Arctic, Iceland
Passage to Iceland - 13 Day Expedition Cruise
Iceland is without doubt one of the most extraordinary and dramatic lands on the planet and is certainly best explored by small ship, allowing for opportunities to get up close to nature and explore areas inaccessible to larger vessels. With the 118-passenger MS Hebridean Sky, her expert expedition team and fleet of Zodiac landing craft, we are able to land on remote islands and cruise close to shorelines and cliffs crowded with birdlife. We have timed our voyage to Iceland for June when the long summer days are ideal for exploring and to experience the spectacular midnight sun.
Join us as we sail north from Aberdeen stopping at the Orkney Islands before continuing to the little-visited Faroe Islands where our time will be spent exploring the villages and rolling hills of these distant isles before venturing further north to Iceland. We have seven days to discover the wonders of Iceland and will witness the immense scale of the landscape dominated by towering snow-capped mountains, thundering waterfalls and spontaneous erupting geysers as we learn of the centuries old legacies of a Viking and Norse heritage. Europe’s least populated country offers the visitor a truly unparalleled experience of elemental forces at work and we will visit some of its most dramatic areas and, whilst we sail its waters, will look out for humpback whales, orcas, white-beaked dolphins and observe the colonies of seabirds.
• Orkney's Neolithic Heritage: Explore Orkney's Neolithic Heartland, a World Heritage Site, with visits to the Standing Stones of Stenness, Ring of Brodgar, and the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae. Learn about the ancient history of this fascinating region.
• Exploring Faroe Islands: Discover the beauty of Suduroy in the Faroe Islands. Join an island tour to experience the geology, fjords, and local culture or opt for a hike to Hvaanhagi, offering stunning views of the surroundings.
• Iceland's Natural Wonders: Experience Iceland's natural wonders with a visit to Vatnajokull Glacier, Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, Lake Myvatn-Krafla region, and Godafoss Waterfall. Witness the unique volcanic landscapes, glacial formations, and diverse ecosystems.
• Stykkisholmur and Snaefellsnes Peninsula: Discover the picturesque town of Stykkisholmur, known for its well-preserved old houses. Explore the scenic Snaefellsnes Peninsula, dominated by the iconic Snæfellsjokull volcano, with a drive through lava landscapes and visits to fishing ports and beaches.
Join us as we sail north from Aberdeen stopping at the Orkney Islands before continuing to the little-visited Faroe Islands where our time will be spent exploring the villages and rolling hills of these distant isles before venturing further north to Iceland. We have seven days to discover the wonders of Iceland and will witness the immense scale of the landscape dominated by towering snow-capped mountains, thundering waterfalls and spontaneous erupting geysers as we learn of the centuries old legacies of a Viking and Norse heritage. Europe’s least populated country offers the visitor a truly unparalleled experience of elemental forces at work and we will visit some of its most dramatic areas and, whilst we sail its waters, will look out for humpback whales, orcas, white-beaked dolphins and observe the colonies of seabirds.
Highlights
• Orkney's Neolithic Heritage: Explore Orkney's Neolithic Heartland, a World Heritage Site, with visits to the Standing Stones of Stenness, Ring of Brodgar, and the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae. Learn about the ancient history of this fascinating region.
• Exploring Faroe Islands: Discover the beauty of Suduroy in the Faroe Islands. Join an island tour to experience the geology, fjords, and local culture or opt for a hike to Hvaanhagi, offering stunning views of the surroundings.
• Iceland's Natural Wonders: Experience Iceland's natural wonders with a visit to Vatnajokull Glacier, Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon, Lake Myvatn-Krafla region, and Godafoss Waterfall. Witness the unique volcanic landscapes, glacial formations, and diverse ecosystems.
• Stykkisholmur and Snaefellsnes Peninsula: Discover the picturesque town of Stykkisholmur, known for its well-preserved old houses. Explore the scenic Snaefellsnes Peninsula, dominated by the iconic Snæfellsjokull volcano, with a drive through lava landscapes and visits to fishing ports and beaches.
Embark the MS Hebridean Sky this afternoon. Transfers will be provided from Aberdeen Airport and Railway Station at a fixed time. Sail early this evening.
This morning we arrive at the Orkney capital of Kirkwall from where we will head into the west of Mainland, Orkney’s largest island. We will pass through gentle rolling landscape and into the Neolithic Heartland of Orkney; an area designated as a World Heritage Site due to its wealth of pre-historic archaeology. We will see the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar; a huge ceremonial circle of stones dating back almost 5000 years. We continue to the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae and see the remarkable dwellings revealed from beneath the sand dunes by storms only 150 years ago. This afternoon is free to explore at your own pace, maybe visit St Magnus Church which dates back over 900 years.
Over lunch we will arrive at Suduroy, the southernmost island of the group. From the port of Tvoroyri we have a choice of activities. Choose to join an island tour passing the beautiful scenery as we drive between the villages seeing the stunning geology, fjords, tunnels and architecture of the island and end at the southernmost point and the Akraberg lighthouse. In Porkeri we will take the ridge-top road which winds up the mountainside for wonderful views towards the steep cliffs on the west coast, the Beinisvoro promontory to the north and the luscious grass slopes to the east. To locals, this delivers the essence of the Faroe Islands with mountains and fjords, villages and valleys, birds, sheep and nature. Alternatively you may wish to join a hike to Hvaanhagi, a beautiful, uninhabited place north of Tvoroyri on the east coast of Suduroy. The view is fantastic towards the three islands Litla Dimun, Stora Dimun and Skuvoy.
From our berth this morning we will join a guided tour through Torshavn over the hills to Kirkjubour, the island’s oldest cultural centre, where we see the ruins of the 13th century St Magnus Cathedral and the 11th century church, still in use. We also visit the 900-year old ‘Roykstovan’, the old bishopric, considered to be the oldest wooden house in Europe. For those feeling active we will arrange a hike in the hills surrounding the town to discover the local flora and fauna. After lunch on board, we will drive to the beautiful village of Saksun, an isolated settlement situated beneath steep majestic mountains. We visit Duvugaroar, an old farmhouse, which is now a museum and visit a traditional Faeroese wooden church in Kollafjord.
Vestmanna is our base this morning as we explore the northwest corner of Streymoy and the nearby cliffs. We will board local boats to explore the vertical cliffs that climb almost 1500 feet, sailing into grottos carved by the surf over the years and watching the thousands of seabirds including puffins, guillemots, fulmars and kittiwakes that nest here each summer. Return to the ship for lunch and spend a relaxing afternoon on board sailing towards Iceland.
Today we will see the shimmering white Vatnajokull Glacier, Europe’s largest glacier, sometimes called an icecap. The 600 metre thick ice surmounts active volcanoes, one of which erupted in 1996, creating a crater on the surface of the glacier, a most unusual phenomenon. We will drive to the otherworldly glacial lagoon of Jokulsarlon, a dramatic drive through some of the finest scenery that Iceland offers. Once we reach Jokulsarlon, the 100 metre deep glacial river lagoon which is full of large icebergs, carved from the glacier Breioamerkurjokull, we will embark on a cruise on the pristine water, sailing in between the blue, white and black ice.
Enjoy the benefits of our small ship as we explore the lesser known fjords in the south east of Iceland. This morning we hope to land at the small town at Neskaupstadur for a chance to visit the excellent museum which features the local art gallery, Museum of Natural History and Maritime Museum. Those feeling active can hike to the avalanche barriers behind the town, offering great views of the surrounding areas. This afternoon we cruise through Mjoifjordur where we can enjoy the wilderness of this remote area.
Be on deck this morning as we cruise into Husavik. Our expedition team will keep an eye out for one of the many species of whales, the most popular being humpback, minke and blue whales, which are prevalent in this area. The remainder of the morning is free to explore the pretty town including time at the excellent whale museum, the exploration museum and quaint local church. After lunch we will visit the Lake Myvatn-Krafla region, a fine example of the volcanic world with lava fields, boiling and steaming mud pools and steam vents of sulphur and craters. The area illustrates the sheer magnitude of Iceland’s forces at work. The lake itself, with beautiful natural rock formations and hot springs, is also a unique ecosystem and the largest migratory bird sanctuary in Europe. For those interested there will be an opportunity to spend time in the natural baths before returning to the ship.
We will use our Zodiacs to land on Hrisey Island this morning where you can join nature walks. The island is known for its rich and diverse bird life and approximately 40 species of birds nest on the island. In the early afternoon we continue our journey down Eyafjordur, on the lookout for whales, during our approach to Akureyri. Akureyri is a delightful town on the north coast of Iceland and not what you would expect to find in such a remote location. In summer months the gardens and window boxes are ablaze with colour. The afternoon we visit the spectacular Godafoss Waterfall where water from the Skjalfandafljot river falls from a height of 12 metres over a width of 30 metres. From Godafoss we return to the charming town of Akureyri and visit the botanical garden which was founded in 1912 and grows examples of every species indigenous to Iceland as well as an extensive collection of high-latitude and high-altitude plants from around the world. Our tour ends at the Art Alley, where artisans keep their workshops and galleries. We stay late this evening for anyone wishing to take an after dinner stroll.
Spend the morning on Grimsey Island. The Arctic Circle bisects this island which is known for its tiny community, basalt cliffs and large variety of birdlife. On arrival join our expedition team members for a nature walk on the island. Over lunch we sail to Siglufjordur, a picturesque town that enjoys an idyllic setting in a small fjord backed by mountains. Here in the early 1900s, a booming economy due to the herring industry resulted in a prosperous town with some marvellous Icelandic architecture. Stroll through the town and visit the Herring Era Museum.
This morning we enter the Western Fjords, an isolated but spectacular area of Iceland. We will explore Isafjardardjup with the MS Hebridean Sky and depending on local weather conditions, we hope to land on Vigur, a serene little island with only five residents but home to many more puffins, eider ducks, black guillemots and Arctic terns. We will also visit Iceland’s only extant windmill dating from the 19th century.
During breakfast we arrive at Stykkisholmur located in Breidafjordur Bay and surrounded by an archipelago of islands. The town is famed for its beautiful and well preserved old houses and is also the gateway to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula which is dominated by the Snæfellsjokull volcano, regarded as one of the symbols of Iceland and known as the setting for Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Centre of the Earth”. A morning tour will include a drive through the lava landscape to the glacier visiting pretty fishing ports and beaches along the way. Spend the afternoon at leisure in the town.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to London.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Amundsen Deck Standard Suite
£7,695 GBP pp
Limited Availability
All feature a sitting area, en suite bathroom with vanity unit and walk-in shower featuring rainfall and separate hand held shower heads, spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Cabins on the Shackleton & Scott Decks have private balconies.
All cabins have the following facilities:
• Dressing gowns and slippers
• TV
• Electrical outlet
• Hairdryer
• Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled)
• Mini bar & Fridge – upon request it can be filled with soft drinks and beer for purchase. The mini bar is stocked on arrival and replenished daily. A price list can be found in the cabin.
• Safe
• Molton Brown toiletries: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion
• Telephone
Each cabin has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request with the exception of cabins 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed. Please advise the Reservations Department or the Reception Desk, once on board, if you would like a double bed.
Cabins are serviced each morning by your cabin attendant and again in the evening when the beds are turned down.
Please note that aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, all cabins have a shower but none have bath
Amundsen Deck Standard Sole
£9,695 GBP pp
Limited Availability
All feature a sitting area, en suite bathroom with vanity unit and walk-in shower featuring rainfall and separate hand held shower heads, spacious wardrobe and dressing table. Cabins on the Shackleton & Scott Decks have private balconies.
All cabins have the following facilities:
• Dressing gowns and slippers
• TV
• Electrical outlet
• Hairdryer
• Heating and air-conditioning (individually controlled)
• Mini bar & Fridge – upon request it can be filled with soft drinks and beer for purchase. The mini bar is stocked on arrival and replenished daily. A price list can be found in the cabin.
• Safe
• Molton Brown toiletries: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion
• Telephone
Each cabin has two twin beds that can be reconfigured to form a double bed upon request with the exception of cabins 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed. Please advise the Reservations Department or the Reception Desk, once on board, if you would like a double bed.
Cabins are serviced each morning by your cabin attendant and again in the evening when the beds are turned down.
Please note that aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, all cabins have a shower but none have bath
Byrd Deck Superior Suite
Sold Out
Please contact Wild Earth for alternative options or to waitlist.
Mawson Deck Premium Suite
Sold Out
Please contact Wild Earth for alternative options or to waitlist.
Mawson Deck Corner Suite
Sold Out
Please contact Wild Earth for alternative options or to waitlist.
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite
Sold Out
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Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite
Sold Out
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Byrd Deck Superior Sole
Sold Out
Please contact Wild Earth for alternative options or to waitlist.
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite
Sold Out
Please contact Wild Earth for alternative options or to waitlist.
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.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
• Expedition team
• Shore excursions as per the itinerary (Note: Some itineraries have optional excursions as per the specific exclusions)
• Gratuities
• Port Charges/ Taxes
• Transfers as per the itinerary (Note: Transfers are offered in conjunction with group flights only when booked together, both can be taken off if included in the itinerary and credited - if the trip shows no flights then none are included)
Exclusions
• Passport and Visa costs where applicable
• Travel insurance
• Beverages other than those listed in inclusions
• Meals when not on board the ship unless otherwise stated
• Pre and post voyage accommodation unless otherwise stated
• Optional excursions as per specific itinerary
• Any items of a personal nature
Expedition
13 Days from
£592 GBP per day
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