Here is a unique expedition that will appeal to those who wish to visit some remote and inaccessible islands and to celebrate the stunning scenery of the British Isles from the outlying islands off the English coast to the highlands of Scotland. Every year the popularity of small ship cruising in our own waters grows and this is immensely rewarding as the vast majority of our passengers are from Britain. We have many years of experience in designing trips to the hidden corners of our remotest places and yet, every year we discover something new. Although we set sail with a fixed itinerary it is the unscheduled events that often become the highlight of the journey.
Our voyage from Portsmouth to Aberdeen visits the remarkable islands on the edge of the British Isles with only one non-island call during our voyage; such is the advantage of having a self-sufficient vessel with the qualities of the MS Serenissima. We will explore both inhabited and uninhabited islands and places of great natural beauty, rich in wildlife and mystical history. We have also included a number of gardens which, given the timing of our cruise will be in bloom from the Isles of Scilly to the Hebrides. For keen birders, there are numerous highlights including sailing past the gannetries on the Skellig Islands and at St Kilda.
Each day there will be the opportunity to explore coastal paths, see the resident wildlife, enjoy the wonderful views on offer and appreciate the ancient and Medieval history of the islands. Such a voyage is only possible aboard a small ship with the ability to reach these remote places and, with the use of our Zodiacs, we will be able to explore in small groups, ensuring the solitude we find on the isles is not disturbed.
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.
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What to Expect
Flexibility is the key to an expedition cruise; sometimes the whole day’s schedule may be changed to maximise your experience based on weather or wildlife sightings, something that would not be possible on a large cruise ship. Each day holds something new and below is an extract from our vessel’s logs from a past voyage which will provide you with an idea of what to expect should you choose to join this expedition.
Tory Island: Our Zodiacs arrived in the harbour and were greeted by Patsy Dan Rodgers, otherwise known as the King of Tory Island. Filled with enthusiasm for his island and its history and inhabitants, the King guided us on a walking tour across the island to the lighthouse. He explained the way of life in this remote, treeless domain and gave us an insight into what it takes to live here. Many residents greeted us as we strolled by, then chatted with the King in Gaelic (which is still spoken as the first language here). Others chose to go with expedition guides to the other side of the island to take in the magnificent views from the high cliffs located there. The views were not the only reward for the hike to the top of the cliffs. There was an abundance of seabirds nesting here, including puffins and fulmars and the sky was alive with the activity of these birds. After our walks, we joined the King at the Harbour View Inn for a pint of Guinness on the house. While we sipped our stouts, the man himself played traditional tunes on the accordion and chatted away while the sun got lower in the sky.
St Kilda: The early risers were rewarded with fine views of our approach to the archipelago of St Kilda, its tops draped mysteriously in mist. It had been a calm crossing and some dolphins and minke whales had been spotted on route. After an introduction to the islands by the ranger, the Zodiacs began shuttling people ashore to the pier. Although several options had been offered, many people opted first to join John on a guided historical walk along the village street from the Manse (now the staff quarters which also housed the shop). Many then progressed up The Gap to find Jamie and his party of longer walkers, while Karin had led an energetic walk up the road to the summit ridge and the radar installation. On return to the ship, lunch consisted of a barbecue prepared by the galley staff and many opted to eat outside on the deck with the impressive backdrop of St Kilda’s Village Bay. But we were not finished yet, for the expedition team then filled their Zodiacs with enthusiastic and intrepid passengers, keen to explore the rocky shores and dramatic caves of Dun, seeing seals and seabirds, and of course puffins. This highlight was quickly overshadowed by the final offering – the Captain taking his ship for a circumnavigation of St Kilda. Approaching Stac Lee (564 ft) the Captain opted to take a wide sweep and circumnavigate this hugely impressive tooth of rock, smothered in 9000 pairs of nesting gannets. The noise – and the smell! – were palpable as we stared up at the sheer face in its cloud of gannets, constantly changing shape and almost close enough to touch. We moved on to the pyramid shape of Stac an Armin – at 644 ft the highest sea stack in Britain, home again to 9000 pairs of gannets. Dozens of great skuas were patrolling the skies seeking out gannets returning to feed their chick with a crop full of fish.
Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Following an extensive renovation in 2003, the vessel began her life as a classic cruise ship and we have had the vessel on long term charter since 2013. Accommodating just 95 passengers the vessel is perfect for small ship cruising and can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
Itinerary
Day 1 Portsmouth, England.
Embark this afternoon. Transfers will be provided from Portsmouth Harbour Railway Station at a fixed time. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 Guernsey & Herm, Channel Islands.
On Guernsey, the ‘Island of Flowers’ there will be the option of a walking tour of St Peter Port including a visit to Castle Cornet, a 12th century battlement which guards the entrance to St Peter Port harbour. Alternatively, enjoy a panoramic drive during which we will see the beautiful coastline and beaches and visit the Little Chapel, built in 1914 as a miniature version of the famous basilica at Lourdes and covered in fragments of shattered china, or join a cliff walk along the scenic coastline. We will sail the short distance to Herm over lunch, the smallest inhabited Channel Island and at just one and a half miles long and half a mile wide, perfect for exploring on foot. You will have free time to explore, perhaps take a stroll over to Shell or Belvoir Beach. Alternatively, join our naturalists on the lookout for wildflowers and birds.
Day 3 Tresco & St Agnes, 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 some time here to wander at your own pace along the paths. Sail over lunch to St Agnes, the most south westerly community in the United Kingdom. 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.
Day 4 Cape Clear & Mizen Head, Ireland.
Cape Clear is Ireland’s southernmost inhabited place, located eight miles from the Cork coast and home to 120 Gaelic speaking residents. It is a great place to spend a morning and there will be options to visit the Cape Clear Bird Observatory, the Heritage Centre with archive information on the island, or to join a series of island walks where we may see some of the active birdlife and enjoy the views over the Atlantic. Later we hope to use the Zodiacs to land at the quaint village of Schull from where we will take the road to Mizen Head, the most southwesterly point of Ireland. Here we find the famous signal station and there will be a choice of walks, all offering stunning views along the west coast and a great chance to see kittiwakes, gannets and choughs as well as seals on the rocks below. Those feeling active may also want to climb down to the Keepers Quarters including displays on the Fastnet Lighthouse, the Marconi radio room and the bird mural room, home to a spectacular mural by Jules Thomas showing the birds of the Mizen peninsula, their habitats, nests and eggs.
Day 5 Skellig Islands & Valentia Island.
Over breakfast we will arrive off The Skelligs, tiny islands just off the magnificent coast of the Dingle Peninsula. Weather permitting, we will sail around these mystical islands with their early Christian history. Skellig Michael is a World Heritage Site and atop this rugged pyramid, that rises from the sea, are the ruins of a monastery. Meanwhile at Little Skellig the sky can on occasion turn white as some of the 20,000 pairs of breeding gannets leave their roosts. We continue along the famous Kerry (Iveragh) peninsula and anchor at the port of Knightstown on Valentia Island. Spend the afternoon exploring the island, perhaps take a coastal walk, visit the tropical gardens at Glanleam or join an island drive including the Cromwell Point Lighthouse.
Day 6 Tory Island.
After a morning at sea we arrive at Tory Island, located off the northwest coast of Ireland and home to 150 or so Gaelic speakers. It is the most remote inhabited Irish island; although only 14 miles offshore, it feels like many more and island life here is full of traditions. Meet some of the local community in the village hall and enjoy some of their legendary storytelling, music and dance. Tory Island is also famous for its migratory birds; seabirds nest here in large numbers and a puffin colony nests on the northern cliffs. Look out for guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars, storm petrels and Manx shearwaters and we hope to hear the calls of the corncrake for which the island is known.
Day 7 Canna & Loch Scavaig, Scotland.
Strategically placed between the mountains of Rum and the Outer Hebrides, the island of Canna and its adjoining neighbour Sanday are bound together like some rare text that reveals over 60 million years of Hebridean geology and history. They have an amazingly rich archaeological landscape with remains dating to all periods of settled occupation in Scotland. Canna is run as a single farm and bird sanctuary by the National Trust for Scotland and enjoys the best harbour in the Small Isles, a horn-shaped haven. The fertile soil and its diversity of habitats mean that the island has an incredibly rich plant life with 248 native flowering plants recorded. We will see Canna House and wander across grassy basalt plateaus to the 600 foot cliffs on the north shore. Arrive in the early afternoon at the lovely Loch Scavaig. Just beyond is the freshwater Loch Corruisk with its breathtakingly beautiful view over the Cuillins. This is great walking country, but for those who prefer a less energetic afternoon our Zodiacs will explore the coast looking out for seals.
Day 8 St Kilda, Outer Hebrides.
Arrive over breakfast at St Kilda, a remarkable uninhabited archipelago some fifty miles beyond the Outer Hebrides. Dominated by the highest cliffs and sea stacks in Britain, Hirta, St Kilda’s main island was occupied on and off for at least two thousand 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 only a few UNESCO World Heritage Sites with dual status reflecting its natural and cultural significance. The local ranger will join us on board before our expedition staff lead a number of guided walks on the island. This afternoon we will cruise past two of the largest gannetries in the world at Stac Lee and Stac an Armin. These impressive stacs rise 170 metres from the sea and are home to up to 60,000 breeding pairs of northern gannet.
Day 9 Foula, Shetland Islands.
After a morning at sea we arrive in the Shetland Islands at Foula, one of Britain’s most remote inhabited islands. Apart from a narrow coastal strip of more fertile croftland, Foula is an expanse of peat and moorland rising steeply to five dramatic peaks. In the early summer Foula’s wildflowers provide a glorious burst of colour. Translated as “Bird Island” from Old Norse, the island is designated as a Special Protection Area for Birds and is home to the world’s largest colony of Great skuas, known locally as bonxies, which compete fiercely with Arctic skuas for breeding territories. Kittiwakes and Arctic terns return annually to nest whilst the cliffs team with puffins, shags and fulmars.
Day 10 Lerwick.
From the Shetland capital, we will visit the remarkable archaeological site of Jarlshof. The site was uncovered by a violent storm in the winter of 1896/7, revealing an extraordinary settlement site embracing at least 5000 years of human history. The site contains a remarkable sequence of stone structures – late Neolithic houses, a Bronze-Age village, an Iron- Age broch and wheelhouses, several Norse longhouses, a Medieval farmstead and the 16th century laird’s house. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a free afternoon to explore this historic port. Tonight we will be entertained by local musicians on board before we sail late this evening.
Day 11 Fair Isle.
We anchor this morning off the remote island of Fair Isle. Located midway between the Shetland and Orkney Islands, the tiny population of sixty or so islanders always extend us a warm welcome. Enjoy a walk across the island searching out the puffin slopes, visit the community hall for a cup of tea or maybe purchase some of the famous knitwear. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at sea as we sail to mainland Scotland.
Day 12 Aberdeen.
Disembark this morning after breakfast. Transfers will be provided to Aberdeen Airport and Railway Station at a fixed time.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 4 to 15 May 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| 2 Standard Stateroom | £4895 | |
| 3 Classic Stateroom | £5095 | |
| 4 Superior Stateroom | £5295 | |
| 5 Deluxe Stateroom | £5695 | |
| 6 Junior Suite | £5995 | |
| 7 Owner’s Suite | £6295 | |
| 8 Serenissima Suite | £6495 | |
| 10 Standard Single | £6195 | |
Tour Reference Code: SCSE040523
PRICE INCLUDES: 11 nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis • House wine, beer and 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.
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Deckplan
Serenissima
The charming MS Serenissima began her career as the Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Following an extensive renovation in 2003, the vessel began her life as a classic cruise ship and we have had the vessel on long term charter since 2013. Accommodating just 95 passengers the vessel is perfect for small ship cruising and can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships and appears an impressive sight when moored. With her fleet of Zodiacs she is capable of both destination and expedition cruising.
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Information Directory
SHIP TECHNICAL DETAILS
Number of crew: 52
Beam: 43.6 feet
Draft: 15.5 feet
Length: 286 feet
Gross tonnage: 2598 tonnes
Classification: CRS
Cruising Speed: 14 knots
Built: 1960
Refurbished: 2018 & 2019
Registered: St Vincent & GrenadinesSHIP INFORMATION
AIR-CONDITIONING
The ship is air-conditioned throughout. Please note that only the Serenissima Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning.
CABINS
The cabins are attractively designed for comfort and convenience. There are eight different grades of cabins arranged over five decks, and all cabins feature either windows or portholes. Windows and portholes do not open in the cabins, except for the Serenissima Suites (numbers 701-704) which have a window and a balcony door which opens out onto the balcony. Facilities include:
• Air-conditioning (please note that only the Serenissima Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning)
• Dressing table with chair or stool
• En-suite bathroom with shower, (please note cabins 601-605 and 507 have a bath with shower attachment)
• Hairdryer
• Minibar (Serenissima Suites only)
• Balcony (Serenissima Suites only)
• Dressing gown and slippers
• Safe
• Television
• Telephone (charges apply)
• Wardrobe
• Wi-Fi access – You will require your own laptop, tablet or smartphone (charges apply).
COMMUNICATION
In case you wish to contact the ship, please call + 47 2367 4607. This is a Norwegian telephone number so calls will be charged at an international rate. The ship can also be contacted by email at cruise@msserenissima. com (please indicate passenger name and cabin number as the subject). The telephone system for ship to shore functions is via satellite and charged at €7 Euros per minute for outgoing calls. Please be advised of the following for internal communication: Cabin to cabin: dial cabin number International line: dial 000+ code of the country + telephone number Reception: dial 800 Doctor: dial 331 or 332
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 each evening during the turn down service.
DINING, DRINKING & DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
The Venice Restaurant on board serves international cuisine and accommodates all guests at a single open seating. Tables seat 4 to 10 diners. In addition, there is an outside dining area for when the weather and itinerary permit. Breakfast and lunch are both buffet style, dinner is waiter service only. Complimentary (red and white) house wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner. Bar drinks and other beverages with meals are not included; these may be purchased on board and paid for at the end of your cruise. Complimentary tea and coffee are available 24 hours a day at the tea and coffee station located in the Andrea Lounge. Please advise of any special dietary requests such as vegetarian, vegan, low salt, low cholesterol, gluten free, lactose intolerant to Noble Caledonia (in writing) in advance and we recommend that you also reconfirm with your Cruise Director and Maitre D’ once on board. We regret that not all dietary requests can be guaranteed.
DRESS CODE
During the day, comfortable and casual attire is appropriate. The evenings are smart casual (e.g. a shirt and trousers for gentlemen and a skirt/trousers and blouse for ladies). There will be a welcome and farewell dinner, so you may like to bring something a little dressier for these events. For example, gentlemen may wish to wear a jacket and tie, and ladies a dress or trouser suit. Black tie is not required.
DOCTOR
A medical doctor is available on board 24 hours a day. A fee is charged for any consultations and medication prescribed. Please ensure you carry adequate supplies of any regular medications you may require. If you have any medication which must be kept cold, please ask at reception to store it in the fridge.
ELECTRICITY
The electrical outlets in the cabins and public areas are 220V and take a two-round-pin plug (as in continental Europe). There is a 110/220V, 60Hz outlet for electric shavers in the bathroom. We recommend that you bring an international adaptor.
EMERGENCIES
In case of an emergency please leave your cabin/suite and follow the instructions given by the Captain and Hotel Manager. All public areas have an emergency button. We request that you read the safety instructions on the back of your cabin door.
GOING ASHORE
Please leave your cabin key at reception and take your ship card with you. As soon as you are back on board please hand back your boarding card and pick up your key as this will confirm your presence on board. When you go ashore individually, please be back on board at least 30 minutes before the advertised departure time of the ship.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities to crew and whilst on excursions are included in the cost of your holiday.
HEALTH & HYGIENE
In order to maintain health standards you will find hand sanitisers at key positions around the ship particularly at the entrance to restaurants and near the gangway. We kindly ask you to use these regularly.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
If you require the laundry service, please leave your laundry bag together with the completed laundry list on your bed before 9.00 am. The laundry bag and list can be found in your wardrobe. Every effort will be made to return your laundry to your cabin within 24 hours. There is no dry cleaning service on board.
LIFE JACKETS
All life jackets are stored on Deck 6 near the Muster station.
LIFT
There is a lift on board that serves decks 3 to 6. Please note that, due to the layout of the ship, the following cabins are accessible by at least one flight of stairs: 417 – 421, 424 & 701 – 704.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you disembark the ship, please check your cabin to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia within seven days of disembarking. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection, and to advise of any associated costs.
MONEY
The official currency on board is the Euro, but British Pounds are also accepted. All passengers will have their own ship account, which allows you to sign for purchases and services such as bar drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc. throughout your cruise. The following payment methods are accepted for settlement of shipboard accounts:
• Cash (Euros, British Pounds or US Dollars)
• Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express)
• Debit Card (MasterCard & Visa)
Please note that personal cheques and Travellers’ Cheques are not accepted.
PASSPORTS
Your passport will be kept securely at Reception throughout the duration of the cruise, and you will be issued with a ship card which we advise you carry with you at all times when ashore. POST Please note that although the reception staff may be happy to post letters and postcards on your behalf, they may not be able to do so straightaway or indeed at the port of call at which you make such a request. Please also note that some postal services are unreliable and that any letters or postcards that you ask to be sent on your behalf may be delayed or even lost en route. PUBLIC AREAS Andrea Lounge (on Deck 5). The bar is open from 9.00 am until 12.00 am. Harald Jarl Lounge (on Deck 5). There is a small library here with books and games. Lido area (on Deck 5) with a Jacuzzi and small fitness room with two running machines. Observation Deck (access from Deck 5 lido area) Deck 5 and Deck 6 outside seating areas.
RECEPTION
Reception is open from 7.00 am to 10.00 pm. Overnight the reception’s phone will be switched over to the bridge.
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 and in order to do this we need some feedback from our guests. Kindly hand your completed questionnaire in to your Cruise Director.
QUIETVOX AUDIO SYSTEM
During our excursions, we use an audio headset system called Quietvox. In your cabin there is a charging station with two devices and two sets of earpieces. Please keep your devices in the charging station (and the station plugged in) whilst you are not on an excursion. Bring the sets with you on excursions as your guides with speak to you through their microphone. The use of the equipment will be explained before the first excursion starts.
SAFE
Although there is a safe in your cabin, we recommend that you leave all extra valuables at home, and bring with you only what you consider necessary. Neither the ship, nor Noble Caledonia, are responsible for any valuables left in the cabins.
SAFETY & LIFEBOAT DRILL
The safety briefing will take place prior to sailing. All guests must attend this compulsory and important exercise. Please listen for the announcements. During the drill you will be instructed on how to wear and operate your life jacket.
SHOP
The shop sells branded MS Serenissima merchandise.
SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted in the cabins or public areas. Smoking will only be permitted outside in the designated areas.
SNORKELLING
There is snorkelling equipment available on board the vessel.
TELEVISION
The ship is equipped with a satellite TV system which receives 13 channels. TV reception depends on the satellite dish and on occasion it may not be possible to receive a signal. There is one central video channel on which it is possible to listen to the lectures delivered in the Andrea Lounge. There is also a channel for the ship’s camera located in front of the ship and another which displays the Daily Programme and activities.
TOWELS
Towels will be changed once in the middle of your cruise. Should you need new towels earlier, please let the housekeeper know. Please do not use the bathroom towels on the beach. A separate towel for swimming will be provided.
WATER
Previously the MS Serenissima used 200 plastic bottles of water every day. In order to help reduce the damage caused to the environment by waste plastic, we are replacing plastic water bottles where possible with eco-friendly, reusable water bottles. We have chosen stainless steel bottles, made of durable, high quality stainless steel. It will keep your drink fresh and cool for longer and fit neatly into your bag or backpack. You can fill it up from the water station on board, located in the reception area, deck 5. We recommend that you do not drink nor refill your bottles from the tap in your cabin. The tap water is not potable. The bottle in your cabin is for your personal use during the cruise to take on excursions. Please leave the bottle/s in your cabin at the end of the cruise.
WI-FI
Wi-Fi access is available in public areas with your own laptop, tablet or smartphone and charges apply – 500MB for €15 Euros, or 1GB for €25 Euros. Please note that connection is dependent on weather conditions and location.
ZODIACS
Some destinations may require the use of Zodiacs to go ashore. These are usually on expedition cruises though may sometimes be used on destination cruises.
Please note: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
Click below to download a copy of the Information Directory
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Cabin information
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Deck plans
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Deckplan
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Deckplan
What to Expect
Flexibility is the key to an expedition cruise; sometimes the whole day’s schedule may be changed to maximise your experience based on weather or wildlife sightings, something that would not be possible on a large cruise ship. Each day holds something new and below is an extract from our vessel’s logs from a past voyage which will provide you with an idea of what to expect should you choose to join this expedition.
Tory Island: Our Zodiacs arrived in the harbour and were greeted by Patsy Dan Rodgers, otherwise known as the King of Tory Island. Filled with enthusiasm for his island and its history and inhabitants, the King guided us on a walking tour across the island to the lighthouse. He explained the way of life in this remote, treeless domain and gave us an insight into what it takes to live here. Many residents greeted us as we strolled by, then chatted with the King in Gaelic (which is still spoken as the first language here). Others chose to go with expedition guides to the other side of the island to take in the magnificent views from the high cliffs located there. The views were not the only reward for the hike to the top of the cliffs. There was an abundance of seabirds nesting here, including puffins and fulmars and the sky was alive with the activity of these birds. After our walks, we joined the King at the Harbour View Inn for a pint of Guinness on the house. While we sipped our stouts, the man himself played traditional tunes on the accordion and chatted away while the sun got lower in the sky.
St Kilda: The early risers were rewarded with fine views of our approach to the archipelago of St Kilda, its tops draped mysteriously in mist. It had been a calm crossing and some dolphins and minke whales had been spotted on route. After an introduction to the islands by the ranger, the Zodiacs began shuttling people ashore to the pier. Although several options had been offered, many people opted first to join John on a guided historical walk along the village street from the Manse (now the staff quarters which also housed the shop). Many then progressed up The Gap to find Jamie and his party of longer walkers, while Karin had led an energetic walk up the road to the summit ridge and the radar installation. On return to the ship, lunch consisted of a barbecue prepared by the galley staff and many opted to eat outside on the deck with the impressive backdrop of St Kilda’s Village Bay. But we were not finished yet, for the expedition team then filled their Zodiacs with enthusiastic and intrepid passengers, keen to explore the rocky shores and dramatic caves of Dun, seeing seals and seabirds, and of course puffins. This highlight was quickly overshadowed by the final offering – the Captain taking his ship for a circumnavigation of St Kilda. Approaching Stac Lee (564 ft) the Captain opted to take a wide sweep and circumnavigate this hugely impressive tooth of rock, smothered in 9000 pairs of nesting gannets. The noise – and the smell! – were palpable as we stared up at the sheer face in its cloud of gannets, constantly changing shape and almost close enough to touch. We moved on to the pyramid shape of Stac an Armin – at 644 ft the highest sea stack in Britain, home again to 9000 pairs of gannets. Dozens of great skuas were patrolling the skies seeking out gannets returning to feed their chick with a crop full of fish.
Also of Interest
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Itinerary at a glance
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Itinerary at a glance
- Inverness / Fair Isle / Sumburgh Head / Lerwick / Isle of Noss / Unst / Foula / Papa Stour / North Ronaldsay / Papa Westray / North Rona / Sula Sgeir / St Kilda / Stac Lee / Iona / Lunga / Oban
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Itinerary at a glance
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Itinerary at a glance
- Liverpool / Dun Laoghaire / Dublin / Waterford / Kilkenny / Kinsale / Cork / Garnish Island / Bantry / Skellig Islands / Kerry / Galway / Cliffs of Moher / Aran Islands / Donegal Glenveagh / Tory Island / Giants Causeway / Rathlin Island / Belfast / Liverpool
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Hidden Isles
Discover the UK's hidden Isles including the Isles of Scilly & the Channel Islands aboard the MS Serenissima
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Itinerary at a glance
- Liverpool / Peel / Holyhead / Lundy / Tresco / Bryher / St Mary's / Alderney / Guernsey / Herm / Portsmouth
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Hebridean Secrets
Discover the majestic Hebrides & the Isle of Man aboard the MS Island Sky
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Itinerary at a glance
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000