information - National Trust for Scotland

CULTURAL CRUISING
SUMMER 2017
CULTURAL CRUISING SUMMER 2017
MV Berlin
NORTHERN DELIGHTS
Page 4
SUNDAY 4 TO SUNDAY 11 JUNE 2017
A cruise to Orkney and Shetland
INSPIRATIONAL ISLANDS AND FJORDS
Page 12
SUNDAY 11 TO SUNDAY 25 JUNE 2017
A cruise along the west coast of Norway
INFORMATION ABOUT MV BERLIN
Page 22
Learn all about the ship
1
‘Everything has been done to make this a fun, relaxing, stress-free,
enjoyable cruise – from recognising and accommodating everyone’s
needs and capabilities to having National Trust for Scotland staff
on excursions to add their knowledge and be accessible
for questions. No detail was overlooked.’
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Cultural Cruising Summer 2017
For over 60 years the National Trust for Scotland has transported cruise
passengers to Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes and isolated islands.
In that time, we have carried over 30,000 people on ten different ships
to dozens of different ports, from undiscovered Scottish treasures to littleknown European gems. The cruises have not only become a celebrated
event in the Trust’s calendar, but also a wonderful way to support our
valuable conservation work, including projects connected to Scotland’s
islands and coastlines.
Although this will be our first year chartering MV Berlin, those who cruised with us on Spirit
of Adventure will recognise the same vessel but now under new ownership, management
and name.
Over 60% of our passengers return to cruise with us year after year, so we like to keep
our itineraries new and imaginative; we never offer exactly the same cruise twice. Our
cruises travel to rarely visited ports as well as renowned and popular destinations; we
combine imaginative routes with an impeccable, friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere.
Sophisticated entertainment, absorbing lectures and high-quality shore excursions have
become our trademarks.
The 3-star ship carries just 330 passengers, all of whom will be friends of the National Trust
for Scotland. There is a warm, club-like atmosphere on board with everyone sharing similar
interests.
‘I enjoyed the warm and friendly atmosphere on board and the
possibility to get to know so many interesting people.’
Our small, dedicated cruise team are based in Edinburgh and will oversee all aspects of your
holiday, from the initial enquiry through to departure. We will also be on board to look after
you throughout the cruise, providing a personal service unrivalled in today’s holiday market.
We will be accompanied by a team of experts and guest lecturers, all acknowledged
leaders in their fields. Their stimulating illustrated talks reveal fascinating facts and insights
about each port and are perfect for passengers with enquiring minds and an appetite for
knowledge. In addition, our lecturers accompany trips ashore to add their specialist angle to
tours, and when on board they are always happy to engage in discussions. Our cruises are
also renowned for their fine concerts and ceilidhs, featuring some of Scotland’s best-loved
classical and traditional musicians.
‘Having been on several cruises, I rate this cruise as the best I have ever
done – because of the friendliness of fellow passengers, the helpfulness
of the National Trust for Scotland and the programme of tours, lectures
and evening entertainment.’
‘The National Trust for Scotland staff were very knowledgeable,
interesting and friendly – a great team! We enjoyed the lectures, the
entertainment and the casual interaction.’
We personally research and design a wide selection of shore excursions at each of our
ports. These specially selected trips are tailor-made to meet the needs and interests of our
passengers. A choice of full- and half-day outings at each port will include visits to the
best sites for archaeology, history, architecture, natural history and landscape, offering
new experiences to even the most frequent traveller. For those who prefer to explore by
themselves, the shore excursion brochure gives suggestions for independently discovering
each port as well as lots of useful local information.
Watch our online video at www.culturalcruising.com to get a flavour of life on board. Listen
to our passengers describe what makes our cruises an experience like no other and has
them returning year after year to sail with us.
3
A cruise to Orkney and Shetland
Red-throated diver
4
Maeshowe
Italian Chapel
Shetland ponies
St Kilda
NORTHERN DELIGHTS
SUNDAY 4 TO SUNDAY 11 JUNE 2017
The Ripple Stone, Fetlar
5
NORTHERN
DELIGHTS
Fetlar
Lerwick
Kirkwall
Hoy
St Kilda
Peterhead
Abundant wildlife, rich archaeology, traditional music, intricate
craftwork and breath-taking scenery are just some of the draws
of Scotland’s Northern Isles. With their Viking heritage and
strong links to Norway, Orkney and Shetland have unique
cultural identities. This itinerary offers the chance to explore
two islands in each archipelago as well as take a cruise out to
the remote St Kilda and make a call at the northeast corner of
mainland Scotland.
Leith
ARRIVE
DEPART
Sunday 4 June
Leith
Monday 5 June
Hoy, Orkney
12.00
23.00
Tuesday 6 June
Kirkwall, Orkney
08.00
14.30
Wednesday 7 June Hirta, St Kilda
18.00
08.00
13.00
Thursday 8 June
Fetlar, Shetland
14.00
23.00
Friday 9 June
Lerwick, Shetland
06.00
16.00
Saturday 10 June
Peterhead, Aberdeenshire
06.00
17.00
Sunday 11 June
Leith
07.00
= ship will be at anchor and landing will be via ship’s boats
Orkney
Ring of Brodgar
6
Skara Brae
Old Man of Hoy
St Magnus Cathedral
Hoy is the second largest of Orkney’s islands and takes its name from the
Old Norse for ‘high island’. It is home to the highest point in Orkney, Ward
Hill (479m/1,572ft), as well as a spectacular western coastline with dramatic
cliffs and the famous sea stack, the Old Man of Hoy. With mountainous
moorland and glacial valleys, the island has a dramatic highland landscape
unlike anywhere else in Orkney. To the east lies Scapa Flow, the main British
naval base during both world wars. The vast majority of Hoy is a designated
Important Bird Area, and the northern part of the island is home to a 4,000ha
RSPB reserve where great skuas, puffins and red-throated divers can often be
seen. Other highlights on Hoy include the Arts and Crafts-era Melsetter House,
Rackwick Valley, Hackness Martello Tower and Battery, Longhope Lifeboat
Museum and the Scapa Flow Visitor Centre.
Our second day is spent in Kirkwall, Orkney’s capital, on the Mainland. A local
saying states that if you scratch the surface of Orkney, it bleeds archaeology! The
Mainland is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Heart of Neolithic
Orkney, which includes the prehistoric settlement of Skara Brae and the Ring
of Brodgar stone circle. In addition, there are many other archaeological
sites to explore, including Pictish, Iron Age and Stone Age gems. More recent
history can be seen at the Churchill Barriers and Ness Battery as well as at the
Italian Chapel on the island of Lamb Holm. Nature lovers are drawn to Orkney
because of the profusion of birds and marine wildlife: oystercatchers wade in
the wetland meadows; grey and common seals bask on the skerries; whales,
dolphins and porpoises can be spotted in the coastal waters; and hundreds
of thousands of breeding seabirds can be seen congregating on the islands’
vertical cliffs.
7
The next day brings us to the most westerly part of the British Isles, the St Kilda
archipelago. St Kilda is one of only 32 dual World Heritage Sites worldwide, in
recognition of its immense cultural and natural significance. It is home to one of
the largest colony of seabirds in northern Europe, including nearly a quarter of
the world’s population of northern gannets. We hope to be able to visit Hirta, the
largest of the islands, and if weather and sea conditions are in our favour we shall
come ashore at Village Bay. The current village dates from the early 19th century
and work continues to restore the traditional blackhouses here. Hirta is scattered
with around 1,260 stone cleitean – these small stone buildings were used to store
eggs, seabird meat, hay and peat, keeping them dry throughout the winter.
Village Bay
8
St Kilda
Puffins
Brough Lodge Tower
Lerwick
Fetlar is known as the Garden of Shetland and this will be our maiden call to
the island. Its moorland, hills and wetlands provide a home for a host of wading
birds such as golden plover, redshank and whimbrel; Fetlar is also the best place
in Britain to see the red-necked phalarope. The small island has a strong cultural
identity, expressed through its folklore and music. Some of Fetlar’s fiddle tunes are
amongst the oldest in Shetland and legend tells that they were learned from the
trows (little people who live in small hills). The Brough Lodge Trust hope to secure
sufficient funding to convert the abandoned 19th-century Brough Lodge into a
place to conserve and promote Shetland’s rich musical and textile heritage. A little
way from the house stands an ostentatious mid-19th-century folly, built on the site
of an Iron Age broch.
The bustling fishing port of Peterhead provides a gateway to Aberdeenshire,
Scotland’s ‘Castle Country’. With over 300 castles, stately homes and ruins dotting
the landscape, there are more castles per acre here than anywhere else in the
UK. These include the National Trust for Scotland’s Fyvie Castle, Castle Fraser
and Craigievar Castle, who all look forward to welcoming us. We will also have
the chance to visit two more local Trust properties: the stately Haddo House
designed by William Adam, and the formal parterres and herbaceous borders of
Pitmedden Garden. On Aberdeenshire’s northern coastline we find the Kinnaird
Head Lighthouse (the oldest lighthouse built on mainland Scotland) and the
neighbouring Museum of Scottish Lighthouses; the charming village of Pennan
where much of Local Hero was filmed in 1982; and Duff House with its fine
collection of paintings on loan from the National Galleries of Scotland.
Our next call is to Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands. Beginning life as
a temporary settlement for the Dutch herring fleet in the 17th century, Lerwick
grew to become a major fishing centre with whaling ships often calling to pick up
crews. There is much to see in the town including an Iron Age broch, the 18thcentury lodberries (merchants’ houses with their own piers) and the 5-star Shetland
Museum and Archives. Excursions will take us to the Iron Age and Viking ruins
at Jarlshof, to the island of Mousa to see the tallest and best-preserved of Britain’s
remaining brochs, and to the idyllic St Ninian’s Isle. This tiny island is joined to the
Mainland by a tombolo (a concave strip of sand) – with Atlantic breakers crashing
on either side, it is the best example of its kind in Britain. On the islet lies a ruined
12th-century chapel, where a hoard of Pictish silver was discovered in the 1950s.
For bird lovers, no trip to Shetland is complete without a trip to Sumburgh Head
to watch the cheeky puffins and other seabirds that make their homes on the
spectacular cliffs here.
Fyvie Castle
Pennan
9
INFORMATION
NORTHERN DELIGHTS
A cruise to Orkney and Shetland
SUNDAY 4 TO SUNDAY 11 JUNE 2017
Lecturers
Artistes
Professor Donna Heddle is Director of the Centre for Nordic
Studies (at the University of the Highlands and Islands), an
interdisciplinary centre that is based in Kirkwall and Lerwick.
Her research interests are the creation of new paradigms in
Scottish and Northern Isles studies, Scottish and Northern Isles
cultural history, small island studies, language and literature,
and Old Norse. She has published widely in these areas. She
is currently leading several national and international research
projects involving Northern studies. Donna led the very successful
Research Excellence Framework submission in Area Studies,
placed first in Scotland for research impact (particularly in
tourism) and 5th equal with the University of Oxford for research
environment for the whole UK. Donna was awarded a Personal
Chair by UHI in June 2013.
The National Trust for Scotland is proud to present our own
special entertainment team as part of the unique appeal of our
cruises. These performers are some of Scotland’s most popular
and highly acclaimed entertainers, bringing a wealth of talent
to the evening concerts. There will be the usual mix of variety
shows, solo concerts, ceilidhs and Scottish dancing, and we are
sure that there is something that everyone will enjoy within this
great team.
Duncan Stevenson has worked for the Trust for 27 years, first
as a Volunteer then as a Ranger and Senior Ranger at several
Trust properties, including Killiecrankie and Crathes. This led to
Countryside Management positions with responsibility for projects
at numerous sites. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience
of Scotland’s landscapes and natural heritage, with a particular
interest in ornithology. A keen hill walker and runner, Duncan
became a member of the local mountain rescue team during his
eight years on Arran. Duncan now lives near Biggar with his wife
and three children.
Gordon Cree is an extraordinarily talented musician and allround entertainer. He is a pianist, singer, organist, trumpeter,
arranger, xylophonist, conductor and composer! Gordon’s many
skills very often mean that his abilities as a singer have been
overlooked, but over a long career he has worked both as a
serious classical singer and as a cabaret artist.
Dr Carol Christiansen received her doctorate in archaeology
from the University of Manchester, specialising in textiles. She
has worked on projects in Britain and Scandinavia related to early
textile production, including medieval sailcloth and early modern
clothing. She is Curator and Community Museums Officer at
Shetland Museum & Archives, where she is in charge of the Textiles
Collection, a Recognised Collection of National Significance in
Scotland. Her widely published research is focused on textiles and
textile equipment from Shetland and the Nordic Countries, and she
recently published Taatit Rugs: the pile bedcovers of Shetland. She
has a special interest in wools of early sheep breeds and historical
methods of processing wools for textiles.
10
Robert Lovie is the entertainment manager and has brought
this team together. Robert comperes the shows each evening
and is himself a well-known and respected public speaker and
singer. Robert also works full time with the Trust as the property
manager at Fyvie Castle, Garden & Estate, making him our
perfect cruise host.
Cheryl Forbes is an award-winning mezzo-soprano who has
enjoyed a brilliant career at home and abroad. She has worked
with leading UK orchestras and has sung with many great
fellow Scottish celebrities, ranging from Moira Anderson to Jack
Milroy. During the cruise Cheryl will share with us her amazing
repertoire, from opera to popular musicals.
The Rhona MacKay Trio features Rhona MacKay on concert harp
and clarsach, Eddie McGuire on flute and whistle and David
Munn on cello. This group come together especially for the
Trust cruises and perform a relaxing blend of music specifically
arranged for their fine instruments.
Bryan Gear is regarded as the finest fiddler in Shetland today. His
amazing playing style holds dear all that is great and traditional
about Shetland fiddle music whilst simultaneously encompassing
a fine modern flair.
Alastair McDonald, one of Scotland’s favourite musical
personalities, is a highly talented international performer, singer,
songwriter, recording artist and broadcaster. His special blend
of music and song ranges from traditional Scottish to jazz, and
will add an exciting variety of styles to the cruise entertainment
programme.
Leonard Brown is a versatile accordionist from South Shields
who was crowned the All-Scotland Senior Traditional Accordion
Champion 2012, making him only the second Englishman in
history to win the prestigious Jimmy Shand Shield. In addition
to traditional Scottish and Irish music, Leonard’s range of styles
includes Latin, continental and country.
INFORMATION
NORTHERN DELIGHTS
CABIN
A cruise to Orkney and Shetland
SUNDAY 4 TO SUNDAY 11 JUNE 2017
Brough Lodge
Otters
Ring of Brodgar
PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS
As this cruise takes place solely in UK waters, UK nationals do not need a passport.
However, they must bring a form of valid photographic identification issued by the
government, ideally a driving licence or passport. All other passengers must be in possession
of a current passport, valid for at least 6 months from the end of the cruise.
PRICING
See pages 26-28 for deck plans and descriptions of cabins.
* All prices are per person and inclusive of gratuities.
Book before 1 November 2016 to receive a 5% discount.
DEPOSIT
A deposit of £150 per person is required to confirm your booking.
BALANCE OF FARE
Primula scotica
1D
2T
2S
3D
3T
3S
4D
4T
5D
5T
5S
6D
6T
6S
7D
7T
7S
8T
9D
9T
9S
10D
10T
10S
11D
11T
11S
11(3)
PRICES (£)*
£3,700
£3,100
£3,720
£2,700
£2,700
£3,300
£2,400
£2,400
£2,350
£2,350
£2,850
£2,300
£2,300
£2,800
£2,100
£2,100
£2,600
£1,900
£1,850
£1,850
£2,200
£1,800
£1,800
£2,160
£1,750
£1,750
£2,100
£1,400
This should be paid by 24 March 2017.
11
A cruise along the west coast of Norway
Hopperstad Stave Church
12
Eidfjord
Rauma Line
Fridtjov the Bold
Geirangerfjord
INSPIRATIONAL ISLANDS AND FJORDS
SUNDAY 11 TO SUNDAY 25 JUNE 2017
Lofoten Islands
13
INSPIRATIONAL
ISLANDS AND
FJORDS
Svolvær
Moskenesøya
Rørvik
Trondheim
Åndalsnes
Geiranger
Olden
Vik
Eidfjord
Flåm
Narvik
This two-week cruise focuses on the western seaboard of
Norway, sailing along many of its iconic fjords to bring us
to small villages amid some of the most dramatic scenery
you will ever witness. There will be the chance to take rail
journeys over the mountains, boat trips along the inner
reaches of small fjords, and cable car rides high above
the land. Our voyage also crosses the Arctic Circle
and visits some of the small islands that pepper
Norway’s coastline.
Leith
ARRIVE
DEPART
Sunday 11 June
Leith
14.00
Monday 12 June
At sea
Tuesday 13 June
Eidfjord
08.00
12.30
Wednesday 14 June
Flåm
08.30
13.00
Vik
16.30
17.30
Thursday 15 June
Åndalsnes
12.30
18.30
Friday 16 June
At sea
Saturday 17 June
Narvik
08.00
21.00
Sunday 18 June
Svolvær (Lofoten)
07.00
18.00
Monday 19 June
Moskenesøya (Lofoten) 07.00
15.00
Tuesday 20 June
Rørvik
08.00
19.00
Wednesday 21 June
Trondheim
07.00
13.00
Thursday 22 June
Olden
09.30
16.00
Friday 23 June
Geiranger
07.00
12.30
Saturday 24 June
At sea
Sunday 25 June
Leith
07.00
= ship will be at anchor and landing will be via ship’s boats
14
Nærøyfjord
After a day at sea we arrive at the Hardangerfjord, where a picturesque cruise
of around 100 miles along Norway’s second longest fjord brings us to the
village of Eidfjord. Here we will be surrounded by the dramatic scenery for
which Norway’s west coast is so rightly famed: deep valleys, high mountains,
glaciers, mountain lakes, rivers and waterfalls. The village is situated within the
Hardangervidda National Park, and tours will take in the outstanding landscapes
of the largest mountain plateau in Europe as well as discover the area’s natural
and cultural heritage. There will also be the chance to admire the 145-metre
sheer drop of the Vøringsfossen.
The next day we head for the Sognefjord where we will call at the charming
village of Flåm. There will be the opportunity to take a cruise along the
UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord or a drive up into the mountains to the Stalheim
viewing platform. The world-famous Flåm Railway is one of the steepest railway
lines in the world, with a gradient of 1:18; in less than an hour you will ascend
863m (2,831ft) against a spectacular backdrop of precipitous mountains and
foaming waterfalls. In 2014 Lonely Planet named it as the most beautiful train
journey in the world. To really immerse yourself in the fjordland countryside,
there will be the option of a full-day tour through the mountains by train and
coach, rejoining the ship in the late afternoon in the village of Vik.
The next morning will see us cruising deep into the county of Møre & Romsdal.
We will head along a series of fjords to the town of Åndalsnes, where we will
spend the afternoon amongst the steep and jagged mountains. From here there
is the chance to take a train journey along the Rauma Line, which follows the
River Rauma with its collection of thundering waterfalls in the shade of the
Romsdalen valley.
Åndalsnes
Rauma Line
Stalheim
15
A day at sea will follow, giving us the chance to relax as we cruise along
Norway’s stunning western coastline via the Inside Passage. We will pass a
myriad of small islands and skerries and cross the Arctic Circle.
The next morning we arrive at Narvik, where we will have a full day to spend in
the town and surrounding area. The Battle of Narvik was an early victory for the
Allies in World War II. This is commemorated in the fascinating War Memorial
Museum, which contains an original Enigma machine amongst its collection.
An Arctic wildlife park, a thrilling cable car ride, challenging hikes and RIB
adventures are amongst other activities on offer nearby. There will also be the
option to take a train journey along the spectacular Ofoten railway, completed in
1902, through rugged mountains into Sweden.
Lofotr Viking Museum
Cable car, Narvik
We will spend the next two days in the Lofoten Islands. Their glacier-carved peaks
rise straight from the sea. Between the mountains, which are composed of some
of the oldest rocks in the world, are stretches of fertile farmland, fjords and deep
ravines, while the coastline is sprinkled with fishing villages. We will call first at
the town of Svolvær in the north of the islands. The stunning scenery and Arctic
light have long attracted artists here. There is a wealth of small art galleries to
explore, with exhibitions of paintings, photography and even ice sculptures. Tours
outside of the town will let us discover the islands’ Viking heritage and wonderful
wildlife.
Polar Park, Narvik
16
Lofoten Islands
17
Bakklandet, Trondheim
After an evening cruise along the spectacular Trollfjord, we will head towards the
south of the Lofoten archipelago and visit the island of Moskenesøya. Here we find
the traditional fishing village of Å, home to the Lofoten Stockfish Museum and the
Norwegian Fishing Village Museum, both offering an insight into the traditional
fishing methods of the islands. Lofoten is famous for the annual cod fishing event
which, in its heyday, involved up to 6,000 boats and almost 30,000 fishermen.
The unsalted cod is still dried in the traditional method on outdoor wooden racks,
and the resulting stockfish has been Lofoten’s main export since the Middle Ages.
Nearby is Reine, often voted the ‘most picturesque village in Norway’ and named
by Time magazine as having the ‘most beautiful view in the world’.
Continuing south we come to the Vikna archipelago where we will call at the
village of Rørvik. The archipelago is made up of nearly 6,000 islands, many of
which form a conservation area where we can see nesting birds as well as otters,
porpoises and several species of seal. The village is home to the excellent Norveg
coastal museum, which explores the Norwegian maritime history and culture
through the centuries.
Nidaros Cathedral
18
Eagle Road
Trondheim
We will spend the following morning in the historical capital of Trondheim.
The medieval Nidaros Cathedral, the picturesque streets of Bakklandet, the old
wharves and wooden town bridge and the botanical gardens are just some of the
sightseeing highlights. The afternoon will see us cruise along the Trondheimsfjord
as we make our way back to the coastline and continue our journey south.
Our next day will be spent at the head of the Nordfjord in the village of Olden.
The Jostedal Glacier, the largest in continental Europe, is nearby: the National Park
Centre and the Briksdal and Kjenndal glacial arms all make interesting excursions.
For our final day in Norway, we will awake in the Geirangerfjord, the well-known
branch of the Storfjord. Green water snakes its way to the village of Geiranger,
surrounded by cascading waterfalls and precipitous mountains with farms perched
on the slopes. This archetypal fjord landscape has been placed on the UNESCO
World Heritage list in recognition of its outstanding natural beauty. We will come
ashore at the village, from where the famed Eagle Road travels through 11 hairpin
bends to reach 620m (2,034ft) above sea level for spectacular views of the area.
After a busy morning of scenic tours and hikes to see the mountains, gorges and
waterfalls, we will spend a relaxing afternoon cruising along 70 miles of fjords to
reach the open sea.
Briksdal Glacier
19
INFORMATION
INSPIRATIONAL ISLANDS AND FJORDS
A cruise along the west coast of Norway
SUNDAY 11 TO SUNDAY 25 JUNE 2017
Lecturers
Susan Bain is the National Trust for Scotland’s Western Isles
Manager and is responsible for St Kilda as well as Mingulay,
Berneray & Pabbay. After studying at Glasgow University she worked
as an archaeologist in Scotland and also in the USA, Europe and
the Middle East. She began working for the Trust at Mar Lodge
Estate, before moving to St Kilda, first as the archaeologist and then
as manager. Her interest in traditional buildings took her to the
Faroe Islands, Iceland and Norway on a Churchill Fellowship to
investigate the use of turf as a traditional roofing material.
Bob Elliot is the Head of Investigations for the RSPB – his team
attempts to protect some of the UK’s rarest birds both in the UK
and abroad. Bob is originally from North Yorkshire and started his
conservation career as the National Trust’s Head Warden on the
Farne Islands in Northumberland. A move to Scotland in 1993 led
to a career in Countryside Rangering with the National Trust for
Scotland, and as Countryside Manager he moved to Inverness to
manage the Highlands & Islands properties. Bob is passionate about
helping people enjoy the countryside. Widely travelled and a skilled
field naturalist, he has led expeditions to Peru, Iceland, the Arctic,
Antarctica, Africa and the Scottish islands. In 2016 Bob spent a
month working in Morocco, studying the stop-over locations of the
endangered turtle dove on its annual migration from southern Africa
to its northern breeding grounds in Europe.
Kenneth Steven has had a passion for the north since early
childhood; he first visited Norway with his parents as a boy and
has been returning as often as possible ever since. He has spent
2 academic years in the country (during which time he became
fluent in the language) and has translated a number of books from
Norwegian, notably the Nordic Prize for Literature-winning novel
The Half Brother. His second year of study was spent north of the
Arctic Circle, and it was here he first started to explore the story of
the Sami people in earnest. Now he and Kristina Hayward (who
is accompanying him on the cruise) have brought out their book,
Beneath the Ice: In search of the Sami, telling something of the
cultural history of the Sami. Kenneth is first and foremost a poet –
his newest collection is entitled Letting in the Light – but he is also
very much a Scottish novelist. The Well of the North Wind was
published in 2016 and is set on Iona during the time of Columba.
20
Professor David Munro MBE is a geographer with a passion for
exploring landscapes, who has lectured on cruises ranging from
Arctic to Antarctic waters. As a research fellow of the University of
Edinburgh he led a series of expeditions to Central America that
focused on environmental conservation and resource management.
He also compiled a number of geographical reference books
including The Oxford Dictionary of the World and Scotland: An
Encyclopedia of Places & Landscape. For 12 years he served as
Director of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society and for a
decade he chaired UK government and United Nations geographical
advisory bodies. Currently David is an Honorary Professor of the
University of Dundee, a heritage adviser to the Duke of Buccleuch
and an adviser to the publishers of The Times Atlas of the World. In
2015 he was invested with the rank of Knight Officer of the Order
of St Charles by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco for services to the
Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
Artistes
The National Trust for Scotland is proud to present our own special
entertainment team as part of the unique appeal of our cruises.
These performers are some of Scotland’s most popular and highly
acclaimed entertainers, bringing a wealth of talent to the evening
concerts. There will be the usual mix of variety shows, solo
concerts, ceilidhs and Scottish dancing, and we are sure that there
is something that everyone will enjoy within this great team.
Robert Lovie is the entertainment manager and has brought this
team together. Robert comperes the shows each evening and is
himself a well-known and respected public speaker and singer.
Robert also works full time with the Trust as the property manager
at Fyvie Castle, Garden & Estate, making him our perfect cruise
host.
Gordon Cree is an extraordinarily talented musician and allround entertainer from Ayrshire. He is a pianist, singer, organist,
trumpeter, arranger, conductor and composer! Gordon’s many
skills very often mean that his abilities as a singer have been
overlooked, but over a long career he has worked both as a serious
classical singer and as a cabaret artist.
Cheryl Forbes is an award-winning mezzo-soprano who has
enjoyed a brilliant career at home and abroad. She has worked
with leading UK orchestras and has sung with many great
fellow Scottish celebrities, ranging from Moira Anderson to Jack
Milroy. During the cruise Cheryl will share with us her amazing
repertoire, from opera to popular musicals.
The Rhona MacKay Trio features Rhona MacKay on concert harp
and clarsach, Eddie McGuire on flute and whistle and David
Munn on cello. This group come together especially for the
Trust cruises and perform a relaxing blend of music specifically
arranged for their fine instruments.
Jamie MacDougall has established himself as one of the country’s
most versatile singers and performers. He is a regular presenter
with BBC Scotland on both radio and television, and in concert
has worked with some of the world’s top baroque, chamber and
symphony orchestras.
Siobhan Miller is one of the foremost singers in Scotland. Her
range includes Scottish traditional, contemporary and self-penned
material. In 2011 and 2013 she was voted ‘Scots Singer of the
Year’ in the Scots Trad Music Awards.
Steven Carcary is a leading accordionist and Scottish dance band
leader. Steven’s wide-ranging style of playing, from Scottish reels
to jazz, is a true inspiration to both listeners and dancers alike.
Raemond Jappy, from Buckie on the Moray Firth, is one of
Scotland’s finest fiddle players. His playing is in the great
traditional Scottish style and he won the highly prestigious
Glenfiddich Fiddle Championship award at Blair Castle in 2008.
INFORMATION
INSPIRATIONAL ISLANDS AND FJORDS
A cruise along the west coast of Norway
SUNDAY 11 TO SUNDAY 25 JUNE 2017
Åndalsnes
Nordfjord
Trondheim
PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
Passports, valid for at least 3 months after return, are required by all passengers. Visas for
Norway are not required by most nationalities, but non-EU passport holders should check
any requirements.
PRICING
See pages 26-28 for deck plans and descriptions of cabins.
* All prices are per person and inclusive of gratuities.
Book before 1 November 2016 to receive a 5% discount.
DEPOSIT
A deposit of £200 per person is required to confirm your booking.
BALANCE OF FARE
This should be paid by 31 March 2017.
Geirangerfjord
CABIN
1D
2T
2S
3D
3T
3S
4D
4T
5D
5T
5S
6D
6T
6S
7D
7T
7S
8T
9D
9T
9S
10D
10T
10S
11D
11T
11S
11(3)
PRICES (£)*
£6,600
£5,800
£6,700
£5,200
£5,200
£5,900
£4,700
£4,700
£4,600
£4,600
£5,520
£4,500
£4,500
£5,400
£4,200
£4,200
£5,040
£3,650
£3,600
£3,600
£4,250
£3,550
£3,550
£4,200
£3,500
£3,500
£4,150
£2,500
21
MV BERLIN
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SHIP
22
MV BERLIN
Library
Other facilities
The spacious library on Berlin has a wide collection of books as well as a selection of
jigsaws and board games. The comfortable sofas and writing desks make it a great place to
relax with a book or write your postcards. There are also computers in the library that offer
internet access via a satellite connection (chargeable).
The ship’s leisure facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, sauna and fitness
equipment. There is a gift shop, hairdresser and beauty salon offering a range of spa
treatments. There is also a small medical centre and the private doctor on board makes
standard charges for his services.
Lounges
Cabins
Lectures and concerts take place in the elegant and comfortable Sirocco Lounge, while the
Yacht Club on the Promenade Deck is the perfect place in which to relax and watch the
world go by. Up on the Sun Deck the Berlin Lounge offers a place to enjoy a drink in the
open air (weather permitting).
The friendly environment of our cruises makes them very popular with single travellers.
We have designated a quarter of the cabins on Berlin to be single cabins. Alternatively,
we would be pleased to match like-minded travelling companions with whom you could
share a twin or 3-berth cabin.
Dining
Meals are served in a single sitting with no fixed seating plans, so you can dine with new
friends every night at a time to suit you. Choose between the informal yet elegant Verandah
restaurant, with the option to dine al fresco if the weather permits, or be looked after with
waiter service in the more formal Dining Room.
In addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner are afternoon tea, late-night snacks and 24-hour
self-service tea and coffee; all are included in your fare.
There are a variety of inside and outside cabins to choose from. Cabins are graded
depending on their size and location on the ship. All cabins are air-conditioned and have
a private shower and WC. The cabins are equipped with a television, DVD player, minibar
(chargeable), telephone, hairdryer, bathrobes and complimentary toiletries. Outside cabins
have a double window or double porthole, letting the light flood in and allowing you to
enjoy the passing scenery while you are in your cabin. Inside cabins are bright and well lit,
offering comfort and value for money.
Special dietary requirements can be catered for, so please advise us of your needs at the
time of booking.
23
CABIN GRADES
All cabins have an en suite shower room with a walk-in shower, hand basin and WC.
Grade 1 – Grand Suites
(Bridge Deck)
Grades 4, 5 and 6 – Standard Outside Cabins
(Promenade, Main and A Decks)
The Grand Suites are two-roomed
cabins with a spacious lounge and
dining area and a separate double
bedroom with an en suite shower
room. The total area is around 37m2.
There is no lift access to the Bridge
Deck – these cabins are reached by a
set of 7 fairly steep, open steps.
There are twin, double and single cabins available
within these grades. The cabins have large double
windows. The single cabins have a standard single
bed and a sofa bed in them. The cabins measure
about 13m2 and the price difference between
grades reflects their position on the ship.
Grade 2 – Junior Suites
(Promenade Deck)
These spacious cabins have either
twin beds (2T) or a large single bed
(2S) and a seating area with a sofa,
coffee table and chairs next to the
large forward-facing windows. The
cabins are 15–21m2 in area.
Grade 3 – Superior Cabins
(Bridge Deck)
These wood-panelled cabins are
desirably situated on the Bridge
Deck, offering easy access to the
outside decks. The cabins have twin,
double or large single beds and are
approximately 15m2 in area. There
is no lift access to the Bridge Deck –
these cabins are reached by a set of
7 fairly steep, open steps.
24
Grade 7 – Standard Outside Cabins
(B Deck)
Situated on the B Deck, these cabins have a double
porthole, which may have to be covered for safety
reasons in heavy seas. There are twin, double and
single cabins available within this grade. The single
cabins have a standard single bed and a sofa bed in
them. The cabins are about 13m2 in area.
Grades 8, 9, 10 and 11 – Standard Inside Cabins
(Promenade, Main, A and B Decks)
These inside cabins offer an economical option for
cruising and are bright and well lit. There are twin,
double and single cabins available within these
grades. The single cabins have a standard single
bed and a sofa bed in them. The cabins measure
about 13m2 and the price difference between
grades reflects their position on the ship.
Grade 11(3) – Standard Inside 3-berth Cabins
(A and B Deck)
These cabins have two lower beds and an upper
berth and measure around 13m2.
Evening entertainment
25
MV Berlin Fact File
PORT OF REGISTRY
Malta
QUALITY RATING
★★★
TONNAGE
9,570
DRAUGHT
4.98m
LENGTH
139.3m
WIDTH 17.5m
AIR-CONDITIONED AND STABILISED Yes
MAIDEN VOYAGE
1980
LAST PARTIAL REFURBISHMENT
2016
PASSENGER CAPACITY
350
OFFICERS AND CREW 188
PASSENGER DECKS
7
PASSENGER LIFTS
1 (serving 4 decks only)
Sun Deck
Berlin Lounge
Berlin Lounge
Bridge Deck
GRADE
26
1D
Owner’s suite (double)
3D
Superior outside (double)
3T
Superior outside (twin)
3S
Superior outside (single)
Promenade Deck
GRADE
Promenade
stage
Beauty Salon
dance floor
Verandah
Verandah
Restaurant
Pool
Bar
Yacht Club
stage
dance floor
Main Deck
Sirocco Lounge
Library
Shop
2T
Junior suite (twin)
2S
Junior suite (single)
4D
Outside double
4T
Outside twin
8T
Inside twin
GRADE
Foyer
5D
Outside double
5T
Outside twin
5S
Outside single
9D
Inside double
9T
Inside twin
9S
Inside single
GRADE
6D
A Deck
Dining Room
NTS
office
Reception
Outside double
6T
Outside twin
6S
Outside single
10D
Inside double
10T
Inside twin
10S
Inside single
11(3)
Inside 3-berth
27
B Deck
GRADE
Medical
centre
Treatment room
Gymnasium
Sauna
D Deck
28
PLEASE NOTE:
The Bridge Deck, Sun Deck and D Deck
can only be reached by stairway.
7D
Outside double
7T
Outside twin
7S
Outside single
11D
Inside double
11T
Inside twin
11S
Inside single
11(3)
Inside 3-berth
CULTURAL CRUISING SUMMER 2017
NORTHERN DELIGHTS
INSPIRATIONAL ISLANDS AND FJORDS
CONDITIONS OF BOOKING
INSURANCE
All passengers must have adequate and valid travel insurance including cover for cancellation, medical expenses
and repatriation. Please provide us with details of your cover, including the name of the insurance company, policy
number and 24-hour emergency telephone number.
Although the National Trust for Scotland is unable to arrange insurance for you, we can provide contact details of a
few companies recommended by previous passengers.
DEPOSIT
A deposit of £200 per person for the 2-week cruise and £150 per person for the 1-week cruise should be sent with
the booking form. Remittances should be in favour of The National Trust for Scotland Enterprises Ltd Trust A/C. If you
decide to cancel your cruise before the balance of fare is due, we will return your deposit, less a £50 per person
cancellation fee.
CONFIRMATION OF BOOKING
Applications will be dealt with and reservations confirmed in order of receipt. Confirmation of booking is subject to
the General Cruise Booking Conditions sent out with this brochure.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
The cruise fare includes your accommodation, on-board meals and gratuities. The ship is one class, and fares are
graded according to cabin and facilities available. All passengers, irrespective of fare, can enjoy the public rooms and
decks. Extras that are not included in the cost of your cruise are on-board purchases (drinks, cigarettes, beauty salon,
etc), shore excursions, transport to/from the ship, parking and insurance.
The balance of fare for the 1-week Scottish cruise must be paid on or before 24 March 2017, and on or before 31
March 2017 for the 2-week cruise. After these dates, if the balance is not received, we reserve the right to retain the
deposit paid and, further, to claim the balance of fare. If you wish to cancel your booking you must immediately write
to The National Trust for Scotland Enterprises Ltd. For cancellations made after the balance of fare due date, we reserve
the right to retain any deposit or full fare received and passengers will be expected to claim from their travel insurance.
MEALS
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and late-night snacks are served on board for your pleasure. Meals throughout
the cruise, including meals taken on board while the ship is in port, are included in the cruise fare. However, meals
not taken on board cannot be refunded. Packed lunches can be requested free of charge with 48 hours notice. Cabin
service is available at an extra cost during restaurant opening times.
The completion of the booking form shall constitute an offer only and no contract shall exist until the relevant deposit
(or where required the full amount due) has been received by The National Trust for Scotland Enterprises Ltd and the
Trust has issued a written confirmation of the booking to the passenger.
SHORE EXCURSIONS
Details of shore excursions, with costs, will be sent to passengers approximately 12 weeks prior to the cruise. We offer
a wide range of excursions at each port where transport and guides are available. Excursions range greatly in duration,
cost, theme and activity level – our aim is to have a tour to suit everyone. The shore excursion brochure will have full
details of all the tours along with information about our ports of call and ideas for exploring on your own. Tours are
offered at cost price; for guidance, a standard half-day excursion usually costs between £40 and £50.
All bookings are accepted, and the conveyance of passengers, their baggage and personal property is made, subject
to the terms of the said General Cruise Booking Conditions. The National Trust for Scotland Enterprises Ltd reserves
the right to cancel the cruise, in which case the passage money will be refunded. We reserve the right to vary,
without notice, the advertised itinerary of the cruises, to cancel landings and shore excursions, and otherwise vary
arrangements previously advertised, in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
Prices quoted are based on the operating costs and prevailing rate of exchange when this brochure was printed and
the right is reserved to alter the prices at any time prior to sailing as circumstances dictate.
While every effort has been made to determine an accurate fare structure, we reserve the right to implement a fuel
surcharge should world fuel prices escalate beyond those predicted.
EARLY-BIRD SCHEME
We do not give last-minute discounts on our holidays. We feel that benefits should go to our early bookers, so if you
book before 1 November 2016 you will qualify for a 5% discount.
HOW TO BOOK
We are happy to accept provisional bookings by telephone or email. For reservations please telephone 0131 458 0234
or email cruises@nts.org.uk during normal office hours (Monday to Friday).
To confirm your booking please complete and return the booking form, with deposit, to
The National Trust for Scotland, Cruise Department, Hermiston Quay, 5 Cultins Road, Edinburgh EH11 4DF.
TRANSPORT & PARKING
Transport will be arranged for passengers from central Edinburgh (Charlotte Square), central Glasgow (Buchanan Bus
Station) and Edinburgh and Glasgow airports. Passengers will be asked to book and pay for transport when paying the
balance of fare. Secure parking will be available at Leith docks.
JOINING INSTRUCTIONS
These will be issued about 3 weeks prior to the date of embarkation, together with all tickets, luggage labels and
confirmation of transport timings to and from the ship.
FINANCIAL PEACE OF MIND
All monies paid to the National Trust for Scotland for the cruise and associated transport, shore excursions and car
parking are held in a bonded trust account and will not be released to the National Trust for Scotland until after the
cruise has taken place.
‘The National Trust for Scotland staff were very knowledgeable, interesting and informative – a great team!
We enjoyed the lectures, the entertainment and the friendly interaction.’
The National Trust for Scotland, Hermiston Quay, 5 Cultins Road, Edinburgh EH11 4DF
Tel: 0131 458 0234
The National Trust for Scotland for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is a charity registered in Scotland, Charity Number SC 007410
www.nts.org.uk
and www.culturalcruising.com
PHOTOGRAPHIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Cover Image – Lofoten Islands – Shutterstock
Inside front cover: Shetland – Elaine Bruges/NTS; Lofoten – CH/VisitNorway.com; Briksdal Glacier – Shutterstock; Wine – Acromas Shipping Ltd; Skara Brae – VisitScotland/Scottish Viewpoint; Brough Lodge Tower – Kevin Serginson, Moder-Dye; Dining Room – FTI Cruises
Page 1: Berlin – FTI Cruises
Pages 2 & 3: Geiranger Fjord – Shutterstock; St Kilda – John Sikorski; Piper – Roger Crofts; Berlin – FTI Cruises; Dancing – Elaine Bruges/NTS
Pages 4 & 5: Red-throated Diver – Malcolm Smith; Maeshowe – P Tomkins/VisitScotland/ Scottish Viewpoint; Italian Chapel – Robin Cook; Shetland Ponies – Elaine Bruges/NTS; St Kilda – NTS Photo Library; Ripple Stone – Maurice Henderson
Pages 6 & 7: Ring of Brodgar, St Magnus Cathedral – P Tomkins/VisitScotland/Scottish Viewpoint; Orkney, Old Man of Hoy – Charles Tait/Visit Orkney; Skara Brae – Shutterstock
Pages 8 & 9: Village Bay, St Kilda, Fyvie Castle – NTS Photo Library; Puffins – Faroe Island Tourist Board; Brough Lodge Tower – Kevin Serginson, Moder-Dye; Lerwick – Visit Shetland; Pennan – Shutterstock
Page 11: Brough Lodge – Kevin Serginson, Moder-Dye; Otters – Brydon Thomason/Shetland Nature; Ring of Brodgar – P Tomkins/VisitScotland/Scottish Viewpoint; Primula scotica – Elaine Bruges/NTS
Pages 12 & 13: Hopperstad Stave Church, Rauma Line – Leif Olav Bjordal/VisitNorway.com; Eidfjord – Agurtxane Concellon/CDH; Fridtjov the Bold – Darek Handerowicz; Geiranger Fjord – Per Eide/VisitNorway.com; Lofoten Islands – Shutterstock
Pages 14 & 15: Næroyfjord – Kyrre Wangen/Visit Flåm; Åndalsnes – Matti Bernitz/ VisitNorway.com; Rauma Line – Leif Johnny Olestad/VisitNorway.com; Stalheim – Shutterstock
Pages 16 & 17: Cable Car – Nicola Mulryan/Destination Narvik; Lofotr Viking Museum – CH/VisitNorway.com; Polar Park – Polar Park; Lofoten Islands – Mattias Fredriksson Photography AB/VisitNorway.com
Pages 18 & 19: Bakklandet, Trondheim – CH/VisitNorway.com; Nidaros Cathedral – Terje Rakke/Nordic Life/VisitNorway.com; Eagle Road – Shutterstock; Briksdal Glacier – Thomas Bickhardt/BickFoto
Page 21: Åndalsnes – Leif J Olestad/VisitNorway.com; Nordfjord – Briksdal Adventure; Trondheim – Sven-Erik Knoff/VisitNorway.com; Geiranger Fjord – Terje Rakke/Nordic Life/VisitNorway.com
Pages 22 & 28: Berlin – Roger Schlaepfer/FTI Cruises
Pages 23, 24 & 26: All images – FTI Cruises
4074 GPS 9m 3/16