Here is a perfect getaway for those who enjoy visiting islands, small ship cruising and the chance to explore on foot. Join us aboard the all-suite MS Hebridean Sky in Portsmouth and visit some of the most idyllic islands from the Channel Islands, which combine beautiful scenery and Gallic charm, to the remote Isles of Scilly where nature abounds. Our time will be spent walking the nature trails, spotting marine wildlife and experiencing life in these remote communities.
We will be visiting some of the most bewitching of places off our shorelines beginning in the Channel Islands where each island has its own unique character and where we head to two of the least explored, Herm and Sark. Our calls in the Isles of Scilly will include Tresco, St Martin’s and St Agnes with their crystal-clear waters and fine white sandy beaches that would not disgrace a Caribbean Island. We also visit Bryher, a rarely visited gem and almost never included on cruise schedules.
We will explore on foot amazing little contained worlds which are rich in plant life, wildlife and history and you can be as active and footloose as you choose. These islands are so close yet are not easily visited and whilst the sailing distances are relatively short, there is much to see and experience. The MS Hebridean Sky is the perfect small ship for such a venture as we can explore places otherwise inaccessible to larger ships and with just over 100 passengers, we will not overrun the islands but instead will be absorbed into island life. The islands are small and each day there will be a choice of walks to suit all, and rather than hopping on and off coaches, our transport will be predominantly provided by Zodiacs or local tenders.
- Guernsey’s Coastal Charm: Discover the scenic beauty of Guernsey’s coastline and the unique Little Chapel, adorned with shattered china, followed by a leisurely stroll in St Peter Port.
- Tresco’s Abbey Gardens: Explore the subtropical paradise of Tresco’s Abbey Gardens, home to 20,000 plant species from 80 countries, defying the Atlantic climate.
- Sark’s Tranquil Serenity: Experience the car-free island of Sark via horse-drawn carriages, marveling at its narrow isthmus and the enchanting La Seigneurie gardens.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Embark the MS Hebridean Sky this afternoon. Transfers will be provided from Portsmouth Harbour Railway Station at a fixed time, alternatively car parking will be available at the port (at an additional cost). Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
We will have two days to explore the Channel Islands. On the island of Guernsey, during a panoramic drive 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. There will also be a leisurely afternoon to explore the charming town of St Peter Port at your own pace. We will use our Zodiacs to land on the peaceful traffic-free island of Sark. Horse-drawn carriages take us along the narrow lanes alive with the songs of chaffinches, skylarks and mistle thrush as we see the narrow isthmus which joins Little Sark and Big Sark and the enchanting gardens at La Seigneurie. Also see Herm, the smallest inhabited Channel Island and, at just one and a half miles long and half a mile wide, perfect for exploring on foot. Here, you will have free time to explore, perhaps take a stroll over to Shell or Belvoir Beach whilst our naturalists will be ashore on the lookout for wildflowers.
Arrive this morning in the Isles of Scilly for two and a half days of exploration. From our central anchorage, we will use our Zodiacs and local tenders to visit a number of the islands in the group. We will visit 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 time to wander at your own pace along the paths, maybe visit the Valhalla collection of ship figureheads from ships wrecked on the islands or relax in the café. On St Agnes we find the most south westerly community in the UK. 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. We will tender ashore to Bryher, the smallest of the inhabited Isles of Scilly where you can wander along the tracks that cross the island amongst hedgerows and fields with wildflowers. Those feeling active may wish to climb Watch Hill, where in the past islanders would keep watch for ships in distress or alternatively take a stroll to one of the beautiful beaches. Visit the northernmost island of the group, St Martin’s, a small island community of just 120 residents. Enjoy time to explore independently, climb to one of the viewpoints for vistas over the islands and the offshore seal colonies or maybe visit the vineyard. On St Mary’s, the largest island in the archipelago (yet still only six square miles), you can enjoy some time in the shops in Hugh Town or walk the historic Garrison Walls.
Disembark this morning. Transfers will be provided to Portsmouth Harbour Railway Station at a fixed time.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Hebridean Sky
| Length | 90 metres |
|---|---|
| Built/refurbished | 1992/2016 |
Hebridean Sky has always been known for its effortless elegance, impeccable service and atmosphere of charm and camaraderie. Now we add increased adventure options and an on-site Passenger Service Representative. Hebridean Sky is the perfect blend of luxury and adventurous exploration. Is it a luxury ship? An adventure ship? It’s both! The vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016.
ONBOARD DINING
Great expeditions require great food! We are pleased to offer daily changing breakfast, lunch and dinner menus with an emphasis on providing well balanced and nutritional cuisine. Our team of international chefs has boat loads of creativity and you are sure to experience a variety of interesting dishes throughout your voyage. The restaurant is located on Deck 2 and our service team looks forward to providing a memorable dining experience.
IMPECCABLE SMALL-SHIP AMENITIES
Returning from excursions, passengers enjoy complimentary refreshments, afternoon tea and all-day coffee in The Club, a gracious space for relaxation, surrounded by panoramic windows. Other Sea Explorer features include:
- Library with Internet access
- Lounge with audiovisual facilities
- Dining room
- Wraparound sun deck with Jacuzzi
- Exercise room
- Medical facilities with available doctor
- Elevator serving all passenger decks
- Swimming/zodiac platform
Please note deck plan may vary.
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Includes
Six nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Onboard team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.