13 May 2024
This was our second cruise on the Lucy Mary, so we had high expectations from last time, which were all fulfilled. Abbie was once again our steward, while skipper Lewis, Chef Jeya and Wildlife Guide Linsey were new to us. Our weather was exceptional, with Lewis keeping us well away from any bad stuff. We also achieved our top bucket list item of dolphin bow wave riding, with around 20 dolphins swimming with us on one day and then around 6 on a later day - stupendous. Our fellow travellers were all lovely people, which is such an important factor in these small cruise ships, and it was a nice touch for Lewis and Linsey to join us for our evening meals. Jeya’s food was consistently superb, and Abbie made sure we were always well looked after. Always impressive was the ability of the crew to turn their hand to pretty much any task, which meant that occasional glitches were dealt with smoothly and without fuss. Lynsey in particular was visibly always on the go, cleaning the decks while we breakfasted, guiding us on board and onshore, and helping brief and debrief us at the end of each day. Having such an experienced wildlife guide at your elbow at all times is what really differentiates this cruise from the competition. The whole experience felt like we were very much involved in agreeing or amending the itinerary for the following day, rather than simply being a passenger. We are already booked for a 10 day cruise next year.
John and Aileen MacLean
I have cruised before with Hebrides Cruises and this time chose to do the one "that visited the puffins and Staffa". The crew were as brilliant as ever and the food was definitely 5* all the way including catering for the individual dietary requirements too. We were able to land in some beautiful places and did see the puffins on Lunga which is a magical experience listening to them "chatting away" just a couple of metres away from your feet! We also was taken into Fingal's cave on the tender which was an unexpected bonus to the trip. We were very lucky with the weather and our wildlife sightings included a huge pod of common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, minke whales, feral goats and a sea eagle literally flying low past the ship! Thank you to Chris, Zoe, Craig, Sian and Emma for such a lovely relaxing break. I can't wait to return...
Melanie Rogers: 23 April 2022Idyllic Islands: Mull, Iona, Staffa & the Treshnish Isles