27 April 2019
We know nothing of Scotland. It’s time for us to see why people like this area of the world so much. We book a tour found on the internet. The dates are right. We travel to Oban and find the pre-trip information sent to us invaluable. We wait at the dock for the crew to meet us and take our soft-sided luggage to our cabin. The other guests are prompt and the crew is timely too. We marvel at the amazing cameras and the experiences of other passengers. Two have traveled with the ship multiple times. We are focused on where we are and the journey ahead of us. Our luggage is delivered to our ensuite cabin. There is plenty of space to store our gear and thoughtfully placed shelves for items, such as cameras and binoculars we might need without digging through our bags. The double bed has a portal window and well placed reading lamps. Our cabin and the public areas were impeccably cleaned each morning while we are off to shore with naturalist, Alexa. There is a library selection of literature and guide books to help identify what we saw on walks. I noticed a scrabble game, which we never found time to play. The chef, Mags, works in a tiny galley and turns out the most amazing meals. Giving people a choice between vegetarian and non vegetarian entrees, wine is included with the dinners. A breakfast buffet is laid out and there is always a hot breakfast available. There are 8 of us on this voyage. We all eat together and take excursions in the morning and afternoon. Craig is calm and also assists the chef and helps Chris, the Captain, anchor the boat when we stop for the night. Weather and sea conditions are the great unknown in the Hebrides. The deciding factor to where we will go. Chris lets us know the itinerary will be flexible. He picks amazing calm spots to anchor each night. He is very good at communicating why we are going or not going to an island and invites us up to see the bridge. We travel to amazing sites, such as the island Inch Kenneth and Ulva, and learn the history of each place we visit. The walks are easy strolls, or passengers can extend the excursions if they choose. Everyone shares what they know with us. We are home and missing the camaraderie of fellow passengers and crew. St. Kilda? I would do it in a heartbeat with this amazing company!
Greg and Bobbie Hobbs
This was our third cruise with Hebrides Cruises, and like the previous two it was an excellent trip, and really good fun. The booking process was straight-forward, and the cruise itself lived up to expectations - the skipper and crew worked exceptionally hard to ensure we reached the target destinations by way of a calm passage, and the on-board wildlife guide was brilliant at spotting and identifying the many whales, dolphins, and birds seen on the way. The catering on-board was top-quality. I'd recommend a trip with Hebrides Cruises to anyone interested in the history and wildlife of the Hebrides. The award of 'Scottish Small Family Business of the Year 2023' was well merited.
Steve Lonsdale: 20 May 2024Far-flung islands: Shiants & the Summer Isles