Hebridean Sky

The ice-strengthened Hebridean Sky sets sail from the port of Ushuaia and takes guests on spectacular 11-night journeys to the Antarctic Peninsula, as well as longer journeys which also take in the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.

The ship sleeps up to 110 passengers in 56 exterior facing cabins, some with their own private balconies. On board facilities include a library, bar/lounge, exercise room and a wraparound sun deck with jacuzzi, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the incredible scenery.

There is a fantastic on board expedition team supporting the cruises, made up of naturalists, professional photographers and lecturers.

Explore this last true wilderness on earth observing magnificent waterways, glaciers, rugged mountains and abundant wildlife. The wildlife, which you may encounter on your epic voyage include penguins, shags, terms, seals, orcas and humpback whales.

Passengers on board the ship will enjoy daily guided shore visits and for those looking for something extra on selected cruises there is the option to participate in kayaking and camping on the Antarctic Peninsula.

The cruises run between November and mid March, which is the Antarctic summer, when passengers can enjoy long hours of daylight. In addition to the longer 10-20 night cruises there are also shorter fly-cruises with the Hebridean Sky on offer.

The Hebridean Sky has 56 double cabins with exterior view, distributed across five decks.

All the cabins are en-suite and all are equipped with flat screen TV with dvd/cd player, independent temperature control, telephone and minibar. The suites all have a queen size bed or two single beds and all have a sofa that be converted for an extra person.

The policy is that children must be a minimum of 12 years old to join a Hebridean Sky itinerary. However, exceptions may be sometimes made for children aged between 8 and 12, at the discretion of the cruise company.

Facilities on board the Hebridean Sky include a dining room, bar/lounge, exercise room, an elevator between decks, lounge with audiovisual facilities, DVD movie library, a library with computers, WiFi internet and a medical clinic.

Each trip aims to maximize wildlife observation in a respectful and environmentally sound way, using zodiacs between ship and shore. Typically, and depending on weather conditions, there will be eight to ten landings at selected points and additional activities such as kayaking and overnight camping can also be arranged. On board lectures generally take place in the evenings.

Guests are also invited to take part in the Citizen Science program, which harnesses the power of travelers in remote and difficult locations to participate in academic research. The Hebridean Sky takes part in projects such as surveying penguin populations, mapping cloud patterns and tracking ice changes.

Antarctic weather is a lesson in extremes. Antarctica is the world’s coldest, windiest and driest continent. During the summer months the winds abate considerably and the weather is surprisingly comfortable, averaging between 20 and 50F. Summertime also means 18-24 hours of sunlight which allows life to flourish for a brief summer period. Long days also allow extensive exploration by small ship cruise to Antarctica. Antarctic weather allows for a short season of cruising from November to March each year.