E-mail a friendShip: Polar Star
Itinerary: Scottish Highlands and Islands
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Artic waters sunset
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy
| Day 1 : | Oban, Scotland / Embark |
|---|---|
| Day 2 : | Isle of Mull |
| Day 3 : | Staffa / Iona |
| Day 4 : | Loch Scavaig |
| Day 5 : | St. Kilda |
| Day 6 : | Isle of Skye |
| Day 7 : | Inverewe Gardens |
| Day 8 : | Isle of Lewis |
| Day 9 : | Orkney Islands |
| Day 10 : | Shetland Islands |
| Day 11 : | Fair Isles |
| Day 12 : | Back to the Scottish Mainland / Disembark |
| Click for full itinerary |
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||||||
| K1-Triple | K1-Double | K2 | K3 | K4-Triple | K4-Double | K6 | K7 | ||
| 12 | May 18, 2009 | $3,645 | $4,375 | $5,015 | $5,260 | $4,620 | $5,845 | $6,330 | $6,630 |
| Please note an additional fuel surcharge listed below | |||||||||
| Destinations : Arctic, Europe, Scotland Activities : Ancient Ruins, Cultural Activities, Modern History, Nature Viewing, Photography, Whale Watching |
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We continue our exploration of these remote coastlines with a further foray into the mystique of the Scottish highlands and islands. So many of these places are difficult or impossible to access from land. From Fingal’s Cave and St. Kilda’s blackhouses of the Hebrides area, we head eastward to the remote Shetland, Orkneys and Fair Isles. It is a journey that explores and celebrates the tenacity of the people of the area through time. Fantastic bird life abounds in this spring season of nesting.
Day 1 : Oban, Scotland / Embark
The charming sheltered seaside town of Oban seems a natural starting point for this program.
Day 2 : Isle of Mull
Our first stop takes us to the beautifully restored Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull and later the ship brings us to the charming waterside community of Tobermory for a whiskey distillery visit.
Day 3 : Staffa / Iona
Excellent views from the ship give an insight into Fingal’s Cave on Staffa and if the weather is kind there will be a Zodiac cruise or walk into this evocative cave. Nearby Iona is home to the Abbey and burial grounds of Scottish kings.
Day 4 : Loch Scavaig
A walk in the Cuillins in Loch Scavaig takes us in search of a reported seal colony. Later in the day visit Kinloch Castle on Rum, a remarkably quirky castle.
Day 5 : St. Kilda
The crofters of St. Kilda lived a harsh life and hunted the nesting seabirds. Although the original people are all gone, descendants of the tenacious birds inhabit the cliffs of this island and the nearby Boreray sea stacks.
Day 6 : Isle of Skye
On the northern coast of Isle of Skye, explore Dunvegan Castle, seat of the clan MacLeod and the abandoned Isay Island.
Day 7 : Inverewe Gardens
The Inverewe Gardens houses unusual species of flora this far north due to the Gulf Stream. Further north the sandstone cliffs of Handa are teeming with seabirds.
Day 8 : Isle of Lewis
The standing stones of Callanish, the Dun Carloway broch, the blackhouses of Gearrannan and the seafaring town of Stornoway give further insight into the area.
Day 9 : Orkney Islands
Having rounded Cape Wrath, the ship reaches the Orkneys, noted for lovely silver jewelry and fantastic archaeological treasures – Maes Howe, Ring of Brodgar, standing stones of Stennes, Skara Brae and more recently Magnus Cathedral and the Italian Chapel.
Day 10 : Shetland Islands
A scenic drive takes us to the archaeological sites of Jarlshoff and Scatness and if time permits, Mousa Broch. There is also time to wander the ambling streets of Lerwick.
Day 11 : Fair Isles
Reportedly the most isolated community of Britain, Fair Isles is home to only about 60 inhabitants and a bird observatory.
Day 12 : Back to the Scottish Mainland / Disembark
An overnight steam brings us to Dundee, our port of disembarkation.
-Additional fuel surcharge of $30/person/night for the 2008-2009 season (Nov-Nov). This surcharge is subject to possible increases depending on the price of fuel.
-A provisional fuel surcharge of $14/person/night has been set for the 2009-2010 season, subject to change depending on the price of fuel.
-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 for the 2008-2009 season.
15+ months prior to departure - SAVE 5%
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.
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. |
