In 2017 we introduced our new luxury vessel, which had a very successful season and she is already almost booked out for 2018. Over the winter, a few essentials were addressed, including operational upgrades such as new stabilisers to provide the best cruising experience possible for our guests. The ship was then painted blue to match our brand colours and her sister ship Elizabeth-G. All along, we knew that we would rename our new ship and tradition demands that a ship should have a feminine name which is often a close relative of the owners family. So what better name to choose than for our own daughter who has been instrumental in building Hebrides Cruises to the success it now is.
Emma Jane will arrive in Oban on April 3rd, ready for the new season and splendid in her new colour. She will be officially named at a special ceremony on Sunday 22 April. Ships are renamed all the time, but as all seafarers know, there is a vital formula to go through to ensure continued good fortune on the seas. As part of the ceremony a special speech will be made to Neptune before the usual procedure of naming the boat. The boat will then be blessed by a minister, in this case Donald Kirsop, Uncle of Emma.
Sunday 22 April will also be our Open Day from 2pm onwards on the pontoons at Oban. All are welcome to come and find out if small ship wildlife cruising (with an extra bit of luxury!) is for them!
I would like to thank you all for our amazing time on the Elizabeth G trip to the Outer Hebrides. From boarding to leaving, all the crew went over and above to make our experience so memorable. Chris made sure that every day he took us to places we never thought possible. His knowledge of the islands is superb. Craig worked extremely hard to make sure that he was always at hand so that everything went like clockwork. He was always very supportive of Trish and I. What can I say about Stevies food... better than a 5 star hotel!! Every meal without exception was superb. Nigel, our wildlife expert, taught Trish and I so much. We were so lucky to have seen an orca , seals , dolphins!! We hiked higher, walked further and laughed till we cried. Memories of an adventure that will last forever and friends we have made for life. Thank you Emma for all your help and expertise which made this a trip to remember. Hope to see you all again Raydene x
Raydene Thomas: 18 August 2018St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides