on the staff of a seagoing admiral, and service in HM Ships Arethusa, Jupiter and Galatea; also exchange service in the USN and duty in NATO’s Standing Naval Force Atlantic. He was Joint Logistics Commander on Ascension Island during the 1982 Falklands War, spent two years in Hong Kong, and was Head of Defence Studies during the British government’s Strategic Defence Review (1997-2000).
In 2000-2009 he was CEO of the Cinema and TV Benevolent Fund, and host of the annual Royal Film Performance.
He has written numerous reviews, articles and a dozen books including the award-winning Sydney, Cipher and Search (2009), an account of his ten-year search - through archives and interviews with survivors, and the breaking of a German wartime code - for the fate of HMAS Sydney who was lost in 1941.
Peter is an obituarist for the Daily Telegraph, a member of the Royal Swedish Society of Nautical Sciences, a fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a fellow of the Society for Nautical Research.
Peter is the author of HMS Pickle, the Swiftest Ship at the Battle of Trafalgar, and editor of Nelson’s Band of Brothers and the annual Trafalgar Chronicle which is the leading source of knowledge about the sailing navies in the age of Nelson.
Captain Peter Hore RN rtd will be on the following tour dates: 6 to 21 March 2019
Charitable Trust Project
It is our vision to use the Noble Caledonia framework to improve economic, social and environmental conditions in the areas we work and visit. To this end, in 2013 we established the Noble Caledonia Charitable Trust (NCCT): Registered Charity No. 1153281.
Noble Caledonia Ltd cover the costs of administering the NCCT so that 100% of your donation will go directly to the beneficiaries. Money is raised from a percentage of Noble Caledonia’s profits and through fundraising by staff and donations from our travellers and business partners.
Dominica Relief Project - Portsmouth Library
Hurricane Maria hit the Caribbean in September 2017 causing fatalities and extensive damage to homes, buildings and infrastructure. The clean-up operation took months and rebuilding is still in progress.
The Portsmouth Public Library on the island of Dominica lost over 3,000 books and equipment as well as a large part of the roof and sustained damage to windows and doors and all its furniture. This seriously impacted library service delivery in Portsmouth and surrounding communities.
The cost of repairing the roof, replacing equipment and restocking the library will come to over £50,000. So, we started by collecting books donated by friends, family and those of us working in the office, topped up with some supplies from Amazon. In total we had 30kgs of books which were kindly carried out by office and field staff travelling on Sea Cloud II cruises in early 2018.
In addition to the books, to assist with the building repairs and replacing the equipment the NCCT donated £10,000, in addition to which we have been receiving generous donations from our travellers which has brought our total contribution to over £16000.
In early 2019 Sea Cloud II and Serenissima will be calling into Dominica again so we are collecting books and donations to help finish the building work and re-equip and restock the library.
Building work is still ongoing but the new roof is looking very smart.
DONATING
If you would like to make a donation by cheque please make it payable to ‘NCCT’ and send it to NCCT, 2 Chester Close, London, SW1X 7BE. If you are eligible for gift aid you can increase your donation by 25% at no extra cost to you by using our Gift Aid Form. Or
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