Hebridean Spirit
Hebridean International Cruises
Maximum Passengers: 97 | |
This luxury, boutique sized ship spans 5 decks and has the capacity to carry between 81 and 97 passengers. With 72 crew there is always an excellent passenger to crew ratio onboard. Ideally this ship is best suited to couples (usually 50+ and British) and single travellers who enjoy immersing themselves in local culture. Single travellers are also offered the choice to dine with fellow singletons. If large-scale cruising makes you want to head for the hills then this really is the option for you. The attention to detail and levels of service onboard are both excellent. Children under nine are not permitted on this vessel; therefore this is not really the one to pick for family holidays. Hebridean Spirit will allow you to explore the world around you and travel to places you simply won’t see on itineraries of larger cruise ships. So why not take a different look at the Mediterranean and Caribbean? Visit less travelled places such as Montserrat, the British Virgin Islands, Sardinia and Libya. Head off to South America or sail around the Atlantic Islands taking in Morocco and Maderia. You can even experience the Black Sea region and visit Odessa, Sinop and Trabzon. Built in Italy in 1991 this ship has also gone under the names of Sun Viva II, Megastar Capricorn and Renaissance Six. After undergoing a major refit it re-entered service for Hebridean International Cruises in July 2001. It weighs just over 4k tons and measures 90m in length and 15m in width. Good things really do come in small packages and this ship proves the point; with elegant interior décor, good library and plush drawing room to relax in. There is also a fair amount of deck space as well as a stylish wrap- around teak promenade. The onboard currency is the British pound. There are a total of 49 cabins onboard all with outside view; the smallest measures 20sq.m with the largest measuring 34 sq.m. 18 of the cabins are designed for single person occupancy and 8 have a private balcony. Unfortunately none of the cabins on this vessel can accommodate wheelchairs. There is one lift onboard.
For double/twin cabins there are 5 grades to choose from, while the single occupancy cabins are split into 4 different grades. Most cabins come with TV and DVD player, fridge and mini-bar that is replenished daily with water and milk, tea and coffee making facilities, personal safe, trouser press, telephone, ironing board, full length mirror and a dressing table with mirrors. Grade A (The Suites) come with Jacuzzi type corner bath and heated floors, while Grade B (The Glens) and Grade C (The Isles) also come with bath tubs. Grade D (Isles and Clans) and Grade E (The Castles) both have showers and sofa beds that convert into bed space for a child. | What are the cuisine/dining options? |
The main dining venue onboard is the non-smoking Argyll Restaurant; an assigned single seating policy is the order of the day for dinner with an open seating policy for both breakfast and lunch. Wherever possible food is sourced locally when in port and of course, given its Scottish background, you are sure to find Haggis on the menu. You will find imaginative, tasty food on the menu complimented with fine wines.
Other dining options:
Mizzen Deck Brasserie: for al fresco dining enjoy breakfast and lunch on deck at this informal venue.
Sky Lounge and Mizzen Deck: Coffee and Petits-fours, Morning Coffee and Afternoon Tea is served in all lounge areas. As you may have gathered by now this is no ordinary cruising experience and you will not find any traditional forms of entertainment onboard. (There is no casino, disco, cabaret acts or nightclub venue). Instead you can unwind in The Skye Lounge and enjoy a drink accompanied by piano music, learn more about your destination from a well- informed guest speaker or enjoy a good read in the library. Smokers have their very own designated smoker’s room or you can partake of a Cuban cigar in the humidor. To check those e-mails there is Internet access in the Panorama Lounge.
To get that heartbeat pumping head for the gym, watersports platform or take a lightweight bike and helmet, head for shore and explore on your own. Take in a swim in the outdoor swimming pool. If you are in need of pampering and relaxation try the Spa complete with steam room, beauty/hair salon, relaxation room and plunge pool. Or why not spoil yourself with a facial, massage, pedicure and manicure? Expect something a little different from Hebridean International Cruises as they offer passengers all-inclusive cruise fares. Therefore included in the cruise fare is your airfare (summer time only on private charter –Stansted /winter scheduled flights), all port and passenger taxes, routine medical services and use of all sporting equipment. Gratuities are not only included they are actively discouraged once onboard. Unlike other large scale cruises shore excursions are all-inclusive on this ship, as is all ship to shore transport, entrance fees to any museums and all picnics/barbecues ashore.
Onboard there is no extra cost for all snacks, meals and beverages (inc. champagne, spirits, house wine, beers, tea, coffee and soft drinks). Other added touches include fresh baskets of fruit replenished daily. Orion
Orion Expedition Cruises
Maximum Passengers: 139 | |
Billed as “expedition cruising” this ship is for the adventurous and free spirited who also enjoy travelling in style. Orion, with its ice-strengthened hull aims to travel to destinations other ships simply won’t reach. A premium, boutique sized ship spread over 7 decks it can carry between 106 and 139 passengers, along with 65 crew. If you hanker after small scale, high-class cruising with informative itineraries and like- minded fellow passengers then this is the cruise for you. In the main you will find mature couples and single travellers seeking to take a closer look at the natural world onboard. Orion sails into waters off the beaten track, specializing in cruises in the Southern Hemisphere. It offers varied and unusual itineraries not catered for by some of the larger cruise lines. Why not try Kimberley or Arnhem Lands in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tasmania or Melanesia. Or for the ultimate adventure pack your thermals and head for the Antarctic. Built in Germany, this ship began its seagoing adventures in 2003. Weighing 4k tons, it measures 102m in length and is 14m wide. The CDC hygiene rating is 88. Due to the adventurous destinations on offer the ship also has bow and stern thrusters, an ice-strengthened hull and stabilizers. In trying to combine expedition travel and luxury cruising, facilities onboard reflect the merging of the two. Luxury fixtures and fittings throughout provide a cosy, intimate atmosphere with a good selection of public rooms to relax in. The focal point of these public areas being a glass walled atrium and lift. The onboard currency is the Australian dollar. All 53 cabins have an outside view, with no interior cabins onboard. All are finished to a high standard, the smallest measuring 53 sq.m, the largest 105sq.m. There are 6 individual price categories, depending on size and location of cabins. All come equipped with Internet connection, TV, DVD/CD player, mini-fridge, complimentary bottled water, hairdryer, generous wardrobe space and a personal safe in the wardrobe. Each cabin has twin beds, however these are easily converted to a queen sized bed for couples sharing.
There are no single occupancy cabins or any with wheelchair access; there is also only one lift onboard. | What are the cuisine/dining options? |
The Constellations Restaurant is the main venue for dining onboard, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. The open seating policy contributes to the relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy a high standard of cuisine. (Including special signature menus)
Other options include:
Delphinus Outdoor Café: Buffet breakfast and lunch. If weather permits passengers
are also allowed to book a table for dinner receiving restaurant service al fresco.
Galaxy Observation Lounge: Early Continental breakfast from 6.30 a.m. and Afternoon Tea.
Outdoor Barbecue is also available.
24-hour room service. Just like the unusual nature of Orion’s destinations, onboard entertainment is far from traditional. In light of this there is no formal entertainment schedule, onboard casino, slot machines, swimming pool or cinema.
Instead, Orion offers a multitude of alternatives such as informative, interesting and in-depth talks on Australasia, along with a programme of themed presentation and guest speakers. There is also a library and shop aboard. The Leda Lounge and Cocktail bar acts as a focal point being centrally located on Deck 4. With the capacity to take all passengers it provides a convivial place to enjoy a drink or two and listen to live music. (Smaller outdoor bar on Deck 6)
For the more active traveller why not take advantage of all facilities in the gymnasium. Enjoy breath-taking ocean views while working up a sweat on a treadmill, step machine, cross trainers or free weights. Stay afloat on an inflatable 2- man kayak or make use of the goggles, snorkels and flippers (all available free of charge). After all that excitement relax in the Whirlpool, Jacuzzi or Veda Health Spa, then pamper yourself in the beauty and hair salon. Your cruise fare will include all normal onboard services and facilities. This covers all cruise transport and meals, ship to shore transfers (via Zodiac*) along with government fees, taxes and port handling charges. Some shoreside expeditions may be included in some fares (check on booking). The official line on gratuities states that it is “not required”, tipping of staff is left to the discretion of the passengers.
The cruise fare does not include telephone and internet charges, laundry and pressing services, hairdressing and beauty treatments, gift shop purchases, medical treatment and travel and medical insurance cover. (Please note that voyages to the Antarctic requires medical and evacuation insurance cover; all documentation must be produced prior to sailing. You will also be asked to provide evidence of a medical evaluation on fitness levels due to the expeditionary nature of the cruise.)
No guests are allowed onboard and passengers are asked not to bring their own supply of alcohol onto the ship. Smoking is only allowed on Deck 4 and 6, smoking is not allowed in staterooms or interior public spaces. Special dietary requirements are catered for, however you need to inform the line prior to sailing. 2 laptops are available on loan free of charge. Internet cards can be purchased at either £15 per 60 minutes or £25 per 125 minutes. At an additional cost canapés or hor d’oeuvres can be served in your cabin for special celebrations.
* Orion (via Zodiac) uses motorised, inflatable landing crafts to shuttle passengers from ship to shore. They sometimes operate a “wet landing” which entails landing on a beach. Passengers then have to wade through shallow water to reach the shore. SeaDream I
Seadream Yacht Club
Maximum Passengers: 108 | |
This utterly exclusive, boutique sized ship spans 5 passenger decks and can accommodate 108 passengers to 89 crew. If you are looking for a refined, high class experience complete with excellent levels of service and attention to detail then this is the cruise for you. It caters for the discerning, well-travelled passenger (usually couples) who enjoy a touch of luxury in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you want to take a leisurely cruise around the Greek Islands or perhaps take in France or Italy there is an itinerary for you. You can also head for the Caribbean to soak up the sun; or cross the Atlantic in style and opt for a transatlantic route. Built in Finland this vessel weighs in at just over 4k tons, measuring 104m in length and 14m in width. Formerly known as Seabourn Goddess and Sea Goddess I it originally entered service in 1984. After a complete overhaul it set out on the ocean waves as SeaDream I in 2002. Plush surroundings are the order of the day, with a good selection of public rooms; the décor exudes opulence throughout. The CDC hygiene rating is 87. The onboard currency is the American dollar. There are a total of 54 cabins onboard, all come with outside view. They range in size from 18 sq.m to 45.5 sq.m. It is worth noting however that none of the cabins are wheelchair accessible and none come with private balcony. There is one lift available.
You can choose from Yacht Club, Commodore Club and The Owner’s Suite category of cabin (divided again into 5 separate price categories). All cabins come complete with flat screen TV, DVD and CD, Internet access point, complimentary toiletries, hairdryer, bathrobe and slippers, bar and mini-fridge (stocked and replenished with complimentary beer/bottled water and soft drinks). Yacht Club and Commodore Club Suites come with multi-jet shower unit. Owner’s Suites come equipped with bathtub. Little extra touches include chocolates before bedtime and if you feel like sleeping under the stars sleep suits are provided! (Hammocks on deck just in case you were wondering). | What are the cuisine/dining options? |
You really are in for a culinary treat aboard SeaDream I. Dine in elegant surroundings whilst being serenaded by piano music. This venue also operates an open seating arrangement for all meals. In the stylish dining room prepare your taste buds for fine cuisine, prepared with fresh ingredients, complimented by excellent standards of service. Each dish is cooked to order and if you fancy something a little different special orders will be taken. There is also a full vegetarian menu and spa menu to choose from (spa menu features low fat and calorie options). Complimentary table wines (all-inclusive) are served with lunch and dinner. You can also purchase more expensive wines from a speciality menu.
Other dining experiences onboard include:
Topside Restaurant: informal venue, located outside but benefits from glass walls and roof. Serves breakfast and lunch from the menu or buffet and afternoon desserts.
Top of the Yacht: coffee, tea, fresh juices, croissants, pastries and sandwiches.
Pool Bar: Sandwiches.
You can order course by course meals that don’t have to be consumed in the dining room. You can be served either out on deck or in your own cabin.
Champagne and caviar served 24 hours a day.
24-hour room service. As you might expect there are no traditional forms of entertainment on a cruise like this. You’ll find only low key, refined choices aboard, such as the Piano Bar, or listen to light music and take in a film (sometimes under moonlight) in the Main Salon. Peruse your favourite book in the library, gamble to your hearts content in the casino, or kick back and enjoy a night cap and cigar in the Top of the Yacht Bar. If you just want a cosy night to unwind in your cabin you could always borrow a good CD, DVD or iPod.
For water babies there is one swimming pool and one whirlpool aboard. There is also a water sports platform fully equipped for wave running, wake boarding, tubing, water-skiing, snorkelling, sailing and kayaking. If conditions are good you will also be allowed to go for a swim in the sea. Mountain bikes are also carried if you want to go off road and explore your next port of call. Or for a good work out there is a small gym.
The Asian Spa & Wellbeing Centre offer an array of massages with steam and sauna rooms. For the ultimate in relaxation you can purchase a whole day of pampering for £250, or take the whole week for £350. To finish the look make your next stop the beauty salon. Your cruise fare includes all gratuities, onboard drinks, (with the exception of connoisseur wines and premium brand beverages) along with sevruga caviar and use of all onboard sporting equipment and facilities (including laptops).
Your cruise fare does not cover airfare, port charges, transfers, insurance and shore excursions (Yachting Land Adventures). Internet access charges – in cabin rate, £17.50 for 24 hour unlimited use/ computers in library £2.50 for first 10 minutes, then £1.50 for every extra block of 10 minutes use.
SeaDream I is also available for private charter; you can customize your own cruise and it can accommodate 110 guests who will have exclusive use of the ship. Corinthian II
Travel Dynamics International
Maximum Passengers: 114 | |
This perfectly formed standard, boutique sized ship has 5 passenger decks and can carry 114 passengers, along with 66 crew. Specialising in “discovery cruises” this ship aims to not just take you there, but really give you an insight into each destination. It is suitable for mature adults who are eager to learn more about the world around them. The itineraries are an integral part of this cruising experience and are just as important as your destination. So why not learn more about the lives of Helen of Troy, Alexander the Great or the Byzantine Empire on different cruises around the Mediterranean? Or take in Gibraltar, Morocco and West Africa and immerse yourself in the culture of the Kasbah, try a Moroccan tea, watch the snake charmers or take in the delights of an African desert. You can sail around South Africa or South America, experiencing the wildlife on the Falkland Islands or cruise around a Patagonian Fjord.
For something truly amazing book a trip to the Antarctic. Here you can observe the natural world at close quarters and study the geology along with sea birds, whales and elephant seals in their natural environment. This ship has multiple personalities and has been known in the past as Island Sun, Regina Renaissance and Renaissance VIII. Built in Italy for £12.5 million (90m long, 15m wide) it originally entered service in 1991. Upgraded in 2005 it weighs in at 4.25k tons (approx.) and has good stability. The vessel is all-suite with a compact but handsome interior; expect a casual, relaxed atmosphere onboard. The currency aboard is the US dollar. This is an all-suite yacht with a total of 57 cabins, the smallest measuring 21.8 sq. m, and the largest 32.8 sq. m. All 61 suites also come with outside view; subsequently there are no interior view cabins aboard, or any single occupancy suites. None of the cabins have wheelchair access and there is only one lift.
Four suites come with private balcony (Penthouse and Veranda) and butler service. All cabins come equipped with TV/CD/DVD player, mini-fridge, telephone, walk-in closet and shower (none have tubs). For those added touches of comfort and luxury
you also receive terry towelling robes and slippers with fresh flowers and fruit. | What are the cuisine/dining options? |
Bearing in mind the size of the ship, you won’t have as much choice of dining venue as you would find on a larger vessel. The main restaurant has an open seating plan and operates a self-service cold buffet for breakfast and lunch. A sit-down service is available for dinner with extremely good quality continental cuisine with a selection of regional wines on offer (al fresco dining is available under umbrellas on deck).
Other dining options:
The Club: all-day coffee/ afternoon tea/cocktails.
24-hour room service.
An all-day open bar service comes into operation in 2008. As this cruise offers something a little different from the mainstream experience, there is no programme of traditional (cabaret) entertainment in the main lounge. The emphasis is on physical activities and while there is no swimming pool there is a swimming deck and Whirlpool. You can also scuba dive, wind surf, snorkel or have a go at deep sea fishing, golf, hiking or mountain biking. (You will also be shuttled from ship to shore on a motorised tender for all excursions.) If all that is too strenuous you can relax on the wrap-around sun deck and Jacuzzi, head for the gym and beauty salon or swat up on your next destination in the small book/video library that comes with internet facilities. Your cruise fare includes all normal onboard facilities and services. You will also benefit from complimentary (onboard) refreshments, all-day coffee and afternoon tea on your arrival back from any excursions. Unusually the company operates all-inclusive shore excursions. This means that any shore-based trips you participate in, internal airfares (where applicable); meals, transfers, transportation, guided tours and all performances are all included in your cruise fare.
The cruise fare does exclude your airfare to and from home. Gratuities are not expected from staff, however you will not be discouraged from tipping for a good level of service. Private charters are available, contact the cruise line direct for individual quotes.
It is worth noting that the company offers a nautical miles service (akin to air miles) which can contribute to discounts on any future sailing (e.g. 4,750 nautical miles = 15% discount on next trip). Wind Star
Windstar Cruises
Maximum Passengers: 168 | |
This premium, boutique sized ship spans 5 decks and can accommodate between 148 and 168 passengers to 88 crew. Its striking appearance is in part due to the beautiful 4/6 sails that combine with traditional engines for cruising. It caters for travellers who are looking for something a little different from the mainstream and enjoy relaxed, elegant surroundings. Probably best described as stylish cruising for grown ups, discerning couples and singles would enjoy this ship. The onboard experience is geared toward adults and with no facilities or entertainment for children it is probably not a good option for families with children. There are extensive itineraries around the Mediterranean region. So whether you want to visit ever- popular destinations such as Italy, Greece, France, Portugal, Spain and Turkey or try something a little different like Croatia or Morocco the choice is yours. You can head off to the Caribbean and enjoy Barbados or try Panama, Nicaragua, Venezuela or Costa Rica. Built in France for £17.1 million, this ship entered service back in 1986. Weighing in at 5.35k tons, it measures 134m in length and 15.8m in width. It has an effortless elegance on deck with sails, rigging and masts; however as this takes up space it inevitably compromises open deck room. There is a relaxed ambience onboard, which is helped by a casual dress code. The interior décor is stylish and contemporary and the onboard currency is the US dollar. There are 74 cabins in total on Wind Star, ranging in size from 17 sq.m to 22.5 sq.m. All cabins come with outside view, facilitated by 2 portholes (complete with steel covers, should you wish to blackout the world altogether!) None of the cabins are single person occupancy, wheelchair accessible or have a private balcony.
All cabins feature TV, CD player, personal safe, complimentary toiletries, bathrobe and towels. There is also a hairdryer, mini-bar and stocked fridge (costs extra), along with a basket of fresh fruit. | What are the cuisine/dining options? |
The main dining venue onboard is The Restaurant, which operates an open seating policy. All restaurants are now non-smoking. Here you will be able to enjoy a specially designed “signature” dish or tuck into Californian influenced cuisine. There is also a varied, but expensive, wine list.
Other dining experiences onboard include:
If you fancy Steakhouse, Indonesian or Italian be sure to catch one of the theme nights in Degrees.
Veranda: alfresco dining. Enjoy open-air breakfast (7.30-9.30) and Colombian coffee. You can choose from buffet style or full service. Lunch, buffet style, is also served at this venue.
A special feature of this cruise is that they offer a “Sail Light” option on menus. They are low in fat and calories so you can enjoy tasty food while keeping an eye on your waistline!
If you wish to enjoy an intimate and romantic dinner, why not take advantage of the “Cuisine de l’ Amour” option (free of charge). You will be served by candlelight in your own cabin.
24-hour room service is also available. In choosing this cruise you are probably looking for something different from the mainstream experience. Therefore you will probably welcome the fact that Wind Star has no formal schedule for onboard entertainment. The lounge area is given over for dancing, which is helped by a live trio of musicians playing in the evening. It is also home to the casino, so if you fancy a gamble you know where to go. If you prefer a good book try the library, but be warned this is on the small side.
The same can be said of the outdoor pool, which is more for relaxing than putting in the lengths. There is also a whirlpool for you to dip your toes into. If you prefer to work up a sweat, head for the gym and then relax in the sauna. The spa offers a variety of treatments including facials, massages and manicures.
A water sports platform will please water babies. You will have free reign to participate in wind surfing, scuba diving and snorkelling and use sunfish sailboats, banana boat kayaks and water ski boats. Your cruise fare includes onboard accommodation and meals. There is a singles supplement charge of 175 – 200%. Gratuities, to cover hotel type service, at a rate of £5.50 per person per day is automatically added to your account. You can adjust this figure at the end of the cruise.
Your cruise fare does not include airfare, departure tax (paid by passenger at airport check-in) or transfers. However you can purchase a “Home City Air” ticket with flights leaving from a selection of US and Canadian airports, transfers from airport/hotel and pier are all-inclusive. You will also be charged for shore excursions, diving resort courses, laundry services, laptop rental, medical services and treatments and all alcoholic and soft drinks. 15% is automatically added to wine and bar bills and please note that alcohol will not be served to under 21’s. If you purchase alcohol in port you will only be allowed to consume wine and champagne onboard
(free in-suite, in restaurants corkage fee of £7.50 a bottle).
Be aware that any changes made to your reservations less than 91 days prior to sailing will incur a £25 per person administration fee.
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