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 cruise along the Arabian Peninsula aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Come with us to a corner of the world that has fascinated travellers for centuries. Our cruise aboard the all-suite MS Hebridean Sky offers a comprehensive look at an area richly influenced by its ancient history and recent wealth. The diverse nature of the people, customs and the landscapes they inhabit make for an enthralling experience as we venture through the mosaic of lands bordered by vast deserts, through green wadis and pass in the shadow of spectacular mountains. The contrast between old and new is staggering, from the ancient villages and souks of the old towns to the magnificent cities of glass and steel, which include some of the world’s most impressive, modern buildings.
All this will be achieved with great ease aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, an ideal vessel for serious exploration. With just over 100 fellow like-minded travellers, we are able to discover the region in a way that is impossible from aboard a large cruise vessel. The shimmering waters of the Gulf should make for a comfortable journey with pleasant temperatures and the obvious bonus of having a ship for our base, rather than a sequence of hotels, leaves us free to relax and enjoy all the marvellous sights that surround us.
Experiences during our voyage are many and varied and joining you on board will be our Guest Speaker who will add much to your experience and knowledge of the region. For those looking for something a little different, this trip offers a wonderful opportunity to explore in some depth an area which in the main has been thankfully neglected by the world of mass tourism.
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 in Doha and transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner on board and moor overnight.
This morning 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. Following the museum tour, we head 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 where we can enjoy some traditional Arabic sweets and freshly brewed tea at a seafront café. Return to the MS Hebridean Sky for lunch and spend a relaxing afternoon at sea.
Arriving into Abu Dhabi we have a choice of excursions today. A morning city tour will drive along the ‘Corniche’ waterfront promenade before we arrive at the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Mosque, one the largest in the world with the 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. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a free afternoon to explore further. 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 in modern Dubai we visit the historical districts with time in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood where we will 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 selling everything from frankincense and chillies to all kinds of jewellery imaginable. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, the Jumeirah Mosque or one of the city’s excellent museums.
From our berth in Khasab, we visit 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, fjordlike landscapes. We hope to see cormorants and terns that inhabit the cliffs, 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.
This morning we will arrive off the isolated village of Kumzar, located in the far north of Oman and only accessible by boat. This remote 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 opportunity to swim from the beach or for a walk in the village to meet the locals. During lunch we will set sail for Muscat. Please note we will be at anchor today and will use the vessel’s Zodiacs for transportation ashore.
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” which is flanked by two 16th century Portuguese forts. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. Maybe stroll along the Corniche, visit the Muttrah Souk or relax on board.
From our berth in Muscat, 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. Here we find a 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. We will visit one of the oldest souqs in the country before we take lunch in a nearby restaurant. Return to Muscat and sail this evening.
The port of Sur has been on seafarers’ maps for centuries, as both an important port and a 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. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at sea. Please note we will be at anchor today and will use the vessel’s Zodiacs for transportation ashore.
Spend the day relaxing on board as we sail to Salalah. Maybe join the lecture programme or find a spot on deck to enjoy a book.
Benefitting from the Indian summer monsoon, Salalah, Oman’s second city in the Southern Omani region of Dhofar is a surprisingly lush corner of the Arabian Peninsula which has long been associated with frankincense. Ancient cities such as Samahran were trading throughout Arabia over 3,000 years ago from the ports of the region. Arrive during lunch and this afternoon drive out of Salalah towards the north and the isolated Nabi Ayoub, Prophet Job’s tomb, which is located high in the mountains offering wonderful views towards the plains below. Returning to the coast we will drive past Al Husn Palace and visit the Al Husn Souq where we can purchase frankincense crystals and typical Dhofari frankincense burners before we return to the MS Hebridean Sky.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London. Arrive this afternoon.
16 to 27 March 2025 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £8495 | £7995 |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £8795 | £8295 |
Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £9095 | £8595 |
Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £9495 | £8995 |
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £9995 | £9495 |
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £10495 | £9995 |
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £11495 | £10995 |
Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £8495 | £7995 |
Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £8795 | £8295 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHKS160325
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 11 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.
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.
Ernest Rea is a celebrated British broadcaster who specialises in the history of religions and the way that faith impacts on the contemporary world. His regular national radio programme, Beyond Belief, was awarded the prestigious Sony Gold Award for the Best Speech Programme on British Radio.
He worked for the BBC for 22 years in a variety of production and editorial roles. From 1989 to 2001 he was Head of Religious Broadcasting for the BBC responsible for all religious television and radio programmes nationally and locally. During this period, he spent much time in the United States, brokering co-production television deals with leading American broadcasters. He was closely involved in a variety of key national events, including the Funeral Service for Diana, Princess of Wales.
He is in wide demand as a speaker at international inter faith conferences, literary festivals and academic symposia. In 1997 he was personally awarded the Gold Medal of the International Council of Christians and Jews for his contribution to Inter Faith Understanding. He has First Class Honours Degrees in Theology and in History and Politics which helped to fuel his passion for the study of world religions and the way in which they impact on the ancient and modern worlds.
A voyage from Malta to the Canary Islands including the Lost Cities of North Africa aboard the MS Island Sky
A passage from Mumbai to Doha aboard the MS Hebridean Sky with Guest Speaker Stuart Laing
A voyage from Limassol to Istanbul with Guest Speaker Right Reverend Tim Stevens aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000