We are delighted to be shortlisted in two categories for the Highlands and Islands Business Excellence Awards 2024.
Hebrides Cruises owner, Rob Barlow, is a finalist for The Scottish National Investment Bank Award for Outstanding Business Leader, while Hebrides Cruises has also been shortlisted for The Loganair Award for Excellence in Customer Service, Care & Experience.
Rob was nominated for the Award for Outstanding Business Leader for demonstrating an exceptional personal influence on the success of Hebrides Cruises, as well as a significant contribution to the local economy. His lifelong passion for the conservation of the marine environment is reflected in Hebrides Cruises gaining very high scores in the Green Tourism Gold Award and the sustainability of the company. His leadership and vision has attracted and retained the best available highly-qualified crews, dedicated to providing an outstanding cruise experience for our guests. His intimate knowledge of the Hebrides and West Coast of Scotland has provided a range of unique cruise itineraries and experiences. Rob has always fostered deep connections with the local community in hiring staff, and provisioning and maintaining our vessels
The Loganair Award for Excellence in Customer Service, Care & Experience celebrates businesses that lead the way in customer service and experience. Hebrides Cruises clearly demonstrates this with over 50% guests returning to cruise with us each season and a record of over 460 cruise reviews submitted on our website reviews page, unedited by us with not one negative review. Rob, with daughter Emma and son-in-law James, form a close-knit family team to ensure every aspect of the guest experience is exceptional, from gourmet meals and stunning scenery to fascinating accompanied shore trips and unforgettable encounters with wildlife.
We are now ooking forward to the Awards Ceremony in September!
We were so spoilt on the Lucy Mary. We were supremely looked after by a very knowledgeable and experienced skipper with an immaculate boat and such a good crew. We saw so much wildlife, ranging from lots of white tailed eagles, golden eagles, dolphins, seals, blue fin tuna, Minke whales and so much more. The service on board was of the highest standard with a chef who should have been working in a Michelin star restaurant, but perhaps she was! They say that quality is all in the details - and on board the Lucy Mary every tiny detail was considered and was correct. I would love to go back next year, but they are apparently fully booked. Roll on 2026!
Tom Moore: 25 September 2024The Small Isles and sea lochs: Wildlife havens