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Hebridean Odyssey

If ever an archipelago was made for expedition cruising it is the islands of Scotland’s west coast. you can travel the world visiting all manner of exotic and wonderful places, but remember that some of the finest scenery, fascinating history and most endearing people may be found close to home.

Nowhere is this truer than around Scotland’s magnificent coastline, an indented landscape of enormous natural splendour with offshore islands forming stepping stones into the Atlantic. In the northern summer, when the sun barely shrinks below the horizon, there’s a stillness and an almost wistful feeling in the air. This is the time when the enchanted visitor will be moved and seduced by the majesty of the islands, lochs and seascapes.

One of Europe’s true last remaining wilderness areas affords the traveller a marvellous island hopping journey through stunning scenery accompanied by spectacular sunsets and prolific wildlife. With our naturalists and local guides we will explore the length and breadth of the isles and with our nimble Zodiac craft be able to reach some of the most remote and untouched places. There is no better way to explore this endlessly fascinating and beautiful region that will cast its spell on you whether your interest lies in wildlife, gardens, photography, ancient history or simply an appreciation of this unique corner of the kingdom. With a maximum of just over 100 travelling companions, the atmosphere is more akin to a private yacht trip and ashore with our local experts we will divide into small groups thereby enjoying a more comprehensive and peaceful experience. Learn something of their history, see the abundant bird and marine life, but above all revel in the timeless enchantment that these islands exude to all those who appreciate the natural world.
Departures
Hebridean Odyssey
30 May, 2012 to 06 June, 2012 Make a booking request

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Castle Std Fwd £2195.00 GBP pp
Castle Std £2495.00 GBP pp
Caledonian Sup £2795.00 GBP pp
Promenade Prem A £2995.00 GBP pp
Castle Std Fwd Sgl £3295.00 GBP pp
Promenade Corner £3295.00 GBP pp
Bridge Dlx Balcony £3695.00 GBP pp
Castle Std Sgl £3695.00 GBP pp
Caledonian Sup Sgl £4295.00 GBP pp
Promenade Prem B

Hebridean Odyssey itinerary:

Day 1 - OBAN.
Embark the MS Caledonian Sky in the afternoon and sail around the Island of Mull, bound for Iona. Transportation will be provided from Glasgow airport and station to Oban.
Day 2 - IONA & TOBERMORY.
For more than 1000 years, the island of Iona has been a place of deep spiritual significance. No less than 62 Kings of Scotland are buried here, including Duncan, Macbeth’s victim. St Columba came here from Ireland in 563 AD and early Christianity spread through northern Britain from this remote island community. We will spend the morning here, returning to the vessel for lunch. During the meal we will sail along the rugged west coast of Mull. The afternoon finds us in the attractive fishing village of Tobermory with it’s interesting shops and excellent local single malt. Those wishing to stretch their legs can take a scenic walk to the lighthouse and return along the cliff path from where the panoramas are stunning.
Day 3 - RUM & SKYE.
Spend the morning on Rum which is now a nature reserve. See the somewhat eccentric Kinloch Castle and walk the nature trail, a beautiful area of wild flowers and typical Scottish island scenery. This lovely island is also a bird watcher’s paradise. Sail during lunch to Skye and the majestic Loch Scavaig and the Cuillins mountains. These magnificent mountains form a dramatic backdrop to the freshwater lochan. There will be an opportunity to walk amongst this scenic grandeur.
Day 4 - SUMMER ISLES & INVEREWE GARDENS.
Arrive this morning in the beautiful Summer Isles, and the only inhabited island of Tanera Mor. On a guided walk enjoy the stunning views, look out for otters and seals and the prolific bird life. Stop at the unique post office, whose own rare stamps are much sought after by collectors. During lunch sail south to Gairloch for our visit to the imposing gardens of Inverewe, surely one of the finest sited gardens in all Scotland. Here, exotic and tender plants thrive in their northerly location warmed by the Gulf Stream and protected by the surrounding mountains.
Day 5 - ST KILDA
Arrive at first light in St Kilda, a remarkable uninhabited archipelago some fifty miles beyond the Outer Hebrides. The largest island, Hirta, once supported a population of over 200, but the last islanders left in the 1930s. The medieval village has been restored by the National Trust for Scotland and offers a marvellous link with the past. The islands are an important breeding ground for many seabirds including Atlantic puffins and northern fulmars. Later, cruise past two of the largest gannetries in the world at Stac Lee and Berneray as we make our way to South Uist for an overnight mooring.
Day 6 - LOCHBOISDALE & ERISKAY.
Spend the morning exploring this little visited Gaelic speaking region which offers marvelous walks and picturesque beaches. Later, sail across to Erikay, located just off the coast of South Uist. It was here in 1941 the SS Politician went aground with its cargo of 240,000 bottles of whiskey, inspiring Compton MacKenzie’s famous novel, ‘Whiskey Galore’. Enjoy an afternoon stroll on this picturesque island and see the place where Bonnie Prince Charlie first landed on Scottish soil in 1745.
Day 7 - MINGULAY, PABBAY & BARRA.
oday we explore the remote islands at the tip of South Uist, which are all uninhabited. We will use the Zodiacs to explore and hope to make some beach landings. The islands have some significant historical sites such as the old village of Mingulay. Despite there being a continuous population on Mingulay for at least two thousand years, evacuation began in 1907 and the island was completely abandoned by its residents in 1912. The islands are also a nature reserve with important breeding populations of razorbills, guillemots, black guillemots, puffins, fulmars and shags.
Day 8 - OBAN.
Disembark this morning and transfer to Glasgow Airport or Station.
Map for Hebridean Odyssey

Caledonian Sky

The MS Caledonian Sky accommodates a maximum of 114 passengers in 57 spacious outside suites. Many have walk-in wardrobes and some feature tub baths. There will be seven categories of suites and sixteen suites will have private balconies. For those familiar with the MS Island Sky she will feel like a second home, although there are some differences. The dining room, lounge, Lido Deck and bar are all similar. However, the ‘Club’ on the MS Caledonian Sky has been transported to the very top deck. Here, there is a library and bar which leads out on to a lovely forward deck. The ‘Club’ has wonderful views with ceiling to floor windows.

If you like the MS Island Sky, we are sure you will also approve of her sister. And, of course it is important that we offer the very best of facilities. However, equally as important are the staff on board whether they are the vessel’s crew or our own expedition staff. Noble Caledonia’s reputation has been built on providing the very best in all areas. Our crew of 74 not only offer an excellent service they are also noted for their kindness and attention to detail. A well run ship with a warm atmosphere is what we are known for, and it is because most of our crew have been with us for many years that we are able to engender such an atmosphere.

Your Suite
Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. The passenger accommodation is arranged over four decks and all suites have outside views. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country style wash basin, hot towel rack and vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower and/or bath tub.

Facilities in the suites also include walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, flat screen television, telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort.

Your space
The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. In addition there is the Club Lounge on the Panoramic Deck which features a bar. The onboard travel library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. Outside there is a rear Lido deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. On the top deck there is a further observation and sun deck with bar service and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. There is also a small gymnasium onboard and hairdressers with appointments made on request.

Your dining
With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the quality of cuisine will be of a consistent superior quality. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, our accomplished chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast, a buffet-style lunch and dinner are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board.

For your comfort, safety and security
Our vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the ship’s motion. The Captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers 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 outside decks only. For

Gratuities
 Unlike many other cruise vessels, onboard the MS Caledonian Sky you do not need to worry about tipping staff as we have included them in your holiday price. In addition we tip all our guides and drivers along the way, thereby taking away the hassle of always having to remember to have some small change with you.

 

Cabin layout for Caledonian Sky