Ship: Polar Star
Itinerary: Islands on the Edge - UK, Eire & Scotland
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Sea lion pup
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Day 1 : | Dartmouth |
|---|---|
| Day 2 : | Isle of Scilly |
| Day 3 : | The Skelligs & Dingle Peninsula |
| Day 4 : | Aran Islands |
| Day 5 : | Donegal Bay |
| Day 6 : | Rathlin Island |
| Day 7 : | St. Kilda |
| Day 8 : | Iona & Staffa |
| Day 9 : | Canna & Rum |
| Day 10 : | Isle of Skye |
| Day 11 : | Isle of Lewis |
| Day 12 : | Loch Torridon & Poolewe |
| Day 13 : | Shetland Islands |
| Day 14 : | The Orkney Islands |
| Day 15 : | Dundee, Scotland |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||||
| K1-Triple | K1-Double | K2 | K3 | K4-Triple | K4-Double | K6 | K7 | ||
| 15 | May 3, 2011 | $4,995 | $6,065 | $7,160 | $7,515 | $6,455 | $8,220 | $8,645 | $9,425 |
Book 15 or more months prior to departure to receive 5% discount.
Destinations : Arctic, Europe, Scotland, United Kingdom Activities : Cultural Activities, History, Nature Viewing, Photography, Whale Watching |
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-Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double or triple occupancy. Request the Twin or Triple Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
-Standard Twin Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.6 times the shared price.
-Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$50,000 per person required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance.
-All onboard gratuities are included through the 2011 season.
15+ months prior to departure - SAVE 5%
From the south of England to the Islands surrounding Scotland – this is a journey of culture and natural history delights. For the avid birder there are many opportunities to see large numbers of gannets, fulmars, kittiwakes, cormorants, guillemots and puffins. Almost daily are new archaeological experience from Bant’s Carn to blackhouses in St. Kilda. The rugged coast was a challenge for man and nature alike to eke out an existence and shows the adaptability of both man and nature. This expedition cruise takes place in spring – a time of abundance, hope and growth.
Day 1 : Dartmouth
In scenic Dartmouth, we board M/V Polar Star to begin our voyage.
Day 2 : Isle of Scilly
We visit the subtropical Abbey Gardens of Tresco bordered by white sandy beaches and aquamarine water and in the afternoon, local tenders transfer us over to St. Mary’s for a walk to Bant’s Cairn, a Neolithic burial ground.
Day 3 : The Skelligs & Dingle Peninsula
A cruise around the rugged Skelligs will give us rare views of abandoned monasteries, a World Heritage Site and nesting gannets that paint the cliffs white. The afternoon will be spent exploring the Dingle Peninsula.
Day 4 : Aran Islands
We cruise along the Cliffs of Mohar before we go ashore at Inishmore Island for a trip through stone walled fields to Dun Aengus, a Bronze Age fort set on top of 90 metre high cliffs.
Day 5 : Donegal Bay
This is perhaps the most spectacular area of Ireland, known for its jagged peninsulas and the highest sea cliffs in Europe. We visit Glencolumkille, home to St Columbus, to tour the village including the Folk Village museum.
Day 6 : Rathlin Island
This rocky island of Northern Ireland is ideal for bird watching from its lofty cliffs, and is rich in Viking and early Christian history. According to legend, Robert the Bruce hid here before his victorious return to Scotland.
Day 7 : St. Kilda
A walk through the remains of the abandoned settlement of Hirta will tell St Kilda’s story of hardship and survival. The archipelago is also home to the largest gannet colony in the world as well as fulmars, puffins, guillemots and kittiwakes.
Day 8 : Iona & Staffa
We visit peaceful Iona, from where Christianity spread to northern Europe. It is home to a grand abbey and burial ground for 62 Scottish Kings. In the afternoon, we explore Staffa with its magnificent columned cliff faces. Be on the look out for close viewings of puffins and walk or zodiac cruise into the haunting Fingal’s Cave. Time permitting, after dinner we will plan a visit to Tobermory on Mull to stroll the seafront of this lovely town and perhaps visit one of its famous pubs.
Day 9 : Canna & Rum
A landing on tiny Canna provides us with spectacular views across to Rum and Skye and chances to see breeding shearwater and puffins. In the afternoon we land at the nature reserve of Rum to visit the eccentric Kinloch Castle. Throughout the day we will look out for golden and white tailed eagles. In the evening we expect to see thousands of Manx shearwaters coming in to roost.
Day 10 : Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is known for its stunning mountain scenery. In the morning we plan to land at the beach of Loch Scavig where a seal colony is located and walk to the loch. After lunch we go Zodiac cruising along the shores of the pretty island of Soay.
Day 11 : Isle of Lewis
From Stornoway, we embark on an archaeological tour of Lewis, visiting the remarkable Callanish Standing Stones, Dun Carloway Broch and traditional “black houses”.
Day 12 : Loch Torridon & Poolewe
On the shores of Loch Ewe we visit the tranquil Interewe Gardens, home to exotic species which flourish due to the nearby Gulf Stream. In the afternoon we will sail the wildlife rich waters of the Minch and round Cape Wrath, the UK mainland’s most north-westerly point with its Stevenson Lighthouse.
Day 13 : Shetland Islands
A drive through stunning coastal scenery will take us to Jarlshof and the recently discovered Scatness, archaeological sites offering a fascinating insight into the lives of ancient people. Spend time wandering along the lanes of Lerwick or take time for bird watching. Time permitting, we also visit Mousa Broch.
Day 14 : The Orkney Islands
Today is a journey through archaeological treasures that dot the landscape – the chambered tomb of Maes Howe, the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stennes and the 5000 year old village of Skara Brae. In Kirkwall see the magnificent 13th Century St. Magnus Cathedral.
Day 15 : Dundee, Scotland
We disembark in Dundee, Scotland to continue our journey home.
Ship Description: Polar Star
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Polar Star
The Polar Star was built in Finland and served in the Swedish Maritime Administration's fleet of icebreakers under the name of Njord. In 2000 she underwent complete retrofit and upgrades. She was renamed M/V Polar Star after her namesake that served Karlsen's Arctic cruise program. Karlsen Shipping, is an old Norwegian family business originally from the northwestern coast of Norway and now headquartered in Halifax, Canada. With over 100 years experience in many aspects of the marine industry, Karlsen has operated primarily in the Polar Regions.
The M/V Polar Star is one of the most safe and comfortable ice class vessels with safety standards exceeding requirements for several years to come. The ship is certified for worldwide international voyages, complying with the latest SOLAS and IMF regulations for safety and the environment. We take up to 105 passengers on expedition cruises that by definition are to remote destinations. For shore excursions, we are equipped with 10 16-man zodiacs.
The M/V Polar Star is large enough to voyage to remote areas in comfort and small enough to enter out of the way destinations that other vessels can only sail by. We explore nature's most breathtaking wonders up close and our voyages offer magnificent wildlife on a journey that is spirited with adventure.
Polar Star has some of the "industry bests" on board including a very spacious bridge with an open bridge policy, large observation lounge/lecture hall with seating for all passengers, one of the best standard cabins (our K3) and a superior amount of outside viewing areas. Additional common areas include a shop, sumptuous library, bar, fitness facility and a dining room that seats all passengers in one sitting. Our varied international menu is prepared fresh onboard. Our 45 cabins include 31 doubles, 4 superior cabins and 6 suites (all with private facilities), plus an additional 4 cabins with shared facilities.
Our Cabins
All cabins are outside cabins. K1 categories have shared facilities with the next cabin. Our K3s, K4s, K6s and K7s all have private facilities with sink, shower and toilet. Each cabin is equipped with a wardrobe for each person and a writing desk. (The figure in brackets below indicates the number of cabins in each category available for passengers.)
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K1-Triple Two lower and one upper berths sold as triple. Sharing toilet / showers shared with cabin next door. Approx.100 sq. feet/10 sq. meters. Windows or portholes. |
K1-Double Two lower and one upper berths sold as double. Sharing toilet / showers shared with cabin next door. Approx.100 sq. feet/10 sq. meters. Windows or portholes. |
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K2 Two lower beds. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx. 115 sq. feet / 11.5 sq. meters. Large windows. K2 cabins on deck 3 have a partially obstructed view and one window opens. K2 cabins on deck 4 have non-opening windows. |
K3 Two lower beds. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Approx. 115 sq. feet / 11.5 sq. meters. Large windows, one opens. |
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K4-Triple Double bed, couch can be made up as bed. Approx. 140 sq. feet / 14 sq. meters. Side and aft facing windows. |
K4-Double Double bed, couch can be made up as bed. Approx. 140 sq. feet / 14 sq. meters. Side and aft facing windows. |
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K6 Double bed in alcove, couch can be made up as bed. Approx. 180 sq. feet / 18 sq. meters. Large windows. |
K7 Sleeping area in separate room (double bed in 501 and 2-singles in 401), couch in living room can be made up as bed. Approx. 250 sq. feet / 25 sq. meters. Forward and side facing windows. |
