Some of our guests can have widely varying levels of ability such as mobility, sight, hearing and energy. If any guest has a concern as to whether our cruises are suitable for them, we can provide detailed information in advance of their cruise to help them assess their options. A mix of older and younger family members is popular, as all levels of fitness within the group can be enjoyed. We regret we cannot accommodate full-time wheelchair users due to the layout of our vessels. Sometimes guests like to ask certain questions if it is their first time cruising with us, or they feel nervous. Our shore manager, Emma, is always available via phone or email to answer any questions they may have. Emma has even sent guests photos and videos to help inform pre-departure expectations.
Factors that help our guests’ access our vessels with ease include:
Pre-boarding and arrival
Our vessels embark and disembark from Oban Bay pontoons, an easily accessible point central to Oban.
A pre-boarding briefing is provided to the crew from the Shore Manager on any guest requiring extra assistance.
A safety briefing and detailed discussion is given to guests on arrival by the Skipper, to outline all aspects of the vessel and the cruise.
Guests are shown individually to their cabin by the crew, highlighting any areas that may affect their ability.
While onboard
Daily evening briefings are given by the Skipper and Guide, deatiling next day itineary and what to expect.
Handrails are fitted on outer decks, stairwells and in cabins.
Skippers, along with other crew members, are always on hand to make our guests stay as safe, comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Our Wildlife Guides chat to each guest to find out their interests, onshore expectations etc and find out ways they can help their enjoyment.
Going onshore
Prior to guests going ashore by tender, the Skpper and Guide will give a short safety briefing about the landing site.
At least 2 crew members are always on hand when assisting guests on and off the tender at the vessel and onshore.
Grab rails are fitted and extra steps aboard our tenders allow for extra assistance.
Get in touch
Oh dear. I had an incredible time on the Emma Jane last year, such a life altering experience that I was just a little nervous; it couldn’t possibly be as good again, could it? But it was…no, it was better. It might feel like happy accident to get good conditions, find amazing sealife, or really feel at home on a boat with twelve strangers, but of course it’s not; it skill, experience, planning, hard work and kindness. This is family, a family business that has created an ethos and atmosphere that flows through the crew (on shore and at sea) so that you feel totally at ease as you are taken by the hand and shown the wonders of the Hebrides. Vanessa, the steward, was bright, attentive and lovely. Chef Nicola cooked and baked delicious and varied food and is the sweetest and happiest person. Lynsay, wow, capable, knowledgeable and a hawkeye that never failed to spot or identify the multitudinous sealife, plus she’s the beautiful artist on display all over the boat! And Skipper Bren, so relaxed and accomplished that everyone assumed it was his umpteenth season on the Emma Jane…I hope he’s tempted back many more times. Thank you so much for showing me such incredible places, giving me unique experiences and indulging a chatty singleton who kept peeling off to sing in caves or check out the Mishnish’s 80-/ and random locals! I really appreciated the care, attention and honesty of the crew, they clearly love their jobs, had endless patience and are really interesting people to talk with. I can’t wait to come back and have booked another cruise aboard the Emma Jane; can it possibly be as good as this one? I’m not nervous. x
Ellen Orrock: 9 September 2023Skye and the Small Isles: Hebridean horizons