13 May 2023
I recently had the pleasure of embarking on an unforgettable cruise to the Hebrides Cruises ( Skye, Small Islands,and the Shiants, in Scotland ( May 13-21, 2023), and I must say it was an experience that exceeded all expectations. The 8-day journey was filled with breathtaking scenery, fascinating insights, and a genuine sense of camaraderie among the 8 participants and 4 staff members on board. One of the highlights of this cruise was undoubtedly the exceptional staff. From the knowledgeable and enthusiastic naturalist to the experienced skipper, each member of the team showcased a remarkable dedication to our well-being and enjoyment throughout the trip. The naturalist's expertise and passion for the islands were evident in every interaction, making each wildlife sighting and nature excursion a truly enriching experience. The skipper's lifelong knowledge of the islands and the sea, along with his emphasis on safety, instilled a sense of confidence and allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of the Hebrides. Not to be forgotten is the cook, whose culinary skills transformed each meal into a delightful gastronomic experience. Not only were the dishes healthy and delicious, but they were also beautifully presented, showcasing the cook's artistic talents. Finally, and not any less significant, was the boat swain's excellent customer service, always attentive to our needs and ensuring our comfort throughout the journey. His prompt response to any request with a touch of his humor, further added to the overall exceptional service on board. What set this cruise apart was the intimate atmosphere created by the small group size and the daily rituals shared among the participants. The shared adventures and delicious meals fostered a sense of closeness and allowed for meaningful connections to be formed. We gathered each day to recount our sightings of birds and sea life, engaging in storytelling and discussion. This combination of shared experiences and diverse perspectives, with travelers from different parts of the globe, enriched our understanding of the Hebrides from multiple angles. The staff's ability to provide a comprehensive experience was remarkable. They seamlessly blended naturalist, cultural, and historical knowledge, allowing us to appreciate the uniqueness and preciousness of Hebrides island life. With their guidance, we gained a deep appreciation for the inseparable connection between the land, sea, and the people who call this place home. Leaving the Hebrides was bittersweet. The transition back to the modern and busy world was not easy, as this cruise had offered a rare opportunity to detach from the everyday hustle and reconnect with a simpler, more connected way of life. However, the memories and lessons learned during those 8 days will forever remain with me, reminding me to cherish the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving such remarkable places. I wholeheartedly recommend this cruise to anyone seeking a transformative and unforgettable travel experience.
Alison Kinsey
What can I say? There are truly not enough superlatives to describe the amazing experience we had onboard Lucy Mary during our recent cruise. From start to finish, the treatment we received from the crew was first class. The booking process was a dream, with the lovely Emma steering us through the whole thing very professionally, answering all our pre-cruise questions promptly and setting our minds at rest. Once we arrived in Oban, we were greeted on board with champagne and cake (my favourite combo!) and from then on, things just got better and better. Abby, the steward, was attentive, warm, funny and made everyone feel comfortable and cared for at all times. Bella, the wildlife guide was great fun and extremely knowledgable and fantastic at finding us interesting wildlife to observe and learn about - we were lucky enough to see hordes of different species, including minke whales, loads of porpoise, seal, birds galore including sea eagles and my favourite gannets and shearwaters and of course otters! Our chef Carleton was a delight - interesting and funny as well as being the most incredible chef. I think I put on about 3kg during the cruise - my fault entirely, I just couldn't resist anything that came out of his kitchen and had to have second helpings of it all. The cod with a crispy crab crust was just a phenomenon. And of course, can't forget our wonderful skipper James. He gently steered us to all the best spots in weather that wasn't always the easiest to navigate but he made the cruise comfortable and enjoyable at all times. His lifelong love affair with the Hebridean area and with being at sea shines through and you can't help but be caught up in his enthusiasm for boat life and for the incredible surroundings we were in. If you haven't visited this area before, there are no words to describe how breathtaking and magical it is
Nicki Wordsworth: 16 April 2024Hebrides Magical Mini Cruise