Hospitality from the four Crew and delicious food from the galley are major sources of enjoyment for our guests who are literally pampered from the moment they come on board. The meticulous running of the vessel, especially in terms of safety, comfort and cleanliness, is the essential backdrop to providing the exciting cruising and excellent hospitality that our guests will never forget.
Mealtimes are a highlight with delicious food
The meals served onboard our vessels are legendary. All food is prepared from fresh, local ingredients, creating tasty dishes that get rave reviews from our guests. View our list of Local food Suppliers> A speciality of Hebrides Cruises is hand-dived scallops by Skipper Rob. If Rob is your Skipper he will often dive for fresh scallops to be prepared by the Chef that day. The Skipper and Wildlife Guide join guests at mealtimes, to catch up on the latest adventures and plan the following day’s activities.View our fabulous food gallery>
Be as active or as relaxed as you please
While at sea guests can relax and watch the ever-changing scenery through panoramic windows in the dining deck saloon or from a choice of outdoor decks. Some prefer to join the Skipper in the wheelhouse or the Wildlife Guide on the observation deck, while others enjoy a book or a pre-dinner aperitif on the aft deck. Guests are introduced to the truly magical places of the Hebrides, which the Crew know so well. Stopovers and anchorages are determined by the tides, the weather conditions and the wishes of those on board, with the Skipper making the final decision. There will be opportunities every day to go ashore and explore remote islands and coastlines.
An expert Wildlife Guide on shore trips
A unique service of Hebrides Cruises is to have a Wildlife Guide to accompany guests on walks; our Wildlife Guides and other Crew are immensely knowledgeable about the islands of the Hebrides and their history and wildlife, so be prepared to be educated! We have identified many one-way walking routes where a drop-off at the beginning and pick-up at the end by boat tender makes the excursion a perfect pleasure.
Close encounters and camaraderie make a never-to-be forgotten cruise
Our vessels are equipped to get up close to rugged and otherwise inaccessible sea stacks and coastlines to view large gatherings of sea birds and other rare wildlife, providing a never-to-be-forgotten close encounter with nature. After dinner is a special time when guests and crew together celebrate a fitting end to a great day at sea, with many tales to be told and perhaps a dram or two, often enhanced by a glorious sunset, moonlight on the water or a sky full of stars.
Emma is the consumate professional in every detail covering the booking of any cruise, and dealing with any queries etc, and as a bonus she performs all this in such a friendly way ! The Hebrides Cruises team have this down to a fine art, the welcome is first class, and the handling of the luggage etc is so reassuring. Likewise, the assistance given on leaving the cruise is above and beyond, offers of help arranging taxis etc is always there, and the luggage is carried up to the end of the pier for all. That said, leaving the Emma Jane is always the least enjoyable part of any cruise, its like leaving good friends ! This was a wonderful cruise, helped somewhat by the glorious weather, but it was the pace of the whole thing that was absolute perfection. No having to dash anywhere, no trying to catch up, just a thoroughly laid back and ultimately very enjoyable cruise. Yes, the wildlife was unforgettable, but the scenery, and the history combined with the willingness of the crew to add that cherry to the top of the cake on a daily basis made this the perfect cruise – even those less interested in wildlife would enjoy this cruise I’m sure.The crew excelled in absolutely everything, the meals were sublime, the service/care provided by the crew was I believe, unbeatable, and everything was clean and in the right place. AS ALWAYS ! Yes, there are other vessels offering perhaps similar-looking cruises, but look a little deeper, check the reviews, and if possible, check the smiles of the guests as they finish their cruise. I’m lucky enough to have been on a few Hebrides Cruises adventures now, and one of the more telling things is the number of repeat customers that keep coming back. I think that speaks volumes !
Steve Lloyd: 3 June 2023Idyllic Islands: Mull, Iona, Staffa & the Treshnish Isles