21 June 2025
Fabulous cruise with first class crew. Jake our Captain got us safely to each destination, amending the itinerary as weather conditions changed. We nevertheless got everywhere we’d been promised and got to enjoy the wildlife to the max. Charlie, our cook supreme, fed us incredibly well and Jasmin, our steward, ensured we were so well looked after we didn’t want the cruise to finish. They also managed a birthday surprise for me, which was wonderful. Special mention to Lynsey, our guide, who managed to spot two humpback whales from a good few miles away, one of which hadn’t previously been seen in Scottish waters. We were able to spend a good while with them without ever feeling we were disturbing them. We also saw Harbour porpoise, common dolphins, seals, White-tailed eagles, an otter, a minke whale, a cuckoo, sea-birds galore (gannets, puffins, guillemots, razor-bills, fulmars to name a few) and heard the allusive Corn crake. The scenery was also fantastic. Incredibly dramatic as you’d expect and again Lynsey with her geology background was able to give further information. I had a great time with the other cruise guests who all helped make the cruise such an enjoyable holiday experience. My favourite moment was watching a pod of common dolphins speed towards the Emma Jane; swimming, jumping, tail slapping alongside and interacting with us before heading off. It was chucking with rain, but nobody cared, it was absolutely magical.
Jackie Phelpstead
This is my third trip with Hebrides cruises and it's like meeting up with old friends every time. The crew may change, but the warmth, care and incredible service remains the same with nothing being too much trouble and the effort made to give everyone a good experience is a hallmark of the company. The onshore trips allow for individual choices in how one wants to spend the time ashore while always having the option of a guide who is familiar with the area and advice on things worth seeing . The welcome back with a glass of fizz and home( or should it be boat?)baked cakes is lovely. And talking about food, I have rarely eaten so well on holiday, with Peter in the kitchen producing continually exciting and varied but always delicious meals. Pauline kept everything in sparkling order and James and Lynsey ensured we didn't miss a thing whether it be a sighting of eagles, seals or porpoises - a particular highlight was Lunga and time spent with the puffins! As a single traveller, I always feel so at home and comfortable with my fellow travellers that I find it hard to imagine my year without a trip around the Isles - roll on No. 4!
Anne Barcellos: 4 May 2019Idyllic Islands: Mull, Iona, Staffa & the Treshnish Isles