Deckplan
Please note that all beds can be configured as twin or double with the exception of suites 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed.
This extraordinary voyage along South America’s west coast promises to be a marvellous adventure and travelling aboard the all suite MS Hebridean Sky, and thereby skipping the arduous long journeys that overland travel entails, is the perfect way to explore the region. Sailing from the Caribbean Sea through the Panama Canal to the Pacific Ocean, our cruise will take us along stunning coastline which will be dominated by the ever present Andes as we make our way through some of the most culturally rich and ecologically diverse places on the planet.
We will unearth the beauty of Panama, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru as we explore the region’s archaeological and natural wonders whilst also having the opportunity to experience one of the greatest man-made wonders of the world – the Panama Canal. An engineering marvel when it opened, the 50 mile passage continues to astonish even the most veteran traveller. In Panama we will marvel at the palm-fringed islands and white sand beaches of the San Blas archipelago and whilst in Colombia we visit the Utria National Park with its dense rainforest, mangroves and many species of birds, reptiles and monkeys. Further south we will explore Ecuador’s Machalilla National Park, a protected coastal haven for over 200 species of birds and wildlife. In Peru we will visit Chan Chan, a pre-Columbian site of the Chimu culture and land on Lobos de Tierra, a tiny island off the coast, famous for its abundant marine and birdlife.
During this voyage we will venture into national parks and conservation areas teeming with wildlife and visit remote communities where locals live following ancient ways of life. There will also be opportunities to enjoy swimming and nature walks. A flexible itinerary and knowledgeable onboard team will enable us to make the most of each day, whether we are landing on remote beaches by Zodiac, watching out for wildlife or learning more of the history and culture of the places we are visiting.
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.
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 Panama City, Panama.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to our hotel in the city for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day and evening is at leisure.
Day 2 Panama City to Colon.
After breakfast in the hotel we make our way to the Panama Canal Observation Centre to learn about the expansion of the canal before visiting the Miraflores Locks Visitor Centre where you can see the history of the canal and watch the ships as they pass through. Continue to Colon where we will embark the MS Hebridean Sky and sail this evening.
Day 3 San Blas Islands.
We awake in the stunning San Blas archipelago. The archipelago is made up of over 400 islands that line the north coast of Panama with white sandy beaches set in a turquoise sea. The islands are home to the indigenous Kuna Indians who gained self-rule from the government of Panama in the 1920s and maintain their traditional way of life including the production of colourful fabric art known as ‘molas’. We will have time to take a nature walk or perhaps enjoy a swim from the beach.
Day 4 Panama Canal Transit.
An undisputed destination on the travel bucket list must be the Panama Canal. The first attempt to build the canal was made by a French company but ended in failure in 1889. The American government eventually bought out the French for 40 million dollars, and their attempt to build the Canal started in 1904. Through the efforts of over 80,000 workers and the loss of more than 30,000 lives, the greatest single construction project ever undertaken was completed. The project ended in triumph, with the Canal opening in 1914, and it is now a vital artery of international trade, with nearly 14,000 ships travelling through it every year. The canal is around 50 miles long and takes between eight to ten hours to cross and we hope to confirm a daytime crossing.
Days 5 & 6 Bahia Solano & Utria National Park, Colombia.
After a morning at sea we land on the Pacific coast of Colombia and have a day and a half to explore this beautiful area which is well off the traditional cruise routes. Here we find the Utria National Park, a tropical forest which reaches down to the sandy beaches. Using our Zodiacs to get ashore we will enjoy hikes and nature trails and observe the flora and fauna with our local guides. In Bahia Solano we will visit the small town whilst those feeling active may wish to join a guided walk to a private rainforest reserve which runs alongside the Rio Mecana and is part of a 170 hectare nature reserve. Made up of mangroves, tropical forest, native plants and trees of the Choco region, our local guides will point out the indigenous plants and birdlife and highlight the ongoing reforestation programmes. We also hope to offer a chance to swim from one of the beaches.
Day 7 Isla Gorgona.
Once a high security prison island located 50 miles off the Colombian mainland, Gorgona Island has reinvented itself as a natural paradise with golden sandy beaches, freshwater streams, waterfalls and tropical forests. In the mid-1980s the island became a National Park, the prison converted to a research centre and one of the houses to a museum. We will spend the day on the island and a choice of activities will be on offer including nature walks looking for some of the many species of birds, snakes, sloths and monkeys as well as the blue anole – the world’s only blue lizard. Alternatively enjoy a swim from the beaches or learn more about the history of the island from the local guides.
Day 8 At Sea.
Spend a relaxing day at sea as make our way to Ecuador.
Day 9 Manta, Ecuador.
Our first call in Ecuador will be at the port of Manta which is the largest tuna fishing harbour on the continent. Leaving the city we drive along the scenic seaside promenade and through the suburbs to charming Montecristi which still retains the atmosphere and faded elegance of its Spanish heritage. We will stop by Montecristi´s central square which holds a cornucopia of artisan stalls selling straw baskets, jewellery and colourful handicrafts before we learn about the town’s biggest export, the iconic Panama hat. Later we will visit the Pacoche Reserve, located on the Manabi coast and a habitat for multiple species. Our expedition team will lead walks through the park’s trails to see the resident howler monkeys, over 50 species of endemic birds and rich flora.
Day 10 Isla de la Plata.
Around forty kilometres off the Ecuadorian coast is the small island of Isla de la Plata (Silver Island) where it is claimed Sir Francis Drake buried some of his treasure. The island is part of the Machalilla National Park and a sanctuary for seabirds such as the red footed, blue footed and Nazca boobies who share the steep cliffs with frigate birds, albatrosses and the red-billed tropicbirds. Spend the morning with our naturalists who will lead nature walks searching for wildlife before we sail this afternoon.
Day 11 Guayaquil.
Sail this morning up the Guayas River and into Ecuador’s main port of Guayaquil. A full day tour will take us out of the city and to the Mangalares Churute Ecological Park which contains approximately 50,000 hectares of mangroves and covers 60% of the reserve. Being a wetland reserve we will see a great diversity of molluscs and crabs as well as aquatic birds including herons and ibis and we will use local boats to explore. Lunch will be served at a nearby finca where we also learn about their cultivation of cocoa and can sample some of their home produced chocolate. Alternatively spend the morning in Guayaquil on a tour including Centennial Plaza that honours the heroes of Guayaquil’s independence, the famous Moorish Clock Tower and Seminario Park, with an equestrian statue of South America’s liberator, Simon Bolivar. Our tour concludes at the city’s oldest neighbourhood, Las Penas, with its brightly coloured houses and panoramic views. Return to the ship for lunch and a free afternoon.
Day 12 Puerto Bolivar.
On our final call in Ecuador there will be a choice of experiences offered. A full day tour will take us to the Buenaventura Cloud Forest Reserve which is home to a remarkable array of flora and fauna. Divided into highlands and lowland it combines elements of the deciduous Tumbesian Forest of Southern Ecuador with the wet Choco forests of Northwestern Ecuador. We will take a series of trails in the forest and with up to 300 bird species we hope to see hummingbirds, El Oro Parakeet, Royal Pacific Flycatcher and Ecuadorian Tapaculo. After lunch at a local organic farm we return to the ship. Alternatively head to a plantation to learn about one of Ecuador’s biggest industries, banana production. Learn about the growing practices as well as developments in cultivation which have helped the industry thrive and Ecuador become the world’s largest exporter.
Day 13 Isla Lobos de Tierra, Peru.
After a morning at sea and weather permitting we will use our Zodiacs as we visit the offshore island of Lobos de Tierra. In the 19th century this was the site of a large guano mining centre however today it is an important seabird sanctuary and home to Peruvian pelicans, blue footed boobies and cormorants. We will explore the coastline in the Zodiacs and take walks ashore watching for the birdlife and South American sea lions in the waters.
Day 14 Salaverry.
Arrive this morning at Salaverry, our base for a full day of touring. From the port we will drive to Hauca de la Luna to see the Huaca del Sol pyramids from the Moche culture, a remarkable pre-Inca civilisation. Continue on to the ruins of Chan Chan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the imperial capital of the Chimu, where we explore the ruins of the largest adobe city in the world, marvelling at their skilful irrigation and engineering projects. We also visit the intriguing desert city of Trujillo. This oasis city was founded by Pizarro in 1536 and still exudes much Spanish colonial charm. Visit the Casa Urquiaga, a mansion containing pre-Columbian ceramics and the Plaza de Armas with its imposing 17th century cathedral.
Day 15 Callao for Lima.
In the early afternoon we will arrive in the port of Callao our base for a tour of Lima city, which was founded by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535, and then named the ‘City of Kings’ by the Spaniards who took the city in the name of the Spanish Crown. During the vice royalty the city became the most important capital in the region, and as testament to this, today you can still see the imposing buildings that were constructed principally in the city centre. See the most important buildings in the Plaza Mayor, such as the Government Palace, the beautiful cathedral and the various small palaces and colonial balconies that adorn the capital of the Peruvian Republic, all of which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO thanks to its wellpreserved architecture.
Day 16 Lima to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.
Day 17 London.
Arrive today.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £300 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 9 to 25 January 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £10295 | £9995 |
| Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £10495 | £10195 |
| Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £10695 | £10395 |
| Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £10995 | £10695 |
| Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £12495 | £12195 |
| Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £12995 | £12695 |
| Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £13495 | £13195 |
| Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £11495 | £11195 |
| Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £11995 | £11695 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHKS090123
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Overnight hotel accommodation in Panama City with breakfast • 14 nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia expedition team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
During this expedition you will be visiting out of the way destinations and will be accompanied by an expedition team. Landings and excursions will be made by Zodiac landing craft. The use of Zodiacs will be key to the operation of the itinerary as shown. If you have any queries pertaining to the use of Zodiacs or the level of fitness required for this voyage, please do not hesitate to ask 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 upcoming voyage. The 118-passenger, all-suite vessel is one of the finest small ships in the world and benefits from unusually spacious accommodation, public areas and outside decks.
You will find the atmosphere on board akin to a private yacht or country hotel with a little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, talks from our onboard team and informative port briefings from your Cruise Director or Expedition Leader. After a day of exploration ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable ship. Along with the Captain and officers and the Noble Caledonia team, our crew of 70 are dedicated to offering you the best possible experience during your time on board.
We hope this information booklet answers any questions you may have pertaining to the vessel and wish you a pleasant voyage.
VESSEL TECHNICAL DETAILS
Passengers: 118
Length: 90.60 metres
Width: 15.30 metres
Registered: Bahamas
Crew/Staff: 70
Year built: 1992
Year refurbished: 2018
Language: English
Gross Tonnage: 4200 tonnes
Net Tonnage: 1286 tonnesADAPTORS
Adaptors for hairdryers, mobile phones etc. can be obtained from Reception. These should be returned to Reception at the end of the cruise and are the property of the MS Hebridean Sky. There is also an adaptor extension box with USB ports by the cabin television.
AIR-CONDITIONING
The entire ship is air-conditioned. All cabins feature individual temperature controls. In order to keep the air-conditioning system working efficiently, please keep doors closed when in use.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The ship uses a public address system to advise guests of all important information and activities during the cruise. Announcements can be heard throughout the public areas of the ship and in all cabins.
CABINS
Onboard there are 59 exceptionally spacious and well designed cabins. All feature a sitting area, en suite bathroom with vanity unit and walk-in shower featuring rainfall and separate hand held shower heads, spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Cabins on the Shackleton and Scott Decks have private balconies.
All cabins have the following facilities:
• Dressing gowns and slippers
• TV
• Electrical outlet
• Hairdryer
• Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled)
• Mini bar & Fridge: the mini bar is stocked on arrival and replenished daily. A price list can be found in the cabin
• Safe
• Molton Brown toiletries: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion
• Telephone
Each cabin has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request with the exception of cabins 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed. Please advise the Reservations Department or the Reception Desk, once on board, if you would like a double bed.
Cabins are serviced each morning by your cabin attendant and again in the evening when the beds are turned down.
Please note that aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, all cabins have a shower but none have baths.
COMMUNICATIONS
Telephone
If you wish to contact the ship, please call +1 954 672 6930. This is a US number so calls will be charged at an international rate. There is a phone in your cabin which has access to an outside line. Outgoing call costs will be advised on board. You can make cabin to cabin calls free of charge. The ship can be contacted by email at rec@hs.salenship.com. Please indicate the passenger name and cabin number in the subject field.
Satellite Internet & Wi-Fi
Connectivity is now an important feature in our lives and we do our best to bring this service to you on board. There are facilities in the Library to access the internet and Noble Caledonia also offers complimentary satellite Wi-Fi access on board. Wi-Fi is available in the public areas and passenger cabins. You will need to bring your own device to connect in these areas. Wi-Fi cards, with your unique log in and instructions, are available at Reception. The service provided on board uses direct satellite technology and has a certain amount of bandwidth available. The same level of connectivity and speed that we enjoy at home through cable or fibre-optic based infrastructures cannot be expected on board.
As you traverse the seas and ports, the ship’s antennae have to re-establish connection with the transmission satellites. Signal may also be blocked by mountains, buildings or even local radio frequency regulations. Remote locations out of satellite range, weather on earth or in space can also affect signal strength. Please also bear in mind that the network is shared by everyone on board so congestion can be anticipated which will slow down speeds especially at peak times. The bandwidth available to the ship means that connectivity is best served using text-based communications and simple social media. Some applications which involve downloading large files may not be available on board.
Here are some tips for using satellite Wi-Fi on board:
• Avoid peak times such as the return to the ship after an excursion.
• Always log off the system when not in use to free up bandwidth space for other passengers.
• Work offline.
• Download any apps you need before leaving home.
• Turn off or disable background app data services and updates – apps that sync in the background can quickly eat up data without your knowledge.
• Disable push notifications as these use a lot of data.
• Remember to bring any charging or data cables required.
• Your Network provider may offer a cruise package but be careful, once the land signal is lost, this will transfer to the satellite signal which will incur greater costs.
• Cruise Terminals ashore often have good land based internet to supplement your connectivity.
• Put your phone on Airplane Mode when not in use to avoid roaming charges from your Network Provider.
• Be careful not to access private accounts such as bank accounts on public Wi-Fi systems.
DAILY PROGRAMME
A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced on board and delivered to your cabin daily.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free and low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department. We regret that not all dietary requirements can be guaranteed. If you have any specific or special foods that you require we recommend that you take some with you although we will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once on board, please speak to the Chef or the Maitre D’ at dinner on your first night on board to reconfirm your needs.
DINING & DRINKING
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the Restaurant. During good weather, early riser’s coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner may also be served on The Lido Deck. Afternoon tea is served in The Club or in The Lounge depending on activities. Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits are available self-service 24 hours a day in The Club. House wine, beer and soft drinks are included at lunch and dinner. MS Hebridean Sky operates an open seating policy which greatly enhances the convivial atmosphere on board. The Restaurant has table configurations of 8, 6, 4 and some 2’s. Room service is not available on board. As we operate an open seating policy, we regret that reservations cannot be made. Please note that passengers are not permitted to consume their own supplies of alcohol on board.
DISABLED FACILITIES
There is a lift on board but the ship does not have facilities for disabled or wheelchair dependent passengers. Additionally, most shore excursions involve some walking and some excursions are walking tours only. There is no chair lift on board and access to the ship is by gangway.
DISEMBARKATION
Your Cruise Director / Expedition Leader will provide you with detailed disembarkation information prior to the end of your cruise. This will include transfer information (where applicable). If you should have any specific queries, please do not hesitate to contact the Cruise Director / Expedition Leader as soon as possible after embarkation.
DRESS CODE
The dress code on board is defined as casual. During the day, comfortable and casual attire is appropriate. The evenings are smart casual. Jackets and ties are not required. However, we kindly ask you to refrain from wearing shorts during evening meals in the Restaurant. You may wish to wear something a little dressier for the welcome and farewell dinners, for example, a jacket and tie for gentlemen and occassion wear for ladies. No “black tie” is necessary.
ELECTRICITY
Voltage is 110V/60Hz (American standard) and a 220V razor socket. This is only suitable for low voltage electrical appliances, e.g. mobile phone or camera charger. We recommend that you bring a twopin American adaptor for the 110v plug. Please note that the use of personal hairdryers, clothing irons, coffee makers, curling tongs, etc. in the cabins is strictly forbidden as they may damage the ship’s electrical system.
If you require electrical medical equipment, please notify the Reservations Department as soon as possible.
GOING ASHORE
Please wait in the public areas or in your cabin until an announcement is made with instructions to disembark. Sailing times for each port are listed in the Daily Programme. Please note sailing times and ensure that you return back to the vessel at least 30 minutes prior to departure. In some ports a passport or port landing card must be carried when going ashore. This will be announced over the PA System if required. If the ship is in a remote area and you hear a continuous blast of the ship’s horn then please return immediately to the landing site. When leaving the ship at any time while in port always ensure you have checked IN/OUT at the gangway.
HAIR & BEAUTY SALON
MS Hebridean Sky has a hairdresser providing haircuts and hairstyling. Some beauty treatments and massage are also available. Appointments for hair styling can be made onboard at the Reception Desk. Fees for all treatments are available at Reception and will be charged to your on board account. Each cabin is equipped with a hairdryer which can be found in the right hand top drawer of the dresser.
HEALTH & HYGIENE
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 cabins 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 cabin. Please complete the laundry list and leave it together with the bag of items to be laundered on your bed. Your laundered items will be returned within 24 hours. There are no public launderette or ironing facilities on board. In the interest of safety we ask that you do not use an electric iron in your cabin. An ironing service is available at reasonable cost. Dry cleaning facilities are not available on board. In the interest of the environment, towels will not be automatically changed every day. We ask that you put used towels on the bathroom floor if you wish them to be changed for fresh towels. Towels left hanging on the towel rack will not be changed.
LIFT
All passenger decks can be reached by lift. Please do not use the lift in the case of a fire or an emergency.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you disembark the ship, please check your cabin to ensure you do not leave anything behind. Onboard the ship, any liquids, cosmetics, paper(s) and perishable items left behind will be disposed of immediately. Any books left on board the ship will be incorporated into the ship’s library or donated to charity. Other items left behind on the ship will be kept on board for 1 month or 2 cruises (whichever is the longer period), and after this time, any unclaimed items will be given to a local charity at the next main port the ship visits. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia within 21 days of disembarking. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection, and any costs incurred will be at your own expense.
MAIL
Although reception staff are happy to post letters on your behalf, they may not be able to do so straightaway or at the port of call at which you make such a request. Some postal services are unreliable and many letters or postcards that you ask to be delivered on your behalf may be delayed or even lost en route. Under no circumstances can we be held liable for such occurrences.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
Medical services are available 24 hours a day. There is a Doctor on board, and crew members are trained in first aid. Cabin visits by the ship’s Doctor are available. Please note that all consultations and services are charged for. To arrange an appointment with the ship’s Doctor please contact Reception. It takes some people longer to find their sea legs. Sea sickness tablets are available from Reception, and should be taken at least one hour prior to departure.
MINI BAR
For your convenience a mini bar facility has been set up in your suite on a chargeable basis. Items consumed during the cruise will be charged to your onboard account. Your Steward will restock your mini bar on a daily basis and replenish consumed items. The mini bar price list is placed in the cabinet of your mini bar. The final statement will be delivered to your cabin in the early morning of your disembarkation.
NEWS
News channels are available on your cabin TV and in addition daily news bulletins can be found at Reception and in The Library.
NOBLE CALEDONIA TEAM
Throughout your cruise you will be accompanied by your Noble Caledonia team who will be happy to assist you with any queries or requests you may have.
ONBOARD ACCOUNT
All passengers will have their own “ship account” which allows you to sign a receipt for any expenses and then settle your bill at the Reception Desk at the end of the cruise. You will need to register your card at Reception shortly after sailing. If you are sharing a cabin 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:
• Cash (British Pounds, Euros or US Dollars).
• Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express).
If you intend to settle your shipboard account using your credit card, please provide Reception with an imprint of your card at your convenience during the cruise. As a standard procedure, a GBP10.00 pre-authorisation hold for settlements is made via credit card.
Debit cards and pre-pad credit cards may not automatically be accepted. Please let us know in advance if you plan to use one.
PASSPORTS
All Passports are collected by the Purser upon embarkation. Passports are necessary to facilitate immigration formalities at each port of call and are returned at the end of the cruise.
PUBLIC AREAS
The Club – Located on the Mawson Deck aft. The Club features the main bar and a 24 hour tea and coffee station. A quiet place to meet friends or relax during the day. In the evening our onboard resident pianist plays before and after dinner.
The Library – Located on the Mawson Deck aft. In The Library you can find a well stocked selection of reference books pertaining to the destinations. Fiction books, games and playing cards are also available for your pleasure. Novels brought on board may be exchanged with other books in the paperback library. Should you wish to donate any books which you may have brought with you, we will be happy to add these for the pleasure of future guests. Reference books may not be removed from the ship.
The Lounge – Located on the Byrd Deck aft. Daily Briefings by the Cruise Director or Expedition Leader are given in The Lounge which is fitted with multiple screens and presentation equipment. Informative talks from the Guest Speaker or expedition team are also given here.
Observation Deck – Located on the Shackleton Deck. There is an area for sun loungers ideal for sunbathing as well as a forward facing viewing platform.
Promenade Deck – Located on the Mawson Deck. We kindly ask for your consideration to those guests whose cabins are located on and beneath the Promenade Deck. Please use the deck for walking / jogging between the hours of 8.30 am and 9.00 pm.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Your comments are important to us therefore before your cruise ends, you will receive a questionnaire. We are always looking for ways to improve your holiday experience and appreciate the time you take to complete the questionnaire. Kindly hand your completed questionnaire in at Reception.
SAFE
There is a safe in every cabin located in the drawer of the television cabinet. The safe can be programmed with your own code, instructions can be found inside the closet door and cabin staff will be available to assist upon embarkation. We recommend that you leave money and other valuables in the safe. Kindly remember to remove all items from the safe before disembarking the ship at the end of your cruise.
SAFETY DRILL & SAFETY
International Maritime Law requires a lifeboat safety drill to take place prior to sailing. All guests must attend this compulsory and important exercise. Please listen for the announcements. During the drill, all ships services will be suspended. Your assigned lifeboat station, location of your life jacket and the signal for lifeboat and fire drills are clearly explained on the emergency card posted on the back of your cabin door. Life jackets are located in your cabin. During the safety drill you will be shown how to wear the life jacket. It is essential that you take certain safety precautions while on board:
• Walk, never run and be especially careful on wet and slippery decks.
• Ladies are advised to wear low heeled shoes especially on deck.
• Footwear should be worn at all times.
• Hold on to the handrails in passageways and stairways.
SHIP’S ID CARD
These personal ID cards with essential information are issued to each guest during embarkation. Please remember to check in and out at the gangway with the crew member on duty in order for them to ensure that you are on board prior to sailing.
SMOKING POLICY
The MS Hebridean Sky offers a smoke-free cruise environment. Smoking is not permitted inside the ship, including the balcony areas and is only permitted in the designated area outside on Mawson Deck aft. Please never throw any cigarette ends overboard – the breeze could carry the smouldering end back on board and start a fire. We thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
TELEPHONE CALLS
Calls to other cabins can be made free of charge by dialing the cabin number. Lift the handset and dial the cabin number. If you wish to make an outside call, please check at Reception to purchase a prepaid telephone card and instructions. Costs are available from Reception and charges are automatically billed to your onboard account.
TELEVISION
All cabins are equipped with a flat screen television offering a selection of news and documentary channels.
TOILETRIES
Molton Brown shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, body lotion and shower gel are provided in your bathroom. If you have forgotten anything ie. toothpaste, please ask Reception, who have a selection of items available for purchase.
VISITORS
For the safety and security of all passengers no visitors are allowed on board the ship.
VISITING THE BRIDGE
At times Bridge visits may be possible. If visiting the Bridge, please note this is a working area and access may sometimes be restricted
WAKE UP CALL
Wake up calls can be requested through the Reception Desk before 11.00 pm.
WATER
Water from the taps in your cabin is safe to drink. Previously the MS Hebridean Sky used 54,000 bottles of water a year. In order to reduce the damage caused to the environment by waste plastic, we have replaced plastic bottled water where possible with eco-friendly, reusable water bottles and water carafes. These are for your use during the cruise and we kindly ask you to leave them in your cabin at the end of the cruise. The bottles and carafes can be filled from the tap or the water station outside the Club. Alternatively your cabin steward can refill your carafe daily. Should you prefer to use plastic bottled water then please just let your cabin steward know.
ZODIAC OR LOCAL BOATS TO GO ASHORE
Some destinations may require the use of the ship’s Zodiacs or local tender boats to go ashore. Guests will be advised where and when to meet the Zodiac or local tender boat for travel to and from the ship. Please ensure that your hands are free at all times and accept the assistance given by the crew onboard the MS Hebridean Sky when boarding tenders / Zodiacs. A Zodiac safety briefing will be given.
Please Note: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
V.7 December 2021
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Cabin Plans
Cabin Plans
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Deck plans
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Deckplan
Please note that all beds can be configured as twin or double with the exception of suites 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed.
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Travelling with You
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Tom Collier
A British naturalist who has years of experience working in conservation, ciology and guiding in some of the worlds most intriguing locations. Having worked in both tropical and temporal regions, Tom has picked up a wealth of knowledge of the flora, fauna and history that make up some of the most beautiful places on earth, from the spinning whirlpools of the Corryvreckan to the tracking of breeding pelagic seabirds. Being a conservation officer on an outer island of Seychelles, he worked on one of the most remote and isolated destinations on the planet, studying turtles, seabirds, marine mammals and coral, amongst many more. Tom has worked as an expedition leader to Borneo, biologist in Mauritius and been a wildlife Guide for one of the most prestigious touring companies in Hebridean Scotland. He has also worked with several schools, presenting his work to a wide variety of audiences, he loves inspiring and passing on knowledge to others. He is an experienced zodiac driver with an eagle-eye for everything and anything!
Tour Extensions
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Discover the heart and soul of one of the most fascinating civilisations in the Americas, the Incas. During our post-cruise extension explore Cusco, capital of the Inca Empire; the Sacred Valley, a setting of picturesque communities, impressive terraces and some important archaeological sites; and the ultimate Inca site, Machu Picchu.
Cusco
The Itinerary
Day 1 Lima to Sacred Valley, Peru.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Cusco. Upon arrival embark on a guided tour of the first capital of the Inca Empire including the 16th century Cusco Cathedral and Santo Domingo. Enjoy a delicious Peruvian lunch at a local restaurant, then embark our coach to the Sacred Valley where we check into our hotel for a two night stay. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the panoramic views of the Andes as we acclimatise to the high altitude. (B, L)
Day 2 Sacred Valley.
After breakfast we drive to the archaeological site of Moray, composed of three groups of circular terraces before continuing to the Andean Village of Ccor Ccor. Here we meet the Quechua-speaking farmers and weavers of this rural community and hear about local way of life and traditions. We then learn about the Andean agricultural cycle as our Quechua hosts show us how they hand-turn the soil on the mountainsides, and invite us to join an Andean tradition of blessing the earth. Enjoy lunch at a local Hacienda surrounded by a forest of eucalyptus trees and other native species and see the famous giant white corn which is cultivated for export before we return to our hotel and meet later for dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu.
This morning we visit the massive fortress of Ollantaytambo, a formidable stone structure that climbs massive terraces reaching the top of a high peak. Below the fortress lies a complete Incan town, also called Ollantaytambo, still inhabited and with its original architecture and layout preserved. We then embark on our scenic railway journey to Machu Picchu – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Constructed as a royal retreat for the Inca emperor Pachacuti in the 1400s, Machu Picchu was abandoned less than 100 years later, its population probably devastated by smallpox. Architectural highlights include the Temple of the Sun, designed much like the one in Cusco, several other temples, hundreds of terraces, and a mysterious carved stone situated on a raised platform that towers above the plaza. The stone may have been used for astronomical observations, but no one knows for certain. The Inca had no written language, so there is no record of Machu Picchu’s ultimate purpose. After the visit we check-in to our hotel in Aguas Calientes. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Machu Picchu to Cusco.
This morning there will be a chance to return to Machu Pichu to explore further at your own pace before travelling back to Cusco this afternoon. Check into our hotel for an overnight stay and the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B, L)
Day 5 Cusco to London.
Check out this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Lima where we connect with our onward indirect flight to London. (B)
Day 6 London.
Arrive this morning.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
24 to 29 January 2023 Category Price Twin £2995 Single £3595 Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel from Lima to Cusco, two nights hotel accommodation in Sacred Valley, overnight hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes and Cusco, meals shown as included (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), excursions, Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers, airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
NB. Minimum numbers apply.
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