Deckplan
Remote Atlantic Islands
A Unique Expedition through the South Atlantic Islands aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
- 11 March 2021
- 28 February 2022
- 27 February 2023
Join us on this epic expedition which will begin at the world’s southernmost city and end some 33 days later in Senegal. A voyage of many thousands of miles that will include some of the most remote and fascinating islands in the southern Atlantic. Our natural world encounters will be extraordinary whether your interest lies in birds, marine life or wildlife; as will the botany and cultural life of the islands.
Exploration, trade and colonial ambitions over many centuries have created unique island communities and lifestyles as islands became stepping stones across the South Atlantic Ocean. With just 100 or so fellow travellers you can enjoy the small ship experience and travel slowly with an expert expedition team who also relish the chance to undertake such a unique journey and share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you.
This island odyssey begins with two days in the Falkland Islands where we will discover both the natural and cultural heritage of the islands before continuing to the extraordinary island of South Georgia, one of the world’s natural wonders - ‘the Alps in mid-ocean’, offering remarkable concentrations of shoreline wildlife against a dramatic backdrop of glaciers and snow covered mountains. Here also is the last resting place of the great explorer Shackleton. Our onward passage will take us to what will perhaps be the highlight of the journey for many, the island of Tristan da Cunha, the world’s most remote island and home to a hardy population of around 250. Tristan was ignored by early explorers as a possible home due to its rugged landscape and harsh climate. It took an extraordinary breed of people, ready to live on the margins of life, to settle and eventually thrive in the world’s most isolated community. We will discover the main settlement on the island, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, and explore the island on a series of walks. We continue to St Helena which, like Tristan da Cunha has relatively little contact with the outside world. Colonised in the 17th century by the East India Company as an important staging post for their vessels, it is perhaps best known as Napoleon’s final home. We also visit Ascension, situated less than 500 miles from the Equator. We will land on the important military air base island and explore the lowland arid and lunar like landscape. By contrast the highest point, Green Mountain is covered in lush vegetation.
We end our remote islands adventure in the Bijagos Archipelago which comprises a group of 88 small islands, several of which are uninhabited, and most of which are very rarely visited by foreigners. Here we will enjoy Zodiac cruising and landings ashore for beachcombing or swimming.
For those who love the sea and long voyages, enjoy travelling off the beaten track and escaping from the world for a few weeks this is a marvellous trip and an adventure. Our days at sea will be punctuated by calls to little visited islands and we will see amazing seabird life, travel with whales, set foot in places where few have trodden before and enjoy good company, some fascinating onboard lectures, marvellous food and one of the most comfortable expedition vessels in the world.
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.
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Our View
“ This is a unique opportunity to visit some of the most remote inhabited islands in the world and meet the people that call these places home. This would be an impossible trip to create independently and we have the added benefit of our all-suite vessel to provide a base as we sail between these island groups. Our onboard lectures will further our understanding of these waters whilst our naturalists will ensure they keep an eye out for any wildlife we encounter on the way. Travelling from the tip of South America, across the equator to West Africa we will see a range of wildlife, different cultures and experience a world away from our own.”
Hebridean Sky
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world. Formerly known as the Sea Explorer, the vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016 before being re-launched as the MS Hebridean Sky.
Itinerary
Please note that flexibility is key to a successful expedition. This voyage will include several days at sea on ocean passages. Our landings will be weather dependent and we have factored in more than one day in each remote island group to optimise our chances of getting ashore. Our exact route and landings will depend on weather and sea conditions and wildlife encountered.
Day 1 London to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Fly by scheduled flight.
Day 2 Buenos Aires.
Arrive this morning and transfer to our centrally located hotel for an overnight stay. This afternoon you can choose to relax at the hotel or join an orientation tour of the city which will include the Plaza de Mayo, the Cathedral, the Cabildo (Old City Hall) and the most traditional neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, San Telmo which is characterised by its old colonial houses and cobblestoned streets. The tour will end in La Boca with time to look around the colourful zinc houses. Return to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at leisure.
Day 3 Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.
After breakfast in the hotel we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Ushuaia. On arrival in the world’s southernmost city we will transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and sail this evening.
Day 4 At Sea.
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea. Wildlife spotting opportunities as we sail across the ocean will include albatrosses, prions and petrels that frequently follow the ship. Our expedition team will be out on deck looking for whales and dolphins that may also be seen in the area. During our crossing to the Falkland Islands our onboard experts will begin their presentations with informative and entertaining talks on the wildlife, history and geology of the Falkland Islands and Southern Ocean.
Days 5 & 6 Falkland Islands.
The Falkland Islands are isolated, windswept, a haven for wildlife and our base for a couple of days of exploration. Our visit in March should coincide with the end of the breeding season for the many seabirds that make these islands their summer home including Gentoo, Magellanic and rockhopper penguins and blackbrowed albatross. We hope to see the flurry of activity associated with fledging seabirds and adults departing the islands before the autumn closes in. We will use our Zodiacs to find a suitable location to land for a closer look. We also plan to call at Port Stanley, the charming capital of the Falkland Islands, and discover some of the many historic siteson the island.
Days 7 & 8 At Sea.
As we cruise towards South Georgia the richness of these waters will be evident in the marine mammal life, especially the fur seals on fishing forays. We have a good chance of spotting humpback and fin whales whilst the birds circling our stern will be outstanding, especially the large albatrosses and numerous breeds of petrels.
Days 9 to 11 South Georgia.
We have three days of expedition cruising in and around South Georgia, a paradise island with snow-clad mountain peaks rising 9000 feet and with 165 glaciers tumbling down towards the sea. It is the large colonies of king penguins that make South Georgia’s animal kingdom one of our planet’s greatest wonders. The king penguins raise their young in the sub-Antarctic summer and our visit will be in the autumn when fluffy brown chicks crowd the shores like a huge kindergarten. We hope to catch the wandering albatross and migrating whales as the wildlife starts to prepare for the upcoming winter. Witness incredible scenes of this unique animal paradise on walks, hikes and Zodiac rides whilst our onboard team of biologists and geologists increase your knowledge of this unique natural experience. Meanwhile in Grytviken we will visit the old whaling station and of course pay our respect at the grave of ‘the boss’ – Ernest Shackleton.
Days 12 to 16 At Sea.
Our lecture programme will continue as will opportunities to watch for wildlife from the deck as we sail towards the most remote inhabited archipelago of islands in the world at Tristan Da Cunha.
Days 17 & 18 Tristan da Cunha.
First sighted in the early 16th century and settled in the early 1800s, Tristan da Cunha was frequented by naval ships, whalers and sealers throughout the 19th century. Today it is home to some 250 hardy souls who make their living from the sea. With our two days here there will be plenty of time to spend visiting the main settlement of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas where local guides will tell us about the island’s history and culture. Maybe take a hike to the volcano where we learn about the 1961 eruption and the impact on the local population, ending at the Thatched House Museum which preserves a home from that time. Other walks will include the cliffs and the potato patches where we can hear about the islander’s subsistence farming. We also hope to visit Nightingale Island, one of the most unique wildlife strongholds in the world and home to thousands of seabirds.
Days 19 to 22 At Sea.
Leaving Tristan da Cunha we continue our journey north towards St Helena. Our onboard naturalists will search for wildlife whilst we hope for clear skies to enjoy stargazing in the evenings.
Days 23 to 25 St Helena.
Discovered by the Portuguese in 1502 the island of St Helena has been both a Dutch and British possession. In the late 17th century the island became a strategically important port of call in the British Empire and was controlled by the East India Company for over 200 years. However, the island is perhaps best known as Napoleon’s last place of exile. He died here in 1821 after a six year exile and we will visit Longwood House, Napoleon’s residence. Explore the tiny capital of Jamestown and see the courthouse, government buildings and library. Those feeling active may want to climb the 699 steps of Jacob’s Ladder with views over Jamestown. During a range of walks for all levels, there will be time to explore the surrounding countryside, experience some amazing views and witness the prolific birdlife, including the endemic St Helena wirebird. Keen coffee lovers may want to try the rare ‘Green Tipped Bourbon Arabica’ grown on the island since 1732 whilst a visit to the most remote distillery in the world will provide the opportunity to taste the local gin, rum and ‘Tungi’ made from local prickly pears. Being here on Easter Sunday we also hope to offer the chance to join the church service (applicable to 2021 departure only).’
Days 26 & 27 At Sea.
Enjoy a relaxing couple of days aboard the MS Hebridean Sky as we continue our journey to the next group of remote islands of the Atlantic Ocean.
Days 28 & 29 Ascension Island.
Named after the day it was discovered and first inhabited in 1815 by a British Garrison, today Ascension Island plays an important role in supplying British forces and scientists based in the South Atlantic. It is also a huge marine reserve to protect the unique ecosystem which is home to huge marlin, green turtles and the endemic frigate bird. We hope to take the opportunity to climb Green Mountain, explore the small capital of Georgetown and if time and conditions allows circumnavigate Boatswain Bird Island.
Days 30 to 32 At Sea.
During our time at sea we will cross the equator as we continue our voyage north and towards the West African coast.
Days 33 & 34 Bijagos Archipelago, Guinea Bissau.
We end our remote islands adventure in the Bijagos Archipelago which comprises a group of 88 small islands, several of which are uninhabited, and most of which are very rarely visited by foreigners. From our Zodiacs we will cruise among the mangroves and land ashore for beachcombing or swimming. Our programme by Zodiac and ashore will be determined by tidal and weather conditions but one thing is for sure, you will not be disappointed by these extraordinary islands.
Day 35 Dakar, Senegal to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London. Arrive this afternoon.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER - SAVE £500 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 28 February to 3 April 2022 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £12695 | £12195 |
| Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £12995 | £12495 |
| Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £13295 | £12795 |
| Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £13695 | £13195 |
| Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £14995 | £14495 |
| Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £15495 | £14995 |
| Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £17495 | £16995 |
| Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £13495 | £12995 |
| Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £13795 | £13295 |
| Mawson Deck Premium for sole use | £13995 | £13495 |
| 27 February to 2 April 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £13495 | £12995 |
| Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £13795 | £13295 |
| Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £13995 | £13495 |
| Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £14395 | £13895 |
| Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £15695 | £15195 |
| Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £15995 | £15495 |
| Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £17995 | £17495 |
| Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £14995 | £14495 |
| Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £15495 | £14995 |
| Mawson Deck Premium for sole use | £15995 | £15495 |
| 11 March to 14 April 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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: SCHKS110323
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Overnight hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast • 32 nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia expedition team including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Use of waterproof boots on board • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, Guinea Bissau visa.
Hebridean Sky
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world. Formerly known as the Sea Explorer, the vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016 before being re-launched as the MS Hebridean Sky.
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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 MS Hebridean Sky for your upcoming voyage. The 118-passenger, all-suite vessel is one of the finest small ships in the world and benefits from unusually spacious accommodation, public areas and outside decks.
You will find the atmosphere on board akin to a private yacht or country hotel with a little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, talks from our onboard team and informative port briefings from your Cruise Director or Expedition Leader. After a day of exploration ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable ship. Along with the Captain and officers and the Noble Caledonia team, our crew of 70 are dedicated to offering you the best possible experience during your time on board.
We hope this information booklet answers any questions you may have pertaining to the vessel and wish you a pleasant voyage.
VESSEL TECHNICAL DETAILS
Passengers: 118
Length: 90.60 metres
Width: 15.30 metres
Registered: Bahamas
Crew/Staff: 70
Year built: 1992
Year refurbished: 2016
Language: English
Gross Tonnage: 4200 tonnes
Net Tonnage: 1286 tonnesADAPTORS
Adaptors for hairdryers, mobile phones etc. can be obtained from Reception. These should be returned to Reception at the end of the cruise and are the property of the MS Hebridean Sky. There is also an adaptor extension box with USB ports by the cabin television.
AIR-CONDITIONING
The entire ship is air-conditioned. All cabins feature individual temperature controls. In order to keep the air-conditioning system working efficiently, please keep doors closed when in use.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The ship uses a public address system to advise guests of all important information and activities during the cruise. Announcements can be heard throughout the public areas of the ship and in all cabins.
CABINS
Onboard there are 59 exceptionally spacious and well designed cabins. All feature a sitting area, en suite bathroom with vanity unit and walk-in shower featuring rainfall and separate hand held shower heads, spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Cabins on the Shackleton & Scott Decks have private balconies.
All cabins have the following facilities:
• Dressing gowns and slippers
• TV
• Electrical outlet
• Hairdryer
• Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled)
• Mini bar & Fridge – upon request it can be filled with soft drinks and beer for purchase. The mini bar is stocked on arrival and replenished daily. A price list can be found in the cabin.
• Safe
• Molton Brown toiletries: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion
• Telephone
Each cabin has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request with the exception of cabins 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed. Please advise the Reservations Department or the Reception Desk, once on board, if you would like a double bed.
Cabins are serviced each morning by your cabin attendant and again in the evening when the beds are turned down.
Please note that aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, all cabins have a shower but none have baths.
COMMUNICATIONS
Telephone
If you wish to contact the ship, please call +1 954 672 6930. This is a US number so calls will be charged at an international rate. There is a phone in your cabin which has access to an outside line. Outgoing call costs will be advised on board. You can make cabin to cabin calls free of charge. The ship can be contacted by email at rec@hs.salenship.com. Please indicate the passenger name and cabin number in the subject field.
Satellite Internet & Wi-Fi
Connectivity is now an important feature in our lives and we do our best to bring this service to you on board. There are facilities in the Library to access the internet and Noble Caledonia also offers complimentary satellite Wi-Fi access on board. Wi-Fi is available in the public areas and passenger cabins. You will need to bring your own device to connect in these areas. Wi-Fi cards, with your unique log in and instructions, are available at Reception. The service provided on board uses direct satellite technology and has a certain amount of bandwidth available. The same level of connectivity and speed that we enjoy at home through cable or fibre-optic based infrastructures cannot be expected on board.
As you traverse the seas and ports, the ship’s antennae have to re-establish connection with the transmission satellites. Signal may also be blocked by mountains, buildings or even local radio frequency regulations. Remote locations out of satellite range, weather on earth or in space can also affect signal strength. Please also bear in mind that the network is shared by everyone on board so congestion can be anticipated which will slow down speeds especially at peak times. The bandwidth available to the ship means that connectivity is best served using text-based communications and simple social media. Some applications which involve downloading large files may not be available on board.
Here are some tips for using satellite Wi-Fi on board:
• Avoid peak times such as the return to the ship after an excursion.
• Always log off the system when not in use to free up bandwidth space for other passengers.
• Work offline.
• Download any apps you need before leaving home.
• Turn off or disable background app data services and updates – apps that sync in the background can quickly eat up data without your knowledge.
• Disable push notifications as these use a lot of data.
• Remember to bring any charging or data cables required.
• Your Network provider may offer a cruise package but be careful, once the land signal is lost, this will transfer to the satellite signal which will incur greater costs.
• Cruise Terminals ashore often have good land based internet to supplement your connectivity.
• Put your phone on Airplane Mode when not in use to avoid roaming charges from your Network Provider.
• Be careful not to access private accounts such as bank accounts on public Wi-Fi systems.
DAILY PROGRAMME
A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced on board and delivered to your cabin daily.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free and low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department. We regret that not all dietary requirements can be guaranteed. If you have any specific or special foods that you require we recommend that you take some with you although we will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once on board, please speak to the Chef or the Maitre D’ at dinner on your first night on board to reconfirm your needs.
DINING & DRINKING
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the Restaurant. During good weather, early riser’s coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner may also be served on The Lido Deck. Afternoon tea is served in The Club or in The Lounge depending on activities. Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits are available self-service 24 hours a day in The Club. House wine, beer and soft drinks are included at lunch and dinner. MS Hebridean Sky operates an open seating policy which greatly enhances the convivial atmosphere on board. The Restaurant has table configurations of 8, 6, 4 and some 2’s. Room service is not available on board. As we operate an open seating policy, we regret that reservations cannot be made. Please note that passengers are not permitted to consume their own supplies of alcohol on board.
DISABLED FACILITIES
There is a lift on board but the ship does not have facilities for disabled or wheelchair dependent passengers. Additionally, most shore excursions involve some walking and some excursions are walking tours only. There is no chair lift on board and access to the ship is by gangway.
DISEMBARKATION
Your Cruise Director / Expedition Leader will provide you with detailed disembarkation information prior to the end of your cruise. This will include transfer information (where applicable). If you should have any specific queries, please do not hesitate to contact the Cruise Director / Expedition Leader as soon as possible after embarkation.
DRESS CODE
The dress code on board is defined as casual. During the day, comfortable and casual attire is appropriate. The evenings are smart casual. Jackets and ties are not required. However, we kindly ask you to refrain from wearing shorts during evening meals in the Restaurant. You may wish to wear something a little dressier for the Welcome and Farewell Dinners, for example, a jacket and tie for gentlemen and a dress for ladies. No “black tie” is necessary. It is recommended to wear footwear at all times whilst on board.
ELECTRICITY
Voltage is 110V/60Hz (American standard) and a 220V razor socket. This is only suitable for low voltage electrical appliances, e.g. mobile phone or camera charger. We recommend that you bring a twopin American adaptor for the 110v plug. Please note that the use of personal hairdryers, clothing irons, coffee makers, curling tongs, etc. in the cabins is strictly forbidden as they may damage the ship’s electrical system. If you require electrical medical equipment, please notify the Reservations department as soon as possible.
GOING ASHORE
Please wait in the public areas or in your suite until an announcement is made with instructions to disembark. Sailing times for each port are listed in the Daily Programme. Please note sailing times and ensure that you return back to the vessel at least 30 minutes prior to departure. In some ports a passport or port landing card must be carried when going ashore. This will be announced over the PA System if required. If the ship is in a remote area and you hear a continuous blast of the ship’s horn then please return immediately to the landing site. When leaving the ship at any time while in port always ensure you have checked IN/OUT at the gangway.
HAIR & BEAUTY SALON
MS Hebridean Sky has a hairdresser providing haircuts and hairstyling. Some beauty treatments and massage are also available. Appointments for hair styling can be made onboard at the Reception Desk. Fees for all treatments are available at Reception and will be charged to your on board account. Each cabin is equipped with a hairdryer which can be found in the right hand top drawer of the dresser.
HEALTH & HYGIENE
In order to maintain health standards you will find hand sanitizers at key positions around the ship particularly at the entrance to restaurants and near the gangway. We kindly ask you to use these regularly.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
Laundry service is available on board. Laundry bags and a price list can be found in the wardrobe in your cabin. Please complete the laundry list and leave it together with the bag of items to be laundered on your bed. Your laundered items will be returned within 24 hours. There are no public launderette or ironing facilities on board. In the interest of safety we ask that you do not use an electric iron in your suite. An ironing service is available at reasonable cost. Dry cleaning facilities are not available on board. In the interest of the environment, towels will not be automatically changed every day. We ask that you put used towels on the bathroom floor if you wish them to be changed for fresh towels. Towels left hanging on the towel rack will not be changed.
LIFT
All passenger decks can be reached by lift. Please do not use the lift in the case of a fire or an emergency.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you disembark the ship, please check your cabin to ensure you do not leave anything behind. Onboard the ship, any liquids, cosmetics, paper(s) and perishable items left behind will be disposed of immediately. Any books left on board the ship will be incorporated into the ship’s library or donated to charity. Other items left behind on the ship will be kept on board for 1 month or 2 cruises (whichever is the longer period), and after this time, any unclaimed items will be given to a local charity at the next main port the ship visits. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia within 21 days of disembarking. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection, and any costs incurred will be at your own expense.
MAIL
Although reception staff are happy to post letters on your behalf, they may not be able to do so straightaway or at the port of call at which you make such a request. Some postal services are unreliable and many letters or postcards that you ask to be delivered on your behalf may be delayed or even lost en route. Under no circumstances can we be held liable for such occurrences.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
Medical services are available 24 hours a day. There is a Doctor on board, and crew members are trained in first aid. Cabin visits by the ship’s Doctor are available. Please note that all consultations and services are charged for. To arrange an appointment with the ship’s Doctor please contact Reception. It takes some people longer to find their sea legs. Sea sickness tablets are available from Reception, and should be taken at least one hour prior to departure.
MINI BAR
For your convenience a mini bar facility has been set up in your suite on a chargeable basis. Items consumed during the cruise will be charged to your onboard account. Your Steward/ess will restock your mini bar on a daily basis and replenish consumed items. The mini bar price list is placed in the cabinet of your mini bar. The final statement will be delivered to your cabin in the early morning of your disembarkation.
NEWS
News channels are available on your cabin TV and in addition daily news bulletins can be found at Reception and in The Library.
NOBLE CALEDONIA TEAM
Throughout your cruise you will be accompanied by your Noble Caledonia team who will be happy to assist you with any queries or requests you may have.
ONBOARD ACCOUNT
All passengers will have their own “ship account” which allows you to sign a receipt for any expenses and then settle your bill at the Reception Desk at the end of the cruise. You will need to register your card at Reception shortly after sailing. If you are sharing a suite with a friend and would like separate bills, please inform Reception. Prices on board are shown in British Pounds. All final accounts will be presented in British Pounds.
Your ship’s account can be paid by:
• Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express).
• Cash (British Pounds, Euros or US Dollars).
• Travellers’ Cheques (British Pounds, US Dollars or Euros). Debit cards and pre-pad credit cards may not automatically be accepted. Please let us know in advance if you plan to use one.
PASSPORTS
All Passports are collected by the Purser upon embarkation. Passports are necessary to facilitate immigration formalities at each port of call and are returned at the end of the cruise.
PUBLIC AREAS
The Club – Located on the Mawson Deck aft. The Club features the main bar and a 24 hour tea and coffee station. A quiet place to meet friends or relax during the day. In the evening our onboard resident pianist plays before and after dinner.
The Library – Located on the Mawson Deck aft. In The Library you can find a well stocked selection of reference books pertaining to the destinations. Fiction books, games and playing cards are also available for your pleasure. Novels brought on board may be exchanged with other books in the paperback library. Should you wish to donate any books which you may have brought with you, we will be happy to add these for the pleasure of future guests. Reference books may not be removed from the ship.
The Lounge – Located on the Byrd Deck aft. Daily Briefings by the Cruise Director or Expedition Leader are given in The Lounge which is fitted with multiple screens and presentation equipment. Informative talks from the Guest Speaker or expedition team are also given here.
Observation Deck – Located on the Shackleton Deck. There is an area for sun loungers ideal for sunbathing as well as a forward facing viewing platform.
Promenade Deck – Located on the Mawson Deck. We kindly ask for your consideration to those guests whose cabins are located on and beneath the Promenade Deck. Please use the deck for walking / jogging between the hours of 8.30 am and 9.00 pm.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Your comments are important to us therefore before your cruise ends, you will receive a questionnaire. We are always looking for ways to improve your holiday experience and appreciate the time you take to complete the questionnaire. Kindly hand your completed questionnaire in at Reception.
SAFE
There is a safe in every suite located in the drawer of the television cabinet. The safe can be programmed with your own code, instructions can be found inside the closet door and cabin staff will be available to assist upon embarkation. We recommend that you leave money and other valuables in the safe. Kindly remember to remove all items from the safe before disembarking the ship at the end of your cruise.
SAFETY DRILL & SAFETY
International Maritime Law requires a lifeboat safety drill to take place prior to sailing. All guests must attend this compulsory and important exercise. Please listen for the announcements. During the drill, all ships services will be suspended. Your assigned lifeboat station, location of your life jacket and the signal for lifeboat and fire drills are clearly explained on the emergency card posted on the back of your suite’s door. Life jackets are located in your suite. During the safety drill you will be shown how to wear the life jacket. It is essential that you take certain safety precautions while on board:
• Walk, never run and be especially careful on wet and slippery decks. • Ladies are advised to wear low heeled shoes especially on deck. • Footwear should be worn at all times. • Hold on to the handrails in passageways and stairways.
SHIP’S ID CARD
These personal ID cards with essential information are issued to each guest during embarkation. Please remember to check in and out at the gangway with the crew member on duty in order for them to ensure that you are on board prior to sailing.
SMOKING POLICY
The MS Hebridean Sky offers a smoke-free cruise environment. Smoking is not permitted inside the ship, including the balcony areas and is only permitted in the designated area outside on Mawson Deck aft. Please never throw any cigarette ends overboard – the breeze could carry the smouldering end back on board and start a fire. We thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
TELEPHONE CALLS
Calls to other cabins can be made free of charge by dialing the cabin number. Lift the handset and dial the cabin number. If you wish to make an outside call, please check at Reception to purchase a prepaid telephone card and instructions. Costs are available from Reception and charges are automatically billed to your onboard account.
TELEVISION
All suites are equipped with a flat screen television. There is a selection of channels available including news and documentaries.A DVD player is available on request from the Reception and a small number of DVD's are available to borrow. DVD's are configured to Region 2.
TOILETRIES
Molton Brown shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, body lotion and shower gel are provided in your bathroom. If you have forgotten anything ie. toothpaste, please ask Reception, who have a selection of items available for purchase.
VISITORS
For the safety and security of all passengers no visitors are allowed on board the ship.
VISITING THE BRIDGE
At times Bridge visits may be possible. If visiting the Bridge, please note this is a working area and access may sometimes be restricted
WAKE UP CALL
Wake up calls can be requested through the Reception Desk before 11.00 pm.
WATER
Water from the taps in your cabin is safe to drink. Previously the MS Hebridean Sky used 54,000 bottles of water a year. In order to reduce the damage caused to the environment by waste plastic, we have replaced plastic bottled water where possible with eco-friendly, reusable water bottles and water carafes. These are for your use during the cruise and we kindly ask you to leave them in your cabin at the end of the cruise. The bottles and carafes can be filled from the tap or the water station outside the Club. Alternatively your cabin steward can refill your carafe daily. Should you prefer to use plastic bottled water then please just let your cabin steward know.
ZODIAC OR LOCAL BOATS TO GO ASHORE
Some destinations may require the use of the ship’s Zodiacs or local tender boats to go ashore. Guests will be advised where and when to meet the Zodiac or local tender boat for travel to and from the ship. Please ensure that your hands are free at all times and accept the assistance given by the crew onboard the MS Hebridean Sky when boarding tenders / Zodiacs. A Zodiac safety briefing will be given.
Please Note: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
V.6 November 2019
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Cabin Plans
Cabin Plans
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Deck plans
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Deckplan
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Our View
“ This is a unique opportunity to visit some of the most remote inhabited islands in the world and meet the people that call these places home. This would be an impossible trip to create independently and we have the added benefit of our all-suite vessel to provide a base as we sail between these island groups. Our onboard lectures will further our understanding of these waters whilst our naturalists will ensure they keep an eye out for any wildlife we encounter on the way. Travelling from the tip of South America, across the equator to West Africa we will see a range of wildlife, different cultures and experience a world away from our own.”
Tour Extensions
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Before joining our group in Buenos Aires, we are offering the opportunity to visit the Iguazu Falls, considered by many to be the most dramatic waterfalls in the world.
Iguazu Falls
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Fly by scheduled flight.
Day 2 Buenos Aires.
Arrive this morning and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. Remainder of the day and evening at leisure. (B)
Day 3 Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls.
After breakfast at the hotel we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Iguazu Falls. On arrival check in to the hotel and this afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the falls. Today we will explore the Brazilian side of the falls walking through the tropical rainforest. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Iguazu Falls.
Enjoy a full day at the Iguazu Falls on a series of guided walks seeing the upper and lower circuits and also the triple frontier the meeting point of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Highlights today include the 80 metre fall “Garganta del Diablo” (Devil’s Throat). (B, L, D)
Day 5 Iguazu Falls to Buenos Aires.
Return to the airport this morning and join our scheduled flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival transfer to the hotel and join our fellow travellers (follow main itinerary from day 2). (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
8 to 12 March 2021 Category Price Twin £1795 Single £2245 25 February to 1 March 2022 • 24 to 28 February 2023 Category Price Twin £2195 Single £2695 Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, overnight hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires and two nights hotel accommodation in Iguazu Falls , meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner), guided tours at the Iguazu Falls, transfers, gratuities, airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000