Frequently Asked Questions

Your fare covers hand-picked shore excursions, interactive photography masterclasses, wildlife deck watches, and naturalist lectures hosted by Jon Dunn and Sarah Howard. Also included is a Free House Beverage Package featuring complimentary Champagne, wine, and beer served during lunch and dinner and at designated times across all bars and lounges, alongside unlimited Wi-Fi access throughout the ship and all onboard crew gratuities.

Jon Dunn is a renowned Shetland-based naturalist, wildlife tour guide, and author (Orchid Summer, The Glitter in the Green) with extensive expertise in marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

Sarah Cuttle is a leading horticultural photographer with a 25-year career, contributing regularly to Gardeners' World magazine and working closely with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

No advance bookings are necessary. Both Jon Dunn and Sarah Cuttle accompany every shore excursion, host dawn-to-dusk deck watches on sea days, and lead daily pre-dinner gatherings, ensuring continuous open access for advice, camera troubleshooting, or informal conversation.

Not at all. Sarah’s masterclasses and one-to-one mentoring cater to all skill levels and camera types, including DSLRs, mirrorless systems, compact cameras, and smartphones. Guidance focuses on core principles like light management, composition, and observational skills that apply to any device.

Excursions range from flat, accessible strolls through Stavanger Botanic Garden and Baroniet Rosendal to moderate walks like the 5.5km gravel Trimløypa circuit in Måløy and the upland trail to Kringsjå Mountain Farm in Haugesund. A comfortable walking pace is maintained throughout, but sturdy, water-resistant footwear is strongly recommended for outdoor paths.

Late summer weather along the fjords can shift rapidly from sunshine to cool sea breezes. Dress in breathable base layers topped with a warm mid-layer or fleece, and carry a compact, windproof, and waterproof jacket. Binoculars (8x or 10x) are recommended for sea watches, alongside a microfibre lens cloth and dry bag for waterfall photography.

Our wildlife deck watches take place on Deck 11 (Sun Deck) near the bow, providing an elevated 360-degree view for ocean scanning. Interactive photography workshops, naturalist lectures, and the final slideshow are held in the ship's dedicated lecture lounge. Evening pre-dinner drinks and the Day 4 Cocktail Party take place in an exclusive private lounge, while our hosted speciality dinner is held in one of the ship's intimate fine-dining venues.