Spring in the Isles
A voyage to Lundy Island, the Isles of Scilly & the Channel Islands aboard the MS Serenissima
- 10 May 2020
Sometimes, a few days away in a totally different environment is just what the doctor ordered, particularly if it does not involve flights. Join the MS Serenissima in Plymouth and visit some of the most idyllic islands including Sark and Alderney, Tresco, St Agnes and St Martin’s, with their crystal-clear waters and fine white sandy beaches that would not disgrace a Caribbean island. We have also included a visit to Lundy Island where the puffins will be in abundance.
We will explore on foot amazing little-contained worlds as well as the stunning sub-tropical Abbey Gardens on Tresco. The MS Serenissima is the perfect small ship for such a venture. A maximum of just over 90 passengers allows us to explore places otherwise inaccessible to larger ships and, with our nimble Zodiac craft, we can land on out of the way coves and be footloose in a way that would be totally impractical for larger groups of passengers.
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
"The United Kingdom is surrounded by a number of island groups offering wonderful scenery, wildlife and small communities and our voyage will include time in two of these groups: the Isles of Scilly and the Channel Islands. Our small ship, the MS Serenissima, is able to anchor and use local boats or the ship’s Zodiacs to land at the small harbours which serve the islands and, with just 90 passengers we will not overrun the islands but instead will be absorbed into the towns and island life. Our time will be spent walking the nature trails, seeing the abundant birdlife and flowers and experiencing life in these remote communities.”
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 - Plymouth, England.
Embark the MS Serenissima this afternoon in Plymouth. Transfers will be provided from Plymouth Railway station at a fixed time. Enjoy the Welcome Dinner and drinks as we sail this evening.
Day 2 - Lundy Island.
We have scheduled a whole day on Lundy, a remote island in the Bristol Channel. Although small, just three miles long by half a mile wide, its isolation has made it a home for a range of wildlife whilst it is home to a clutch of listed buildings and monuments. The towering cliffs and rocky shoreline are a haven for migrating seabirds, whilst Sika deer, red deer and Soay sheep can also be seen as we walk along its traffic-free lanes and paths. Spend the day being as active as you wish, maybe explore the wide bays and coves by way of hanging valleys, see ancient burial chambers, climb the lighthouse, have a drink or lunch at the tavern or buy the island’s ‘puffin stamps’ at the shop.
Days 3 to 5 - Isles of Scilly.
We will spend three days exploring the Isles of Scilly. From our central anchorage, we will use the local tenders to visit a number of the islands in the group. We will visit traffic-free Tresco, walking its idyllic lanes from the beach to the famous subtropical Abbey Gardens. Defying the Atlantic weather, this miracle of a garden is home to more than 20,000 species of plants from over 80 countries. Enjoy time to wander at your own pace along the paths, maybe visit the Valhalla collection of ship figureheads from ships wrecked on the islands or relax in the café. On St Agnes we find the most southwesterly community in the UK. Surrounded by rocks and reefs this delightful tiny island offers marvellous coastal walks. The small island of Gugh lies across a narrow sandbar and here we find a single stone monolith called the ‘Old Man of Gugh’ which dates back to the Bronze Age. Maybe join a boat trip to the island of Annet, the second largest of the uninhabited islands and a bird sanctuary. We are not allowed to land here but will cruise the coastline alive with puffins, European storm petrels and shag. We will tender ashore to Bryher, the smallest of the inhabited Isles of Scilly. Take the chance to wander along the tracks that cross the island amongst hedgerows and fields bursting with wildflowers. The active may wish to climb Watch Hill, where in the past islanders would keep watch for ships in distress or alternatively take a stroll to one of the beautiful beaches. See the northernmost island of the group, St Martin’s, a small island community of just 120 residents. Enjoy time to explore independently, climb one of the viewpoints for vistas over the islands and the offshore seal colonies or maybe join one of our birders on a guided walk.
Days 6 to 8 - Guernsey, Herm, Alderney & Sark, Channel Islands.
Over the next three days we will visit the islands of the Baliwick of Guernsey. On Guernsey, the ‘Island of Flowers’ there will be the option of a walking tour of St Peter Port including a visit to Castle Cornet, a 12th century battlement which guards the entrance to St Peter Port harbour. Alternatively, enjoy a panoramic drive during which we will see the beautiful coastline and beaches and visit the Little Chapel, built in 1914 as a miniature version of the famous basilica at Lourdes and covered in fragments of shattered china, or join a cliff walk along the scenic coastline. We will sail the short distance to Herm, the smallest inhabited Channel Island and, at just one and a half miles long and half a mile wide, perfect for exploring on foot. Here, you will have free time to explore, perhaps take a stroll over to Shell or Belvoir Beach whilst our naturalists will be ashore on the lookout for wildflowers and birds. On Alderney, visit the island’s only town, St Anne, which has all the old-world charm of a Normandy village with tiny squares and pastel shaded cottages and shops. Maybe join a short walk to see the German fortifications or a longer walk with our naturalists heading to the cliffs to see the abundant birdlife. At Sark we will use our Zodiacs to land on this peaceful traffic-free island. Horse-drawn carriages take us along the narrow lanes alive with the songs of chaffinches, skylarks and mistle thrush as we see the narrow isthmus which joins Little Sark and Big Sark and the enchanting gardens at La Seigneurie. The more active may wish to hire a bicycle and explore independently.
Day 9 - Portsmouth.
Disembark
this morning. A transfer will be
provided to Portsmouth Harbour
Railway station at a fixed time.
SHIP TO SHORE
This cruise is not classified as an
expedition cruise; however Zodiac
landing craft may be used and
integral to the operation of the
voyage due to the small ports we
will be visiting where we may be at
anchor.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 10 to 18 May 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| 2 Standard Stateroom | £3395 | |
| 3 Classic Stateroom | £3595 | |
| 4 Superior Stateroom | £3995 | |
| 5 Deluxe Stateroom | £4195 | |
| 6 Junior Suite | £4595 | |
| 7 Owner’s Suite | £4995 | |
| 8 Serenissima Suite | £4995 | |
| 10 Standard Single | £4595 | |
Tour Reference Code: SCSE100520
Price Includes: Eight nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis • 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.
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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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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 she is is a great testament to her owners who invest considerable sums to keep her on top form. At the end of 2018 she underwent a refurbishment which included both of the lounges. MS Serenissima is a charming vessel and one of her best known and loved features is her unique style.
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 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 000+ 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,British Pounds or US Dollars) • 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 small 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 from 7.00 am to 10.00 pm. 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
There is snorkelling equipment available on board the vessel.
TELEVISION
The ship is equipped with a satellite TV system which receives 13 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 and another which displays the Daily Programme and activities.
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: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
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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
"The United Kingdom is surrounded by a number of island groups offering wonderful scenery, wildlife and small communities and our voyage will include time in two of these groups: the Isles of Scilly and the Channel Islands. Our small ship, the MS Serenissima, is able to anchor and use local boats or the ship’s Zodiacs to land at the small harbours which serve the islands and, with just 90 passengers we will not overrun the islands but instead will be absorbed into the towns and island life. Our time will be spent walking the nature trails, seeing the abundant birdlife and flowers and experiencing life in these remote communities.”
Tour Extensions
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For those who would like to spend some time in Dartmouth before embarking the MS Serenissima, we are offering the opportunity to join our two night extension staying at the Dart Marina Hotel & Spa. The hotel is in a wonderful setting by the river and offers exceptionally comfortable rooms. Situated a short walk from the town centre, you can take time to explore the historic centre or visit some of the nearby attractions including Agatha Christie’s former residence at Greenways, a boat trip on the River Dart, join the steam railway along the south Devon coast or visit the nearby naval college. In 2020 Dartmouth will be part of the Mayflower 400 celebrations which commemorate the Pilgrim voyage to the Americas which departed from Dartmouth in August 1620. We will also have some time in Plymouth, where the Mayflower visited before crossing the Atlantic, before embarking the MS Serenissima.
Picturesque Dartmouth harbour
Prices per person based on double occupancy
8 to 10 May 2020 Category Price Standard room with balcony & partial sea view £355 King room with French doors & sea view £385 King room with balcony & partial sea view £395 Standard room for sole use £575 Price Includes: Two nights accommodation at the Dart Marina Hotel & Spa on a bed and breakfast basis, transfers from Totnes railway station to the hotel and from the hotel to the MS Serenissima in Plymouth.
Not Included: Travel insurance. -
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000