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 voyage from Reykjavik to Aberdeen aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Join us aboard the MS Hebridean Sky for an expedition which combines an in-depth exploration of Iceland with time spent exploring the remote and little visited Faroe Islands. Iceland, Europe’s least populated country offers the visitor a truly unparalleled experience of elemental forces at work and during our exploration of Iceland we will witness the immense scale of the landscape dominated by towering snow-capped mountains, thundering waterfalls and spontaneous erupting geysers as we learn of the centuries old legacies of a Viking and Norse heritage. We will visit some of its most dramatic areas and, whilst we sail its waters, will look out for humpback whales, orcas, white-beaked dolphins and observe the colonies of seabirds.
Leaving Iceland we call into the Faroe Islands, once a stopping point for Viking explorers, this mysterious collection of 18 islands set in the North Atlantic, halfway between Norway and Iceland, is a paradise for walkers and bird watchers. The intriguing history of the islands can be traced back to the Irish monks who settled here in the 6th century and the 9th century seafaring explorers.
The MS Hebridean Sky is perfect for our voyage, with her expert team and fleet of Zodiacs we will be able to land on remote islands and cruise close to shorelines and cliffs crowded with birdlife. With just over 100 travelling companions, the atmosphere on board is warm and friendly and ashore with our local experts we will divide into small groups thereby enjoying a more comprehensive and peaceful experience.
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 this afternoon and transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky. Sail this evening.
During breakfast we arrive at Stykkisholmur located in Breidafjordur Bay and surrounded by an archipelago of islands. The town is famed for its beautiful and well preserved old houses and is also the gateway to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula which is dominated by the Snæfellsjokull volcano, regarded as one of the symbols of Iceland and known as the setting for Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Centre of the Earth”. A morning tour will include a drive through the lava landscape to the glacier visiting pretty fishing ports and beaches along the way. Spend the afternoon at leisure in the town.
This morning we enter the Western Fjords, an isolated but spectacular area of Iceland. We will explore Isafjardardjup with the MS Hebridean Sky and depending on local weather conditions, we hope to land on Vigur, a serene little island with only five residents but home to many more puffins, eider ducks, black guillemots and Arctic terns. We will also visit Iceland’s only extant windmill dating from the 19th century. Over lunch we sail the short distance to Isafjordur from where we will drive to the thunderous Dynjandi, the highest waterfall in the West Fjords falling 100 metres and 30 metres wide.
Spend the morning on Grimsey Island. The Arctic Circle bisects this island which is known for its tiny community, basalt cliffs and large variety of birdlife. On arrival join our expedition team members for a nature walk on the island. Over lunch we sail to Siglufjordur, a picturesque town that enjoys an idyllic setting in a small fjord backed by mountains. Here in the early 1900s, a booming economy due to the herring industry resulted in a prosperous town with some marvellous Icelandic architecture. Stroll through the town and visit the Herring Era Museum. We sail late tonight for anyone wishing to take an after dinner stroll.
We will use our Zodiacs to land on Hrisey Island this morning where you can join nature walks. The island is known for its rich and diverse bird life and approximately 40 species of birds nest on the island. In the early afternoon we continue our journey down Eyafjordur, on the lookout for whales, during our approach to Akureyri. Akureyri is a delightful town on the north coast of Iceland and not what you would expect to find in such a remote location. In summer months the gardens and window boxes are ablaze with colour. Next we visit the spectacular Godafoss Waterfall where water from the Skjalfandafljot river falls from a height of 12 metres over a width of 30 metres. From Godafoss we return to the charming town of Akureyri and visit the botanical garden which was founded in 1912 and grows examples of every species indigenous to Iceland as well as an extensive collection of high-latitude and high-altitude plants from around the world. Our tour ends at the Art Alley, where artisans keep their workshops and galleries. Sail late this evening.
From our berth in Husavik will visit the Lake Myvatn-Krafla region, a fine example of the volcanic world with lava fields, boiling and steaming mud pools and steam vents of sulphur and craters. The area illustrates the sheer magnitude of Iceland’s forces at work. The lake itself, with beautiful natural rock formations and hot springs, is also a unique ecosystem and the largest migratory bird sanctuary in Europe. For those interested there will be an opportunity to spend time in the natural baths before returning to the ship. The remainder of the day is free to explore the pretty town including time at the excellent whale museum, the exploration museum and quaint local church. Be on deck this evening as we sail. Our expedition team will keep an eye out for one of the many species of whales, the most popular being humpback, minke and blue whales, which are prevalent in this area.
We spend our last morning in Iceland in the picturesque natural harbour at Seydisfjordur which has preserved its fishing heritage from the early 19th century and its architectural style. On a walking tour we will pass brightly painted and well preserved wooden buildings and visit the shops famous for their Icelandic patterned woollens and crafts. Keen walkers might prefer to join a hike in the nearby Vestdalur Valley which is a protected nature reserve due to its remarkable flora. Walking along the river trail we will enjoy the landscape and waterfalls as well as viewing the abandoned town of Vestdalseyri. Sail in the midafternoon towards the Faroe Islands.
After a morning at sea we arrive in the Faroes at the port of Vestmanna, our base as we explore the northwest corner of Streymoy and the nearby cliffs. On a choice of afternoon activities you may wish to board local boats to explore these vertical cliffs that climb almost 1500 feet, sailing into grottos carved by the surf over the years and watching the thousands of seabirds including puffins, guillemots, fulmars and kittiwakes that nest here each summer. Alternatively drive to the beautiful village of Saksun, an isolated settlement situated beneath steep majestic mountains. We visit Duvugaroar, an old farmhouse which is now a museum, and a traditional Faroese wooden church in Kollafjord.
Today we enjoy the benefits of small ship cruising as we make our way to the north of the island of Eysturoy and the small traditional village of Elduvik. Located at the end of a lush valley and surrounded by mountains the village has a resident population of 12 who will welcome us ashore. Villagers will lead walks around the town including the colourful houses and the church and hear stories of the history, myths and culture of the region. Those feeling active may wish to join a strenuous yet scenic hike along the old village path through the Skoratind hills to neighbouring Oyndarfjordur, enjoying views of the nearby island of Kalsoy and the hills of Funningur.
Our final morning in the Faroes will be at Runavik which due to its sheltered location in the Skalafjordur has been used as a port since the Vikings. Local guides will show us around the small town including the Forni Historical Museum, Church of Glyvrar and the boathouse. There will be the option to join our naturalists for a walk around Lake Toftavatn seeing the rich birdlife, Faroese flora and the statue of the shepherd and his dog. Return to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon at sea as we make our way to the Scottish Islands.
Mid-morning we arrive into the Shetland capital and have some free time to explore the town or maybe the excellent museum. In the afternoon we visit the remarkable archaeological site of Jarlshof. The site was uncovered by a violent storm in the winter of 1896/7, revealing an extraordinary settlement site embracing at least 5000 years of human history. The site contains an extraordinary sequence of stone structures – late Neolithic houses, a Bronze-Age village, an Iron-Age broch and wheelhouses, several Norse longhouse, a Medieval farmstead and the 16th century laird’s house.
This morning 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. Sail over lunch and enjoy a final afternoon at sea.
Disembark this morning. Transfers will be provided to Aberdeen Railway Station and Aberdeen International Airport at a fixed time.
Ship to Shore: This voyage is a combination of both expedition style cruising and small ship destination cruising. Whilst we will be alongside most days, we will be at anchor and the vessel’s Zodiacs will be utilised to transport passengers ashore when visiting Grimsey, Hrisey Island, Vigur Island, Elduvik & Fair Isle. 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.
13 to 25 July 2025 | ||
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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 | Fully Booked | |
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: SCHKS130725
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel to Reykjavik • 12 nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer & 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: This voyage is a combination of both expedition style cruising and small ship destination cruising. Whilst we will be alongside most days, we will be at anchor and the vessel’s Zodiacs will be utilised to transport passengers ashore when visiting Grimsey, Hrisey Island, Vigur Island, Elduvik & Fair Isle. 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.
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Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000