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, Faroe, Hebridean & Orkney Islands aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
The islands off Scotland’s western and northern coast are simply perfect for expedition cruising and this unique voyage ventures far north to the Shetland, Faroe and Orkney Islands as well as the magical Hebridean islands. During our unique twelve night voyage we will visit both inhabited and uninhabited islands, explore deserted villages and places of great natural beauty rich in birdlife, wildlife and mystical history, many with a long history dating back to the Iron Age. One of Europe’s true last remaining wilderness areas, the islands afford the traveller a marvellous journey through stunning scenery accompanied by breathtaking sunsets. The sheer diversity of the landscapes and lifestyles will amaze you, as will the spirit and warmth of the small communities we will encounter. With our fleet of Zodiacs we are able to visit some of the most remote islands that surround the Scottish Coast including Fair Isle, Canna, St Kilda, Unst and Fetlar and we also have three days to experience the dramatic landscapes and sparsely populated villages of the Faroe Islands including the rarely visited village of Elduvik which offers the opportunity to experience life in a remote and traditional Faroese village.
Such a journey can of course only be undertaken by a special vessel with the self-sufficient qualities of the MS Hebridean Sky and with our Zodiacs we will be able to land on remote beaches and cruise close to shorelines and cliffs crowded with birdlife. Enabling us to land in remote places, the Zodiacs make the otherwise inaccessible readily available. Although we will set sail with a schedule, this will not be set in stone as these are perfect waters for expedition cruising and our Captain and expedition team will keep a flexible approach allowing for the opportunity to fully experience the unexpected whether it be a sighting of dolphins, a whale or any unusual event. Exploring in small groups and in the company of our naturalists and local guides, we will witness vibrant colours, wonderful wildlife and learn of the history and ancient culture of unique island life.
“Join us on an adventure as we explore the remote and inaccessible islands between the Hebrides and the Faroe Islands. Most cruises to this region concentrate on the larger islands and ports whereas the flexibility of the MS Hebridean Sky and the ability to use Zodiac landing craft mean we can visit the more remote places of interest. We will explore islands of historical significance such as St Kilda, which once supported a vibrant community but is now uninhabited; witness the wonderful birdlife in the Shiant Islands and at the gannetries of Stac Lee and Berneray; as well as discover the archaeological sites such as Jarlshof on the Shetland Islands. We also spend three days in the Faroe Islands allowing us time to witness the magnificent scenery and see the lives of those that call this remote archipelago home.”
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. Sail this evening.
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. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon we hope to sail around Noss Head. Here the cliffs will be full of nesting gannets, guillemots and fulmars whilst we may also see skuas in the skies above.
From the Shetland capital, we will 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 a remarkable 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. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore this historic port. Tonight we will be entertained by local musicians before sailing late in the evening.
Spend the morning in 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 including the Fetlar Interpretative Centre and Museum where we will learn about the wildlife and archaeological history of the island. During lunch we sail to Unst, Britain’s most northerly inhabited island. At the Heritage Centre we will learn about the islander’s 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, home to thousands of gannets and puffins as well as rare Arctic alpine plants.
After a morning at sea we arrive in the Faroese Island of Esturoy 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, the Church of Glyvrar and the boathouse. There will also be the opportunity 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.
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 call in the Faroes will be at Suduroy, the southernmost island of the group. From the port of Vagur we have a choice of activities. Choose to join an island tour passing the beautiful scenery as we drive between the villages seeing the stunning geology, fjords, tunnels and architecture of the island as well as the southernmost point and the Akraberg lighthouse. In Porkeri we will take the ridge-top road which winds up the mountainside for wonderful views towards the steep cliffs on the west coast, the Beinisvoro promontory to the north and the luscious grass slopes to the east. To locals, this delivers the essence of the Faroe Islands with mountains and fjords, villages and valleys, birds, sheep and nature. Alternatively, those feeling active may wish to join a hike to Hvaanhagi, a beautiful, uninhabited place north of Tvoroyri on the east coast of Suduroy. The view is fantastic towards the three islands of Litla Dimun, Stora Dimun and Skuvoy. There are sheep and birds, a valley with a lake and beautiful high mountains. Spend the afternoon at sea as we return to Scotland.
On leaving the island capital of Stornoway, we will head across the island of Lewis to the beautiful west coast. Described as Scotland’s Stonehenge, the Callanish Standing Stones date from around 3000 BC. There are a total of 32 stones in a circular and avenue design. The stones stand like a petrified forest on the flat top of a peninsula which reaches out into East Loch Roag. We will also visit the Dun Carloway Pictish Broch, probably built sometime in the last century BC, it would have served as an occasionally defensible residence for an extended family complete with accommodation for animals at ground floor level. Our next stop is the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, a reconstructed settlement of traditional black houses which were made using dry stone masonry and have thatched roofs, distinctively weighted down with rocks. Visit the small museum, enjoy a display of a typical crofting activity such as weaving and take in the views of this dramatic site on the wild Atlantic coast. This afternoon we will board the Zodiacs for a cruise around the spectacular basalt cliffs of the Shiant Islands, a group of little islands located a few miles off the shores of Lewis. This is an excellent place to spot puffins, razorbills, guillemots, seals and hopefully white-tailed eagles.
Strategically placed between the mountains of Rum and the Outer Hebrides, the island of Canna and its adjoining neighbour Sanday have an amazingly rich archaeological landscape with remains dating to all periods of settled occupation in Scotland. Canna is run as a single farm and bird sanctuary by the National Trust for Scotland. The fertile soil and its diversity of habitats mean that the island has an incredibly rich plant life with 248 native flowering plants recorded. We will see Canna House and wander across grassy basalt plateaus to the 600 foot cliffs on the north shore. This afternoon we arrive 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.
This morning we arrive 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. Later, cruise past two of the largest gannetries in the world at Stac Lee and Berneray. These impressive stacs rise 170 metres from the sea and are home to up to 60,000 breeding pairs of northern gannets.
After a morning cruising to the Orkney Islands, we arrive this afternoon 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. If weather conditions permit, 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 morning we arrive at the Orkney capital of Kirkwall from where we will head into the west of Mainland, Orkney’s largest island. We will pass through a 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; 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. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace, perhaps visit St Magnus Church which dates back over 900 years.
Disembark this morning. Transfers will be provided to Aberdeen International Airport and Aberdeen Railway Station at a fixed time.
29 June to 11 July 2026 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £7295 | £6995 |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £7495 | £7195 |
Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £7795 | £7495 |
Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £8295 | £7995 |
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £8795 | £8495 |
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £9295 | £8995 |
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £9995 | £9695 |
Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £8995 | £8695 |
Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £9295 | £8995 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHKS290626
PRICE INCLUDES: 12 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.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with 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.
“Join us on an adventure as we explore the remote and inaccessible islands between the Hebrides and the Faroe Islands. Most cruises to this region concentrate on the larger islands and ports whereas the flexibility of the MS Hebridean Sky and the ability to use Zodiac landing craft mean we can visit the more remote places of interest. We will explore islands of historical significance such as St Kilda, which once supported a vibrant community but is now uninhabited; witness the wonderful birdlife in the Shiant Islands and at the gannetries of Stac Lee and Berneray; as well as discover the archaeological sites such as Jarlshof on the Shetland Islands. We also spend three days in the Faroe Islands allowing us time to witness the magnificent scenery and see the lives of those that call this remote archipelago home.”
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000