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.
Our journey from the UK and along the Iberian Coast will appeal to those who have a genuine lust for travel and who will enjoy connecting with the history of this region that has played such a major part in the destiny of Britain. Our ideally sized MS Hebridean Sky allows us to enter past worlds of great naval and land battles and at the same time we will be able to appreciate the contrasting cultures of the Iberian Peninsula enjoying the art, architecture and of course the wines. Our journey includes fabulous coastal scenery, fishing villages, vineyards and timeless beauty all of which can be enjoyed in the company of just 118 fellow guests.
Our itinerary focuses on Atlantic Iberia, a region with a captivating military history. The British have had a major military presence in Iberia from the 1140s when they played a key role in driving the Moors from Lisbon, the most important episode in the Portuguese section of the Reconquista. Since the 14th century, British troops and/or warships were deployed to help protect Portugal from Spanish pressure. In 1808-13, the threat was French, and we will visit Oporto, Bussaco, the Line of Torres Vedras and other sites of the British commitment in the Peninsular War. Spain also was invaded by the French in 1808, and we will visit Corunna, the Dunkirk of the nineteenth century, and Cadiz, which, with British naval support, withstood a long French siege. Earlier, Spain had been allied with France, and this had led the British to siege Gibraltar in 1704 and then hold it against a series of sieges. So also in 1805 with the key destruction of a larger Franco-Spanish fleet at Trafalgar. Military sites and references come thick and fast as we sail along the ‘Edge of the World’ to Mallorca.
In addition to the fascinating history of the Iberian Peninsula, our voyage offers an insight into the great spirit of its people, their art and music, as well as its beautiful architecture and gardens. Along the way we will encounter some of the fine wines of Spain and Portugal and sample some splendid ports in the enchanting city of Oporto. Helping us understand more of all we see and do will be our expert speakers and we have ensured that the itinerary has an enjoyable mix of culture and history as well as time at leisure to relax on board or explore under your own steam.
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 Portsmouth, England.
Embark the MS Hebridean Sky this afternoon and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening. Transfers will be provided from Portsmouth Harbour Railway Station at a fixed time.
Day 2 Guernsey, Channel Islands.
During the Second World War the Channel Islands were the only part of the British Isles to fall under German occupation as Hitler used them as a stepping stone for his invasion of the mainland. On an island drive we will see some of the massive concrete towers, gun emplacements and bunkers which remain today on the coast as well as visiting the German Occupation Museum with many displays showcasing life on the island between 1940 and 1945 including weapons, communications equipment and newspapers. Return to the ship via the Little Chapel, built in 1914 as a miniature version of the famous basilica at Lourdes and covered in fragments of shattered china. This afternoon is free to explore the pretty town of St Peter Port at your own pace or those feeling active may wish to join a cliff walk where, if the weather is fine, we should be able to see the nearby Channel Islands and possibly the French coast.
Day 3 Bay of Biscay.
Spend the day at sea as we cruise the Bay of Biscay. It was here on the 28th December 1943, as part of Operation Stonewall, that two British light cruisers, the Glasgow and the Enterprise, battled with the German Kreigsmarine who were in place to escort supply ships into the French Atlantic coast. The battle resulted in the sinking of three German ships by the allied ships. During our crossing our Guest Speaker will talk about the battle and its impact.
Day 4 La Coruna, Spain.
From our berth in La Coruna we will make our way to Santiago de Compostela, the capital of the autonomous community of Galicia. The city’s cathedral is the destination of the important Medieval pilgrimage route, the Way of St James (in Spanish the ‘Camino de Santiago’), which is still walked today. We will visit the Conventual de San Francisco, the Faculty of Medicine, the world-famous Plaza del Obradoiro and the cathedral. We spend the afternoon in Coruna where in 1589 Maria Pita inspired the local population to resist the advances of Sir Francis Drake. It was also here during the Peninsular War, in January 1809, that the British army was forced to retreat against a forceful French offensive through northern Spain. Whilst awaiting evacuation by ship a battle ensued resulting in the death of Sir John Moore the commander of the British forces. We will have time to explore the Medieval city with its old churches and Romanesque architecture as well as Moore’s tomb at the Garden of San Carlos.
Day 5 Vilagarcia de Arousa.
This morning we drive the short distance to the Pazo de Rubianes which was originally founded in 1411 and was one of the three official lordships in Spain. Enjoy a guided walk through the stunning gardens, famous for their thousands of camellias but also home to eucalyptus trees, sequoias and camphors. Also visit the Pazo’s extensive vineyards to learn about the local Albarino wine production and enjoy a tasting before exploring the historical palace itself. The afternoon is free to explore the town at your own pace from our central berth.
Day 6 Oporto, Portugal.
Our first call in Portugal is the port of Leixoes, the base for our day of activities around Oporto. We will visit the Quinta de Aveleda, located in the heart of the Vinho Verde Demarcated Region which creates a young fresh wine with a low alcoholic content and a lightly fruity flavour. After exploring the beautiful park and gardens which surround the Manor House, we will learn about the wine which has been created here since 1947. This afternoon we explore Oporto including the impressive St Francis Church and the Ribeira, a riverside quarter made up of narrow, twisting streets and shadowy arcades. We will end at one of the many port wine cellars where we hear all about the wines and how they are produced. We will also learn about the Battle of Oporto in May 1809 where, after the disastrous retreat to Corunna and the tragic death of Sir John Moore, Sir Arthur Wellesley resumed command of the British forces and surprised Marshal Soult chasing him back into Spain.
Day 7 Figueira da Foz.
Located at the mouth of the Modego River, Figueira da Foz is one of central Portugal’s prime beach resorts. However, our reasons for visiting are actually inland and we have a choice of excursions today. Choose to visit the nearby city of Coimbra, the Medieval capital of Portugal for over 100 years, and the site of the country’s greatest university for the past five centuries. On a walking tour we will view the stunning buildings from the 16th to 18th centuries, including the Paco das Escolas (Royal Palace) and the Monastery of Santa Cruz before we head to the university which was recently appointed UNESCO status. Alternatively, drive to the site of the Battle of Bussaco which occurred in September 1810 in the heart of a national park. See Massena’s headquarters, Wellington’s command post and the Military Museum. Return to the ship through the Bairrada wine-producing region and visit the Alianca Underground Museum which is part winery, part art museum. Here we can explore a network of underground tunnels housing an extraordinary collection of African and Portuguese art alongside cellars crammed with huge oak barrels of maturing wines and brandies.
Day 8 Lisbon.
Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It was in nearby Sintra that the controversial “Convention of Sintra” was signed in 1808 and the city became the site of further conflict during the Peninsula War. Choose to join a Wellington tour this morning that includes the Line of Torres Vedras, a defensive system constructed by Wellington between 1809 and 1812 in the hills that surround the city including the Fort of San Vincente. Also see Wellington’s headquarters at Pero Negro and Beresford’s headquarters at Casal Cochim. Alternatively, a tour of Lisbon includes the famous landmarks and places of interest such as the Monument to the Discoveries, Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at sea.
Day 9 Cadiz, Spain.
After a morning at sea we arrive this afternoon in Cadiz, the oldest surviving city in Spain. On a guided tour we will discover the most beautiful monuments and landmarks of the city including the Mudejar-style tobacco factory, Santo Domingo Church, the Santa Catalina Fortress and finally the Cathedral of Cadiz and Diocesan Museum in the old city. Alternatively join a visit to Jerez de la Frontera, the home of Spain’s sherry and brandy industry which grew in the 18th and 19th centuries. After a visit to the old centre of Jerez, including the 11th century Alcazar, we will continue to one of the bodegas to learn about the sherry production and enjoy a tasting. We remain moored in Cadiz overnight.
Day 10 Cape Trafalgar & Gibraltar.
Sail at dawn. Just after breakfast we arrive off of Cape Trafalgar, just as the 33 French and Spanish ships did 200 years ago in preparation for the most famous of sea battles. Situated some 30 miles to the south west of Cadiz, we will sail through the Trafalgar battle area whilst our historian, Major Corrigan, will discuss the momentous day of 21 October 1805. Continue to Gibraltar which due to its position guarding the entrance to the Mediterranean has been the subject of many battles. This afternoon we will take in the views from Europa Point, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean before continuing to the Great Siege Tunnels, a labyrinth of tunnels built to defend Gibraltar from Spanish and French attacks between 1779 and 1783 and revered as one of the finest defensive systems. Also see the Gibraltar Museum where we can learn more about the Great Siege, the geological origins of the rock and also the areas natural history.
Day 11 At Sea.
Our lecture programme continues as we spend a relaxing day at sea crossing the Mediterranean.
Day 12 Palma, Mallorca to London/Manchester.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London or Manchester.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £300 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 4 to 15 September 2022 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £5295 | £4995 |
| Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £5395 | £5095 |
| Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £5495 | £5195 |
| Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £5595 | £5295 |
| Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £5995 | £5695 |
| Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £6295 | £5995 |
| Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £7295 | £6995 |
| Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £6295 | £5995 |
| Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £6495 | £6195 |
| 7 to 18 September 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £5595 | £5295 |
| Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £5695 | £5395 |
| Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £5795 | £5495 |
| Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £5895 | £5595 |
| Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £6295 | £5995 |
| Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £6595 | £6295 |
| Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £7595 | £7295 |
| Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £6595 | £6295 |
| Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £6795 | £6495 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHSK040922/SCHSK070923
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel from Palma to London/Manchester • 11 nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speakers • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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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Major Gordon Corrigan MBE
Gordon Corrigan spent most of his adult life as an officer of the Royal Gurkha Rifles, serving mainly in the Far East but also in Cyprus, Berlin, Northern Ireland and Belize. He is now a military historian and the author of a number of books on subjects ranging from the Hundred Years War to the Peninsula War to the First and Second World Wars. To date he has been the presenter of five TV series dealing with various aspects of military history, in addition to regular appearances in documentaries. He conducts military history study tours in Europe, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Turkey and North Africa. He has lectured in Russia and Central Asia and is a regular speaker on Noble Caledonia cruises. He has lectured in the United States and Canada and is an Honorary Research Fellow of the Universities of Birmingham and Kent, a Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society, a Member of the British Commission for Military History, and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Farriers. During our cruise he will be lecturing on the history of the nations and the areas that we will be visiting or travelling through.
Major Gordon Corrigan MBE will be on the following tour dates: 4 to 15 September 2022 • 7 to 18 September 2023 -
David Hunter
David went to Germany in 1968 for three months’ work experience abroad in the wine cellars of H Sichel Söhne, and ended up staying with the company for 25 years! After finishing his apprenticeship at Maison Sichel Bordeaux, he returned to London where he was later became the company’s purchasing director. This involved frequent trips to both Germany and to key wine producing regions in France, focusing in particular on Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Rhône where on the commercial side he purchased wines both in bulk and in bottle for the Sichel portfolio. This also included buying classed growth clarets “en primeur” or “futures”. Latterly this also involved visits to Oporto and Jerez.
David has just retired from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust after 20 years’ service. A holder of the Diploma qualification, David has lectured regularly to Diploma students in his specialist subjects of Bordeaux, France in general and Germany as well as fortified wines.
David Hunter will be on the following tour dates: 4 to 15 September 2022 • 7 to 18 September 2023
Tour Extensions
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After disembarking the MS Hebridean Sky we are offering the opportunity to join a two night extension in Mallorca including a city tour, a full day excursion to the charming towns of Soller and Valldemossa as well as time to explore at leisure.
Palma Cathedral
The Itinerary
Day 1 Palma, Soller & Valldemossa, Mallorca.
Disembark this morning and take the beautifully maintained vintage train that connects Palma with the pretty town of Soller on the island’s west coast and enjoy splendid mountain views of the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will enjoy some time to explore Soller before taking a scenic drive to Valldemossa, a quiet and traditional town. We will enjoy a walk around the pretty town and lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Palma and checking into the Hotel Victoria Gran Melia (or similar). The remainder of the afternoon and evening are free for independent exploration. (B, L)
Day 2 Palma.
After breakfast, join a guided walking tour of the city’s highlights. Visit Palma’s most impressive landmark and Spain’s second largest Gothic-style cathedral. During our walking tour, discover the avenues and a maze of quaint streets with shops and cafes. We pass by the Royal Palace, the fishing harbour and the city walls. Enjoy some free time in the city centre before returning to the hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure. Meet later this evening for dinner. (B, D)
Day 3 Palma to London or Manchester.
After breakfast this morning we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London or Manchester. (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
15 to 17 September 2022 Category Price Twin £795 Single £995 18 to 20 September 2023 Category Price Twin £895 Single £1095 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation with breakfast, tours as described, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000