From Valletta’s Grand Harbour to the Golden Horn on the shores of the Bosphorus, this unique voyage aboard the 100-passenger MS Hebridean Sky traces the ancient highways of the Mediterranean and Aegean, linking together the great civilisations of antiquity. We will explore some of the ancient world’s most fascinating sites, spend time on some charming Aegean islands and witness some beautiful landscapes. Our journey is perfectly timed to take advantage of the gentle temperatures and for us to witness the coast and islands at their springtime best before the crowds of summer arrive.
Embarking the all-suite MS Hebridean Sky in Malta, the crossroads of the Mediterranean, we sail to Sicily for our visit to Piazza Armerina and the Imperial Roman Villa of Casale with its stunning floor mosaics. Continuing around the Sicilian coast we call into Syracuse for our exploration of the Neapolis Archaeological Park or the Baroque town of Noto which reveals the island’s rich cultural heritage. After a leisurely day at sea crossing the Ionian Sea to Greece, we will discover Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games followed by a visit to the remarkable site of Delphi and a transit of the Corinth Canal. As we continue through the Aegean, we will visit islands and ports imbued with mythology and maritime tradition. From the elegant Neoclassical architecture of Syros and the extraordinary monasteries of Meteora to the Byzantine splendours of Thessaloniki and Lemnos, an island steeped in mythology. Our voyage concludes amid the legendary landscapes of the Dardanelles and the fabled city of Troy before we arrive in the captivating city of Istanbul where there is the option to extend your time with our two night hotel extension.
Our itinerary has been carefully designed to combine some ‘must see’ sites together with some smaller places that are totally unsuitable for vessels larger than ours and in addition to our guided excursions, we have also included time at leisure for individual exploration enabling you to soak up the atmosphere at your own pace. We have the added benefit of excellent local guides and our knowledgeable Guest Speaker who will add much to your experience and knowledge of this fascinating region.
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 moor overnight.
Day 2 Valletta.
There will be a choice of tours this morning. You may wish to visit Mdina which was originally given the name of ‘Citta Nobile’, and it is now known as the ‘Silent City’ at the heart of the island. Mdina is Phoenician in origin and was the fortified capital of the island before the arrival of the Knights. During our walking tour we will discover various architectural styles, including Sicilian-Norman palaces and impressive Baroque buildings of great historical significance. Alternatively, visit the Ghar Dalam Cave and Museum, one of Malta’s most important prehistoric sites. The cave is renowned for its rich fossil deposits, including remains of animals that lived on the island over 500,000 years ago, and provides valuable insight into the earliest human presence in Malta. Afterwards, drive to the 18th century Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar which is celebrated for its lavish interiors, intricate stucco work, gilded ceilings and elegant ballrooms. Our visit will also include a tour of the palace’s ornate gardens, beautifully landscaped with fountains, statues and fragrant orange trees. After lunch on board, the afternoon is free to explore the city of Valletta independently.
Day 3 Licata for Piazza Armerina, Sicily.
Arriving at the Sicilian port of Licata we travel inland to what is regarded as the finest Roman site in Sicily, the Imperial Roman Villa of Casale, which is located close to Piazza Armerina amidst wooded rolling countryside. This huge villa was built in the 3rd century and has some stunning floor mosaics. Our return drive takes us through the province of Caltanissetta, recognised today as one of the best winemaking regions in Italy thanks above all to its production of high quality, prestigious red wines including Nero D’Avola. We will break our journey at one of these vineyards and enjoy a chance to sample some wine over a Sicilian lunch before we return to the MS Hebridean Sky.
Day 4 Syracuse.
Syracuse was founded by the Greeks in 734 BC and by the 5th century was a political and military power throughout the Mediterranean which rivalled Athens as the largest and most beautiful city in the Greek world. This morning we visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park where we will find a well preserved Greek theatre with seats carved from limestone. Paradise Quarry, now an attractive garden and orange grove, was the primary source of that limestone and is the site of the curious ‘Ear of Dionysius’ a vast grotto with an amplifying resonance. Alternatively, visit the Baroque village of Noto. Built in 1703 Noto is a picturesque city located on the terraced slopes of Mount Iblei among olive groves and almond trees. A guided walk along the central streets will reveal the 18th century Palazzo Ducezio and some Baroque churches. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon to explore Syracuse independently before we meet this evening for a private concert in one of the town’s palazzos accompanied by local food and wine.
Day 5 At Sea.
Spend a relaxing day on board as we sail across the Ionian Sea to Greece.
Day 6 Katakolon for Olympia, Greece.
Arrive in Greece at the port of Katakolon, our base for our excursion to Olympia where the plentiful ruins are shaded by Aleppo pines and olive trees. The fame of Olympia rests upon the Olympic Games. During the celebrations that accompanied the Games, competitors, while not forgetting that they were Athenians, Spartans or from other city states, remembered that they were Greeks and regarded an Olympic victory as the highest honour. We will see the gymnasium, the stadium and the palestra or wrestling school. We will also explore the Altis, or sacred precinct of Zeus, which houses structures including the Temple of Zeus, one of the largest temples on the Greek mainland and the Archaeological Museum which houses some fine sculptures and artefacts from the site. Afterwards, we will enjoy Easter lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the ship and sailing this evening.
Day 7 Itea & Corinth Canal.
The port of Itea is our gateway to the sacred site of Delphi, one of Greece’s most important sites of antiquity. The hillside ruins here are exceptional and we will explore the Sanctuary of Apollo, the site of the sacred Delphic Oracle and walk along Delphi’s Sacred Way, visiting the Treasury of the Athenians and the 5,000 seat theatre dating from the 4th century BC. Alternatively, visit the 12th century Monastery of Ossios Loukas, where more of the original decoration survives than in any other church in Greece. The mosaics and frescoes in the Great Church are among the finest in Greece. On the return journey to the MS Hebridean Sky we can enjoy the diverse landscape with wooded green slopes, hills with pines and the sacred valley with olive trees. Enjoy lunch on board and a leisurely afternoon at sea ensuring you are on deck in the early evening as we navigate the narrow Corinth Canal. Completed in 1893 and only 6.4 kilometres long and 21.5 metres wide, it is only small ships like the MS Hebridean Sky which can now make this journey.
Day 8 Syros.
Syros was the largest cultural and trade centre of the Aegean in the 19th century and the capital Ermoupolis was Greece’s principal port. Enjoy a leisurely morning with a stroll in the town of Ermoupoli, the capital of the Cyclades. The prosperity of the island in the 19th and early 20th centuries created through commerce and shipping is reflected in the architecture with a beautiful square, town hall and theatre. We will sail over lunch and have an afternoon at sea.
Day 9 Volos for Meteora.
Arrive today in Volos, the starting point of the expedition of Jason and the Argonauts from Greek Mythology, located in the Pagasetic Gulf at the foot of Mount Pelion. Leaving the port we will head through the fertile plains of Thessaly towards Meteora (“monasteries in midair”), one of the most extraordinary sights in Greece and in all of Europe. Rising from Thessaly’s valley are gigantic rocks on top of which are monasteries built by hermits some 600 years ago and which are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over time, 24 monasteries were built on the hilltops, producing a surreal sight that combines a spectacular natural landscape with human ingenuity. Inside the monasteries we will see the beautiful icons and frescoes on the walls and appreciate the intricate mosaics and Medieval manuscripts. After lunch in a local restaurant we will return to Volos. Alternatively join the Pelion Train which was constructed between 1894 and 1903 and which ascends the beautiful slopes of the mountain to the historic village of Milea. Commencing in Ano Lechonia we will view verdant slopes, dense vegetation of plane trees and oaks, arched bridges and tunnels as we climb. On arrival in Milea we will walk along the cobbled paths to the centre of the village where we find the 18th century church, the folklore museum and one of the oldest libraries in Greece. Return to the MS Hebridean Sky for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Volos, perhaps taking a walk along the pedestrianised seaside promenade, the Argonauts Way.
Day 10 Thessaloniki.
Since its foundation by King Cassander of Macedonia in 315 BC and named after his wife, stepsister of Alexander the Great, Thessaloniki has always been a metropolis. The long history of the city is evident in the varied architectural forms from the Hellenistic era up to the end of the 20th century as well as an astonishing Byzantine artistic heritage. This morning we explore the city seeing the White Tower, the symbol of the city, the Galerious Arch, the Rotunda, St Dimitrios Church, the Citadel and the City Walls, from where you will have a marvellous view of the city and the Thermaic Gulf with Mount Olympus in the background. Alternatively drive to the Vergina Royal Tombs Museum which displays the superb, decorated facades of the temple-like tombs of King Philip II and a young prince (thought to be Alexander IV), the treasures found within them and a reconstruction of the Great Mound that originally marked the site of the Royal Tombs. The tombs were discovered in 1977-78 by the archaeologist Manolis Andronikos and until that time they were covered by a protective tumulus 13 metres high and 110 metres across. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore the city at your own pace.
Day 11 Lemnos.
Awake in Myrina, the small capital of Lemnos, an island steeped in mythology being the domain of the Greek god Hephaestus, the god of fire and metalworking, who fell on Lemnos when his father, Zeus, threw him from Mount Olympus. A morning tour will cross the island to the archaeological site of Hephaistia, one of the island’s principal cities in Antiquity and an important religious centre. We can see the ruins of the ancient baths, theatre and palace as well as the sanctuary devoted to the Great Goddess of Lemnos. Spend the afternoon at leisure in pretty Myrina, known for its romantic castle built over the rocky promontory. Maybe explore the castle or the picturesque Romeikos Gialos, which is lined with charming Neoclassical houses one of which contains the Archaeological Museum.
Day 12 Canakkale, Turkey.
Arrive in Turkey at the port of Canakkale, our base for a choice of excursions today. Maybe visit the ancient city of Troy, where ongoing archaeological excavations have revealed nine different layers of cities superimposed in rings on a massive mound rising above the Plain of Ilium. It was at one of these cities, as legend has it, that the Greeks fought the Trojans as told by Homer in the Iliad. We will walk the walls that held Helen of Troy and look down at the plain where Achilles dragged the dead body of Hector. We can also visit the onsite Troy Museum. Alternatively, there will be an excursion to the Gallipoli Peninsula to see the World War I memorials which commemorate the Gallipoli campaign. It was here in 1915 that allied troops, mainly from Australia and New Zealand, landed intending to quickly defeat the Ottomans and facilitate ships to pass through the Dardanelles to capture Istanbul. However, the landings were contained by the Ottoman troops and trench warfare soon took hold leading to thousands of deaths. We will visit the memorials at Anzac Cove and Chunuk Bair. Return to the MS Hebridean Sky and spend a final relaxing afternoon at sea as we cruise through the Dardanelles Strait.
Day 13 Istanbul 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
| 12 to 24 April 2028 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £8495 | £7995 |
| Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £8795 | £8295 |
| Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £8995 | £8495 |
| Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £9495 | £8995 |
| Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £10495 | £9995 |
| Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £10995 | £10495 |
| Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £11495 | £10995 |
| Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £10495 | £9995 |
| Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £10995 | £10495 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHKS120428
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 12 nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Please 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
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. Please bring a two flat pin American adaptor for the 110v plug socket. Please note that the use of personal hairdryers, clothing irons, coffee makers, curling tongs, etc. in the suites 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 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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Nigel McGilchrist
Nigel McGilchrist has lived and worked in the Mediterranean – Italy, Turkey and Greece – for nearly forty years. After graduating from Oxford with a starred First in English, he began teaching at the University of Rome and subsequently worked for the Italian Superintendence of Fine Arts. All his spare time was spent in exploring the lands, coasts and the cultures of the Mediterranean world. He has lectured for many years on the art and history of the area for museums and institutions in Europe and America – among them, the Getty Museum and the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. He has led many specialist tours to Italy, Greece, Sicily and Malta; and has been a Guest Speaker for several Noble Caledonia cruises. He was formerly Dean of European Studies for a consortium of American universities. He is the author of a twenty-volume series of survey/guides of the archaeology, history and art of the sixty inhabited Aegean Islands. He lived previously in Umbria, where he produced wine and oil; he now lives in Greece.
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some time in Istanbul after your cruise we are offering a two night hotel stay based at the Bank Hotel. Our extension will include a guided tour of Topkapi Palace and a full day exploring the other sites of this magnificent city.
The Bank Hotel, Istanbul
Nestled in the historic neighbourhood of Karakoy, The Bank Hotel is ideally situated for discovering the treasures of Sultanahmet and beyond. Originally built in 1876 in the grand Neo-Renaissance style, this former bank has been exquisitely restored, blending its rich heritage with timeless elegance. A Member of Design Hotels, The Bank Hotel offers 62 rooms, a rooftop restaurant with magnificent views of Old Istanbul, a gym and spa, and provides guests with a truly unforgettable stay.
Istanbul
The Itinerary
Day 1 Istanbul, Turkey.
Disembark after breakfast and spend the morning at the impressive Topkapi Palace, a complex of buildings and annexes that was used as the Imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years. After lunch we will check in to our hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure. (B, L)
Day 2 Istanbul.
After breakfast at the hotel, we start our exploration of Istanbul at the Hippodrome, the centre of civic life in the capital of the Ottoman Empire. Next, see the nearby Blue Mosque, named for its glorious 17th century painted tiles; and the Hagia Sophia, first a Byzantine patriarchal basilica and now an imperial mosque. After lunch in a local restaurant a short walk brings us to the Basilica Cistern, which dates back to the 6th century and is one of the most magnificent, covered cisterns in Istanbul. Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure. (B, L)
Day 3 Istanbul to London.
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
24 to 26 April 2028 Category Price Twin £795 Single £1095 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch), tours as described, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000