Africa’s Mediterranean coast has always been a magnet for travellers with its array of wonderful ancient sites which in the main are little visited and yet offer the visitor some of the most splendid and varied remains of the Roman World. First colonised by Phoenicians and Greeks around the 7th century BC, the region eventually fell to Rome and with agricultural development came cities; many impressive and said to rival Rome in their magnificence. The favourable desert influenced climate has been remarkably kind to the sites and they provide an unparalleled insight into life in classical times.
This is a region that is best discovered by sea and from Valletta’s magnificent harbour we will sail to the charming Maltese island of Gozo before crossing to Tunisia for our exploration of North Africa. Tunisia has a wealth of sites and whilst here we will visit the great Roman amphitheatre of El Djem, the ancient city of Kairouan, the Hadrian-era amphitheatre of ancient Uthina and Carthage with its Phoenician ruins. It is easy to imagine how daily life played out in Roman times in this great city which will transport you to another world and time. Continuing west we spend five days in Algeria with its striking Mediterranean coastline and rich cultural heritage. Here our touring options will include visits to one of the oldest cities in all of Africa, Constantine, the Roman ruins at Djemila which were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 due to its unique adaptation of Roman architecture to a mountain environment, the ancient city of Tipaza and the Mausoleum of Mauretania, Oran with its notable Arab, Spanish, Ottoman and French influences and finally the city of Tlemcen in the north of the country known for its Moorish buildings. We will also visit the little known Spanish enclave of Melilla on the Moroccan coast, a fascinating place to spend a few hours before we continue to Morocco for our calls in Tangier and Casablanca.
All this will be achieved with great ease aboard the MS Hebridean Sky and with just over 100 like-minded travellers, we are able to explore in a way that is impossible from aboard a large cruise vessel and being timed for November, we can expect pleasant temperatures, agreeable for exploration. The magnificent sites provide an unparalleled experience of life in classical times which with the help of our knowledgeable Guest Speaker and local guides, will be brought vividly back to life. Whether your interest lies in exploring the ancient world, modern politics or simply the joy of experiencing new places from modern cities to Berber villages, this itinerary has it all.
Hebridean Sky
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.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Valletta, Malta.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 Gozo Island.
Arrive this morning off the Maltese island of Gozo, thought to be the Calypso Isles of Homer’s Odyssey and a lovely place to spend a day. From our anchorage in Mgaar we will visit the Ggantija Temples in Xaghra. Dating back to 3600 BC, the temples which are now recognised as a World Heritage Site, are one of the most significant archaeological finds in Malta. We continue to the capital of Gozo, Victoria, which is spread beneath the Citadel, the walled castle dominating the island. We will walk within the city walls and view the imposing cathedral before we return to the ship via Our Lady of Victories Church, one of the most richly embellished places of worship on the island which was elevated to the rank of a minor Basilica in 1967. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon to walk the walls or explore the narrow streets of this small and picturesque city. Please note we are at anchor today and will use the ships Zodiacs or local tenders to get to shore.
Days 3 & 4 Sousse, El Djem & Kairouan, Tunisia.
Our base for the next day and a half is the port of Sousse. During our time here we drive out of the city to the small village of El Djem to see the great Roman amphitheatre, built to accommodate 35,000 spectators, and visit the excellent museum with its collection of mosaics. Our tour of Sousse will include the museum which is located in the ramparts of the kasbah and houses a fine collection of mosaics, and the imposing Ribat, one of the finest and best conserved buildings of the series of ‘fortress-monasteries’ that dotted the North African coastline. We will also drive to the ancient city of Kairouan where we will see the Great Mosque which is a universal architectural masterpiece and one of the most impressive and largest Islamic monuments in North Africa. In addition we see the Aghlabid Basins, the majestic cisterns built by the Aghlabids in the 9th century which represent a highly sophisticated work of engineering from the Middle Ages.
Days 5 & 6 Tunis.
Continuing our exploration of Tunisia we arrive in the port of La Goulette, our base for the next day and a half. There will be a number of guided tours to choose from including the site of Carthage which was founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC and became one of the most influential cities in the Mediterranean. This prosperity led to rivalry with Rome and it was during the Third Punic War, in 146 BC, that the Roman forces destroyed the city. Due to its strategic location, the Romans rebuilt Carthage in the 1st century AD to become one of the most important cities in their Empire. We also hope to explore the Bardo Museum which houses some renowned Roman mosaics from the archaeological sites of El Djem, Sousse and Dougga as well as artefacts and sculptures from Carthage. Meanwhile, a full day tour will travel inland to the ruins of ancient Uthina, one of the Roman Empire’s oldest cities in Africa. A guided walk includes the nearly fully restored Hadrianera amphitheatre which was dug into the hillside and could hold about 16,000 spectators, the grand Capitole, pinned down on one side by five partially reconstructed columns, and the baths of the Laberii, which take their name from an inscription found on a mosaic of Orpheus charming the animals, now in the Bardo Museum. Later we will drive to Zriba Olia, an abandoned Berber village that was built in the seventeenth century but deserted in the 1960s.
Day 7 Skikda for Constantine, Algeria.
Our first day in Algeria takes us inland to historic Constantine, one of the oldest cities in Africa. Over 2000 years ago it was part of the kingdom of Numidia and went by the name of Cirta. The Phoenicians were the first to build the city and called it Sewa – the Royal City and it was invaded and ruled by the Romans, Ottomans, and French. Today it sits on two sides of a 200 metre gorge which was carved out by the Rhumel River to create a natural fortress. The picturesque city is known as the ‘City of Bridges’ as it has a number of engineering marvels including the Sidi M’Cid bridge which was the highest bridge in the world when constructed in 1912 and offers stunning views towards the town and the gorge below. After taking in the views, we will explore the city centre including the Palace of Ahmed Bey, Islamic University and the imposing Mosque Emir Abdelkader.
Day 8 Bejaia.
Bejaia is built on a beautiful bay protected by mountains which give the city a splendid backdrop. A minor port in Roman times, it was named Saldae having been settled by the Roman Emperor Vespasian and is our base for a choice of excursions today. Perhaps take a full day tour to Djemila which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 due to its unique adaptation of Roman architecture to a mountain environment. In a remarkable setting, the ruins are some of the finest preserved in North Africa. We will drive along a very scenic route and traverse spectacular scenery as we climb from little Kabilya towards the high plateau of Setif where the Roman ruins are located. See the Arch of Caracalla, the forum, the basilica and the temples before viewing the mosaics displayed in the museum that represent the best collection in Algeria. This is a long but rewarding excursion. Alternatively, drive through the valley of the Soumman, the legendary meeting place of the leaders of the Freedom Fighters. It was here that they launched the revolution of the 1st of November 1954 which lasted for seven years until they gained independence for Algeria on the 5th July 1962. Afterwards we travel to a Berber village in Kabylia where we visit a typical house and various workshops where items are still made in the old-fashioned, unhurried way. Enjoy a ‘degustation’ of Berber olive oil whilst tasting the different types of bread and other local produce and gain an insight into Berber culture and history.
Day 9 Algiers.
Depart this morning for the ancient city of Tipaza which was probably founded by the Phoenicians but really came into being under the Romans. The city was extended by Emperor Claudius and grew wealthy on Mediterranean trade. It was built on three small hills which overlooked the sea. There are ruins of three Basilicas, two cemeteries, the baths, the theatre, the nymphaeum and the unusual oval shaped amphitheatre. After visiting the city, we will enjoy a typical Algerian lunch before continuing to the mysterious Mausoleum of Mauretania which lies in the hills above the sea and is one of the most breathtaking sights in Algeria. The vast pyramid-like structure is named the Tomb of the Christian on account of the large crosses that decorate the tomb which predates Jesus Christ. Alternatively, a half day city tour will include the Martyrs’ Monument, a dominant landmark which offers spectacular views over the city and Bay of Algiers. Continue to La Grande Poste, an impressive piece of Hispano-Moorish architecture completed in 1908, and the Basilica of Notre Dame D’Afrique.
Day 10 Oran.
Oran is a city of architectural riches, and the Arab, Spanish, Ottoman and French influences are very noticeable. Its originality is owed much to its turbulent history during the Medieval period which profoundly changed the evolution of its landscape to such an extent that, unlike other Algerian cities, it is indelibly marked by its Hispanic past. Today, Oran can be described as an open-air museum of Western military architecture, alongside buildings with Arab and Ottoman influences as well as modern buildings dating from the French colonial period. Arriving at lunchtime we will take an afternoon guided walking tour to view some of the most striking buildings including the Cathedral, La Place d’Armes, Pasha Mosque, Sidi El Houari and the old Arab quarters followed by a drive to Mount Aidour and the Fort of Santa Cruz to take in the sweeping aerial views of Oran.
Day 11 Ghazaouet.
Our last call in Algeria is the port of Ghazaouet located close to the border with Morocco. From here we drive approximately 50 miles inland to Tlemcen, an interesting and cultured city. Our visit will include the 11th century Great Mosque and the deconsecrated Sidi Bel Hassan Mosque which was transformed into a museum in 1901 and houses a selection of mosaics, carvings and pottery. After a local lunch we will continue to El Mansourah to see the remains of an old minaret and El Mechouar, which was built as a citadel in 1145 before it became the royal residence of the Zianide dynasty in the 13th century.
Day 12 Melilla, Spain.
Spend the morning at a little bit of Spain in North Africa. Situated on the northern coast of Morocco the Spanish city occupies a rocky peninsula which juts out into the Mediterranean. It has been in Spanish hands since 1497 and previous colonisers included the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans. It is a fascinating place to spend a morning observing the co-existence of Catholic and Muslim faiths, the influences of Spanish and Moorish architecture and the old walled city, fortress and busy marketplace. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon at sea.
Day 13 Tangier, Morocco.
Having passed the Strait of Gibraltar we arrive in Morocco and the port of Tangier. A short drive will bring us to the Donabo Gardens located on the coast with wonderful sea views. Divided into ten sections we can explore the Moroccan garden that celebrates the tradition of tea, the mint maze where multiple varieties blend their fragrances along the alleys, a rose garden thriving in the cool shade and a pollinators garden purposely designed to attract bees. Later we can explore the city where on a walking tour we will visit the Medina, enjoy the views from the kasbah situated at the highest point of Tangier, and wander through the Grand Souk. Alternatively drive across the beautiful Rif Mountains to Tetouan. Visit the unique School of Art Dar Sanaa which is located in a former palace and teaches the most traditional of Moroccan crafts to its students before we continue to the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is full of narrow alleys and streets with vendors selling local handicrafts, foods and spices. Our tour will end at the old Royal Palace, a 17th century building which is itself a reflection of the Hispano-Moresque architecture, and the nearby Hassan II Square.
Day 14 Casablanca.
After a morning at sea we arrive in Casablanca. We will visit the city’s most important sights including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Olive Market. The highlight of our tour will be our visit to the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest religious monuments in the world after Mecca. It took 3300 traditional Moroccan artisans to create the beautiful mosaics, marble floors and splendid wood ceiling. Moor overnight.
Day 15 Casablanca to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £500 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 31 October to 14 November 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £8995 | £8495 |
| 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: SCHKS311026
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 14 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, Algerian visa.
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.
Hebridean Sky
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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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 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 75 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: 75
Year built: 1992
Language: English
Gross Tonnage: 4200 tonnes
Net Tonnage: 1286 tonnesADAPTORS
Please bring a two flat pin American adaptor for the 110v plug socket. If required there is a small supply of adaptors that can be obtained from Reception. These should be returned to Reception at the end of the cruise. There is also an adaptor extension box with USB ports in the suite.
AIR-CONDITIONING
The entire ship is air-conditioned. All suites 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 suites.
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 suite which has access to an outside line. Outgoing call costs will be advised on board. You can make suite to suite calls free of charge. The ship can be contacted by email at rec@hs.salenship.com. Please indicate the passenger name and suite 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. Complimentary Wi-Fi provided by Starlink is available in the public areas and passenger suites. Wi-Fi details, including your unique log in, will be available in your suite. 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 and to pause your usage allowance.
• 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 suite 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. 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. As we operate an open seating policy, we regret that reservations cannot be made. House wine, beer and soft drinks are included at lunch and dinner. Please note that passengers are not permitted to consume their own supplies of alcohol on board. Whether we have a morning at sea or you choose not to partake in an excursion, breakfast times have been extended, where possible, for your convenience. Times may vary and will be indicated on the Daily Programme. 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. For those guests who may prefer more flexibility with regards to their meals we are delighted to offer an additional menu on board between 11.00 am and 4.00 pm. Details are available in The Club.
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 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
Connectivity is now an important feature in our lives and we do our best to bring this service to you on board. Complimentary Wi-Fi provided by Starlink is available in the public areas and passenger suites. Wi-Fi details, including your unique log in, will be available in your suite. 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.
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 beauty technician providing hairstyling, some beauty treatments and massages. Appointments can be made on board at the Reception Desk. Fees for all treatments are available at Reception and will be charged to your onboard account. Each suite is equipped with a hairdryer which can be found in the right hand top drawer of the dresser.
HEALTH & HYGIENE
We have comprehensive plans in place to protect the health and hygiene of our passengers and crew. These are kept up to date in line with new advice and guidance and are continually evaluated. The ventilation system provides all suites and communal areas with fresh non recycled air. There is no recirculation of air on board. UV technology has been installed to ensure no risk of transmission via ventilation units. Hand sanitisers are present throughout the vessel particularly at entrances to dining venues and at the gangway. We kindly ask that you ensure to use these regularly. When it is required to bring in enhanced procedures you will be advised in either your pre cruise documentation or on board.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
Laundry service is available on board. Laundry bags and a price list can be found in the wardrobe in your suite. 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 suite to ensure you do not leave anything behind. On board 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. Suite 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/FRIDGE
This is stocked with complimentary soft drinks and beer and will be replenished daily/on request.
NEWS
News channels are available on your suite 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 or MasterCard).
• Cash (British Pounds, Euros or US Dollars).
Debit and pre-paid 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.
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. Novels brought on board may be exchanged with other books in the paperback library.
The Lounge – Located on the Byrd Deck aft, The Lounge is a comfortable place to relax or read a book. 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 suites 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 only.
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 housekeeping 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. Smoking is only permitted in the designated area outside. Please never throw any cigarette ends overboard.
SUITES
On board there are 59 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. 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. Suites on the Shackleton & Scott Decks have private balconies.All suites have the following facilities:
• Dressing gowns and slippers
• TV
• Electrical outlet & USB ports
• Hairdryer
• Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled)
• Mini bar/fridge
• Safe
• Toiletries: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion
• TelephoneEach suite has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request with the exception of suites 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. Suites are serviced each morning by housekeeping and again in the evening when the beds are turned down. Please note that aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, all suites have a shower but none have baths.
TELEVISION
All suites are equipped with a television. There is a selection of
channels available including news, films and documentaries.TOILETRIES
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
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 suite at the end of the cruise. The bottles and carafes can be filled from the water station outside the Club. Alternatively your Steward/ess can refill your carafe daily. Should you prefer to use plastic bottled water then please just let your Steward/ess 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 on board 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.
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Cabin Plans
Cabin Plans
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Deck Plan
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Skys Video Tour
Travelling with You
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Chris Bradley
Chris Bradley is a graduate of the University of Liverpool specialising in the Middle East and North Africa having lived and worked in the region for over 40 years.
As a professional tour guide and lecturer he has led many tours throughout Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Sudan and Jordan. His books include the Berlitz Guide to Nile Cruising; Cairo; Egypt’s Red Sea & Sinai; Libya; Oman; Abu Dhabi; plus the Insight Guides to Egypt; Jordan; The Silk Road; Travel Photography, and the Discovery Guide to Yemen.
In 2010 he was an invited consultant for the United Nations World Tourism Organisation analysis on tourism development of the Giza and Saqqara area helping to open up the rural area and attract tourists out of Cairo. He also worked to develop tourism into Libya for more than a decade. He still leads several tours each year to a variety of destinations, designing many specialist itineraries. He is a lecturer to noted societies, such as the Royal Geographical Society and the Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Societies.
He has been a cameraman and producer on many television documentaries and films for the BBC, Channel 4 and National Geographic TV. He developed and filmed ‘Atlas Biker’ Nicholas Crane’s first television adventure documentary.
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some time in Malta before embarking the MS Hebridean Sky, you can join our two night hotel stay which includes a guided tour of Valletta and Mdina.
Valletta
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Valletta, Malta.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to our hotel and check in for a two night stay. After some time at leisure we will meet for dinner this evening. (D)
Day 2 Valletta.
Enjoy a morning walking tour of Valletta, the 16th century ‘Fortress City’ built by the Knights of St John. Our morning tour will include the highlights of Valletta with its stunning views across the harbour from the Barakka Gardens. We will explore Merchants Street, containing the surviving auberges built by the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, together with the palace where Napoleon Bonaparte is believed to have stayed in 1798. Our final stop will be at St John’s Cathedral. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. (B)
Day 3 Valletta.
This morning we will tour the city of Mdina. Known as the “Silent City” at the heart of the island, Mdina was the fortified capital of the island before the arrival of the Knights. Enjoy a local lunch before transferring to the MS Hebridean Sky moored in Valletta. (B, L)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
29 to 31 October 2026 Category Price Twin £895 Single £1195 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation, meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner), tours as described, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Also of Interest
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000