On-board Chef

The relationship our chef has with the environment is fundamental to the quality of food he prepares. A fisherman for many years experiencing first-hand what nature provides, it is essential that relationships with the chef and producers is a thriving and trusty one. Knowing that our chef will only accept the purest and finest quality produce ensures our guests experience the very best natures larder has to offer.

Fine Food and Wine

Fine dining is a vital part of the perfect cruising experience. Your on board chef provides amazing meals from the very best of locally sourced produce at the peak of their quality. This not only enhances your dining but provides a much needed source of income for the local producers. The Royal Scottish Shipping Line takes special pride in the quality of our cuisine we are passionate about food and want to share this passion.

Meals are generally served in the saloon at the handmade dining table on the main deck, where awe-inspiring scenery is on view through the picture windows.

Whilst dinner is sometimes at anchor, breakfast and lunch are often taken en route to our next destination, as breath-taking landscapes roll by.

In addition, we can offer, subject to availability, private dining within your cabin or alfresco on the rear deck, perhaps to celebrate that special occasion.

After dinner, guests usually retire to our Whisky Bar on the Bridge Deck, for convivial conversation and entertainment.

Barbecues

Weather permitting, barbecues are sometimes held on deck and ashore.

As we are only occasionally alongside and often anchor offshore, landings are frequently made by our two ships tenders. Trips in the tenders usually only take a few minutes and a high level of safety is observed by our experienced able-bodied seamen, who are always ready to offer a friendly word of reassurance and a steadying hand. They also shuttle to and fro during time ashore, allowing you the freedom to explore as and when you choose.

Typically, the tender will land alongside a jetty or on a flat beach area where guests are assisted onto the beach by the crew. One of our tenders has a door landing platform to allow guests easy access to walk from the boat to land on one level.

If your charter includes a chase boat, then options increase considerably for venturing further afield

Enjoy the freedom of our daily shore trips, usually lasting up to 2 hours, where each passenger can choose to go ashore and explore, whilst some may wish to enjoy life and relax aboard the vessel. We carry a whole host of useful guides as well as weather products which you may well need such as sunscreen and umbrellas. We also have extensive information on board regarding the places you are visiting, as well as the crew being most knowledgeable. We will be happy to advise you regarding conditions.

Highly knowledgeable and experienced guides are available on certain cruises and they will accompany your visits ashore. Whether exploring remote islands and historic sites, or simply taking in the magnificent scenery on board, you will appreciate their knowledge and insight of the spectacular areas. The guides evening talk is a convivial get-together in the Whisky Bar after dinner – and an ideal opportunity to relax over a coffee or a liqueur, whilst learning more of the tantalising places to come. In addition to our usual range of activities, the more adventurous can enjoy speedboat rides, fishing trips or cycling ashore on the ship’s bikes, all of which can be arranged on request.

Our cruises board at 2 pm on the day of arrival and disembark at approximately 10 am on the day of departure.

Tender

At times you will need the tender to board/disembark during your stay. The Spirit of Fortitude has a very modern tender (landing craft) which lowers at the front to ground level so you have no need to step in but simply walk in and be seated.

We have a very large lower swim platform which means very little step climbing or precarious manoeuvres to board your vessel.

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Baggage transfers

Your luggage will be collected and stowed aboard in your cabin by our experienced crew, which means that you can immediately start to enjoy your experience without the need of having to worry about getting your suitcases on board.

There is no restriction on the size, number or type of suitcase(s) you may bring with you.

They say knowledge is power! That’s why it’s always helpful to know as much about your cruise as possible, as this will enhance your experience, so hopefully the following information will be of assistance.

Cruise itineraries

Cruising timetable: Our cruising grounds are some of the best in the world, but sometimes we can experience some unpredictable elements. For this reason, we tend to sail predominantly during daylight hours, often for short durations, with a typical itinerary seeing us sail for one or two hours after breakfast and  for three or four hours after lunch, allowing guests the maximum opportunity to relax and enjoy the scenery. The Ships Master may occasionally decide to sail before breakfast if necessary, to reach a particular destination in good time or to take advantage of favorable weather conditions. Generally, we do not sail at night unless on longer passages, for excample to St Kilda.

Passing places, anchorages and ports

We will endeavour to operate to a predetermined itinerary. However, each route has a selection of lovely stopovers and anchorages and these are chosen by the Ships Master for any particular cruise according to the winds, tides and weather prevailing at the time of the cruise. This generally leads to a more enjoyable cruise for all, with the Master choosing the most suitable route for the comfort of all on-board. If there is a choice of anchorages available on any given day, the Ships Master will consult with the guests on board as to which to choose. The final decision on the cruise itinerary lies with the Ships Master.

Daily Programme

On our standard cruise iteneraries, the following day’s daily programme – comprising the intended navigation to be undertaken, any excursion activity opportunities, timings as well as other pertinent and interesting information – is posted each evening in the Main Saloon.

Going ashore

Transport to and from your vessel and the shore is often by ships tender as we only occasionally lie alongside (see Going Ashore). Clothing suitable for the elements should be worn and if possible this should include waterproof trousers. Life jackets must be worn whilst aboard the tender. Our crew will assist those with slightly less mobility.

Weather

Part of the charm of our cruising grounds is that we can never really be sure of the weather, other than to know that it can be unpredictable. Bring plenty of warm clothing for you are likely to have some days when the weather is a bit cooler. Bring sun protection too as we are often blessed with glorious weather.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Health and Medical Services

Our crew are fully qualified First Aid Officers and there is extensive first aid equipment on board. We do not however carry a qualified doctor or nurse and we are often some distance away from high street pharmacies (or these may be open only at very limited periods) so please bring any medicines with you that you may need during the cruise. If you have any concerns about your medical condition or fitness prior to the cruise, please contact us immediately.

Please let us know in advance about any special medical conditions (including allergies) that the crew should be aware of. We can keep any medication refrigerated if required, and any medical devices can be charged on board.

Medical Assistance

Since we are never more than a few hours away from port, and most times less than an hour’s steaming, medical assistance can be arranged quickly ashore.

Safety Briefing and Life Jackets

At the beginning of each voyage the Master will conduct a detailed Safety Briefing highlighting all the emergency procedures and facilities on board. Whilst the ship generally operates an open bridge policy, during berthing or navigating in confined areas, guests should not access this area. Similarly, some deck areas will be restricted during these periods, to permit berthing operations and the stowing of fenders etc. Guests should at all times avoid those areas which specifically state for ‘Crew Only’.
Life jackets are provided for each passenger and will be located within your cabin. Life jackets must always be taken on journeys in the ships tender, where they are required to be worn. Life jackets must be worn when requested to do so by the crew.

Portholes

For security these are kept fastened whilst at sea.

Access

There is no lift on board. Guests with limited mobility can be accommodated provided they are accompanied by an assisting companion. Collapsible wheelchairs can be stowed aboard– please note that only limited use of any wheelchair can be made of whilst on board but they can be used on any excursions.

PLANNING WHAT TO TAKE

Golf clubs will be welcome, but please let us know that you intend to bring them.

We can store bikes on board (by prior arrangment) so please inquire and bring your helmets!

Baggage

There are no restrictions on the type or size of luggage that you can bring with you (within reason), as each cabin has good storage space. Our crew will collect your suitcases from the shore or drop off point and will deliver these direct to your cabin.

Luggage Storage

Every stateroom has plenty space for all your suitcases.

Dress Code

Dress is casual, but on the last night a more Scottish theme is adopted so please feel free to tartan up!

Clothing and Footwear

Our cruises are very relaxed and there are no specific requirements, with casual attire the order of the day. You may wish to dress for dinner but this is very much personal preference. Waterproof clothing will be required, particularly for the short journeys ashore in the ships tenders, or for those walks ashore. Non-slip shoes are best for on deck, and for the ladies high-heeled shoes are not permitted whilst on board, to protect the decks. Strong or waterproof boots are an invaluable aid for the shore excursions. Remember also sun protection and a hat for those gloriously sunny days.

Toiletries

A range of quality toiletries are carried on board with shampoo, shower gel and soap, but you are always welcome to bring your own favoutrites if you wish. Hairdryers are supplied and a good selection of quality towels are also provided which are changed on a regular basis.

Hairdryers

Hairdryers are located in the top drawer of the vanity unit/desk in each State Room.

Laundry

We can offer a laundry service but a surcharge will be in operation and we do not accept responsibility for any damages caused. Drying of outside wear is always available. An iron and ironing board is available. Fresh towels and bed linen will be provided.

Binoculars

Whilst the ship carries these, it is a good idea to bring your own so that you can take advantage of the breath-taking scenery at any time.

Camera

Don’t forget this (or your charger for camera phone).

Food and drink

Our cruises are fully inclusive of all meals and snacks. This sometimes includes a picnic lunch or barbecue, and on occasion we sometimes dine in local hostelries. House wine is served with dinner along with soft drinks. The well-stocked Whisky Bar on the Bridge Deck caters for those wishing something stronger. Special requests for particular food and drink items can usually be provided by prior arrangement.

Communication

Mobile phones are in range for most of the voyage(s), but please note some blind spots do exist, particularly in the remote lochs and islands.  You will be able to charge your phone whilst on board. The ship will always be able to make contact with the shore in the event of an emergency.

WIFI

The vessel is equipped with WIFI, which is available for guest use. However there are geographical limitations to coverage, and date usage means that guest streaming of movies and the like is not available. For these reasons WIFI availability cannot be guaranteed

Shipboard Expenses

A ‘running tab’ cashless system of payments operates on board for your bar, shop and laundry bill. A detailed account of purchases made, are available for guests to check & settle on the penultimate day of the voyage. Accounts can be settled in cash, or by Visa or MasterCard credit or debit cards. American Express or Diners are unfortunately not accepted at this time.

Valuables

A safe deposit box is located inside the wardrobe of each cabin.

Electricity

The boat’s electricity is 240V AC and standard UK 3 pin sockets are provided in cabins. It is a good idea to make sure you have a surge protector plug with you to protect your equipment.

Emergency contact

The ship is contactable in almost all possible eventualities. However, in the first instance if you wish to leave an emergency contact number with your family at home, please use +44 (0) 1577861121 and we will then contact you via the Ships Master.

Gratuities

If you wish to leave a gratuity, which is always appreciated for exceptional service, please give it to the Ships Master who will ensure it is shared equally between all crew members.

Smoking

The Ship operates a strict no smoking policy in all of the interior areas, including cabins. Alarms are fitted throughout the vessel. Smoking is restricted to a small area of exterior deck only, and only at certain times i.e. no smoking at all during maneuvering operations.

HOSPITALITY AND LEISURE

Shop

We have a stock of items you may have forgotten to bring for sale on board.

Bar

House wine is complimentary with dinner, and we have an excellent Wine List. There is a well-stocked bar from which you can purchase a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, including premium wines and champagnes.

Coffee, tea and snacks

Complimentary tea, coffee and snacks are available throughout the day in the main saloon. You can also have these in your own cabin.

Meals

Fine dining is a vital part of the perfect cruising experience. On board, we take special pride in the quality of our cuisine, prepared by our expert chef from locally sourced produce. Meals are generally served in the saloon dining table on the main deck, where awe-inspiring scenery is on view through the picture windows. Whilst dinner is sometimes at anchor, breakfast and lunch are often taken enroute at the saloon, or sometimes upstairs in the Whisky Lounge, as we make our way to our next destination, with breath-taking landscapes rolling by. In addition, we can offer, subject to availability, private dining within your cabin, or alfresco on the rear deck, perhaps to celebrate that special occasion or just that private time. After dinner, guests usually retire to our Whisky viewing room on the Bridge Deck, for convivial chat and entertainment. Weather permitting, barbecues are sometimes held on deck and/or ashore.

Dietary Requests

Most of the usual dietary requests can be catered for providing prior notification is made.

Entertainment

We do not have a pre-set agenda in terms of entertainment but our ships are well equipped with televisions in the main saloon and in every cabin, although our cruising grounds sometimes means that satellite antenna reception is not available. We carry a large DVD library, as well as a reading library, board games and musical instruments. Entertainers sometimes join us for music and fun.

Library

The library is available for all. It includes a large desk area, where you can sit and watch the scenery pass from the panoramic windows. It includes a selection of games and reference books.

Our pledge to you

We are committed to the security, ease and wellbeing of all our passengers on our cruises. To fulfil this commitment, we agree to adopt the following set of passenger rights:

1. The right to courteous and well trained and professional crew (STCW International standards) at all times.
2. The right to disembark a docked ship if essential provisions such as food, water, restroom facilities and access to medical care cannot adequately be provided on board, subject only to the Master’s concern for passenger safety and security and customs and immigration requirements of the port.
3. The right to a full refund for a trip that is cancelled due to mechanical failures, or a partial refund for voyages that are terminated early due to those failures.
4. The right to have available on board ships operating beyond rivers or coastal waters full-time, professional emergency medical attention, as needed until shore side medical care becomes available.
5. The right to timely information updates as to any adjustments in the itinerary of the ship in the event of a change in destinations due to weather circumstances or mechanical failure or emergency, as well as timely updates of the status of efforts to address any mechanical failures
6. The right to a ship’s crew that is properly trained in first aid, emergency and evacuation procedures.
7. The right to an emergency power source in the case of a main generator failure.
8. The right to transportation to the ship’s scheduled port of disembarkation in the event a cruise is terminated early due to mechanical failures.
9. The right to lodging if disembarkation and an overnight stay in an unscheduled port are required when a cruise is terminated early due to mechanical failures
10. The right to have included on the website, a phone line that can be used for questions or information concerning any aspect of shipboard operations.
11. The right to make an emergency phone call if needed.
12. The right to total privacy, confidentiality and discretion from all our staff.

General Specification

Type: Twin Screw Diesel Motor Yacht.

Designer: Yavuz Mete.

Construction: Steel hull and superstructure with decks on steel.

Year Built: 1997.

Refits: 2006/2014.

Length: 33.32 metres.

Lwl: 31 metres.

Beam: 7.10 metres.

Draft: 2.50 metres.

Gross Tonnage: 199 tons.

Home port: Valletta.

Engine type: 2 x Caterpillar 3406 450 hp.

Gearbox: Twin Disk MG-511.

Drive: Straight Shaft, propeller.

Bow Thruster: Vetus.

Stern Thruster: Vetus.

Generators: 1 x Fiat lveco 30KW, 1 x Deutz 17KW.

Output: 220V/2-phase/50z, 380V/3-phase/50Hz .

Water maker: Horizon (400 – 450 Lt/ HR).

Tankage: Fuel: 13.000 litres.

Water: 5,000 litres with onboard de-salination water maker.

Grey waste water: 9,413 litres.

Black waste water: 9,413 litres.

Air conditioning: 7 x Marine Air units BTU 900,000 total, individual controls in each cabin.

Central Heating: Full diesel fired central heating throughout the vessel

Other machinery

Fuel Filtration: Racor filtration.

Sewage System: Gravity fed tank with sludge pump, macerator.

Fresh water system: 2-heater process plus 1 spare.

Steering system: Data 1,700 hydraulic.

Telefax and Data

VHF: Furno FM 8500.

​Navtex: Navtex

Satellite Comms: Inmarsat C Satellite communications

Intercom System: PA system throughout.

Ships Communication: 4 portable walkie talkies.

Radar: FURUNO FR 7 III radar 36 mile range.

Navigation: Electronic navigation system with 17 inch display.

Compass: Tokimec.

Depth sounder: FURUNO.

GPS: FURUNO GP-188 (1) and Lowrance (2).

Weatherfax: FURUNO Fax-208.

Anemometer: for wind speed.

Cooking equipment

Hob: Electric.

Oven: electric.

Grill: portable electric TEFAL grill.

Refrigerator/Freezer: Frigidaire type with 115 gallon with 21 gallon freezer.

Dishwashers: Frigidaire.

Sinks: Double stainless steel sinks.

Icemaker: Icerette icemaker in bar.

Deck equipment

Anchor Windlass System: DATA hydraulic.

Anchors: 2 x ships cast eye type anchors 485 lbs each.

Deck Capstans: 1 x Data (hydraulic) on stern deck.

Pasarelle: Hydraulic Pasarelle.

Tenders: 5.20m Novamura RIB with 60hp outboard.

Pioneer Safety Boat with 30hp outboard and landing craft door.

Additional Cranes/Davits: 1 x 800kg capacity electric crane for tender lift.

Stern Boarding Gangway: Electric gangway.

Miscellaneous: Side gangway.

Safety Equipment

Spirit of Fortitude carries the following equipment:

Two ships tenders with capacity for twenty-four crew and passengers, one of which has a 60hp outboard, the other has a 30hp outboard

Life rafts for up to twenty six.

Life jackets (children and adult).

Fire alarm system.

Automatic engine room fire extinguishing system (CO2).

Ships alarm system.

New stainless steel hand rails, on all levels.

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon.

SART Search and Rescue Transponder.

Portable fire extinguishers throughout the vessel.

Automatic bilge alarm system.

Life buoys.

Sea Water Firefighting ring main with sea water lift pump.

Emergency fire-fighting/flooding pump.

Bridge navigation watch system (BNWS).

Automatic Identification system (AIS).

The Royal Scottish Shipping Line Ltd

The Company will not be held responsible for, nor have liability in respect of, delays caused by third parties during passage through sea areas controlled by vessel traffic schemes, canals, rivers or any other navigable waterways.

The Company reserves the right at any time to require any Passenger to produce medical evidence of fitness to travel including the submission of any required medical certificates, for example in cases of heart problems which have incurred in recent times etc.

Any Passenger due to board or boarding the vessel must as soon as any condition becomes known, or at initial embarkation fill in a pre-boarding health declaration form alerting the Company of any sickness and/or diarrhoea experienced less than 48 hours prior to embarkation. In the interest of Passenger’s safety, the Company reserves the right at its discretion, to refuse to board any passenger. In such circumstances the Company shall not be liable to pay any compensation, nor shall Passengers have any further claim against the Company.

Passengers affected by a disability or medical condition must be self-sufficient or travel with someone who can provide the necessary assistance at all times. At the point of embarkation, the Company reserves the right to refuse passage to any Passenger who had failed to notify the Company at the time of booking of any disabilities or the need for assistance or who, in the opinion of the Company is unfit to travel or who may constitute a danger to themselves or others whilst on board. Under those circumstances, Passengers will receive no refund of the cost of any part of the unused cruise package.

The Company will endeavour to carry Passengers of limited mobility if it has been notified of such limitations at the time of booking (and has been informed of any deterioration in condition or new conditions between booking and travelling).

Any cost or expense reasonably incurred by the Company for or on behalf of the Passenger in respect of any form of medical, dental or similar treatment, hotel, transportation, repatriation or any other expense shall be repayable by the Passenger to the Company irrespective of whether the sum is covered by the Passenger’s travel insurance arrangements.

Unless approved by the Company in writing prior to departure, Passengers may not bring on board any controlled substances.

Passengers acknowledge and understand that travel by sea carries the inherent risk that medical care may be delayed or impossible due to the location of the Vessel, prevailing weather conditions or other.

Passengers may not bring on board any prohibited substances, any animals or any goods of a flammable or dangerous nature. Doing so will render the Passenger strictly liable to the Company for any injury, loss, damage or expense suffered by the Company as a result. The Passenger will also be personally liable for any statutory penalties.

Passengers are required at all times to follow the instructions of employees and crew regarding the use of ship’s equipment and general behaviour whilst on board and the Company will not be responsible for any consequential injury, illness, financial or other loss incurred by Passengers if they fail to comply with the instructions they are given.

The Captain ( or member of the crew authorised by the Captain ) will be entitled to search the cabin and/or personal luggage of any Passenger suspected of being in breach of these clauses. In addition, any employee or crew member will be entitled to enter a Passenger’s cabin in order to carry out an inspection, or to undertake cleaning, maintenance or repair work, or to make the vessel safe for passage. In the rare event, the Captain reserves the right to inspect the person if it is thought that the passenger has a controlled substance.

The Company shall be under no liability whatsoever in respect of any claim arising from an accident which was not reported by the Passenger to the Captain whilst onboard the Vessel.

Pregnant women are required to supply a medical certificate attesting to fitness to cruise.

Any Passenger who encounters a problem during a cruise must immediately report it to the Captain or a senior member of the crew on the ship and ensure that the issue is recorded in the ship’s log together with any action taken to resolve it.

In the event that the scheduled date of embarkation is delayed and accommodations are not available on board the vessel, the Company may, at no additional expense to the Passenger, arrange hotel accommodations for the Passenger for the duration of the delay.

In the event that the scheduled port of embarkation is changed, the Company will, at no additional expense to the Passenger, arrange transportation from the original port of embarkation to the rescheduled port of embarkation.

If the Cruise has commenced and the Passenger, for any reason, is unable to complete the Cruise, the Company shall not be liable to the Passenger for any refund.

In the event that the duration of the cruise is lengthened, Passengers shall not be entitled to any compensation from the Company for the lengthened cruise.

The Captain shall have the full authority to tow and be towed, and to assist other vessels.

In the event that any scheduled port of call is omitted, or if the duration of the cruise is shortened for any other reason, the Company’s sole liability to Passengers, if any, shall be to make a pro-rata refund to the Passenger of the cruise portion of the cruise fare received by the Company based on the number of whole days the cruise is reduced. The Company will not be liable for any reduction of cruise length which is less than twenty-four hours.