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.
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.
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Vessel Type: Expedition
Length: 90.6 metres
Passenger Capacity: 118
Built / Refurbished: 1992 / 2016
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three elegant sister ships—alongside the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky—renowned for their small size, comfort, and service. Built in the same Italian shipyard, this refined vessel underwent a multi-million-pound refurbishment in 2016, enhancing its private yacht-like atmosphere.
Suites
The ship offers 59 spacious, outside-facing suites over five decks, with 14 featuring private balconies. Each suite includes a sitting area, en-suite bathroom with rainfall shower, flat-screen TV, minibar, safe, dressing table, Molton Brown toiletries, robes, slippers, and individually controlled climate settings. Beds can be configured as twins or doubles, except in suites 601 and 602. The luxurious Hebridean Suite includes a large balcony, sitting room, and complimentary minibar and laundry.
Public Areas
Public spaces include a panoramic lounge for talks and briefings, The Club bar with live piano music, a library with books and games, and ample outdoor deck space including a wildlife observation area. A lift serves all decks, and there is a small hair salon and an onboard doctor. Complimentary satellite Wi-Fi is available, though signal strength may vary.
Dining
Meals are served in a single sitting in the elegant dining room or al fresco on the Lido Deck. Cuisine is fresh and varied, often featuring local produce. Enjoy daily afternoon tea, pre-dinner canapés, and wines with lunch and dinner. Breakfast is buffet-style with cooked-to-order options. Barbecues and live cooking stations are also offered. Special diets can be accommodated with notice.
Experience
Designed for those who prefer a quiet, enriching cruise, the Hebridean Sky offers a relaxed, yacht-like ambiance without large ship distractions. There’s no organised entertainment or dress codes—just thoughtful service, enriching lectures, and scenic cruising among like-minded travellers.
Comfort & Safety
The vessel is fitted with stabilisers, modern navigation systems, and safety equipment. Guests can visit the Bridge, view route information on suite TVs, and enjoy peace of mind with a fully equipped clinic on board.