We are pleased to report that we have retained our Green Tourism Gold Award status for the third consecutive year at very high pass rates in all categories.
We have introduced new green initiatives over the past year which have ensured that we’ve been able to maintain the highest ratings of all aspects relating to our sustainability. We are especially proud of the increase of pass rates in our goals for the “planet” category. As a cruise business, this category is our biggest challenge, but we are definitely making a big difference because of finding innovate ways of addressing this important area. Our report identified that:
Energy improved from 88% to 90%
Water improved from 83% to 93%
Waste improved from 70% to 78%
Carbon improved from 68% to 73%
We encourage our guests to actively participate in our environmental protection efforts by indicating how they can support the environment while visiting the area and on board our cruises. We achieved a 98% rating under the “destination” criteria in providing information to guests on how they can reduce the impact of their visit and respect the cultural heritage of the destination.
Our Green Initiative Crew Member, Lynsey has provided us with her checklist on areas where she feels we can still improve on, while all our crews continuously look for new and innovative ways to improve and maintain our green credentials. These new initiatives include installing lithium batteries with a bluetooth monitoring system which will monitor each battery and its capacity levels. We will also install a water maker on Elizabeth G and a new A+ energy rated oven aboard Emma Jane. Each year, our new identified actions are an investment in our aim to be a truly sustainable tourism company.
Andrea Nicholas, CEO Green Tourism said: “Hebrides Cruises has done a fantastic job in retaining their Gold Green Tourism award and improving their overall score. The team has done an excellent job in maintaining and improving their efforts towards sustainable tourism and engaging guests in the company's green commitment.”
Only superlatives could be used to describe this cruise, held in the most modern of the Company's ships, the Lucy Mary. A detailed account of the cruise has been given independently by another reviewer and I have limited my use of detail accordingly. The ship was comfortable and well maintained. We sailed with a complement of five crew and six guests and the atmosphere was good throughout the duration of the voyage. All of the crew contributed to this success, but most obvious was the professional partnership between James (skipper) and Indy (the wildlife guide); the first positioning the ship close to wildlife and the guide then having the academic knowledge to impart a fascinating account of it. Safety measures were appropriately maintained without disrupting the principal objectives of the cruise. Taken all together, a very professional delivery by Hebrides Cruises.
John Foote: 9 August 2025Skye, the Small Isles and the Shiants