Deckplan
Please note that all beds can be configured as twin or double with the exception of suites 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed.
A passage from Mumbai to Doha aboard the MS Hebridean Sky with Guest Speaker Stuart Laing
For those looking for something a little different, our voyage from Mumbai to Doha offers a wonderful opportunity to escape to warmer climes and explore in some depth a region which has fascinated travellers for centuries and some places that have thankfully been mostly neglected by the tourism world.
Our journey begins with an overnight stay in the vibrant city of Mumbai followed by time exploring some fascinating places in the state of Gujarat, places which are off the well-trodden tourist path and difficult to explore independently including Porbandar from where you can choose to visit the Gir National Park with its diverse wildlife and the former Portuguese island of Diu. Leaving India, we spend two relaxing days at sea as we head for the Arabian Gulf, our journey mirroring countless past voyages of Arab dhows that have sailed between all points of India and Arabia, trading spices, materials and all manner of luxurious and exotic goods.
Experiences during our voyage are many and varied and we will explore impressive forts, grand palaces, bustling bazaars, remote villages and desert landscapes combined with the modern metropolises of Dubai and Doha. All this will be achieved with great ease aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, an ideal vessel for serious exploration. With just over 100 or so like-minded travellers we are able to explore in a way that is impossible from aboard a large cruise vessel.
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our two flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky. Both vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them two of the finest small ships in the world.
Fly by scheduled flight.
Arrive and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is free to relax before we meet for dinner.
Mumbai is a cluster of seven islands which were first home to the ‘Koli’ fishermen who still occupy parts of the city shoreline today. First ceded to Portuguese, the British Government took possession of the islands in 1665 before leasing them to the English East India Company who founded the port and saw the city grow in size and importance. This morning we explore the city and see the prominent landmarks visiting the Gateway of India, Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi and Dhobi Ghat where we can observe the vast open air Indian laundry. After lunch we transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and sail this evening.
Arrive this morning in Gujarat and the former Portuguese island colony of Diu which was the first landing point of the Parsis who fled from Persia. The island was an important trading post from the 14th to 16th centuries when the Ottoman Turks controlled the shipping routes in the Arabian Sea and before being ceded to the Portuguese. Diu was a Portuguese colony from 1531 to 1961 and is now part of the Union Territories. The relaxed atmosphere and tranquil streets reflect its colonial history and contrasts with other Indian towns. Enjoy a morning exploring the impressive coastal Portuguese fort, the Baroque church of St Paul and the colourful morning market. After lunch on board maybe return out to one of the local beaches or wander the quiet streets of Diu old town. Alternatively, for those wishing to visit Gir National Park, an optional overnight excursion will depart from the vessel today.
Continuing our exploration of Gujarat we arrive in Porbandar which was a thriving port during the Mughal period before being taken by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Today it is better known as the birthplace of Mahatma Ghandi in 1869. On a morning tour we will discover Kirti Mandir, the family house where Ghandi was born and enjoy a tuk-tuk ride to visit the Hindu temple dedicated to Sudama, a friend of Lord Krishna. Alternatively, the keen birders can enjoy time at the Gosabara Wetlands Bird Sanctuary on the city’s outskirts which offers a breathtaking view of large flocks of flamingos, Dalmatian and demoiselle pelicans, cranes, pintails and various other duck varieties. Gosabara has recorded 225 different varieties of birds, a large number of them migrating during the winter months and attracted to the flooded marshlands in the region.
Spend a leisurely two days at sea.
The port of Sur has been on seafarers’ maps for centuries, as both an important port and historic shipbuilding centre. Dhows built here traded and plundered the East African coastline and islands of the Indian Ocean. Today, it is a quiet and picturesque town with a peaceful air. Our tour will take us to a dhow yard where vessels are still made without a plan or blueprint as well as the fish market and the impressive restored Sineslah Fort where you can enjoy views over the town and coastline. The afternoon is free to explore further at your own pace or join a 4x4 jeep tour to the Wahiba Sands desert where we can view the impressive sand dunes.
Muscat became the capital of Oman in 1793 and the focus of Oman’s great seafaring empire of the 18th and 19th centuries. The sea has always been at the centre of Muscat’s identity and the historic ports of Old Muscat and Mutrah constitute a major part of the city. A morning city tour of Muscat will include the imposing Grand Mosque and the fascinating Bait al Zubair Museum situated in a converted townhouse which exhibits Omani Heritage with photos and traditional handicrafts and furniture. We also pass the Sultan’s Palace ‘Al Alam’. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure, perhaps stroll along the corniche or visit the Mutrah Souk.
Today on a full day excursion we will drive inland through fascinating scenery to see one of the most impressive forts in Oman starting at the sultanate of Nizwa, Oman’s ancient capital where we find the 17th century fort which has a unique 40 metre tall round tower. We will continue to Jabrin Castle built in 1675 as a centre of learning for astrology, medicine and Islamic Law. After exploring one of the oldest souqs in the country we will take lunch in a nearby restaurant before we return to Muscat and sail this evening.
Spend the morning cruising to the isolated village of Kumzar located in the far north of Oman and only accessible by boat. This region of Oman is so isolated that the inhabitants speak their own language, ‘Kumzari’ which has influences of Arabic, Farsi, English, Hindi and Portuguese. Take the chance to swim from the beach or take a walk in the village and meet the locals. Sail over dinner to Khasab where we moor overnight.
From our berth in Khasab, we discover the beautiful Musandam Peninsula, often referred to as the ‘Norway of Arabia’. This is without doubt the most dramatic of all mountainous locations in the Gulf and a difficult region to visit other than by sea. Here, Bedouin boatmen will take us upon their dhow to explore the spectacular arid, fjord-like landscapes. We hope to see cormorants and terns whilst if we are lucky dolphins may accompany us on the journey. We will visit Telegraph Island, where the British laid the first cable in the region in 1864 before anchoring off Seebi Island.
Arriving into the ultramodern city of Dubai we will visit the historical districts spending time in the Al Fahidi Historical neighbourhood where we walk the labyrinthine lanes lined with century old buildings built by textile and pearl merchants. Today the area is a haven for artists with small galleries and shops. We will then take a local abra water taxi across the creek to Beira where we will explore the lanes of the spice and gold souqs. The afternoon is free to explore further.
Arriving into Abu Dhabi we have a choice of excursions today. A morning city tour will drive along the waterfront promenade before we arrive at the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Mosque, one the largest in the world, with capacity to accommodate an astonishing 30,000 worshippers. Afterwards continue to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and walk through twelve galleries curated masterfully in partnership with the Louvre in Paris. Returning to the ship for lunch, the afternoon will be at leisure to explore further independently. Alternatively take a full day excursion to the oasis city of Al Ain, the birthplace of Sheikh Zayed with its markets, forts, museums and a famous date palm oasis. We will see the Al Ain Palace Museum which was Sheikh Zayed’s residence from 1937 to 1966, explore the courtyards and see the rooms where he received guests. Also discover the archaeological park, the ancient irrigation systems and walk in the water green oasis. We end at the chaotic camel market, an immersion into traditional Arabic culture.
Arriving over breakfast we discover Doha, the capital of Qatar. After driving along the corniche, we visit the National Museum of Qatar, designed in the shape of a desert rose and dedicated to bringing alive the story of Qatar and its people. At the heart of the museum lies the Sheikh Abdulla Bin Jassem Palace. We will continue to the charming fishing village of Al Wakrah and the atmospheric Souq Wakrah where the traditional architecture, old clay structures, stables and mosque all tell a unique story about Qatar’s history and here we will enjoy some traditional Arabic sweets and freshly brewed tea at a seafront café. The afternoon and evening is at leisure.
Disembark and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. Arrive this afternoon.
Ship to Shore: Please note that we will be at anchor for three days of this itinerary (Diu, Sur and Kumzar) when we will utilise the vessel’s Zodiacs to tender ashore.
Optional Overnight stay at Gir National Park, Gujarat: During our time in Gujarat there will be an option for an overnight visit to Gir National Park. Created as a wildlife sanctuary in 1965 to conserve the Asiatic lions, this is the only place in the world outside Africa to see lions in their natural habitat. The park is also home to sambar deer, jackal, hyenas and crocodile as well as 425 species of bird. We will drive from Diu (on Day 4 of the itinerary) to the park (two hour drive) for an afternoon safari before overnighting at a lodge. On Day 5, a morning safari will be followed by a transfer (3.5 hour drive) to re-embark the MS Hebridean Sky in Porbandar.
Based on double occupancy
Twin: £795 Single: £995
NB. Spaces for the excursion to the Gir National Park are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. If you would like to join the excursion please advise at the time of booking.
1 to 16 March 2025 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £9995 | £9495 |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £10395 | £9895 |
Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £10595 | £10095 |
Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £10995 | £10495 |
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £12295 | £11795 |
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £12795 | £12295 |
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £13795 | £13295 |
Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £9995 | £9495 |
Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £10395 | £9895 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHKS010325
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Overnight hotel accommodation in Mumbai • Dinner in Mumbai • 13 nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, Indian visa, optional excursion to Gir National Park.
Ship to Shore: Please note that we will be at anchor for three days of this itinerary (Diu, Sur and Kumzar) when we will utilise the vessel’s Zodiacs to tender ashore.
Optional Overnight stay at Gir National Park, Gujarat: During our time in Gujarat there will be an option for an overnight visit to Gir National Park. Created as a wildlife sanctuary in 1965 to conserve the Asiatic lions, this is the only place in the world outside Africa to see lions in their natural habitat. The park is also home to sambar deer, jackal, hyenas and crocodile as well as 425 species of bird. We will drive from Diu (on Day 4 of the itinerary) to the park (two hour drive) for an afternoon safari before overnighting at a lodge. On Day 5, a morning safari will be followed by a transfer (3.5 hour drive) to re-embark the MS Hebridean Sky in Porbandar.
Based on double occupancy
Twin: £795 Single: £995
NB. Spaces for the excursion to the Gir National Park are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. If you would like to join the excursion please advise at the time of booking.
Please note that all beds can be configured as twin or double with the exception of suites 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed.
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our two flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky. Both vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them two of the finest small ships in the world.
Stuart Laing was Master of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge from 2008 to 2018, responsible for the College's leadership and its strategic direction, after a first career in the British Foreign Service. As well as service in Brussels and Prague, he specialised in Arab and Middle Eastern affairs, serving in Saudi Arabia and in Cairo, and then as High Commissioner in Brunei, Ambassador in Muscat, and then in Kuwait.
He is co-author of a book on Omani-British history, Unshook Till the End of Time, took an MPhil at Cambridge in 2012 on the abolition of slave trading in the Indian Ocean, and has published a biography of Tippu Tip, the Arab ivory trader of the late 19th century.
He now researches, writes and lectures on Arab, Mediterranean, Iberian and African history. His other interests include playing music (mostly keyboard - piano and organ), cycling and hill-walking.
If you would like to spend some time in India before embarking the MS Hebridean Sky, we are offering a five night escorted extension which will include the Taj Mahal and the ‘pink city’ of Jaipur.
Day 1 London to Delhi, India.
Fly by scheduled flight.
Day 2 Delhi.
Arrive today and transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax before we meet for dinner in the hotel. (D)
Day 3 Delhi to Agra.
Spend the morning driving to Agra (approximately 4 hours). Agra’s history dates back to the Mughals who proclaimed it their capital in 1565. Today the city is a kaleidoscope of India with various communities living in harmony. After lunch we visit Agra Fort, built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565 before continuing to the city including the bazaars. We stay overnight in Agra and will have dinner in the hotel this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Agra.
After breakfast we see the legendary beauty and the white marble domes of the elegant Taj Mahal which was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an exquisite mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. After our visit we will have lunch and a free afternoon to relax in the hotel or partake in some independent sightseeing. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Agra to Jaipur.
This morning we drive to Jaipur (4.5 hours) our base for the next two nights. Almost the entire city was given a coat of pink paint in 1876 to coincide with the visit of the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII) thus giving it the name ‘The Pink City’. This afternoon we will visit the Birla Temple and Albert Hall before we return to the hotel for dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Jaipur.
Located near the deserts of Rajasthan, the movement and collection of water plays an important role for the city. This morning our guide will show us the ancient channels, Roman aqueducts and reservoirs and explain about their history and creation. After lunch we will visit the Observatory and the City Palace which maintains the Maharaja’s private collection of textiles and arms. Return to the hotel for free time before dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Jaipur to Mumbai.
After breakfast in the hotel we transfer to airport for our flight to Mumbai and follow the main itinerary from day 2. (B)
24 February to 2 March 2025 | |
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Category | Price |
Twin | £2895 |
Single | £3495 |
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel from Jaipur to Mumbai, two nights hotel accommodation in Jaipur and Agra, overnight hotel accommodation in Delhi, meals as described (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner), Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, tours as described, gratuities, transfers, airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
A voyage from Mauritius exploring Madagascar, the Seychelles & Tanzania aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
A cruise along the Arabian Peninsula aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000