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 Aberdeen to the Norwegian Coast aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Norway is, by anyone’s standards, one of Europe’s most beautiful and awe-inspiring countries. Its unhampered landscape and pristine wilderness promises to delight those with a love for the natural world and its beautiful coastline offers the traveller scenery on an epic scale. Join us for our inaugural no-fly cruise to Norway as we voyage along the western coast of this remarkable country, punctuated by seemingly endless beaches, bustling coastal towns, fjords of cinematic grandeur and thriving fishing communities.
Our roundtrip voyage sails from the port of Aberdeen on the east coast of Scotland and after a relaxing day at sea cruising north we catch our first glimpse of Norway. Here our days will be spent on guided excursions with local guides, on walks with our naturalists and on deck of the MS Hebridean Sky as we cruise amongst the fjords. This itinerary uniquely combines the wonders of the natural world with the historical and cultural highlights of the area and our visits will include Haugesund to learn of Norway’s Viking heritage, Alesund to marvel at the Art Nouveau architecture. We will also spend time exploring Hardangerfjord with its magnificent Langfoss waterfall, visiting the charming small island of Hitra and witnessing the prolific birdlife at Runde, home to more than 240 species of birds.
There is no better way to explore this endlessly fascinating region than aboard the 118-passenger MS Hebridean Sky and joining you on board will be an expert team who have been selected for their enthusiasm, professionalism and specialist knowledge of the natural world. With our small ship we are able to access some of the more remote harbours which are just not accessible to the larger cruise ships and ferries and we will be able to get up close to see nature at its rawest, cruise rugged coastlines, witness vibrant colours and admire the prolific birdlife of this wonderful region.
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 Airport and Railway Station at a fixed time. Sail this evening.
Relax on board as we sail across the North Sea to Norway. Maybe join a lecture in the lounge or find a spot on deck.
Our first call in Norway is at the small village of Vik located in Sognefjord. A local walk will include the richly decorated Hopperstad Stave Church which was built in 1130 and is the oldest stave church in existence. We also see the 12th Century Hove stone church and the nearby Mohaugane burial mounds which originate from 200-400 AD. Try the local cheese delicacy of “gamal ost”. The recipe originated from the Vikings and it is still in production at the dairy in Vik. Return to the ship via the picturesque homes and boathouses. We sail in the early afternoon for a scenic sail in the fjords.
Today we leave the charming village of Loen and take a drive to the Kjenndal valley where we board a small boat to experience the lovely Loen Lake, passing through tall mountains covered by protruding glacier arms. We finally end up at the Kjenndalsbre Fjellstove where we enjoy a short break with homemade Norwegian waffles. We continue our visit to the Kjenndalsbre glacier viewpoint, an arm of the mighty Jostedals Glacier, the largest in mainland Europe. After lunch on board enjoy some free time in Loen, maybe take a trip on the cable car which rises 1100 metres and offers wonderful views over the fjord below. Sail in the early evening to enjoy the scenery of Nordfjord.
Spend the morning in Alesund, one of the most beautiful towns in Norway. It is a great place to explore the streets with their Art Nouveau buildings. Those feeling active can take a walk-up Mount Aksla taking the 418 steps for magnificent views of the town, islands and Sunnmore Alps. Sailing over lunch we will cruise by the bird cliffs at Runde, one of the largest nesting cliffs in Norway and home to half a million birds. More than 240 different species have been observed here including puffins, gannets, razorbills and northern fulmar.
Founded in AD 997 by Viking King Olav Tryggvason, Trondheim was Norway’s first capital city and we will discover its historical treasures today. We will drive past the old wooden buildings and visit the 11th century Nidaros Cathedral built over the grave of St Olav and richly ornamented in stone with stunning stained-glass windows. We continue to Ringve Manor, a typical manor house of the Trondelag district and home to Norway’s only musical instrument museum, before enjoying a panoramic view of the city from the Sverresli viewpoint.
Today we enjoy the benefits of our small ship as we visit Hitra, one of the smaller islands along the coast. From our berth in Sandstadwe will visit Hopsjo, one of the region’s largest trading centres in the 18th and 19th centuries. Here we find the old general store, the whaling station and a number of restored wooden boats once used for herring fishing. If conditions permit our onboard team will lead some walks through the landscapes. These islands also have the densest population of white-tailed eagles in the world which we hope to spot whilst ashore. We sail over lunch and have an afternoon sailing.
Dalsfjord lies at the heart of Western Norway with its starkly contrasting fjord scenery, halfway between Bergen and Alesund. This little-known fjord arm has a gentler landscape where powerful and diverse watercourses have left their impression on the scenery and settlements. Today’s tour will take us through this beautiful environment and over to Sunnfjord with its magnificent waterfalls and mountains. We will visit Sunnfjord Museum, which provides an insight into how life was in local settlements in the mid 1800s, before taking a scenic drive to the region known as ‘the waterfall country’. Here we will stop at the Huldefossen and Likholefossen waterfalls before returning via the Hestadfjord where we find the 19th century Hestad Church located in idyllic surroundings.
Sail this morning into Hardangerfjord, the third largest fjord in the world. We will anchor and use our Zodiacs to land at Rosendal from where we drive along the fjord towards the small part of the Hardangerfjord called Maurangerfjord, experiencing the idyllic scenery and farms along the way and viewing the magnificent Langfoss waterfall. When we arrive at the small village of Sunndal we will walk to Bondhus Lake which is surrounded by a fascinating landscape of fjords and mountains. After lunch on board we have free time to explore the town, maybe visit the 12th century Kvinnherad Church, the Stone Park or see the gardens at Barony Rosendal.
It was in Haugesund where, a thousand years ago, King Harald Fairhair united Norway into a single kingdom, and it was from this area that the Viking Kings ruled Norway for more than 500 years. The region has laid claim to the title of Norway’s Birthplace and Homeland of the Viking Kings. On a morning tour we will visit the 13th century St Olav’s church before learning about the Viking Age at the Nordvegen Heritage Centre. After lunch on board the afternoon is free to explore this small town independently, maybe make your way to the top of Steinsfjellet Mountain with panoramic views over the town, fjord and surrounding islands. Alternatively, join us as we visit the charming old town of Skudeneshavn which consists of 130 white wooden houses originating from the 1800s, when herring fishing was at its peak. We will stroll through the streets and our guide will share stories about the locals that lived here before we visit the Maelandsgarden Museum which highlights the development of the town.
Awake today in picturesque Lysefjord which measures 23 miles end to end. Spend the morning cruising past Preikestolen (Priest Rock) and Kjerag Mountain which both tower above the fjord. Afterwards we sail to Stavanger and have the chance to stroll in the small harbour with its multi-coloured traditional wooden buildings. Old Stavanger is a cluster of 173 small white wooden houses built in the 19th century which house craft shops, galleries and museums. We sail late tonight for anyone wishing to enjoy a final evening ashore in Norway.
Enjoy a final day at sea as we return to Scotland.
Disembark after breakfast. Transfers will be provided to Aberdeen Airport and Railway Station at a fixed time.
16 to 28 July 2024 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
Mawson Deck Premium Suite | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
Mawson Deck Corner Suite | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
Tour Reference Code: SCHKS160724
PRICE INCLUDES: 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 with Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Ship to Shore: This cruise is not classified as an expedition cruise; however, Zodiac landing craft will be used to transfer guests from ship to shore in Rosendal, Smola and Loen where the ship will be at anchor.
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