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Hebridean Sky
Aberdeen to Tromso
Overview
The coastline of Norway is one of extraordinary beauty and words cannot describe the awe-inspiring scenery as we take in views of dramatic mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, valleys and truly magnificent fjords. There is no better way to explore this endlessly fascinating region than with the 118-passenger MS Hebridean Sky and joining you on board will be an expert team who have been selected for their enthusiasm, professionalism and specialist knowledge of the natural world. With our small ship we are able to access some of the more remote harbours which are just not accessible to the larger cruise ships and ferries and we will be able to get up close to see nature at its rawest, cruise rugged coastlines, witness vibrant colours and admire the prolific birdlife of this wonderful region. We begin our voyage on the east coast of Scotland in the port of Aberdeen and enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we cruise north for our first glimpse of Norway. Here our days will be spent on guided excursions with local guides, on walks with our naturalists and on deck of the MS Hebridean Sky as we cruise amongst the fjords. This itinerary uniquely combines the wonders of the natural world with the historical and cultural highlights of the area and our visits will include Haugesund to learn of Norway’s Viking heritage, Alesund to marvel at the Art Nouveau architecture and a full day in the enchanting Lofoten Islands to explore the villages and experience life on the islands. We will also spend time exploring the narrow and deep sided Trollfjorden, visiting the charming small islands of Smola and Hitra and witnessing the prolific birdlife at Runde, home to more than 240 species of birds.
Departures
Cruise Itinerary
Embark the MS Hebridean Sky this afternoon. Transfers will be provided from Aberdeen Airport and Aberdeen Railway Station at a fixed time. Sail this evening.
Relax on board as we sail north to Norway. Maybe join a lecture in the lounge or find a spot on deck.
It was in Haugesund where, a thousand years ago, King Harald Fairhair united Norway into a single kingdom, and it was from this area that the Viking Kings ruled Norway for more than 500 years. The region has laid claim to the title of Norway’s Birthplace and Homeland of the Viking Kings. On a morning tour we will visit the 13th century St Olav’s church before learning about the Viking Age at the Nordvegen Heritage Centre. After lunch on board the afternoon is free to explore this small town independently, maybe make your way to the top of Steinsfjellet Mountain with panoramic views over the town, fjord and surrounding islands. Alternatively, join us as we visit the charming old town of Skudeneshavn which consists of 130 white wooden houses originating from the 1800’s, when herring fishing was at its peak. We will stroll through the streets and our guide will share stories about the locals that lived here before we visit the Maelandsgarden Museum which highlights the development of the town.
Sail this morning into Hardangerfjord, the third largest fjord in the world. We will anchor and use our Zodiacs to land at Rosendal from where we drive along the fjord towards the small part of the Hardangerfjord called Maurangerfjord, experiencing the idyllic scenery and farms along the way and viewing the magnificent Langfoss waterfall. When we arrive at the small village of Sunndal we will walk to Bondhus Lake which is surrounded by a fascinating landscape of fjords and mountains. After lunch on board we have free time to explore the town, maybe visit the 12th century Kvinnherad Church, the Stone Park or see the gardens at Barony Rosendal.
We arrive this morning in the lovely fjord capital of Bergen. On our guided excursion we will drive past the fish market, Nordnes peninsula and Bergen Theatre on our way to Troldhaugen, the home of Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg. Here we explore the house and gardens before enjoying a private concert of his music. We return to the ship for lunch via the Hanseatic Quarters of ‘Bryggen’. This afternoon is at leisure to explore further at your own pace.
Dalsfjord lies at the heart of Western Norway with its starkly contrasting fjord scenery, halfway between Bergen and Alesund. This little-known fjord arm has a gentler landscape where powerful and diverse watercourses have left their impression on the scenery and settlements. Today’s tour will take us through this beautiful environment and over to Sunnfjord with its magnificent waterfalls and mountains. We will visit Sunnfjord Museum, which provides an insight into how life was in local settlements in the mid 1800s, before taking a scenic drive to the region known as ‘the waterfall country’. Here we will stop at the Huldefossen and Likholefossen waterfalls before returning via the Hestadfjord where we find the 19th century Hestad Church located in idyllic surroundings.
Today we leave the charming village of Loen and take a drive to the Kjenndal valley where we board a small boat to experience the lovely Loen Lake, passing through tall mountains covered by protruding glacier arms. We finally end up at the Kjenndalsbre Fjellstove where we enjoy a short break with homemade Norwegian waffles. We continue our visit to the Kjenndalsbre glacier viewpoint, an arm of the mighty Jostedals Glacier, the largest in mainland Europe. After lunch on board enjoy some free time in Loen, maybe take a trip on the cable car which rises 1100 metres and offers wonderful views over the fjord below. Sail in the early evening to enjoy the scenery of Nordfjord.
Be on deck this morning as we cruise by the bird cliffs at Runde, one of the largest nesting cliffs in Norway and home to half a million birds. More than 240 different species have been observed here including puffins, gannets, razorbills and northern fulmar. Continue sailing to Alesund and spend the afternoon in one of the most beautiful towns in Norway. It is a great place to explore the streets with their Art Nouveau buildings. Those feeling active can take a walk up Mount Aksla taking the 418 steps for magnificent views of the town, islands and Sunnmore Alps.
Over the next two days we enjoy the benefits of our small ship as we visit some of the smaller islands along the coast. Smola is one of 5,000 islands in an archipelago off the mainland of Norway. Here we find traditional working fishing villages such as Veiholmen, where we explore the lively community and museum, and the abandoned village of Brattvaer with its well-preserved buildings offering a window into the past. Meanwhile, on neighbouring Hitra we will visit Hopsjo, one of the region’s largest trading centres in the 18th and 19th centuries. Here we find the old general store, the whaling station and a number of restored wooden boats once used for herring fishing. If conditions permit our onboard team will lead some walks through the landscapes. These islands also have the densest population of whitetailed eagles in the world which we hope to spot whilst ashore.
Cruise this morning to Bronnoysund, our base for a visit to Mount Torghatten, one of the most famous landmarks on the Norwegian coast. A fairly strenuous walk will take you to the ‘hole’ in the mountain which has been eroded by the sea. For those wishing to have a more relaxing afternoon our naturalists will lead some gentler walks along the water’s edge. Spend the afternoon at sea as we continue our journey north and cross the Arctic Circle.
Our final full day sees us in the Lofoten Archipelago, an enchanting area of picturesque villages with jagged granite mountain peaks forming a dramatic backdrop. We will have the whole day to explore the villages and see the life of these islands. After arriving in the small fishing village of Reine, revered as one of the most beautiful in Norway, we will drive through the dramatic Lofoten scenery to Nusfjord. Enjoy a guided walk around this UNESCO World Heritage Site seeing the restored fishing cabins and local stores. After lunch we will continue to the picturesque seaside village of Vikten and the Viking Museum at Borg. Our day ends in Svolvaer where the ship will have sailed to meet us. This evening we enjoy time on deck as we sail through the beautiful, narrow and steep-sided Trollfjorden witnessing the birdlife, waterfalls and dramatic scenery.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Hebridean Sky
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 90.6 metres Passenger Capacity: 118 Built / Refurbished: 1992 / 2016 The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world. Formerly known as the Sea Explorer, the vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016 before being re-launched as the MS Hebridean Sky. Your Suite. On board there are 59 exceptionally spacious and well-designed suites. All feature a sitting area and fourteen suites have private balconies. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views with suites on the Scott and Shackleton Decks featuring private balconies. Each suite affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring vanity unit with sink and walk-in rainfall shower, large wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a minifridge, flat screen television and a telephone in each suite. Refillable water bottles, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Additional facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted Molton Brown toiletries and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be. The beds in each suite can be configured as twins or double with the exception of suite 601 and 602 which feature fixed double beds. The impressive Hebridean Suite, located on the Shackleton Deck consists of a separate bathroom and sitting room with extra large balcony stretching the length of the suite. Additional benefits of booking this marvellous suite include complimentary mini-bar stocked with your preferences and complimentary laundry. Your Space. The spacious and finely decorated public rooms on board the MS Hebridean Sky include a large lounge on the Byrd Deck featuring a selection of seating options from individual armchairs and sofas to side cushioned benches. Daily briefings given by the Cruise Director and talks from Guest Speakers and expedition staff take place in The Lounge which is fitted with the highest standard of presentation equipment including multiple screens. In addition to the Lounge, there is also The Club, located on the Mawson Deck which features the main bar where the onboard pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The Club also offers a 24-hour tea and coffee station. Towards the aft of the ship on the Mawson Deck is The Library which is well stocked with reference books pertaining to the destinations the vessel is visiting and a selection of essential reads. A collection of games and devices to access the internet via the ship’s satellite can also be found in the library. Access to the ship’s satellite Wi-Fi via your own device is complimentary on board (signal strength varies depending on location and demand). The Dining Room which can seat all guests at one sitting is located on the Amundsen Deck and is a bright and charming setting to enjoy the delicious meals on board. Outside there is a rear Lido Deck located on the Scott Deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. Whilst heaters and blankets make dining al fresco comfortable in cooler climates. Further to this, on the top Shackleton Deck there is an observation area which offers a fantastic platform for spotting wildlife complete with deck furniture, ideal for relaxing with a book or catching up with fellow travellers. You will also find a clinic and Doctor on board and a lift that serves all decks. Additionally there is a small hairdressers with appointments made on request. Your Dining. It is quite a task to create a dining experience as that found on board our Sky vessels when you are cruising in far-flung corners of the globe, indeed it takes a team of highly talented chefs to deliver fresh, varied dishes no matter where you are at sea. Fortunately, our catering teams are well adapted to the world of small ship cruising where no two days are the same and the menus are often scheduled and tailored around the days’ excursions. With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the cuisine on board is of a consistent superior quality that befits such vessels. Where possible and when it meets their high standards, our accomplished chefs will obtain local produce in markets. Such purchases enhance the well-stocked larders and enable the chefs on board to exhibit their culinary skills and bring a local touch to the varied menus, emphasising the international expertise of the chefs on board. Afternoon tea and pre-dinner canapés take place every day in either the comfort of the Lounge or out on the Lido Deck when the weather is favourable. Tea and coffee are also available 24 hours a day. Special diets can be catered for with sufficient notice. In keeping with the informal atmosphere on board, when dining you are able to choose your seating arrangements at your leisure. Whether that be joining a table of four to six other passengers outside on the Lido Deck in the evening’s sunshine or whether you prefer to enjoy meals in the à la carte restaurant. For those travelling alone, our onboard friendly restaurant staff will take care to ensure you are seated with other like-minded travellers. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order on request. Lunch and dinner are à la carte with an excellent choice of dishes, with the menu reflecting the daily catch or local delicacies. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with both meals and there is also a comprehensive wine list with a wide selection of new and old world wines from which to choose. The onboard catering and restaurant staff are experienced at sea and enthuse a passion for superb service. Whether it be ensuring you have an outdoor blanket as you enjoy the crisp sea breeze on the Lido Deck or sharing their knowledge of the characteristics of the days’ wine selections, you will experience a service on board like no other. You may also enjoy sumptuous barbeques on deck whilst at times, the chef will make your dish to order at special pasta or stir fry stations. For Your Comfort. The MS Hebridean Sky is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilizers to minimize the ship’s motion. During your voyage we hope to offer the opportunity to visit the Captain and Officers on the Bridge to check the vessels progress by charts and learn more about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and Doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to a specific area on deck. Life Onboard. If large resort-style vessels accommodating many thousands of passengers are your ideal, then our ships are not for you as you will not find endless entertainment, round the clock buffets and the people management which is so much a part of today’s big ship on board style. However, if like us you prefer a more peaceful life at sea you will find our flagships the perfect vessels. When choosing your next voyage the choice of vessels is astounding. You can select a ship carrying in excess of 4000 passengers with impersonal service or join us aboard the MS Caledonian Sky, MS Island Sky or MS Hebridean Sky where peace, high quality service and attention to detail are the order of the day. We promise there will be no organised entertainment, fancy dress, deck games or any of the usual big ship experiences. Instead, the atmosphere is warm and convivial and more akin to a private yacht or country hotel in which you can learn more about the wonders of nature, culture and ancient civilisations in the company of like-minded people. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, Guest Speakers and informative port briefings from our Expedition Leader or Cruise Director and of course good food with wine included at lunch and dinner, all contribute to make any voyage aboard these wonderful vessels a memorable and joyful experience. After a day ashore you will return to the comfort and peace of an exceedingly comfortable ship. The daily programme on board is in the capable hands of our Cruise Director or Expedition Leader and staff who coordinate with the Captain and Officers to make the most of each day. Briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage together with a ‘Daily Programme’ that is distributed every evening to your suite outlining the next day’s activities. Dress on board is casual and relaxed and there will be no ‘black tie’ evenings.
Highlights
• Haugesund • Rosendal • Bergen • Dalsfjord & Bygstad • Runde & Alesund • Smola & Hitra
Map
