Bird Quest
A discovery of Britain’s seabird islands aboard the Ocean Nova
- 1 May 2021
The seabird islands of the western British Isles are the envy of the birding world, yet it is not easy to sample the wonderful diversity of their character and come face-to-face with seagoing inhabitants. This unusual expedition cruise will appeal to those who wish to explore our coastal waters, observe the marvellous seabird and marine life and walk across untouched coastal wilderness areas. The focus of our expedition is the prolific birdlife but the region is also rich in historical and cultural heritage and we will visit the spiritual island of Iona, Northern Ireland’s walled city of Derry and the islands of the St Kilda archipelago.
Cruising aboard the 84-passenger Ocean Nova, we will be able to enjoy expedition cruising at its best. Although we will set sail with a schedule, it will not be set in stone. The Captain and expedition team keep a flexible approach allowing you the opportunity to fully experience the unexpected, whether it be a sighting of dolphins, a whale or any unusual event. Our exploration of inlets, estuaries and protected coastal waters will be made all the more enjoyable by the use of our Zodiac landing craft which enable us to land in remote places such as St Kilda and Lunga, providing for an unusual perspective and making the otherwise inaccessible readily available. This is a wonderful opportunity to see some of our most beautiful places and view some of the extensive birdlife. No matter your level of expertise you will find a warm welcome and a cornucopia of stunning sights and sounds.
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.
Ocean Nova
Built in Denmark in 1992, the Ocean Nova was completely refurbished in 2006 and now operates as a small, comfortable expedition ship, accommodating up to 84 passengers.
Cabins are spread over two decks and include cabins for the single traveller, double and triple cabins, all with sea-view and private facilities. The comfortable dining room located on the Upper deck seats all passengers in a single sitting and offers delicious meals with a mixture of table service and buffet. The informal dining arrangement adds to the friendly atmosphere onboard and meals are a great chance to discuss all you have seen with your fellow travellers, and for the expedition team to share their knowledge.
Itinerary
Day 1 Plymouth, England.
Embark this afternoon. A transfer will be provided from Plymouth Railway Station at a fixed time. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 Isles of Scilly.
Spend the morning on traffic-free Tresco, walking its idyllic lanes from the beach to the famous subtropical Abbey Gardens. Defying the Atlantic weather, this miracle of a garden is home to more than 20,000 species of plants from over 80 countries. Enjoy time to wander along the paths, maybe visit the Valhalla collection of ship The Itinerary figureheads from ships wrecked on the islands or relax in the café. We spend the afternoon on St Agnes, the most south-westerly community in the UK. Surrounded by rocks and reefs this delightful tiny island offers marvellous coastal walks. The small island of Gugh lies across a narrow sandbar and here we find a single stone monolith called the ‘Old Man of Gugh’ which dates back to the Bronze Age. En route we plan to sail past the nearby island of Annet, the second largest of the uninhabited islands and a bird sanctuary. We will cruise by to see the coastline alive with puffins, European storm petrels and shag.
Day 3 Lundy, Skomer & Grassholm Islands.
This morning we will explore Lundy, a remote island in the Bristol Channel. Walk along its traffic-free lanes and paths, explore the wide bays and coves by way of hanging valleys, observe the puffins nesting in abandoned rabbit warrens, have a drink at the inn and buy the islands ‘puffin stamps’ at the island’s shop. In the afternoon we will sail on to Skomer Island and discover the coastline on a Zodiac cruise. One of the most important wildlife sites in Northern Europe, this island has fantastic birdlife including 6000 pairs of puffins, countless numbers of guillemots, fulmar, kittiwakes and the elusive Manx shearwater and storm petrel. Return to the ship and we will sail around Grassholm; be on deck to view one of the world’s largest gannetries with over 34,000 breeding pairs.
Day 4 Holy Island, Wales.
This morning we arrive at Holyhead, adjacent to Anglesey with its spectacular sea cliffs. Here we will visit the RSPB’s reserve at South Stack, a beautiful but fragile maritime sward and heathland which is home to a large population of guillemots and razorbills. If we are lucky, we might also see some choughs. Return to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon on board as we cruise through the Irish Sea. Maybe join a lecture in the lounge or find a spot on deck to watch for wildlife.
Day 5 Ailsa Craig, Scotland & Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland.
In the early morning we will anchor off the granite island of Ailsa Craig. This tiny island, just 2.5 miles in circumference was once a refuge for sailors and base to a 19th century lighthouse. Today it is an RSPB reserve and home to the third largest gannet colony in Britain. We will use the Zodiacs and cruise the coastal waters for a closer look searching for puffins, guillemots and gulls. Sail in the late morning towards Rathlin Island. Located just a few miles from the North Antrim coast, Rathlin has been settled for more than 6000 years. Today, there are only 80 or so inhabitants, whereas before the famine there were 1200. Enjoy a guided walk which will take in the prolific seabird life with astonishing numbers of auks, kittiwakes and grey seals. In the evening sail past the magnificent cliffs to the north of the island which are home to the largest sea bird colony in Ireland.
Day 6 Derry.
Berth this morning in the historic city of Derry, renowned as one of the finest examples of a walled city in all of Europe. Derry is our base for a morning at the Inch Wild Fowl Reserve, Ireland’s premier wetland site, a Special Protected Area and an important staging ground for migrating birds. On a guided walk we will search for grebes, herons and tern and we may also see otters in the water. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon choose to either independently explore the city of Derry, walking the 17th century walls and visiting St Columb’s Cathedral, or alternatively join an afternoon tour to the Giant’s Causeway. Widely known from the 1700s as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ large numbers of visitors come to view this amazing array of basalt columns, it is estimated that there are around 40,000 in total.
Day 7 Colonsay & Iona, Scotland.
Today we will visit two lovely islands in the Inner Hebrides. Colonsay with her craggy, heather-backed hills, picturesque beaches and sparse woodland, has an impressive array of plant and birdlife. Lying between Mull and Islay, we can explore this island on a choice of walks. At Colonsay House, built in 1722 by Malcolm MacNeil and bought by Lord Strathcona in 1904, we hope to visit the attractively dilapidated wooded gardens, which protect the tiny, enigmatic 8th century St Oran’s Cross. We will enjoy lunch on board as we sail the short distance between the isles. For more than 1000 years the island of Iona has been a place of deep spiritual significance and no less than 62 Kings of Scotland are buried here. St Columba came here from Ireland in 563 AD and early Christianity spread through northern Britain from this remote island community. After exploring the Abbey, time permitting you may care to take a short walk on the wild side to the ‘Bay at the Back of the Ocean’.
Day 8 Staffa, Lunga & Coll.
In the early morning we anchor off Staffa, where the perpendicular rock face features an imposing series of black basalt columns, known as the Colonnade, which have been cut by the sea into cathedralesque caverns, most notably Fingal’s Cave. Weather permitting, we will use our Zodiacs to explore closer. We will also sail to Lunga, the largest of the Treshnish Isles. Of volcanic origin, Lunga has been described as a ‘green jewel in a peacock sea’. Populated until the 19th century, the island still bears the remains of black houses. There is prolific birdlife on the island including storm-petrels, puffins, kittiwakes and Manx Shearwaters. Later in the afternoon we plan to land on Coll. This rocky, wild and virtually treeless island of Coll was first settled in the Stone Age. Dotted with ruined cottages, this bird haven is picturesquely clad with machair grasslands and moors. It is also a good place to try and see the corncrake and listen out for the repetitive rasping call of the male.
Day 9 St Kilda.
Arrive this morning at St Kilda, a remarkable uninhabited archipelago some 50 miles beyond the Outer Hebrides. After breakfast, spend time on deck and enjoy a morning at sea while we cruise past two of the largest gannetries in the world at Stac Lee and Boreray. These impressive stacs rise 170 metres from the sea and are home to up to 60,000 breeding pairs of northern gannet. Dominated by the highest cliffs and sea stacks in Britain, Hirta, St Kilda’s main island was occupied on and off for at least 2000 years, with the last 36 Gaelic speaking inhabitants evacuated at their own request in 1930. Immediately after the evacuation, the island was bought by the Marquess of Bute to protect the island’s thousands of seabirds including puffin and fulmars, and in 1957 it was bequeathed to the National Trust for Scotland. St Kilda is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites with dual status reflecting its natural and cultural significance. This afternoon the local ranger will join us on board before our expedition staff lead several guided walks on the island.
Day 10 Handa & Shiant Islands.
Spend the morning at Handa where we will use our Zodiacs to explore the magnificent sea cliffs of Torridonian sandstone which rise from the Atlantic. The island comes alive each summer when nearly 100,000 seabirds gather to breed, including internationally important numbers of guillemot, razorbill, puffins and great skua. Spend the afternoon exploring the Shiant Isles. Anyone who has read Adam Nicholson’s captivating book ‘Sea Room’ will want to visit these lonely little islands located a few miles off the shores of Lewis. We will use our Zodiacs to explore the coastline and see the abundant birdlife and seals.
Day 11 Oban.
Disembark this morning. Transfers will be provided to Glasgow Central Station and Glasgow International Airport to arrive in the late morning.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 1 to 11 May 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Category 1 Bunk Bedded cabin for twin use | £3995 | |
| Category 2 Standard Twin | £4395 | |
| Category 3 Superior Twin | £4695 | |
| Category 1 Bunk bedded cabin for sole use | £4795 | |
| Category 2 Standard twin sole use | £5195 | |
Tour Reference Code: SCON010521
PRICE INCLUDES: 10 nights aboard the Ocean Nova on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia expedition team • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Deckplan
Ocean Nova
Built in Denmark in 1992, the Ocean Nova was completely refurbished in 2006 and now operates as a small, comfortable expedition ship, accommodating up to 84 passengers.
Cabins are spread over two decks and include cabins for the single traveller, double and triple cabins, all with sea-view and private facilities. The comfortable dining room located on the Upper deck seats all passengers in a single sitting and offers delicious meals with a mixture of table service and buffet. The informal dining arrangement adds to the friendly atmosphere onboard and meals are a great chance to discuss all you have seen with your fellow travellers, and for the expedition team to share their knowledge.
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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 Ocean Nova for your upcoming voyage. The 84-passenger vessel provides stability and speed and yet is small enough to manoeuvre in remote areas, making her an ideal vessel for expedition cruising.
Completely refurbished in 2006, the atmosphere on board is welcoming and informal and the public areas are spacious and dedicated to discovery and relaxation. Relax with a book in the Panorama Lounge or perhaps join new found friends in the bar to discuss the day’s events and wildlife sightings.
The vessel is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac landing craft and the Captain, Officers, expedition team and crew offer a first-class service and have been selected for their professionalism and expertise. After a day of exploration ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable ship.
We hope this information booklet answers any questions you may have pertaining to the vessel and wish you a pleasant voyage.
VESSEL TECHNICAL DETAILS
Built: 1992 (Denmark)
Refurbished: 2006
Registered: Bahamas
Draft: 4.5 metres
Gross Tonnage: 2180 tonnes
Length: 73 metres
Passenger Capacity: 84
Breadth: 11 metres
Zodiacs: 8
Staff & Crew: 32
Ice Class: Ice 1B, EO (Hull Ice 1A)
Cruising Speed: 13 KnotsAIR CONDITIONING
The ship is heated throughout. The Panorama Lounge and dining room are air conditioned and all cabins have outside air flow that can be individually controlled.
ALARM
An alarm will be sounded in the event of emergency. Please follow the instructions provided on board for what to do in the event of emergency.
ALL ABOARD
Your times for embarkation and disembarkation will be provided by your Expedition Leader.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
During your time on board, various announcements will be made by the ship’s crew and the Expedition Leader. Please listen out for these announcements as they will be of importance or interest.
BAR/BEVERAGES
A bar offering soft and alcoholic drinks is available in the Panorama Lounge. Individually purchased drinks consumed throughout your journey should be settled at the end of your voyage. Wine and beverage service is also available in the dining room.
BEAUTY SALON
There is no beauty salon available on board.
BRIDGE
Permission to visit the ship’s Bridge may be requested. Please note this is a working area and access may sometimes be restricted, for example, during manoeuvres or bad weather conditions.
CABINS
There are 39 passenger cabins on board, all outside facing and with en-suite bathroom facilities. All cabins have upper and lower beds, however, in twin cabins only the lower beds will be used. Each cabin features a window, fitted wardrobe with hangers, mirror, writing table and chair, hairdryer and telephone. All cabins are cleaned on a daily basis and towels are changed as required.
CURRENCY
The currency on board is USD. Your ship account will be payable at the end of your cruise by cash (in USD) or credit card (Visa, MasterCard and American Express). Please note that debit cards are not accepted.
DAILY PROGRAMME
Each evening the next day’s programme will be delivered to your cabin.
DRESS CODE
Since we are embarking on an expedition cruise, the dress code on board is informal. We recommend that you bring comfortable, casual clothes that can be layered according to the temperature. We recommend wearing sturdy shoes with rubber soles or other non-slip soles when moving around inside the ship. Leather soles are not recommended.
ELECTRICITY
The electrical supply aboard ship is 220 volts AC and outlets take Scandinavian two-prong plugs. We recommend you take an adaptor with you.
EMERGENCY AND SAFETY PROCEDURES
Full details of the ship’s emergency and safety procedures will be provided following your embarkation. There is a medical doctor and a first aid station on board.
EXPEDITION LEADER
A Noble Caledonia Expedition Leader will accompany you on your voyage, along with Naturalists and Zodiac Drivers.
FIRE SAFETY
On your cabin door is a deck plan displaying your closest (and all other) emergency exits. Emergency exits are marked in green and fire extinguishers fitted in all corridors.
FIRST AID
There is both a medical doctor and a first aid station on board.
FITNESS ROOM
An exercise area is available on the Bridge Deck and contains a variety of equipment. If you intend to use the gym please ensure you wear suitable clothing.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities have been included in your holiday price, however if you feel that certain individuals deserve special award, you are of course free to remunerate as you please.
GIFT SHOP
A small shop selling practical items is located on the ship’s Main Deck.
HOUSEKEEPING
Your cabin will be cleaned twice a day and you will be provided with a ‘turn down’ service at night.
LAUNDRY
Laundry service is available at additional charge (prices available in your cabin). Laundry will be collected in the morning and will be returned to you in approximately two days. Ironing facilities are also available for a fee, however please note there is no tumble drying or dry cleaning on board.
LIBRARY
A small selection of books are available for use on board.
LIFT
There is no lift on board the vessel.
LOST PROPERTY
Lost property can be handed in to the ship’s reception. Please ensure you have all of your belongings with you before you return home. Should you leave items on board the ship we are only able to return them to you at your own cost.
MEALS
The dining room located on the Upper Deck seats all passengers at a single sitting. The chef will serve three meals a day. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style and dinner will be a combination of self-service and served items. All tables seat at least 5 people. Dietary requests can be catered for (on request). Please provide any such requests in writing to Noble Caledonia at the time of your reservation and please reiterate these requests to the ship’s Hotel Manager upon your embarkation.
MEDICAL
There is a doctor and a first aid station on board. Passengers under regular treatment, or requiring special medications, should bring sufficient quantities to last the duration of the expedition.
MOSQUITOES
Please ensure you take the appropriate precautions to guard against mosquito bites.
OBSERVATION DECK
Available to passengers throughout the sailing. Please note the deck may have to be closed during periods of inclement weather.
OPERATIONAL CHANGES
Despite our meticulous planning efforts, there may be times when changes must be made to the daily programme due to circumstances beyond our control such as rough seas or inclement weather. The ship’s Captain and crew will do their utmost to find the best and safest solution. Any changes to the day’s schedule will be communicated as soon as possible.
PAYMENTS ON BOARD
The vessel operates a signed-chit system whereby no payment is immediately required (the vessel only requiring a signature for your purchase) and, only at the end of the cruise will you be presented with your final itemised bill to settle.
POST
The vessel’s crew will be happy to send any post you may have on your behalf (although please note that as they are unable to do so at every port of call, this could take longer than if you were to post yourself). Please note that neither the ship nor Noble Caledonia can be held responsible for items of post that are not successfully delivered on your behalf.
QUESTIONNAIRES
A questionnaire will be provided to all passengers towards the end of their sailing. We would be grateful for you to complete and return this.
RECEPTION
Reception is staffed during peak hours. You will always be able to contact a member of the crew 24 hours a day.
SAFE
A safe is available in the hotel manager’s office for valuables, but we recommend leaving valuables at home or keeping them on your person.
SAFETY
Please take careful note of all safety instructions provided to you by the Master and crew of the vessel. Full safety instructions and a safety video are available to you in your cabin.
SMOKING
Smoking within your cabin or any of the vessel’s public areas is strictly prohibited. Designated smoking areas are provided and can be advised by the ship’s reception upon embarkation.
TELEPHONE
The ship can be contacted by a satellite phone (tel: + 870773221777). Passengers will be able to receive and make satellite phone calls via the telephone on the Bridge and the charges will be added to their onboard account. All passengers can also be assigned an email account for receiving and sending emails. The cost of each received or sent email will automatically be added to your final bill settled at the end of the cruise. Since all communication by phone or email is through a satellite system, coverage and availability can vary throughout the cruise, depending on the signal.
VISITORS
Visitors are not permitted aboard the vessel.
WATER
The water on board is safe to drink. There are strategically placed water bottle filling stations where water is additionally filtered for taste and quality.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available throughout the vessel and all passengers can be assigned an email account for receiving and sending emails. The cost of each received or sent email will automatically be added to your final bill settled at the end of the cruise. Since all communication by phone or email is through a satellite system, coverage and availability can vary throughout the cruise, depending on the signal.
Please Note:
The above information is accurate and correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publishing. Noble Caledonia accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions and none of the facilities or features of the vessel described herein which are not specifically described in our advertisements and on your holiday invoice as being included in your holiday price will be deemed to be included in your holiday package. If you would like further information about the vessel or about any of your holiday arrangements, please do not hesitate to contact us.
V.1 Jan 2017
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Deckplan
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Deckplan
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