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 remote Isles of Scilly where nature abounds to the Channel Islands, which combine beautiful scenery and Gallic charm. 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 Isles of Scilly. Upon arrival we will witness the grey Atlantic dissolving miraculously into turquoise, and white sandy beaches giving way to verdant islands and palm trees. The nurturing warm waters of the Gulf Stream have helped to create a microclimate endowing the islands with great botanical and ornithological diversity. Our exploration of the islands will include Tresco, St Martin’s and St Agnes with their crystalclear 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. We continue to the Channel Islands where each island has its own unique character and where we head to two of the least explored, Herm and Sark.
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. Our journey will be a leisurely one visiting some truly idyllic islands where you can be as active and footloose as you choose. Sailing distances are short allowing us to visit multiple isles and, on each island, there will be organised walks with members of our expedition team as well as ample time for you to explore independently and rather than hopping on and off coaches, our transport will be predominantly provided by Zodiacs or local tenders.
- Tresco’s Subtropical Abbey Gardens, Isles of Scilly: Explore the traffic-free island of Tresco, visiting the remarkable Abbey Gardens, home to over 20,000 plant species from 80 countries, and see the Valhalla ship figurehead collection amidst stunning coastal scenery.
- Sark’s Tranquil Charm, Channel Islands: Wander the peaceful, traffic-free island of Sark, with its narrow lanes filled with birdsong, visit the enchanting La Seigneurie gardens, and explore the dramatic isthmus connecting Little and Big Sark.
- Alderney’s Historical and Natural Wonders: Discover Alderney’s quaint St Anne village, resembling a Normandy hamlet, and choose between visiting the well-preserved Roman Nunnery fort, German fortifications, or cliffside walks to observe wildlife and scenic views.
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
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 additional cost). Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
After a morning at sea we arrive in the Isles of Scilly, an archipelago of five inhabited islands and up to one hundred and forty uninhabited islets. Located 30 miles off the coast of Cornwall we will spend the next two and a half days exploring the islands. 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 and 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 also 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.
Overnight we will sail to the Channel Islands where we spend the next three days. On Alderney, visit the island’s only town, St Anne, which has all the old-world charm of a Normandy village with tiny squares and pastel shaded cottages and shops. Maybe join a short walk to see the German fortifications, a longer walk with our naturalists heading to the cliffs or see Nunnery Heritage Site where we find one of the best preserved Roman forts in Britain. Meanwhile on 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. We will also ensure we have time to explore the charming town of St Peter Port. We will use our Zodiacs to land on the peaceful traffic-free island of Sark. We can wander 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. Spend time on 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. You will have free time to explore, perhaps take a stroll over to Shell or Belvoir Beach. Alternatively, join our naturalists for a walk on the lookout for wildflowers and birds.
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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Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
