When it comes to pure escapism there are few places in the world more fitting than the Caribbean, particularly during the UK’s winter months. Escape the cold at home, join just 100 fellow travellers aboard the MS Hebridean Sky in Antigua and set sail on our island hopping voyage through sub-tropical waters to Costa Rica. Every island we will call into on the way has its own culture and this colourful mix of island personalities, varied terrain and lifestyles makes for a marvellous winter break. By and large we will head for the smaller, less visited islands, our small ship providing an easy and comfortable base from which to explore the region and enabling us to visit some small islands and ports which the larger cruise vessels simply cannot access.
During our in-depth itinerary, which will take us all the way to Costa Rica, we will discover some of the most beautiful tropical isles. Many are still untouched by the hands of mass tourism and in the San Blas Islands and the Colombian region of La Guajira we will have the opportunity to visit remote communities where locals live following ancient ways of life. We will explore historical sites and forts of the Spanish, Dutch and British colonial periods combined with the pretty ports, pastel painted towns, wonderful beaches and the flora and fauna of the region. As we sail relatively short distances, we have the benefit of full days on many of the glorious islands allowing for time to join the included, guided excursions combined with the opportunity to explore further independently or perhaps relax on one of the beautiful beaches. Upon arrival in Costa Rica, we have a full day to explore the natural world marvels in the region around Puerto Limon and the opportunity to join an optional five night extension to discover more of the country, one of the most biologically diverse places on earth.
Our flexible itinerary and knowledgeable onboard team will enable us to make the most of each day whether we are landing on tropical beaches by Zodiac, searching for endemic flora and fauna or learning about the history and culture of the islands. There are many ships cruising the Caribbean waters but if you prefer a chance to explore in small groups and to visit the smaller islands and off the beaten track destinations then this is the trip for you.
- Exploring the colonial walled city and 16th-century Fort of San Felipe in Cartagena, Colombia.
- Visiting the pristine San Blas Islands, home to the indigenous Kuna Indians in Panama.
- Touring the Cahuita National Park with its diverse wildlife in Costa Rica.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive and transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky in St John’s where we moor overnight.
On our morning island tour we will enjoy the views from Shirley Heights before heading to Nelson’s Dockyard, beautifully located in the English Harbour. See the impressive collection of restored historic buildings which were occupied by the British Navy from 1707 till 1899. Return to the ship for lunch as we spend the afternoon at leisure before we set sail this evening.
Stepping back in time, the island of Dominica is still the primitive garden that Columbus first sighted in 1493. An area of tropical rainforests, there are flowers of incredible beauty and animals that exist nowhere else in the world. We arrive this morning in the small port of Cabrits, just below the national park and the former British garrison of Fort Shirley, which successfully repelled a French attack during the Trafalgar campaign in 1805. Here you can climb to the fort to explore the ruins, visit the small museum or perhaps simply wander the surrounding trails on the lookout for birds, hermit crabs and lizards. For the keen birders we will offer a tour to the Morne Diablotin National Park where from the viewpoint we hope to see the two endemic parrots of Dominica. This afternoon you may wish to relax on one of the nearby beaches before we sail this evening.
St Lucia is a splendidly rugged island of towering mountains, lush green valleys and acres of banana plantations. Due to its strategic position, the island was fought over repeatedly by the French and British and changed hands fourteen times. We will anchor in sight of St Lucia’s best-known feature, the twin peaks of the Pitons, which rise dramatically from the sea to more than 2,400 feet. In the nearby town of Soufriere we will visit the bubbling sulphur springs, part of a low-lying volcano which erupted thousands of years ago. Our tour will also include the splendid botanical gardens.
Explore this wonderful Windward Island which many regard as the most beautiful in the Caribbean. It is a lush and verdant island with spice plantations, rum distilleries, tropical forests, secluded coves, nature trails and select hotels which cling to the hillsides overlooking the ocean. We will moor in the picturesque capital of St George’s before heading to Fort George. Built in 1706 with wonderful views over the harbour, it was here in 1983 that the Prime Minister, Maurice Bishop, was assassinated which prompted the invasion by US troops. We will continue to a spice garden where we learn about the herbs that grow here before we end at one of the island’s rum distilleries.
Spend a relaxing day at sea.
Spend the day in Bonaire, famous for the variety of its corals, fish and clear waters. This morning you may wish to take a scenic island tour to see the saltwater lagoon at Lake Goto, where we may be lucky and see pink flamingos, followed by Mangazina di Rei cultural park which showcases indigenous culture. Alternatively, join a local boat as we make our way to one of the nearby uninhabited islands near Klein Bonaire. Here, there will be the option to swim from the beach or snorkel over the coral reefs. Returning to the MS Hebridean Sky for lunch, the afternoon is free to explore the town of Kralendijk at your own pace from our central berth.
Moor this morning at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Willemstad. The city has a rich history dating back to the 16th century and the island’s colonial Dutch heritage sets a genteel tone amid markets, museums and cafes. Enjoy an excursion to explore the historic downtown district including Fort Amsterdam. Return to the ship for lunch and set sail for Colombia.
Arrive in Colombia in the far northwestern region of La Guajira, an area of wild desert, beautiful landscapes and stunning beaches that border the Caribbean Sea. This is an area sacred to the indigenous Wayuu people who have lived in the region for over 2,000 years since relocating from the Amazon rainforest and have battled Spanish invaders as well as, more recently, the Colombian Government to keep their traditions alive. Visiting a community, our local guides will teach us about their culture and we will see some of the crafts including the famous Mochila bags.
We continue our exploration of Colombia in the Santa Marta area which is renowned for the eco-diversity and dramatic beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the highest coastal mountain range in the world, that sweep down to the sea. From our berth we will travel slightly inland to the Tayrona National Park this morning. Covered in large part by virgin tropical forest, the park is home to many varied species of mammals, birds and reptiles. On a walk through this semi-tropical jungle we will be joined by a local guide who will offer insights into the park’s vegetation, animals and ecosystem. Alternatively, explore the town of Santa Marta, see Bolivar Plaza and the bustling streets with their eclectic mix of Spanish Colonial, Republican and contemporary architecture, and the 17th century cathedral, Colombia’s oldest church. Also visit the small Gold Museum which houses some interesting gold and pottery objects from the indigenous cultures that inhabit the Sierra Nevada Mountains which rise up behind the city.
Cartagena is one of the most fascinating cities in South America and this morning we will enjoy a walking tour of the colonial walled city which is virtually surrounded by water and steeped in history, with a wealth of 16th and 17th century buildings and churches. Our guides will bring the history of the city to life as we walk its streets and ramparts. We will visit the 16th century Fort of San Felipe, the Monastery of San Pedro Claver, Plaza de la Aduana and Iglesia de Santo Domingo. The afternoon is free to explore further at your own pace.
After a morning at sea we arrive in the stunning San Blas archipelago. The archipelago is made up of over 400 islands that line the north coast of Panama with white sandy beaches set in a turquoise sea. The islands are home to the indigenous Kuna Indians who gained self-rule from the government of Panama in the 1920s and maintain their traditional way of life including the production of colourful fabric art known as ‘molas’. We will have time to take a nature walk or perhaps enjoy a swim from the beach.
Today we arrive in the Bocas del Toro archipelago, pristine islands which are now part of a national marine park. This afternoon we will visit the small town of Bocas del Toro and have free time to wander amongst the fine old Spanish buildings or maybe visit one of the local beaches.
Arriving into Costa Rica we head to the Cahuita National Park. The area is filled with wildlife that includes howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, raccoons, sloths, otters, coatis, agoutis, armadillos and porcupines. Several avian species also live in the swamp forest including the green ibis, the green kingfisher, the yellow crowned night-heron, the frigate bird and the boatbilled heron among others. Our naturalist guides will lead us through the trails of the rainforest, sharing their vast knowledge of this fragile ecosystem. Alternatively, take a boat ride through the scenic Tortuguero canals, known as the Costa Rican Amazon as the surrounding rainforest supports a wide range of flora and fauna. Here we can hopefully sight waterfowl, monkeys, lizards, sloths and toucans. We return to the ship via a banana plantation where we learn about this staple of the local economy.
Disembark this morning and transfer to San Jose airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Arrive this morning.
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.
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
