Ship: Polar Star
Itinerary: Highlands & Islands - Scotland
* Great Discounts! [click here] *cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Day 1 : | Scotland |
|---|---|
| Day 2 : | Inner Hebrides |
| Day 3 : | Inner Hebrides |
| Day 4 : | Inner Hebrides |
| Day 5 : | Outer Hebrides |
| Day 6 : | Inner Hebrides |
| Day 7 : | Isles of Lewis |
| Day 8 : | Scottish Highland Coast |
| Day 9 : | Orkney Islands |
| Day 10 : | Shetland Islands |
| Day 11 : | Shetland Islands |
| Day 12 : | Fair Isle |
| Day 13 : | Scottish Mainland |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||||
| K1-Triple | K1-Double | K2 | K3 | K4-Triple | K4-Double | K6 | K7 | ||
| 13 | May 16, 2010 | $4,335 | $5,245 | $6,150 | $6,455 | $5,545 | $7,060 | $7,425 | $7,995 |
Book 15 or more months prior to departure to receive 5% discount.
Destinations : Europe, Scotland |
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| Savings | Dates | |
|---|---|---|
| $3735-$7395 | May 16, 10 |
-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%
Continue the exploration of the Hebrides and then cruise around the northern shores of Scotland to Orkney, Shetland and Fair Isle. So many of these places are difficult, if not impossible to reach by land. Spring in the Scottish islands and coastal regions is a fantastic time for birds. As well the rchaeological sites of St. Kilda, Dun Carloway broch, Ring of Brodgar and Jarlshoff, to mention a few, tell the story of a complex and tenacious history. These remote areas are a delight to wander through as the lifestyle here seems to have managed to retain some of the slower pace of yesteryear.
Day 1 : Scotland
Embark in the charming highland town of Oban.
Day 2 : Inner Hebrides
Located on the Isle of Mull, Duart Castle stands proudly on a cliff top historically guarding the Isle of Mull for the clan MacLean. At the exit from the Sound visit the charming waterside town of Tobermory and its whisky distillery.
Day 3 : Inner Hebrides
The lure of Fingal’s Cave on Staffa has brought travelers from around the world. Weather permitting, Zodiac cruise or walk into the cave to perhaps experience what inspired Mendelssohn. Iona is recognized as the birthplace of Christianity and still today has an overwhelming sense of peace and tranquility.
Day 4 : Inner Hebrides
On the south coast of Isle of Skye visit Loch Scavaig to search for a seal colony and to see dramatic views of the Cuillins, long felt to be the spiritual heart of Skye. The afternoon’s visit to Rum is light-hearted with a visit to the quirky Kinloch Castle.
Day 5 : Outer Hebrides
The harsh lifestyle of the crofters who live on St. Kilda is apparent throughout the village. The last of the St. Kildans were evacuated in 1930, but still today the birds remain – including Puffin, Fulmar, Kittiwake, Guillemot and Razorbill. In the sea stacks of Boreray and the other islands of this archipelago are 65,000 nesting pairs of northern gannet. This double UNESCO world heritage site is one of the most remarkable on the planet.
Day 6 : Inner Hebrides
Reaching the northern coast of the Isle of Skye, come to Dunvegan Castle, seat of the clan MacLeod. Off the northwest of the Isle of Skye lies the small island in Loch Dunvegan, Isay, abandoned during the Highlands Clearance to make way for sheep grazing. Eider and Shelduck may be seen in these waters.
Day 7 : Isles of Lewis
Landing at Stornoway, the focus today is on archaeology. Visit the standing stones of Calanish, the Dun Carloway broch and the traditional blackhouses of Gearrannan.
Day 8 : Scottish Highland Coast
Across the water from Poolewe is Interewe Gardens with surprising flora at this northern latitude due to the Gulf Stream. Further north along the coast lies the island of Handa, managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust with over 200,000 birds returning each year. The high cliffs of the sandstone Stack an Seabhaig (hawk’s stack) is the most densely populated area.
Day 9 : Orkney Islands
The Orkney islands are home to many bird species, fine local craftsmanship and exquisite archaeological and historic treasures – plan to visit Ring of Brodgar, standing stones of Stennes, Skara Brae, and more recent 13th Century, Magnus Cathedral in the town of Kirkwall.
Day 10 : Shetland Islands
Foula (population 30) is one of Britain’s most remote inhabited islands and leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits. The crofting townships on the narrow coastal strip are dwarfed by the island’s five dramatic peaks. Just off the west coast of the mainland island is the small island of Papa Stour with the most impressive sea caves of Britain along with rock arches, stacks and skerries. It is also an internationally important colony of Arctic tern, is often visited by seals and has several archaeological sites. As with all these coastal areas, there is a possibility of whales and porpoises in the surrounding waters.
Day 11 : Shetland Islands
The day starts with an early morning visit to Mousa Broch. Landing on the mainland of the Shetland Islands, visit the archaeological sites of Jarlshoff and Old Scatness. There is time after this to amble the cobbled streets of Lerwick.
Day 12 : Fair Isle
Occupied since the Bronze Age, today about 60 crofters work the land of this most isolated inhabited island. It is also home to a permanent bird observatory. Fair Isle is famous for its knitted jumpers (sweaters).
Day 13 : Scottish Mainland
Disembark in the “City of Discovery” (Scott’s exploration ship), Dundee.
Ship Description: Polar Star
click to enlarge
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. |
