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Baltics To Britannia (Hebridean Sky)

Baltics To Britannia (Hebridean Sky)

From NZD $18,645

Description

14 nights aboard the intimate MS Hebridean Sky travelling from Stockholm to London.

Trip Name
Baltics To Britannia (Hebridean Sky)
Days
15
Overview
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.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Arrive Stockholm, Embark Ship
Arrive by midday and enjoy an afternoon tour of Stockholm before being transferred to your small ship. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow guests.
Day 2 - DAY 2 Stockholm
Tour Stockholm’s Old Town discovering the medieval Royal Palace, then visit the Vasa Museum. Following a morning tea at historic Sigtuna, return to your ship.
Day 3 - DAY 3 Helsinki
Perhaps enjoy a tour of sophisticated Helsinki, a well-known hotspot for art nouveau architecture and chic design studios. Visit Senate Square and Mannerheimintie. Alternatively explore Suomenlinna, a World Heritage-listed fortress that occupies six small islands.
Day 4 - DAY 4 St Petersburg
Tonight, be treated to an elegant evening of Russian ballet during a private APT performance at the prestigious Hermitage Theatre.Board a coach this morning and discover the wonders of the baroque-style State Hermitage Museum. Later, visit the opulent Catherine Palace.
Day 5 - DAY 5 St Petersburg
This morning visit the impressive 18th-century Peter and Paul Cathedral and St Isaac’s Cathedral before visiting the beautiful Peterhof Park and Palace. Stroll the Lower Park and see the Grand Cascade and the Grand Palace.
Day 6 - DAY 6 Tallinn
In Tallinn, visit Dome Hill, the Cathedral of Saint Mary the Virgin, the Rotermann Quarter and Freedom Square. Otherwise, embark on a walk with your Expedition Team, or partake in a bicycle tour.
Day 7 - DAY 7 Pärnu
Arrive in Pärnu and embark on a guided tour of this harbour city. Visit Pärnu Museum followed by a walk through the old town. Alternatively, visit a Nordic vineyard and truffle workshop and learn about the production and then experience the making of hand-made chocolate truffles.
Day 8 - DAY 8 Rīga
Perhaps tour the historic centre with a guide, seeing the Gothic St Peter’s Church and admire the views from the observation platform. Or alternatively embark on a journey through the city’s stunning network of canals.Enjoy a tour of Rīga, before selecting from two sightseeing options.
Day 9 - DAY 9 Klaipėda
In Klaipėda, perhaps set off on a sightseeing tour including the Martynas Mažvydas Sculpture Park, home to more than 180 works of art. Alternatively, discover the Plokstine nuclear missile launch site and visit the Cold War Museum.Founded in 1252, Klaipėda was almost destroyed during World War II.
Day 10 - DAY 10 Gdańsk
Visit Solidarity Square, before strolling the narrow cobbled streets of the Main Town or embark on a guided kayak tour.Arrive in the old Hanseatic port of Gdańsk. See the old quarter including the Gothic St Mary’s Church and the Artus Court.
Day 11 - DAY 11 Christiansø Island, Bornholm Island
Later, arrive on Bornholm Island for an afternoon of gourmet delightsLearn about life on the island, discover the history of the island’s fortress, or embark on a nature walk.In Christiansø Island choose from three walking tours.
Day 12 - DAY 12 Wismar
Enjoy a tour of medieval Wismar, before setting out for Schwerin to visit one of Germany’s most decorative castles. Then, following a lake cruise, visit the castle museum of the former Dukes of Mecklenburg. Later, return to the ship for lunch followed by time at leisure to further explore the cobbled streets of Wismar.
Day 13 - DAY 13 Kiel Canal
Transit the Kiel Canal today.Finished in 1914, this 98-kilometre canal cuts through the German state of Schleswig-Holstein linking the Baltic Sea to the North Sea at Brunsbüttel to the Kiel-Holtenau. Perhaps attend a lecture on the region from your guest speaker.
Day 14 - DAY 14 Amsterdam
Today visit the windmill village ‘de Zaanse Schans’, with its characteristic green wooden houses to discover how wooden shoes are made and enjoy a tasting at a cheese farm. Alternatively embark on a city tour of Amsterdam exploring the city’s canal system and a VIP tour of the Heineken brewery.Stopping in the Danish city of Helsingor, head for Kronborg Castle, which Shakespeare immortalised in his play, Hamlet. Later visit the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Tonight your ship will dock in Copenhagen allowing you to step ashore and enjoy a night at leisure.
Day 15 - DAY 15 Dover, Disembark Ship, Depart London
Disembark your ship in Dover, then be transferred to Heathrow airport.
Day 16 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
17-09-201901-10-2019NZD $18,645Standard Suite Forward Extra
17-09-201901-10-2019NZD $19,095Standard Suite
17-09-201901-10-2019NZD $20,895Superior Suite
17-09-201901-10-2019NZD $22,045Premium Suite
17-09-201901-10-2019NZD $23,145Corner Suite

Inclusions

    • A Night Of Russian Ballet. Be treated to an elegant evening at the Russian ballet in the prestigious Hermitage Theatre.
    • Peterhof Park And Palace. Journey down the Neva River to explore the grand Peterhof Park and Palace.
    • Bornholm Island's Delicacies. Arrive on Bornholm Island and traverse the lush scenery as you sample delicious gourmet delights including fine wine.

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