17 July 2023
Dear Emma - It was lovely to meet you briefly both before and after our recent cruise - Fiona and I had such a wonderful time, the fellow passengers were great company but what really made the trip was the fantastic crew, James (for the first 2 days), Bren, Zoe, Hannah and Charlie. They were so professional but also very personable and we could not have asked for better care (or indeed better food when it came to Charlie!). The cruise gave some spectacular highlights but for me the encounter with the humpback whale on the return leg was amazing but even better was the sunset off the Cairns of Coll - the evening meal had just finished when Bren came to announce that the sunset promise to be spectacular. I spent a good hour on the top deck photographing the beauty of the sunset but was aware of something special as Zoe, Hannah and Bren remained on top and there was total silence as we reflected on the profoundness of the scene.
Ian Woods
From start to finish this was an exceptional cruise. Skipper James was determined to get us to St Kilda, despite the poor weather conditions, we rocked and rolled our way there, and what a place it was, it certainly exceeded my bucket list expectations! James is so considerate to all his crew and guests. Lynsay our guide was marvelous and encouraged me to climb The Gap, despite my knee issue I made it, and what a view I had of the village and Village Bay from the rock I chose to sit on for my picnic. Lynsay's patience with fellow guests and knowledge of her birds and flora were excellent. Jaya our chef extraordinaire made delicious meals, and as for her home made daily cakes they were to die for. Sofia was very attentive to all our needs and kept the whole boat immaculate. she is a little gem. The islands we visited had such variety, and from day to day it was a surprise as to where we would be next, due to the strong winds, James was kept on his toes to keep us all safe and busy. I still cannot believe the abundance of seabirds we saw, and so close. The dolphins were a treat. top marks to everyone at Hebrides Cruises.
Deirdre Brown: 8 June 2024St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides