Wild Scotland
An in-depth exploration of the remote islands of Scotland aboard Ocean Nova
- 18 May 2020
You can travel the world visiting all manner of exotic and wonderful places without realising that some of the finest scenery, fascinating history and most endearing people may be close to home. Nowhere is this truer than around Scotland’s magnificent coastline, an indented landscape of enormous natural splendour with offshore islands forming stepping stones into the Atlantic.
This unique voyage will appeal to those who prefer their islands deserted, but with abundant bird and wildlife. If you have always had a hankering to visit some of the remotest and most inaccessible islands in Scotland, this is the ideal opportunity. Join us aboard the Ocean Nova as we sail from the port of Oban to the islands on the edge, visiting both inhabited and uninhabited islands and places of great natural beauty, rich in wildlife and mystical history, many with a long history dating back to the Iron Age.
Few cruise ships offer the chance to explore in-depth the islands off the northern coast of Scotland. This unique expedition includes the remote, uninhabited outposts of St Kilda and North Rona with the inhabited island of Foula and the northernmost point of the United Kingdom at Unst. Such a trip would be almost impossible to arrange independently and requires a small ship with the expeditionary qualities of the Ocean Nova. With just over eighty travelling companions, the atmosphere is more akin to a private yacht trip and ashore with our local experts and expedition members we will divide into small groups thereby enjoying a more comprehensive and peaceful experience.
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.
Ocean Nova
Built in Denmark in 1992, the Ocean Nova was completely refurbished in 2006 and now operates as a small, comfortable expedition ship, accommodating up to 84 passengers.
Cabins are spread over two decks and include cabins for the single traveller, double and triple cabins, all with sea-view and private facilities. The comfortable dining room located on the Upper deck seats all passengers in a single sitting and offers delicious meals with a mixture of table service and buffet. The informal dining arrangement adds to the friendly atmosphere onboard and meals are a great chance to discuss all you have seen with your fellow travellers, and for the expedition team to share their knowledge.
Itinerary
Day 1 Oban, Scotland.
Embark the Ocean Nova in the afternoon. Transfers will be provided from Glasgow Central Railway Station and Glasgow International Airport at a fixed time. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 Mingulay, Berneray & Pabbay.
This promises to be a most memorable day as we circumnavigate the uninhabited islands at the very tip of South Uist. Making good use of our Zodiacs we will explore the islands and make beach landings. These islands are a nature reserve with important breeding populations of razorbills, guillemots, black guillemots, puffins, fulmars and shags. There are also five species of gull, all the seabirds being attracted by the cliffs and caves which offer safe nesting sites. The islands also have significant historical sites with there being a continuous population on Mingulay for at least two thousand years before evacuation began in 1907 and the island was completely abandoned in 1912. Ruins of the village remain close to the shore which we will explore on a guided walk.
Day 3 St Kilda.
Arrive at first light in St Kilda, a remarkable uninhabited archipelago some fifty miles beyond the Outer Hebrides. Dominated by the highest cliffs and sea stacks in Britain, Hirta, St Kilda’s main island was occupied on and off for at least two thousand years, with the last 36 Gaelic speaking inhabitants evacuated at their own request in 1930. Immediately after the evacuation, the island was bought by the Marquess of Bute to protect the island’s thousands of seabirds including puffin and fulmars, and in 1957 it was bequeathed to The National Trust for Scotland. St Kilda is one of only two dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites with dual status reflecting its natural and cultural significance. The local ranger will join us on board before our expedition staff lead a number of guided walks on the island. Later, cruise past two of the largest gannetries in the world at Stac Lee and Boreray. These impressive stacs rise 170 metres from the sea and are home to up to 60,000 breeding pairs of northern gannet. Tonight we will sail past the Flannan Isles where we hope to see the famous lighthouse.
Day 4 North Rona & Sula Sgeir.
Spend the day around North Rona, an isolated island some fifty miles north of Cape Wrath. The last islanders left North Rona in 1844 and today it is home to thirteen species of breeding seabirds including large colonies of great black-backed gulls, great skuas and puffins. There is also a large population of grey seals which we hope to observe on a Zodiac cruise. If weather permits we will also visit the gannet colony on Sula Sgeir, home to over 5,000 breeding pairs and renowned as the least visited national nature reserve in Britain.
Day 5 Foula & Papa Stour, Shetland Islands.
This morning we visit Foula, one of Britain’s most remote inhabited islands. Apart from a narrow coastal strip of more fertile croftland, Foula is an expanse of peat and moorland rising steeply to five dramatic peaks. In the long midsummer days, Foula’s wildflowers provide a glorious burst of colour. The world’s largest colony of great skuas compete fiercely with many parasitic jaegers for breeding territories. Over lunch we will sail the short distance to Papa Stour where we will use our Zodiacs to explore the stunning cliff scenery, sea stacks, arches, blowholes and coastal caves.
Day 6 Unst & Fetlar, Shetland Islands.
We continue our exploration of Shetland in the northern islands of Unst and Fetlar. Unst is Britain’s most northerly inhabited island and at the Heritage Centre we will learn about the islanders struggles over the centuries and the industries that have prospered, whilst the Unst Boat Haven is dedicated to the history of the islands distinctive wooden boats which descend from Viking craft. We also visit Saxa Vord with views over Hermaness National Nature Reserve and Muckle Flugga stacks and home to thousands of gannets and puffins as well as rare arctic-alpine plants. Over lunch we sail to Fetlar, inhabited for over 5000 years the island lays claim to being the first Norse landing site in the Shetlands. Known as the most fertile of the Shetland Islands the wildflowers bring colour to the landscape whilst the birdlife on the island is prolific. Our expedition team will lead walks ashore and at the Fetlar Interpretative Centre and Museum we will learn about the wildlife and archaeological history of the island.
Day 7 Lerwick.
Spend the day in the Shetland capital of Lerwick. This morning enjoy a visit to the remarkable archaeological site of Jarlshof which was uncovered by a violent storm in the winter of 1896, revealing an extraordinary settlement site embracing at least 5000 years of human history. The site contains a remarkable sequence of stone structures – late Neolithic houses, a Bronze- Age village, an Iron-Age broch and wheelhouses, several Norse longhouses, a Medieval farmstead, and the 16th century laird’s house. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a free afternoon to explore this historic port. Perhaps wander through its narrow stone lanes and maybe visit the excellent Shetland Museum, containing historical artefacts from shipwrecks and the whaling era. This evening we will be entertained by local musicians on board the ship as we moor overnight.
Day 8 Mousa & Fair Isle.
At dawn we sail the short distance to the island of Mousa where we will see the forty-foot defensive tower built by the Picts more than 2,000 years ago and the tallest, best preserved example of an Iron Age broch (tower) in Britain. Spend the morning walking around this fascinating site before we return to the ship and sail to Fair Isle, arriving in the early afternoon. Here, the tiny population of sixty or so islanders always extend us a warm welcome. This afternoon enjoy a walk across the island, or meet the local community and maybe purchase some of the famous knitwear. Return to the ship for dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 9 Papa Westray, Orkney Islands.
Spend the morning on the Orkney Island of Papa Westray. Here you have time to stretch your legs on a number of island walks or maybe meet up with the local residents at the nearby community centre. You can choose to visit the 3500 year-old Knap of Howar a Neolithic farm building that claims to be the oldest standing house in Europe and the 12th century St Boniface Kirk. In the north of the island is the North Hill reserve, an area of maritime heath and home to Arctic terns and skuas and also the extremely rare Scottish primrose. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at sea as we sail back to mainland Scotland.
Day 10 Aberdeen.
Disembark this morning. Transfers will be provided to Aberdeen Airport and Aberdeen Railway Station at a fixed time.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 18 to 27 May 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Category 1 Bunk Bedded cabin for twin use | £3695 | |
| Category 2 Standard Twin | £4095 | |
| Category 3 Superior Twin | £4395 | |
| Category 1 Bunk bedded cabin for sole use | £4695 | |
| Category 2 Standard twin sole use | £5095 | |
Tour Reference Code: SCON180520
PRICE INCLUDES: Nine nights aboard the Ocean Nova on a full board basis • Shore excursions • Expedition team • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Deckplan
Ocean Nova
Built in Denmark in 1992, the Ocean Nova was completely refurbished in 2006 and now operates as a small, comfortable expedition ship, accommodating up to 84 passengers.
Cabins are spread over two decks and include cabins for the single traveller, double and triple cabins, all with sea-view and private facilities. The comfortable dining room located on the Upper deck seats all passengers in a single sitting and offers delicious meals with a mixture of table service and buffet. The informal dining arrangement adds to the friendly atmosphere onboard and meals are a great chance to discuss all you have seen with your fellow travellers, and for the expedition team to share their knowledge.
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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 you have chosen the Ocean Nova for your upcoming voyage. The 84-passenger vessel provides stability and speed and yet is small enough to manoeuvre in remote areas, making her an ideal vessel for expedition cruising.
Completely refurbished in 2006, the atmosphere on board is welcoming and informal and the public areas are spacious and dedicated to discovery and relaxation. Relax with a book in the Panorama Lounge or perhaps join new found friends in the bar to discuss the day’s events and wildlife sightings.
The vessel is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac landing craft and the Captain, Officers, expedition team and crew offer a first-class service and have been selected for their professionalism and expertise. After a day of exploration ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable ship.
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 heated throughout. The Panorama Lounge and dining room are air conditioned and all cabins have outside air flow that can be individually controlled.
ALARM
An alarm will be sounded in the event of emergency. Please follow the instructions provided on board for what to do in the event of emergency.
ALL ABOARD
Your times for embarkation and disembarkation will be provided by your Expedition Leader.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
During your time on board, various announcements will be made by the ship’s crew and the Expedition Leader. Please listen out for these announcements as they will be of importance or interest.
BAR/BEVERAGES
A bar offering soft and alcoholic drinks is available in the Panorama Lounge. Individually purchased drinks consumed throughout your journey should be settled at the end of your voyage. Wine and beverage service is also available in the dining room.
BEAUTY SALON
There is no beauty salon available on board.
BRIDGE
Permission to visit the ship’s Bridge may be requested. Please note this is a working area and access may sometimes be restricted, for example, during manoeuvres or bad weather conditions.
CABINS
There are 39 passenger cabins on board, all outside facing and with en-suite bathroom facilities. All cabins have upper and lower beds, however, in twin cabins only the lower beds will be used. Each cabin features a window, fitted wardrobe with hangers, mirror, writing table and chair, hairdryer and telephone. All cabins are cleaned on a daily basis and towels are changed as required.
CURRENCY
The currency on board is USD. Your ship account will be payable at the end of your cruise by cash (in USD) or credit card (Visa, MasterCard and American Express). Please note that debit cards are not accepted.
DAILY PROGRAMME
Each evening the next day’s programme will be delivered to your cabin.
DRESS CODE
Since we are embarking on an expedition cruise, the dress code on board is informal. We recommend that you bring comfortable, casual clothes that can be layered according to the temperature. We recommend wearing sturdy shoes with rubber soles or other non-slip soles when moving around inside the ship. Leather soles are not recommended.
ELECTRICITY
The electrical supply aboard ship is 220 volts AC and outlets take Scandinavian two-prong plugs. We recommend you take an adaptor with you.
EMERGENCY AND SAFETY PROCEDURES
Full details of the ship’s emergency and safety procedures will be provided following your embarkation. There is a medical doctor and a first aid station on board.
EXPEDITION LEADER
A Noble Caledonia Expedition Leader will accompany you on your voyage, along with Naturalists and Zodiac Drivers.
FIRE SAFETY
On your cabin door is a deck plan displaying your closest (and all other) emergency exits. Emergency exits are marked in green and fire extinguishers fitted in all corridors.
FIRST AID
There is both a medical doctor and a first aid station on board.
FITNESS ROOM
An exercise area is available on the Bridge Deck and contains a variety of equipment. If you intend to use the gym please ensure you wear suitable clothing.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities have been included in your holiday price, however if you feel that certain individuals deserve special award, you are of course free to remunerate as you please.
GIFT SHOP
A small shop selling practical items is located on the ship’s Main Deck.
HOUSEKEEPING
Your cabin will be cleaned twice a day and you will be provided with a ‘turn down’ service at night.
LAUNDRY
Laundry service is available at additional charge (prices available in your cabin). Laundry will be collected in the morning and will be returned to you in approximately two days. Ironing facilities are also available for a fee, however please note there is no tumble drying or dry cleaning on board.
LIBRARY
A small selection of books are available for use on board.
LIFT
There is no lift on board the vessel.
LOST PROPERTY
Lost property can be handed in to the ship’s reception. Please ensure you have all of your belongings with you before you return home. Should you leave items on board the ship we are only able to return them to you at your own cost.
MEALS
The dining room located on the Upper Deck seats all passengers at a single sitting. The chef will serve three meals a day. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style and dinner will be a combination of self-service and served items. All tables seat at least 5 people. Dietary requests can be catered for (on request). Please provide any such requests in writing to Noble Caledonia at the time of your reservation and please reiterate these requests to the ship’s Hotel Manager upon your embarkation.
MEDICAL
There is a doctor and a first aid station on board. Passengers under regular treatment, or requiring special medications, should bring sufficient quantities to last the duration of the expedition.
MOSQUITOES
Please ensure you take the appropriate precautions to guard against mosquito bites.
OBSERVATION DECK
Available to passengers throughout the sailing. Please note the deck may have to be closed during periods of inclement weather.
OPERATIONAL CHANGES
Despite our meticulous planning efforts, there may be times when changes must be made to the daily programme due to circumstances beyond our control such as rough seas or inclement weather. The ship’s Captain and crew will do their utmost to find the best and safest solution. Any changes to the day’s schedule will be communicated as soon as possible.
PAYMENTS ON BOARD
The vessel operates a signed-chit system whereby no payment is immediately required (the vessel only requiring a signature for your purchase) and, only at the end of the cruise will you be presented with your final itemised bill to settle.
POST
The vessel’s crew will be happy to send any post you may have on your behalf (although please note that as they are unable to do so at every port of call, this could take longer than if you were to post yourself). Please note that neither the ship nor Noble Caledonia can be held responsible for items of post that are not successfully delivered on your behalf.
QUESTIONNAIRES
A questionnaire will be provided to all passengers towards the end of their sailing. We would be grateful for you to complete and return this.
RECEPTION
Reception is staffed during peak hours. You will always be able to contact a member of the crew 24 hours a day.
SAFE
A safe is available in the hotel manager’s office for valuables, but we recommend leaving valuables at home or keeping them on your person.
SAFETY
Please take careful note of all safety instructions provided to you by the Master and crew of the vessel. Full safety instructions and a safety video are available to you in your cabin.
SMOKING
Smoking within your cabin or any of the vessel’s public areas is strictly prohibited. Designated smoking areas are provided and can be advised by the ship’s reception upon embarkation.
TELEPHONE
The ship can be contacted by a satellite phone (tel: + 870773221777). Passengers will be able to receive and make satellite phone calls via the telephone on the Bridge and the charges will be added to their onboard account. All passengers can also be assigned an email account for receiving and sending emails. The cost of each received or sent email will automatically be added to your final bill settled at the end of the cruise. Since all communication by phone or email is through a satellite system, coverage and availability can vary throughout the cruise, depending on the signal.
VISITORS
Visitors are not permitted aboard the vessel.
WATER
The water on board is safe to drink. There are strategically placed water bottle filling stations where water is additionally filtered for taste and quality.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available throughout the vessel and all passengers can be assigned an email account for receiving and sending emails. The cost of each received or sent email will automatically be added to your final bill settled at the end of the cruise. Since all communication by phone or email is through a satellite system, coverage and availability can vary throughout the cruise, depending on the signal.
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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Deck plans
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Deckplan
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Deckplan
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