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Scandinavian & Baltic Odyssey

Scandinavian & Baltic Odyssey

From GBP £5,795

Description

The long sunny days of a Baltic summer are legendary and the perfect time to witness the spectacle of colour and joy that the sun brings to this northern world which, bordered by diverse kingdoms and republics in a relatively contained area, is ideally suited to exploration by ship. Whether it be the grandeur of St Petersburg and its surrounding country estates, the fascinating Baltic states and their capitals with marvellously untouched Medieval quarters or the sheer delight of small Scandinavian ports with their unique architecture, the Baltic offers a real cornucopia of delights which are all accessible from the comfort of the MS Hebridean Sky.

With over twenty years of experience operating cruises in this region, we believe we have the most perfectly balanced cruise. Whilst not forsaking our old time favourites such as Tallinn and St Petersburg we also visit some smaller ports which the big cruise vessels are unable to access. These well-hidden treasures include the islands of Christianso and Bornholm in Denmark, Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site fortified by well-preserved 13th century walls and Kotka in Finland, a delightful town with a rich maritime heritage. Added to this, joining you on board will be an expert team who, together with the informative local guides, will add much to your experience and knowledge of this fascinating region.

Trip Name
Scandinavian & Baltic Odyssey
Days
13
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 - Aberdeen.
Embark the MS Hebridean Sky this afternoon. Transfers will be provided from Aberdeen Railway Station and Aberdeen Airport at a fixed time. Sail this evening.
Day 2 - Day 2 - At Sea.
Relax on board as we sail across the North Sea to Norway. Maybe join a lecture in the lounge, read a book in the library or find a spot on deck.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Kragero, Norway.
Surrounded by nearly 500 islands and skerries, Kragero is a charming town in the region of Telemark and a popular summer retreat. This morning we will head inland to the Telemark Canal. When completed in 1892, after five years of construction, it was described as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’. We will join one of the local boats as they transit the 18 locks, lifting the ship 72 metres above sea level and enjoy the changing scenery as we travel from the sea to the mountains. Returning to Kragero for lunch we have the afternoon free to explore the downtown area, walking through the narrow streets and alleyways amongst the old wooden houses.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Aalborg, Denmark.
Aalborg was founded by the Vikings in the late 10th century across the Limfjord and prospered from the fishing and sea trade on the fjord. On a morning excursion we will explore the ancient Viking site of Lindholm Hoje, one of the most important ancient monuments in Scandinavia which was dug out from a thick layer of sand. We will visit the burial site of 700 graves, scattered on a hilltop with a beautiful view of the fjord. Continue to the onsite museum that contains a fascinating exhibition on the Viking settlements found close to the burial ground. We will end with the chance to enjoy authentic Viking cuisine with some small dishes prepared using traditional recipes. After lunch on board we will have an afternoon to explore the old town of Aalborg. A guided tour will include the Renaissance styled Merchant houses, the Baroque town hall, the 16th century Budolfi Cathedral and Aalborghus Castle. Alternatively, for anyone interested in sampling the local beers there will be the chance to join a guided walk of the old town including a tasting of the local specialities.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Elsinore & Copenhagen, Denmark.
The Danish King, Eric of Pomerania built a fortress in the early 15th century to enforce the collection of dues for all ships wishing to enter the Baltic. In the following century Frederick II rebuilt the castle into a magnificent Renaissance castle, Kronborg was considered at the time to be the strongest fortress in Europe. The castle is known to many as ‘Elsinore’ the setting for Shakespeare’s tragedy, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. The play has been performed in the castle many times and included such prominent actors as Laurence Olivier and John Gielgud. We will enjoy a morning exploring the castle and the old town before returning to the ship for lunch. This afternoon you can choose to explore further or join a tour to Copenhagen where we will see the Palace of Amalienborg with its four identical Rococo buildings which have been the Royal Residence since 1784. Also see the Little Mermaid Fountain, Christianborg Castle, the Royal Theatre and the Nyhavn district.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Bornholm & Christianso, Denmark.
Over breakfast we arrive on Bornholm. Peaceful and scenic, Bornholm Island is a mixture of wheat fields, forest and an attractive coast dotted with fishing villages. On an island drive we will see the famous 12th century Osterlars Round Church and visit the town of Gudjem where we can sample the smoked herring. Also see Hammerhus Castle offering fantastic views of the island’s rugged coastline. Over lunch we sail to the tiny island of Christianso. Here, we see the old fortress of King Christian V and learn about the island’s past including its history as an island prison. Today, it is a very special and peaceful place where the eider ducks appear everywhere and on the bird sanctuary of Grasholmen thousands of herring gulls, razorbill and guillemot breed. Please note that we will be at anchor at Christianso and will use Zodiacs to go ashore should weather conditions permit.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Visby, Sweden.
Today we visit this once important Hanseatic port. Best explored on foot, the beautifully preserved Medieval town snuggles inside 13th century walls, housing 44 watchtowers. In Viking times and several centuries after, the Swedish island of Gotland and especially the city of Visby, became a centre of trade in the Baltic Sea and is a World Heritage Site. Walk its streets from the Middle Ages and see its gardens ablaze with flowers, earning the city its nickname ‘the city of ruins and roses’. Later, visit the Viking exhibits at the Gotland Museum and wander the paths of the botanical gardens. Return to the ship for lunch and maybe join a lecture this afternoon as we cruise the Baltic Sea.
Day 8 - Day 8 - Tallinn, Estonia.
This morning we arrive in the historic maritime city of Tallinn with its awe inspiring city walls and fortifications, narrow Medieval streets and the gateways which remain remarkably well preserved. In the Upper Town we will enjoy the views from Dome Hill with the extraordinary vista of domes, spires and gables and see Toompea Castle, once a fortress, and now the seat of the Estonian parliament. Walking to the Lower Old Town we will visit the main square where we will find the oldest pharmacy in Europe, the Gothic Cathedral and the 15th century Town Hall. Either return to the ship for lunch or remain in the city and enjoy some free time before we sail in the late afternoon.
Day 9 - Days 9 & 10 - St Petersburg, Russia.
We have two days to explore this most endlessly captivating of Russian city’s. Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, St Petersburg is a fascinating mix of classic and Baroque architecture on a network of canals. We will be offering a number of tours during our time here including visits to the Peter and Paul Fortress, a canal cruise through the city, the wonderful Peterhof Palace and Gardens, the Catherine Palace and a tour of the cities cathedrals of Kazan, St Isaacs and the Church of the Spilled Blood. On our first evening we will enjoy a private tour and concert at the Hermitage Museum.
Day 10 - Day 11 - Kotka, Finland.
Built on the site where the River Kymijoki meets the Baltic Sea, picturesque Kotka has a long seafaring tradition. This morning we will explore the history of the region and visit the Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge which was built in 1889 for Alexander III, the future Emperor of Russia who used it as a summer home. It is now a living museum situated in a stunning nature reserve on the river. Continue to the Maritime Centre Vellamo where local guides will enlighten us about the maritime and cultural heritage of the region. Return to the ship for lunch and relax on board as we spend the afternoon at sea.
Day 11 - Day 12 - Mariehamn, Aland Islands.
This morning we cruise through some of the 6700 islands of the Aland archipelago arriving over lunch into the attractive town of Mariehamn. Choose to join an afternoon drive where we will head into the beautiful countryside along scenic roads, stopping at Badhausberget with panoramic views over the archipelago. Alternatively explore the town at leisure, maybe visit the sea quarter where boats are built and repaired using traditional techniques, walk along the esplanade an avenue of lime trees that link the harbours or enjoy time in the handicraft shops.
Day 12 - Day 13 - Stockholm to London.
Be on deck early this morning as we sail through the Swedish Archipelago into Stockholm. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
07-07-201919-07-2019GBP £5,795Amundsen Standard Suite
07-07-201919-07-2019GBP £6,195Byrd Superior Suite
07-07-201919-07-2019GBP £8,995Shackleton Hebridean Suite
07-07-201919-07-2019GBP £9,495Amundsen Standard Sole
07-07-201919-07-2019GBP £9,695Byrd Superior Sole
07-07-201919-07-2019GBP £6,695Mawson Premuim Suite
07-07-201919-07-2019GBP £7,095Mawson Corner Suite
07-07-201919-07-2019GBP £7,595Scott Deluxe Balcony Suite
07-07-201919-07-2019GBP £7,995Shackleton Owner's Balcony Suite

Inclusions

    • Visit Aalborg that was founded by the Vikings in the late 10th century
    • Discover the castle is known to many as ‘Elsinore’ the setting for Shakespeare’s tragedy, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
    • Arrive on Bornholm. Peaceful and scenic, Bornholm Island is a mixture of wheat fields, forest and an attractive coast dotted with fishing villages
    • Arrive in the historic maritime city of Tallinn with its awe inspiring city walls and fortifications, narrow Medieval streets and the gateways which remain remarkably well preserved
    • Have two days to explore this most endlessly captivating of Russian city’s. Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, St Petersburg is a fascinating mix of classic and Baroque architecture on a network of canals

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