www.nts.org.uk

The National Trust for Scotland’s Cruise Collection

ISLANDS OF INSPIRATION AN ARCTIC ADVENTURE

CULTURAL CRUISING 2012

a place for cruises

1

ISLANDS OF INSPIRATION 30 JUNE to 7 JULY 2012An evocative voyage through the splendour of the Hebrides

AN ARCTIC ADVENTURE 7 to 21 JULY 2012Discover the wilderness and nature of Svalbard

QUEST FOR ADVENTURE – FACTS ABOUT THE SHIPLearn all about the home of the National Trust for Scotland’s cruises

CULTURAL CRUISING 2012Quest for Adventure page 4

page 12

page 22

a place for cruises

2

Canna

The National Trust for Scotland has operated cruises for nearly 60 years. All profitsfrom the cruises contribute to the National Trust for Scotland’s vital conservation workin Scotland, and in particular assist with projects connected to its islands and coastlines.

a place for cruises

3

‘The pre-cruise information was superb. The organisation of the cruise was exceptional. There was sucha happy atmosphere amongst the staff.’We will be accompanied by a team of eminent experts and guest lecturers, all acknowledged leaders in their fields. Their stimulating illustrated talksuncover fascinating facts and insights about each port and are perfect for passengers with enquiring minds and an appetite for knowledge. Our lecturersalso accompany trips ashore to add their specialist angle to tours, and when on board they are always happy to engage in discussions with passengers.

‘Excellent lecturers and superb entertainers who seem to really work as a close-knit team and thoroughly enjoythemselves, as well as varied and interesting excursions, a lovely ship, super crew... the list is endless!’Our cruises are renowned for their fine concerts and ceilidhs, featuring some of Scotland’s best-loved classical and traditional musicians. In addition tothe shows, our entertainment team will present a series of talks and Scottish dance sessions.

‘We enjoyed it last year so much that I was a bit wary of coming again as I thought it couldn’t possiblybe as good. I was wrong; it was even better this year. The entertainment was super and the ceilidh ondeck was great fun. Thanks again for a memorable holiday.’The National Trust for Scotland personally researches and designs a wide selection of shore excursions at each of our ports. These specially selectedtrips 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 bestsites for archaeology, history, art, gardens, architecture, natural history and landscape, offering even the most frequent traveller new experiences. Forthose who prefer to explore by themselves, the comprehensive shore excursion brochure gives suggestions for independently discovering each port aswell as lots of useful local information.

This year we will exclusively charter Quest for Adventure for three weeks, to offer a one-week cruise around Scotland and a two-week cruise toSpitsbergen. With over 60 per cent of our passengers returning to cruise with us year after year we like to keep our itineraries fresh and imaginative,and we never offer exactly the same cruise twice. Our itineraries mix unusual and rarely visited ports with renowned and popular destinations, andcombine stimulating and interesting routes with an impeccable, friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere. Sophisticated entertainment, an absorbinglecture programme and high-quality shore excursions have become our trademarks.

‘How do you manage to produce the magic from year to year – wonderful excursions with gloriousscenery and local interest, brilliant lecturers and entertainers and above all the fun and friendship inthe unique National Trust for Scotland family atmosphere?’The ship carries just 440 passengers, all of whom will be friends of the National Trust for Scotland, evoking a warm, club-like atmosphere on boardwith everyone sharing similar interests.

‘It has been a wonderful experience and will be remembered forever: cabin, food, company andattention from excellent staff, and of course the most beautiful scenery.’Our small, dedicated cruise team based in Edinburgh will oversee all aspects of your holiday from the initial enquiry through to departure, and willbe on board to look after you throughout the cruise, providing a personal service unrivalled in today’s holiday market.

Stromness St Kilda Dunvegan Castle, Isle of Skye Canna Staffa

4

An evocative journeythrough the splendour of the Hebrides

5

30 JUNE to 7 JULY 2012

ISLANDS of INSPIRATION

St Kilda

St Kilda

Greenock Leith

Staffa

Portree

Stromness

Canna

Killybegs

6

ARRIVE DEPART

Saturday 30 June Leith 17.30

Sunday 1 July Stromness, Orkney 09.30 18.00

Monday 2 July St Kilda 08.00 15.00

Tuesday 3 July Portree, Isle of Skye 08.00 23.00

Wednesday 4 July Canna 08.00 23.30

Thursday 5 July Staffa 11.00 15.00

Friday 6 July Killybegs, County Donegal 07.00 16.00

Saturday 7 July Greenock 08.00

= ship will be at anchor and landing will be via ship’s boats or zodiacs.

The islands off the coast of Scotland have provided inspirationto some of the country’s leading writers, poets, artists, composersand filmmakers. This cruise will take us to some of the placesthat have influenced their work to see for ourselves the geology,scenery and wildlife that was to act as their muse. Sir Walter Scott’s journey around the islands with theCommissioners of the Northern Lighthouse Service in 1814 led him to write his epic poem Lord of the Isles.

Canna St Kilda Portree Primula Scotica

Blackhouses, St Kilda

Soay sheep, St Kilda

Village Bay, St Kilda

7

Stromness Harbour, Orkney

Stromness, Orkney

OUR FIRST PORT OF CALL will be to Stromness, sheltered on an inlet of Scapa Flow in the Orkney Islands. Stromness was a smallvillage of only 13 houses until 1670, when the Hudson’s Bay Company began to use the port as a beginning and end for their voyagesto Canada. They would recruit many of their crew from the area, and by 1794 the number of houses had increased to over 200. Thesmall town comprises one main street with narrow lanes and closes leading off it. The town’s museum tells of its maritime historyincluding the Hudson’s Bay Company prominence, its close connections with whaling, the herring boom of the late nineteenth centuryand the vital role it performed in the two World Wars. The town’s Pier Arts Centre houses a collection of art donated to Orkney byauthor, peace activist and philanthropist Margaret Gardiner as well as a programme of exhibitions, including many in partnership withthe National Galleries of Scotland. Peter Maxwell Davies’ Farewell to Stromness was written as an environmental protest against aproposed uranium mine less than two miles from the town.

This dual World Heritage site belongs to the Trust and is home to the largest colony of seabirds in northern Europe. We hope to be ableto 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 lastislanders left the island at their own request in 1930 and the story of the lives they led and their evacuation inspired Michael Powell towrite and direct the film Edge of the World. Many Scottish musicians have been inspired by the islands, including fiddler Paul Anderson,who during a Trust cruise composed the slow air Farewell to St Kilda. Anne Lorne Gillies’ album of traditional songs of St Kilda, An LongHirteach (The St Kilda Mailboat) was launched on our cruise at St Kilda in 2004. We will end our visit to St Kilda with acircumnavigation of the archipelago to see the islands of Dun, Soay and Boreray.

Our next stop will be at the most westerly part of the British Isles, the St Kilda archipelago.

8

Talisker Distillery, Isle of Skye

Canna

Puffins

Canna

An overnight sail brings us to the romantic Isle of Skye or Eilean a’Cheò (the misty isle) steeped in the history of the feuding MacDonald andMacLeod clans. The island contains intriguing geology such as the Cuillins and Trotternish Peninsula and fascinating wildlife, such as the ottersthat inspired Gavin Maxwell to write Ring of Bright Water. We will anchor off the colourful fishing port of Portree, famed for its Thomas Telfordpier and as the site of the inn where Bonnie Prince Charlie and Flora MacDonald said farewell after fleeing over the sea to Skye from Uist.From here excursions will take us throughout the island: we will visit Dunvegan Castle and its glorious gardens, wonder at the curiouspinnacles of the Quiraing and sample the spicy, smoky Talisker whisky. The Isle of Skye is well known the world over and has providedinspiration to many writers, including Sir Walter Scott, Virginia Woolf and John Buchan as well as to artist JMW Turner.

The next day brings us to the most westerly of the Small Isles and another gemin the National Trust for Scotland’s portfolio: the isle of Canna.

The island was transferred into the Trust’s care in 1981 by eminent Gaelic scholar John Lorne Campbell. He and his wife, Margaret FayShaw, built up a substantial collection of Gaelic literature, photographs and folk songs, which was also gifted to the Trust and remains inCanna House. The island’s dramatic coastline is a Special Protection Area, home to large colonies of seabirds, including shags, puffins,razorbills and black guillemots. We will remain anchored off the island until late into the evening to allow us to enjoy a ceilidh on deckas the sun sets over Canna.

9

The next morning begins as we pass the Treshnish Isles, an uninhabited six-mile chain of skerries, reefs and rocks. We will cruise around this Site ofSpecial Scientific Interest and Special Protection Area to watch the large colonies of breeding seabirds that make their home here. Nearby, around sixmiles west of Mull, lies the island of Staffa, characterised by its stepped basalt columns. On arrival at Staffa, Saga Pearl II will cruise around the island’scoastline as our lecturers deliver an informative deck commentary about its geology, nature and history. The island was gifted to the National Trust forScotland in 1986 by John Elliot Jr as a sixtieth birthday present for his wife Elly, who is ‘Steward of Staffa’. After our circumnavigation we hope to anchorand be taken ashore by local boats to see the puffins, rich flora and Fingal’s Cave. The island came to prominence in the late eighteenth century after avisit by naturalist Sir Joseph Banks. He was followed by many other prominent figures including Sir Walter Scott and Queen Victoria.

The visit of Felix Mendelssohn inspired him to write the Hebrides Overture, popularlyknown as Fingal’s Cave.

After leaving Staffa we will sail through the Gulf of Corryvreckan, the world’s third largest whirlpool, where the author George Orwell was brieflyshipwrecked, and where Powell and Pressburger’s 1944 film I Know Where I'm Going! was partly filmed.

Our final day will take us to Ireland, where we will call at the prosperous fishing port of Killybegs in the county of Donegal. A trip alongthe coast to Glencolmcille (the glen of St Columba’s church) on the western tip of Donegal takes us to the spot from where St Columbaset out to Iona and affords spectacular coastal views. Playwright Brian Friel has lived much of his life in Donegal and has used it as thesetting for several of his plays. Nearby County Sligo was William Butler Yeats’ ‘land of heart’s desire’ and its beauty and folklore filled hisearly poetry. An excursion will be on offer to learn about the poet and the land that inspired him.

Fingal‘s Cave, Staffa

KillybegsStaffa

10

ISLANDS of INSPIRATION30 JUNE TO 7 JULY 2012

LECTURERS AND ARTISTES

LECTURERSMark Butterworth is an active member of the MagicLantern Society and a leading expert on the photographiclantern slides of Scotland produced during the nineteenthcentury. He gives regular presentations with an originalVictorian magic lantern projector and slides, speaking tosocieties, conferences and specialist groups. Activelyengaged in ongoing research into the slides andphotographs produced by the George Washington WilsonCompany of Aberdeen, his collection of their slides isone of the largest in private hands. A Fellow of the RoyalAstronomical Society, he also lectures regularly in the UKand abroad on current and historical topics in astronomy.

Kenneth Steven and his family live on the edge ofDunkeld, in the heart of Highland Perthshire. He is awriter and broadcaster. Although first and foremost apoet, he is also a widely published children’s author,writer of prose, and a translator of Norwegian works.Seven of his poetry collections have been published todate, and the best known of these is Iona, a volumewhich has been reprinted many times since it firstappeared in 2000. Much of Kenneth’s writing isconcerned with Celtic Christianity and the spirit ofwestern Scotland, as well as the intrinsic links betweenpeople and places. His 2005 programme A Requiem forSt Kilda, broadcast by BBC Radio 4, won gold in thefollowing year’s Sony Awards.

Derek Alexander studied prehistoric archaeology at theUniversity of Edinburgh, specialising in the laterprehistory of temperate Europe. On graduation heworked for the University’s newly established Centre forField Archaeology, undertaking archaeological researchand excavation. He joined the National Trust for Scotlandin 2000 as the West Region Archaeologist withresponsibility for providing advice on the archaeologicalaspects of all properties in the region, for conductingsmall-scale research projects and for commissioning andmanaging larger projects. Derek is currently Interim Head

of Archaeological Services for the Trust and is responsiblefor the archaeology on many of our island properties. Inparticular, he has worked for a number of years on Canna.

Professor Roger Crofts is passionate about the naturalenvironment and hopes to increase people’s understandingof it through advising, writing and lecturing. Roger was thefounding Chief Executive of Scottish Natural Heritage from1992 to 2002. He has been a National Trust for ScotlandCouncil and Board member as well as Convenor of itsConservation Committee. He is actively involved involuntary environmental activity in Britain and Iceland, andis a board member of the Crichton Carbon Centre,chairman of the Sibthorp Trust, Project Director of DalryBird Town and chairman of the Galloway and SouthernAyrshire Biosphere Reserve. Roger and his wife Lindsaywill be our Cruise Leaders. Lindsay is a former civilservant. She was a member of the National Trust for ScotlandCouncil and is Secretary of the Duddingston VillageConservation Society.

ARTISTESA Trust cruise would not be complete without our specialmix of top quality entertainment. The team are speciallyselected for their professional versatility, which adds aunique flavour to our cruising experience.

The team take part in a wonderful range of eveningperformances: from solo concerts to scenic outdoor ceilidhnights on deck, and from classical recitals to traditionalScottish and Gaelic singing. As ever, we have some ofScotland’s top names in entertainment and award-winningmusicians, for our aim is to provide a top quality mix tosuit all tastes on board.

George Donald from the legendary ‘Scotland the What?’comedy trio will be back to entertain us with his brilliantblend of Scottish language and humour. Anne Lorne Gilliesis a firm cruise favourite on our tours of Scotland; a leadingtraditional and Gaelic singer, broadcaster and author, Anne

will enchant us with her unique style throughout theweek. International baritone Richard Morrison, whosecareer goes from strength to strength at home andabroad, is back by popular demand with his amazingmix of classical, light and Scottish songs.

The Rhona MacKay Trio features Rhona MacKay onharp and clarsach, Eddie McGuire on flute and SoniaCromarty on cello – together they create a beautifulblend of music to enhance any concert or ceilidh. Topyoung Scottish musicians – Raemond Jappy, formerGlenfiddich fiddle champion, and Craig Paton, thecurrent All Scotland accordion champion – will providethe finest traditional Scottish music to accompany ourconcerts and ceilidhs.

Piper Jim Butler will be on duty all week, welcoming usto all our ports while of course joining the entertainersin various evening shows. Cruise entertainment manager Robert Lovie will be hosting the entireentertainment programme, as well as sharing with us his popular repertoire.

a place for cruises

11

ISLANDS of INSPIRATION30 JUNE TO 7 JULY 2012

INFORMATION

PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS

Passports, valid for at least six months after return, are required by all passengers. Visas are not

required for most nationalities, but non-EU passport holders should check any requirements.

See pages 24 to 28 for deck plans and descriptions of cabins.

* All prices are £ per person and inclusive of gratuities.

Book before 1 November 2011 to receive a 5% discount.

DEPOSIT

A deposit of £150 per person is required to confirm your booking.

BALANCE OF FARE

This should be paid by 20 April 2012.

1D/T

2D/T

3D/T

4T

4S

5D/T

5S

6T

6S

7D

7S

8T

8S

9T

9S

10T

11D

11T

11S

12D

12T

12S

12D Aft

12T Aft

12S Aft

13D

13T

13S

14D

14T

14S

14D Aft

14T Aft

14S Aft

3,500

3,250

3,000

2,750

3,000

2,400

2,800

2,350

2,700

2,350

2,700

2,300

2,650

2,300

2,650

2,250

2,050

2,050

2,400

2,000

2,000

2,350

1,800

1,800

2,150

1,630

1,630

1,900

1,580

1,580

1,850

1,380

1,380

1,600

PRICES (£)*CABIN

12

Faroe Islands Lofoten Islands Svalbard Sami Near Ålesund

Discover the wildernessand nature of Svalbard

13

AN ARCTIC ADVENTURE7 to 21 JULY 2012

Svalbard

Leknes

Ny Ålesund

Bear Island

Torshavn

Leith

Alta

MagdalenaFjord

Greenock

Longyearbyen

Ålesund

St Kilda

14

Ny Ålesund

ARRIVE DEPART

Saturday 7 July Greenock 16.00

Sunday 8 July St Kilda 09.00 14.00

Monday 9 July Torshavn 09.00 15.00

Tuesday 10 July At Sea

Wednesday 11 July Leknes, Lofoten Islands 08.00 13.00

Thursday 12 July At Sea

Friday 13 July Longyearbyen 08.00 23.00

Saturday 14 July Ny Ålesund 08.30 14.00

Sunday 15 July Magdalena Fjord 08.00 13.00

Monday 16 July Cruise Bear Island 11.00

Tuesday 17 July Alta 08.00 16.00

Wednesday 18 July At Sea

Thursday 19 July Ålesund 13.00 20.00

Friday 20 July At Sea

Saturday 21 July Leith 08.00

= ship will be at anchor and landing will be via ship’s boats.

Svalbard is one of the world’s largest areas of wilderness and untouched nature. The archipelagohas a landmass of over 23,500 square miles and comprises five main islands. Spitsbergen means‘pointed peaks’ and while exploring the island’s west coast, we will discover how apt a name thisis. Around two-thirds of Svalbard is covered with glaciers and during our evening sails betweenports the midnight sun will reveal the magic of this remote land.

The archipelago was officially discovered by Willem Barents in 1596, although there is the suggestion of Vikings orRussian Pomors (sea people) having been here earlier. Svalbard was home to large colonies of whale, walrus and seal,and hunting and whaling were carried on here until the end of the seventeenth century. In the meantime land-basedhunters began trapping arctic fox, polar bear and reindeer as well as collecting eider down. In the eighteenth centurypolar exploration and research became popular and Spitsbergen became the starting point for attempts to reach theNorth Pole, both by sea and air.

Despite its northerly location, Svalbard has a varied tundra flora including saxifrage, moss campion, cassiope and purplerockcress. Around 130 species of bird are to be found throughout the archipelago and 2003 saw the introduction ofnational parks and nature reserves to protect their habitat.

OUR FIRST CALL WILL BE to the remote archipelago of St Kilda, which has been in the care of the National Trust for Scotland forover fifty years. The islands of St Kilda hold over half a million breeding seabirds, including the world’s largest northern gannetcolony of over 60,000 pairs. As a designated Dual World Heritage Site, St Kilda is now recognised as significant on a global scaleboth for its natural and cultural heritage. Anchoring off Village Bay on the island of Hirta, if sea and weather conditions allow wewill try to come ashore and have time to wander around the village. The village was deserted in 1930 when the last of the St Kildanswere evacuated from the island at their request. We will then circumnavigate the archipelago accompanied by commentaries fromour lecturers about the islands’ spectacular geology, dramatic scenery, bountiful birdlife and intriguing history.

15

Kirkjubøur

The next day brings us to the Faroe Islands, a collection of volcanic islandswith magnificent fjords, mountains, birdlife and remote villages.We will berth at Torshavn, the islands’ attractive capital, whose old town consists of traditional Faroese black-tarred houses withgreen turf roofs. Excursions will take us to explore the natural beauty and remarkable landscapes of the islands and will includevisits to the remote hamlet of Saksun and its folk museum, and the old bishop’s manor in the historic village of Kirkjubøur.

St Kilda

Saksun

16

Lofoten Islands

Longyearbyen

Lofoten Islands

Characterised by mountainous peaks, sheltered inlets and stretches of white sandy beaches, the islands have a very high density of seabirds,including sea eagles, puffins and cormorants. Lofoten is situated where the Gulf Stream and the Arctic Ocean meet, and the surrounding watersare abundant in marine life, offering rich fishing grounds. We will call at Leknes in Vestvågoy from where excursions will take us across theislands to discover their maritime history, nature, museums and galleries.

Following a day of cruising we will arrive at Svalbard, four hundred miles north of the Norwegian mainland. We will visit the island ofSpitsbergen, the largest in the Svalbard archipelago. We will berth at Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s capital and oldest existing settlement. The townwas founded around the turn of the twentieth century by John Munro Longyear and was a traditional mining settlement with a predominantlymale population and limited transport and communication links with mainland Norway until the 1960s. Today we find a modernNorwegian town with excellent amenities, a growing population and a first-class education system up to university level. While

mining remains the major employer in town, tourism and scientific research almost equal this. A fine museum tells of thehistory of Svalbard, from its discovery, through whaling days, expeditions, the war and its mining history. There is also anart gallery, museum and a selection of shops and cafés in town, while excursions will take us to explore thescenery and geology of the surrounding area. We will stay here late into the evening, allowing us toinvite a local speaker on board to tell us about life in Svalbard as well as some local musicians toshare their music with us.

A day at sea will take us across the Arctic Circle and to Norway where we will call at the majestic Lofoten Islands.

17Ny Ålesund

Ny Ålesund was founded in 1916 by the Kings Bay Kull Company A/S as a coal mine. The seams lay near the coast, well below sea level andbeneath the permafrost. This resulted in a number of explosions and deaths of miners, and in 1963 the mine was officially closed. Today thesettlement is an international research base, focusing on atmospheric and climatic research and geophysics. As the most northerly permanentsettlement in the world, Ny Ålesund has been the starting point of many polar expeditions, pioneering flights and the race for the North Pole.We will spend the morning here, discovering the old buildings, restored locomotive, exploration museum and world’s most northerly post office.

On departure from Ny Ålesund we will sail northwards to the edge of the ice floe, to experience itstranquillity and look out for arctic wildlife. We hope to spend the evening up here and have a ceilidhout on deck in the midnight sun, dancing to the music of our Scottish artistes. Restored Locomotive

Arctic fox

Polar bear

18 Magdalena Fjord

Magdalena Fjord

Bear Island

The next day we will sail into the Magdalena Fjord with its steep alpinemountains and glacier reaching out into the sea.Edging our way close to the glacier, we will stop among the small icebergs, where seals can sometimes be spotted basking in the sun. In thequiet of the bay we can hear the ice cracking and tumbling as it breaks off the glacier. On the southern side of the fjord is the GravnesetPeninsula, with its beautiful beach. Here whalers’ graves are scattered over the hillside, in a graveyard crowned with a memorial to themen. There are also the remains of old blubber ovens from the seventeenth century when this was a whaling base. On arrival the Captainwill look at the possibility of attempting a beach landing by Zodiac to allow us to experience the isolation and wilderness of this spot. Arcticterns, skuas, barnacle geese and eider ducks are found along the shore, while little auks breed in the steep mountain slopes.

Heading south, the following day we will sail past the remote Bear Island, Svalbard’s southernmost island. Erosion by the sea has formed adramatic coastline characterised by steep cliffs, tunnelling caves and weathered sea stacs. The island is often mysteriously shrouded in fog andlow-lying cloud, being positioned where the warm Gulf Stream air meets the colder eastern winds. Its sheer rock faces are home to the largestcolonies of seabirds in the Atlantic, including Brünnich’s guillemot, kittiwake and fulmar. The island was designated as a nature reserve in 2003.

19

Ålesund

Returning to the Norwegian mainland, we head for the county of Finnmark and sail along the Alta Fjord. At the head nestles the town of Altawhere we shall spend the day. Nearby is the UNESCO-listed Rock Art of Alta – a collection of thousands of petroglyphs dating from 4200 to 500BC. The area offers a wide variety of places of interest, including the lush Alta Canyon with a renowned salmon river, a champion husky kennel,100-year-old slate mining industry and an active Sami community. During World War II the Alta Fjord was the biggest marine base of the Germans,with the battleship Tirpitz stationed here for almost two years.

A day spent cruising along the west coast of Norway will bring us south to thebeautiful town of Ålesund, capital of Norway’s fishing industry. Alta rock carvings

Huskies

Ålesund

Art Nouveau architecture, Ålesund

The town is located on an island in the Sunnmøre archipelago at the head of a labyrinth of fjords. Ålesund is famous for its Art Nouveauarchitecture. The grand stone buildings with their elaborate facades and ornate turrets and spires were built following a devastating fire in1904. Nearby is the well-known bird island of Runde, where each spring half a million birds come to nest. The island is the best location inthe whole of Norway for seeing the biggest variety of birds, with more than 230 species having been spotted here.

20

AN ARCTIC ADVENTURE7 TO 21 JULY 2012

LECTURERS AND ARTISTES

LECTURERSProfessor Geoffrey Boulton OBE, FRS, FRSE is Regius Professor ofGeology (Emeritus) of the University of Edinburgh. He hasresearched in the fields of glaciology, global climate changeand energy. He has worked in most parts of the polar regions,including Svalbard; most of the world’s high mountain zones;and currently has a major project in Antarctica. He has wonmany international awards for his scientific research, withhonorary degrees from several European universities. He is amember of the Prime Minister’s Council for Science andTechnology, is General Secretary of the Royal Society ofEdinburgh, chairs the Academic Advisory Council of theUniversity of Heidelberg and has been a member of the RoyalCommission on Environmental Pollution.

Professor Ted Cowan FRSE was born in Edinburgh and raised inDumfries in the southwest of Scotland. He is Professor Emeritusof Scottish History and Literature at the University of Glasgowand Director of the university’s campus at Dumfries. Hepreviously taught at the University of Edinburgh and theUniversity of Guelph, Ontario. He is the author of numerousarticles on various aspects of Scottish history and he haspublished ten books. He is in regular demand as a televisionand radio contributor and writes for national newspapers andother publications. He has been lecturing aboard expeditionships since the mid-1990s and has been travelling to the Arcticfor the past ten years. Ted is currently researching and writingabout the role of Scots in polar exploration. Other researchinterests include Scottish emigration worldwide and Scots inthe fur trade.

Paul Johnson has worked in countryside management in Scotlandfor over 35 years, 21 of them with the National Trust for Scotland.His main passion is bird-watching, particularly in northernEurope, and he has been our resident naturalist on nine cruises.He has cruised extensively in Arctic waters including Spitsbergen.Paul is very familiar with the varied and excellent wildlife weshall encounter during the cruise, and will be on hand to identifyand interpret the many species of flora and fauna.

Susan Bain graduated from the University of Glasgow with adegree in archaeology. She then spent several years as afreelance archaeologist working in a host of diverse locationsincluding California, Jordan, Egypt, Germany and Dumfries andGalloway before joining the National Trust for Scotland to workon Mar Lodge Estate in 1998. From there she moved to the postof archaeologist on St Kilda, before taking up her current role asmanager of the Western Isles properties, where she has overallresponsibility for the dual World Heritage Site of St Kilda aswell as Mingulay, Berneray and Pabbay and a ruinedblackhouse in Calanais, Lewis. Her interest in the vernacularbuildings of St Kilda led her to undertake a Churchill fellowshipin 2006, when she studied the use of turf as a roofing materialin the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Norway.

Professor Roger Crofts is passionate about the naturalenvironment and hopes to increase people’s understanding of itthrough advising, writing and lecturing. Roger was the foundingChief Executive of Scottish Natural Heritage from 1992 to 2002.He has been a National Trust for Scotland Council and Boardmember as well as Convenor of its Conservation Committee.He is actively involved in voluntary environmental activity inBritain and Iceland, and is a board member of the CrichtonCarbon Centre, chairman of the Sibthorp Trust, Project Directorof Dalry Bird Town and chairman of the Galloway andSouthern Ayrshire Biosphere Reserve. Roger and his wifeLindsay will be our Cruise Leaders. Lindsay is a former civilservant. She was a member of the National Trust for ScotlandCouncil and is Secretary of the Duddingston VillageConservation Society.

ARTISTESA Trust cruise would not be complete without our special mixof top quality entertainment. The team are specially selected fortheir professional versatility, which adds a unique flavour to ourcruising experience.

The team take part in a wonderful range of eveningperformances: from solo concerts to scenic outdoor ceilidh

nights on deck, and from classical recitals to traditionalScottish and Gaelic singing. As ever, we have some ofScotland’s top names in entertainment and award-winningmusicians, for our aim is to provide a top quality mix to suitall tastes on board.

The very popular George Donald from the legendaryScottish comedy trio ‘Scotland the What?’ will be providinghis own amazing mix of Scottish language and humour tothe cruise. Television personality and Scottish traditionalsinger Isla St Clair will also be entertaining in her ownunique style: Isla’s repertoire ranges from the fishing andfarming ballads learned through her early life in the north-east of Scotland to most of the well-known Scottishtraditional and contemporary ballads.

Leading Scottish mezzo-soprano Debra Stuart andinternational baritone Richard Morrison will be the twoprincipal classical singers. Both Debra and Richard’s operaand concert careers have seen both of them in greatdemand both home and abroad. Their magnificent voicesmake them real all-round performers for our varied mix ofonboard entertainment. Shona Donaldson, a traditionalsinger and recent graduate from RSAMD, will make anothersuperb addition to our concerts and ceilidhs.

The Rhona MacKay Trio features Rhona MacKay on harpand clarsach, Eddie McGuire on flute and Sonia Cromartyon cello – together they create a beautiful blend of music toenhance any concert or ceilidh. Internationally acclaimedScottish fiddler and composer Paul Anderson will beshowing off his awe-inspiring fiddle skills, and the currentAll Scotland accordion champion – 18-year-old Craig Paton– will provide an abundance of the very finest Scottishtraditional music for entertainment and dancing.

Our very own cruise piper Jim Butler will be on duty atevery port en route to bid our Scottish welcome and he willalso join the entertainers in various evening events. Well-known cruise entertainment manager Robert Lovie will hostthe entire entertainment programme, as well asdemonstrating his own considerable musical talents.

a place for cruises

AN ARCTIC ADVENTURE7 TO 21 JULY 2012

INFORMATION

21

PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS

Passports, valid for at least six months after return, are required by all passengers. Visas are not

required for most nationalities, but non-EU passport holders should check any requirements.

See pages 24 to 28 for deck plans and descriptions of cabins.

* All prices are £200 per person and inclusive of gratuities.

Book before 1 November 2011 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 27 April 2012.

1D/T

2D/T

3D/T

4T

4S

5D/T

5S

6T

6S

7D

7S

8T

8S

9T

9S

10T

11D

11T

11S

12D

12T

12S

12D Aft

12T Aft

12S Aft

13D

13T

13S

14D

14T

14S

14D Aft

14T Aft

14S Aft

PRICES (£)*CABIN

6,600

6,100

5,600

5,100

5,500

4,500

5,100

4,400

4,900

4,400

4,900

4,300

4,850

4,300

4,850

4,250

3,850

3,850

4,350

3,800

3,800

4,250

3,400

3,400

3,850

2,950

2,950

3,510

2,900

2,900

3,460

2,500

2,500

3,000

22

‘The captain and the crew are excellent and the standard of catering and service are first class’

Quest for AdventureINFORMATION ABOUT THE SHIP

23

Quest for AdventureQuest for Adventure is the sister ship to the much-loved Spirit ofAdventure which we have chartered for the past four years. CaptainAlistair McLundie will remain our captain and you will see a numberof familiar faces amongst the officers and crew. The standards ofservice, food, facilities and furnishings are more than matched andbalcony cabins, a cinema and more spacious public areas arewelcome additions. The faster cruising speed of the ship allows us toinclude the far-away destination of Svalbard in our itinerary again.

LibraryThe library on Quest for Adventure is stocked with over 3,400 books,along with a good selection of DVDs, jigsaws, puzzles andnewspapers. There are books on wildlife, botany and our cruisedestinations to help you make the most out of your holiday, andinternet access is available to allow you to keep in touch with thoseat home. Inviting sofas along with a quiet restful atmosphere ensurethat this is always a popular place to relax onboard.

LoungesThe spacious, elegant Discovery Lounge on the Promenade Deck isthe venue for most of our lectures and concerts. The lounge isequipped with comfortable chairs and table service to make sure youhave the perfect seat for every performance, and is also usually thesetting for the ship’s sumptuous afternoon teas.

Along the hallway, Shackleton’s Bar provides a light and airy venuefor more intimate gatherings, while the cosy Sundowners Bar onBridge Deck opens out on to a wide aft sundeck, letting you soak upthe atmosphere in the open air.

DiningMeals on board are served in a single sitting with no fixed seatingplans, allowing you to dine with new friends every night at a time tosuit you. The relaxed, stylish Verandah Restaurant on the Boat Deckoffers buffet-style dining at breakfast and lunch with waiter service inthe evening, and there are plenty of outdoor tables for al frescodining if the weather permits. Downstairs on the Promenade Deckthe Dining Room offers a more traditional dining style with chicclassic decor and friendly waiter service.

The ship’s excellent chefs prepare delicious high-quality cuisine,often using local ingredients.

In addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner are lavish afternoon teas,complimentary round-the-clock room service, late-night gourmetbites and 24-hour self-service tea and coffee; all are included inyour fare.

Special dietary requirements are well catered for, so please adviseus of your needs at the time of booking.

Other facilitiesThe ship’s leisure facilities include an outdoor and an indoorswimming pool. Also available are a sauna and fitness equipment,as well as a range of spa treatments. The ship carries a few bicycles,which will be available for passengers’ use at many ports, and anoutdoor short-tennis court can be found on the Sun Deck. There isan on-board cinema, hairdresser, gift shop and self-service laundry.

CabinsThe friendly environment of our cruises makes them very popularwith single travellers. Around a quarter of the cabins on Quest forAdventure are single cabins. Alternatively, we would be pleased tofind a like-minded travelling companion with whom you couldshare a twin cabin.

There are a variety of inside and outside cabins to choose from,some of which are equipped with balconies and bathtubs.Cabins are graded depending on their size and location on theship, and on the facilities they offer, with the suites benefitingfrom a butler service.

All cabins are air-conditioned and have ensuite bath/shower roomwith wash basin and WC. They are all equipped with television,DVD player, refrigerator, telephone, binoculars, hairdryer, bathrobeand complimentary luxury toiletries. All cabins offer theconvenience and comfort of fixed beds. Outside cabins have doublewindows, letting the light flood in and allowing you to enjoy thepassing scenery while you are in your cabin. Inside cabins arebright and well lit, offering comfort and value for money.

24

1D/T – Grand Suite with balconyThe Grand Suites on Quest for Adventure arethe ultimate in spacious luxury, stretching outinto an open-plan loft-style space with privatebalcony, lounge and dining area. They areimmaculately styled with chic furnishings, spa-style walk-in wet-rooms and standard-sizebathtubs. The beds can be separated as twins oroffered as a king size double, and the suite’sangled windows mean that spectacular viewsare visible even when relaxing in bed. GrandSuites benefit from complimentary mini-barsand full butler service.

2D/T – Owner’s Suite with balconyThe Owner’s Suite, as its name suggests, isdesigned as a home away from home, with allthe comfort and space of an elegant studioapartment. There is an open-plan lounge andbedroom area (twin or king-size double) whichleads out on to a patio with table and chairs forrelaxing outdoors. A walk-in shower andseparate bathtub completes the suite, whichalso benefits from a complimentary mini-barand full butler service.

CABIN GRADES

5S – Deluxe Single with balconyAmply spacious with a dressing table and writingdesk, these deluxe single cabins open out on to aprivate balcony for alfresco reading and relaxing. A king-size bed is the centrepiece, while thebathrooms are equipped with standard bathtubs andoverhead showers. A complimentary mini-bar andbutler service are also included.

4S – Single Junior Suite with balconyOur Single Junior Suite consists of a king-sizedouble bed, a coffee table area with loungechairs, and a patio balcony accessed by a full-length glass door, allowing sunlight to fill theroom. There is also a writing desk, and thebathroom is equipped with a standard bath withoverhead shower. Our Single Junior Suite benefitsfrom a complimentary mini-bar and butler service.

5D/T – Deluxe Twin with balconyThese smart and chic deluxe cabins have king-sizedouble or twin beds, sizeable dressing tables andwriting desks for keeping up with your correspondencewhile at sea. Their private balconies are irresistiblyinviting for catching the sunrise or enjoying the sunset,and the bathrooms offer standard-size bathtubs withoverhead showers. A complimentary mini-bar andbutler service are also included.

3D/T – Suite with balconyQuest for Adventures Suites are spacious andlavish, with custom-built sofas and lounge chairs,private balconies and king-size beds, which canalso be separated into twins. There is a small tablefor private dining, and the bathrooms boastseparate walk-in showers and standard-sizebathtubs. Butler service and a complimentary mini-bar are offered with the Suites.

4T – Twin Junior Suite with balconyThese twin cabins offer compact extravagance, withsofas and coffee tables for lounging and a patio withtable and chairs for enjoying peaceful moments in thefresh air on deck. Junior suites feature stylishbathrooms with huge shower-heads suspended over astandard-size bath. Butler service and a complimentarymini-bar are included with this cabin.

6T – Deluxe Twin with lounge areaOur deluxe twin cabins with lounge area have atwo-room feel to them, with twin beds tucked awayin a separate alcove leaving plenty of space forstretching out on the sofa or at the writing desk.They benefit from a double set of windows andbathrooms with a shower over the bathtub.

6S – Deluxe Single with lounge areaThese large cabins are divided into a bedroomniche and a lounge area, with coffee table, sofa andwriting desk. A double set of windows lets the lightflood in, while the bathrooms have standardbathtubs with overhead showers.

25

CABIN GRADES9S – Superior Single with lounge areaDivided into a double bed recess andlounge area, these superior single cabins onA deck offer both style and space. They areequipped with both a coffee table and awriting desk. The bathrooms have bathtubswith overhead showers.

7D – Superior double with balconyThese are light and airy cabins with a spaciousdouble bedroom and private balcony, accessedvia a glass patio door. The bathrooms haveseparate walk-in showers and standard-sizebaths.

7S – Deluxe Single with balconyDeluxe single cabins offer a double bedroom,dressing table and private balcony, and aregiven a distinct nautical feel by their slopedwindows. Their bathrooms are large andluxurious, with separate walk-in showers andstandard bathtubs.

8T – Superior twin with French balconyQuest for Adventure’s Superior twin cabins arebright and spacious bedrooms, with a patiodoor leading on to a French balcony whichconnects to the outside deck. The bathroomshave bathtubs with overhead showers.

8S – Superior single with French balconySuperior single cabins offer one spaciousdouble bedroom with a glass door opening onto a patio that leads to the outside deck. Thebathrooms have bathtubs with overheadshowers.

9T and 10T – Superior twin with lounge areaThese Superior cabins are divided into abedroom alcove and lounge area with dressingtable/writing desk. The bathrooms havebathtubs with overhead showers. 9T cabins arelocated on the Boat Deck while 10T cabins areon A Deck.

Passengers in Aft cabins on B Deck may attimes notice the noise from the ship’sengines, and we have reflected this in thelower cost of Aft cabins.

13, 14 and 14 Aft – Standard inside cabinsThe standard inside twin, double and singlecabins are situated on the A and B Decks. Theyoffer an economical option in cruising. They arebright and well lit with exactly the same fixturesand fittings as the standard outside cabins.

11, 12 and 12 Aft – Standard outside cabinsThere is a choice of twin, double and singlestandard outside cabins on A and B Decks.They are all elegantly finished with woodpanelling and rich cotton bed linen, and havedouble windows.

Disabled Access Cabins – Cabins 232 and 233 ingrade 10T are fully equipped for disabled access, withwide doorways, ramp access over the threshold, spacebetween two low twin beds, and a bathroom equippedfor disabled users with handrails and emergency cord.We ask that wheelchair users have their own assistancewhen embarking and disembarking the ship and regretthat it may not be possible to take them aboard tenders.

26

PORT OF REGISTRY Nassau, Bahamas

TONNAGE 18,621

DRAUGHT 20 feet (6.1m)

LENGTH 539 feet (164.35m)

BREADTH 74 feet (22.6m)

AIR-CONDITIONED AND STABILISED Yes

MAIDEN VOYAGE 1981

LAST REFURBISHMENT 2010

PASSENGER CAPACITY 446

OFFICERS AND CREW 252 (European officers and Filipino crew)

PASSENGER DECKS 7

PASSENGER LIFTS 3

Quest for Adventure

BRIDGE DECK

SUN DECK

Grade

2D/T Owner’s Suite

4T Twin Junior Suite

4S Single Junior Suite

7S Deluxe Single

7D Superior Double

8T Superior Twin

8S Superior Single

Sun deckBridge DeckBoat DeckPromenade DeckA DeckB DeckC Deck

S DECKTSPORR

TOURRTENNIS CTWITH SHOR RT

S DECKTSPORR

WC

WC

6 4 2

LIFT

1

SUITE ONEOWNER’S

L

LIFT

16 14 12 10 8

3579

SUN DS

18

S22

LIFTBAR WODN

US

SUN DECK

1117R

BARRE

NW

ARE

SUN DSUN DSUN DD BARD BARD BARD BAR

AREAREAREARE

AND AND AND AND AND

S

S

S

D BARSUN DS

EAEAEAEAEA

RBECUE

RBECUE

RBECUE

RBECUE DECK DECK DECK

RBECUE

DECK

27

BOAT DECKGrade

1D/T Grand Suite

3D/T Suite

5D/T Deluxe Twin

5S Deluxe Single

6S Deluxe Single

6T Deluxe Twin

9T Superior Twin

PROMENADE DECK

A DECK

98

100

99

101

110 102

108

106

104

LIFT

103

107

105

109111

LIFT

116

114

112WC

117

115

113

WC

VAND

LIFT

ERVE

HAHAND

POO

L

ANANANANANANVERVERVERVERVERVER

POO

LAHAHAHAHAHAH

WCWC

DDDDDD

OUNGELYOVERRYDISC

S SHOP WC

LIFT

L

SHOP WC

LIFT

S SHOPNTYARLIBR

ONSTCKLESHA

YARLIBR

OOMARD

SHOP

LIBROOMRTCHARR

LIFT

MOOR

NINI

D

OOMRARDC

OOMRARDWWARD

LIFT

M GN

212

210

208

206

204

202 200

309308

307306

304305

303

300

302

301

213

211

209

207

205

203

201

309

307

305

226

224

222

220

218

216

214

318319

316317

314315

313312

310311

228WC

LIFT

LIFT

229

227

225

223

221

219

217

215

319

317

315

313

311

WC

LIFT

238

236

234

232

230S OFFICENT

RECEPTION

WC

233

235

237

239

231 WC

RECEPTION

254

252

250

248

246

244

242

240

320321

322323

325324

326327

328329

LIFT

241

243

245

247

249

251

253

255

321

323

325

327

329

270

268

266

262

260

258

256

264

331330

332333

334335

336337

338339

257

259

261

263

265

267

269

271

331

333

335

337

339

Grade

9S Superior Single

10T Superior Twin

11S Standard Outside Single

11T Standard Outside Twin

11D Standard Outside Double

13S Standard Inside Single

13T Standard Inside Twin

13D Standard Inside Double

28

B DECK

C DECK

1 34

2

7

65

1 The Verandah2 The Discovery Lounge3 Shackleton’s Bar4 The Sundowner Bar5 The Dining Room6 The Spa7 The Library

410

408

406 404 402 400

502503

504505

506507

500501 ETTEREDNUAL

ETTEREDNUAL

407

409

411

401403405

503

505

507

430

428

426

424

422

420

418

416

414

412509

508

510511

513512

514515

516517LIFT

LIFT

431

413

415

417

419

421

423

425

427

429

509

511

513

515

517

450

448

446

444

442

440

438

436

434

432

NOLASYTUAEBDNARIAHACINEM

433

435

437

439

441

443

445

447

449

451

NOLAS

470

468

466

464

462

460

458

456

454

452

526527

524525

522523

520521

519518

LIFT

453

455

457

459

461

463

465

467

469

471527

525

523

521

519

472528

529

473529

LIFT

LIFT

MGY

POOL

SMOORTNEMTAATERTANUA

S

CENTREALMEDIC

Grade

12S Standard Outside Single

12S aft Standard Outside Single

12T Standard Outside Twin

12T aft Standard Outside Twin

12D Standard Outside Double

12D aft Standard Outside Double

14S Standard Inside Single

14S aft Standard Inside Single

14T Standard Inside Twin

14T aft Standard Inside Twin

14D Standard Inside Double

14D aft Standard Inside Double

The National Trust for Scotland Enterprises Ltd, Hermiston Quay, 5 Cultins Road, Edinburgh EH11 4DF Tel: 0844 493 2457 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.ukand www.culturalcruising.com

PHOTOGRAPHIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

‘The National Trust for Scotland team has been unfailingly helpful and reassuring from the moment we booked!’

3546 S 15m 4/11

Front Cover: Spitsbergen – Jens Henrik Nybo/Innovation NorwayPages 2 & 3: Near Ålesund – www.runemolnes.com/Innovation Norway; Deck Commentary – Michael Scott; Piper – Roger Crofts

Pages 4 & 5: Stromness – VisitScotland/Scottish Viewpoint; St Kilda – John Sinclair/The National Trust for Scotland; Dunvegan Castle – MacLeod Estates; Canna – The National Trust for Scotland; Staffa – John SikorskiPages 5 & 6: St Kilda & Gannet – John Sikorski; Canna – The National Trust for Scotland; Portree – VisitScotland/Scottish Viewpoint; Primula Scotica – Elaine Bruges

Pages 7& 8: Village Bay, St Kilda – John Sinclair/The National Trust for Scotland; Stromness – VisitScotland/Scottish Viewpoint; Soay Sheep, Canna & Puffins – The National Trust for Scotland; Talisker Distillery – VisitScotland/Scottish ViewpointPage 9: Staffa – John Sikorski; Fingal’s Cave – The National Trust for Scotland; Killybegs – Fáilte Ireland

Pages 12 & 13: Faroe Islands – Faroe Islands Tourist Board; Lofoten Islands – Heidi Widerøe/Innovation Norway; Walrus – Svalbard Reiseliv vid Constance Andersen; Sami – Cruise Norway; Svalbard – Jens Henrik Nybo/Innovation NorwayPages 14 & 15: Ny Ålesund – Elaine Bruges; Kirkjubøur – Absalon Hansen/Faroe Islands Tourist Board; St Kilda – The National Trust for Scotland; Saksun – Absalon Hansen/Faroe Islands Tourist Board

Pages 16 & 17: Lofoten Islands – Johan Berge/Innovation Norway; Lofoten Islands – Frithjof/Innovation Norway; Longyearbyen – Per Harald Olsen/Svalbard Tourism; Ny Ålesund & Restored Locomotive – Elaine Bruges; Arctic Fox – Pierre Fijalkowski/Svalbard Tourism; Polar Bear – Jens Henrik Nybo/Innovation Norway

Pages 18 & 19: Magdalena Fjord & Bear Island – Elaine Bruges; Magdalena Fjord – Jens Henrik Nybo/Innovation Norway; Ålesund – Terje/Nordic Life AS/Fjord Norway/Destination Ålesund and Sunmore; Alta Rock Carving – Kurt Hamann/Innovation Norway; Huskies – Casper Tybjerg/Innovation Norway; Ålesund & Art Nouveau Architecture – Alfred Lüpke, Destination Ålesund and Sunmore

All Quest for Adventure images – Acromas Shipping Ltd

a place for cruises