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.
An expedition to the Shetland, Orkney & Hebridean Islands aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
The geography of Scotland lends itself perfectly to exploration by sea although few cruise ships journey along the rugged coastlines and visit once inhabited isles venturing far north to the Shetland Islands, Orkney Islands and the Hebrides. We are grateful to therefore be able to explore these wonderful places aboard the all-suite MS Hebridean Sky in the company of just 100 or so like-minded travelling companions. Our expedition through one of Europe’s last true remaining wilderness areas is timed for the northern summer when the sun barely shrinks below the horizon and the enchanted visitor will be moved and seduced by the majesty of the islands, lochs and seascapes.
This is not a ‘traditional’ cruise but a thought provoking, island hopping voyage of discovery for those who wish to see and learn more about the natural world and the culture of remote communities. Such a trip would be almost impossible to arrange independently but with the aid of our nimble Zodiac craft, and in the company of our naturalists and local guides, we will explore the most remote islands that surround the Scottish Coast. The opportunity to combine the small communities of Fair Isle, Fetlar and Unst with the uninhabited St Kilda into one itinerary is rare, and with visits to Iona and the magical gardens of Inverewe, such a journey allows us to understand the history, experience the culture and witness the wildlife and astonishing beauty of these islands on the edge.
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.
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.
Embark the MS Hebridean Sky this afternoon. Transfers will be provided from Aberdeen International Airport and Aberdeen Railway Station at a fixed time. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we set sail this evening.
Arrive in the Orkney Islands at the northernmost isle of North Ronaldsay. The birdlife here is prolific as the wetland habitats support the wildfowl and wader species whilst the rugged coastline provides nesting sites for seabird colonies. A series of walks will include the bird observatory and we also hope to view the seals hauled up on the beaches. Those wishing to explore further can visit the lighthouse with views over the nearby islands or the wool mill where yarn is produced from the island’s seaweed eating sheep. This afternoon we anchor off the remote island of Fair Isle. Located midway between the Shetland and Orkney Islands, the tiny population of sixty or so islanders always extend us a warm welcome. Enjoy a walk across the island searching out the puffin slopes, visit the community hall for a cup of tea or maybe purchase some of the famous knitwear.
Spend the day in the Shetland capital. On a morning walking tour we will explore this historic port, wandering its narrow stone lanes and will visit the excellent Shetland Museum, which contains artefacts from shipwrecks and the whaling era. The afternoon is free to explore further at your own pace, or maybe take the ferry to the nearby island of Bressay where you can visit the Heritage Centre or enjoy a walk along the coast. After dinner we will be entertained by local musicians before sailing later tonight.
Inhabited for over 5000 years, Fetlar 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 including the Fetlar Interpretative Centre and Museum where we will learn about the wildlife and archaeological history of the island. Continue this afternoon to Unst which 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 island’s 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.
This morning we will use our Zodiacs to explore the stunning cliff scenery, sea stacks, arches, blowholes and coastal caves of Papa Stour, which are home to Arctic skua and large numbers of Arctic terns. Our last call in the Shetlands will be at 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 early summer Foula’s wildflowers provide a glorious burst of colour. Translated as “Bird Island” from Old Norse, the island is designated as a Special Protection Area for Birds and is home to the world’s largest colony of Great skuas, known locally as bonxies, which compete fiercely with Arctic skuas for breeding territories. Kittiwakes and Arctic terns return annually to nest whilst the cliffs team with puffins, shags and fulmars.
After a relaxing morning at sea we arrive at one of Scotland’s premier gardens, Inverewe. This botanical garden in the northwest Highlands was first designed by plant hunter Osgood Mackenzie in the 19th century and presents an amazing collection of exotic trees and shrubs that are sheltered by well-positioned windbreaks of native pine. After a guided tour of the gardens, we will return to the MS Hebridean Sky and sail this evening.
From our anchorage at Armadale we will visit the Clan Donald Centre, a 20,000 acre Highland estate which includes the ruins of Armadale Castle and the Museum of the Isles which showcases 1500 years of history and culture of the area. We will also explore the restored historical gardens and the beautiful walking trails through the 40 acres of woodland which surround the castle and may see some of the resident wildlife including red deer. Over lunch we sail around the coast of the Isle of Skye and arrive in the early afternoon at lovely Loch Scavaig. Just beyond is the freshwater Loch Corruisk with its breathtakingly beautiful view over the Cuillins. This is great walking country, but for those who prefer a less energetic afternoon our Zodiacs will explore the coast looking out for seals.
Awake this morning at Staffa, the south side where the perpendicular rock face features an imposing series of black basalt columns, known as the Colonnade, which has been cut by the sea into cathedralesque caverns, most notably Fingal’s Cave. Weather permitting, we will use our Zodiacs to explore closer. We continue to Iona which has been occupied for thousands of years and has been a place of pilgrimage and Christian worship for several centuries. It was to this flat, Hebridean island that St Columba fled from Ireland in 563 and established a monastery. Here his followers were responsible for the conversion of much of pagan Scotland and Northern England. No less than 62 Scottish Kings are buried in the Abbey. Visit the Abbey or perhaps walk along the white sandy beaches or go in search of the corncrake amongst the irises.
Arrive over breakfast at 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 a few 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.
Returning to the Orkney Islands we head into the west of Mainland, Orkney’s largest island. We will pass through gentle rolling landscape and into the Neolithic Heartland of Orkney; an area designated as a World Heritage Site due to its wealth of pre-historic archaeology. We will see the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar which is a huge ceremonial circle of stones dating back almost 5000 years. We continue to the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae and see the remarkable dwellings revealed from beneath the sand dunes by storms only 150 years ago. Spend the final afternoon at sea as we return to Aberdeen.
Disembark this morning after breakfast. Transfers will be provided to Aberdeen Railway Station and Aberdeen International Airport at a fixed time.
4 to 14 July 2022 | ||
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Category | Price | |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | Fully Booked | |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | Fully Booked | |
Mawson Deck Premium Suite | Fully Booked | |
Mawson Deck Corner Suite | Fully Booked | |
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £7495 | |
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | Fully Booked | |
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | Fully Booked | |
Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | Fully Booked | |
Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | Fully Booked |
Tour Reference Code: SCHKS04072022
PRICE INCLUDES: 10 nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia expedition team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
During this expedition you will be visiting out of the way destinations and will be accompanied by an expedition team. Landings and excursions will be made by Zodiac landing craft. The use of Zodiacs will be key to the operation of the itinerary as shown. If you have any queries pertaining to the use of Zodiacs or the level of fitness required for this voyage, please do not hesitate to ask one of our experienced travel consultants.
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.
Based in the UK, Sue has travelled widely from the poles to the equator on all seven continents. Her main interest is in finding and watching the birds but she is interested in all aspects of the natural world. This interest started when studying geology back in the seventies and has grown ever since. This has taken her off the beaten track to some extraordinary places. She is an accredited bird ringer/bander and a marine researcher. She has spent 10 years working on passenger ships all over the world as a Guest Lecturer and Expedition Team member.
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Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000