31 August 2024
We had a wonderful week, what a terrific way to see more of our beautiful country. We are so pleased we decided to cruise with Hebrides Cruises. With Rob’s expert knowledge, we were delighted to be able to visit all of the small isles with the added bonus of the Cairns of Coll, Coll and Tobermory. Great to have Bella to guide our walks which were well pitched at our abilities. Les’s mobility is a bit restricted but with Rob and Bella’s help, and he felt very safe in transferring to and from the tender, which was very much appreciated. This allowed him to go ashore with confidence. Everything we could have hoped for – comfortable cabin, extremely well appointed public areasand plenty of outdoor space to enjoy the scenery. The hospitality of all the crew was exceptional, making for a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere from the minute we stepped on board. Nicole’s food was excellent, a great and delicious variety of meals which made every meal time a pleasure. And terrific cakes! Abbie as steward seemed to be everywhere at once – serving food, looking after the bar, servicing the rooms and working on deck with Bella. With Rob and Bella, all in all a great team.
Karen Ness
Our trip to the Outer Hebrides was exceptional in every way; the talented staff; the comfortable accommodations; the little details (a refreshing glass of Prosecco on the return of each day's trip); the always-full cookie jar; the welcoming and beautifully decorated table spread with good food; the post-dinner discussions and chart-reading with Captain James and our naturalist, Will; the frolicking Bottlenose dolphins "bow riding" upside down next to the "Emma Jane"; the seals lazily lounging on the rocky ledges; the Minke whales; the diving gannets, nesting puffins, and Great Skua (nicknamed "Bonzies" by the Scots.....Will photographed one Bonxie trying to grab a mackerel away from a shearwater); the while fulmars flitting in and out the rocky crevices; and our wonderful trip companions. It was a trip to treasure and relive many times in future years! Every new adventure offered the chance to read and to learn about the many marine birds, the "beasties" (ocean mammals), and the fascinating stories and history of the Outer Hebrides. All experiences were unique; hiking in the Isle of Eigg to the "Massacre Cave"; viewing habitats of nesting puffins, guillemots, shags, fulmars on the cliffs of the "Shiants" and St. Kilda's; seeing the aquaculture salmon rafts stretched in a row off the coast of Skye; steaming across the water to the archipelago of St. Kilda's and experiencing the view of Hirta, St. Kilda's main island, mysteriously rising out of the fog as we approached the island All were memorable experiences. And we were lucky! The weather was perfect for our trip....some light drizzle off and on, some wind but no strong "houlies" (very strong winds)! This is a trip of a lifetime. We recommend it with enthusiasm and with joyful memories! Sally and Alan Gayer June 2019 Private Cruise to the Outer Hebrides and St. Kilda's
Sally and Alan Gayer: 8 June 2019Private Charter 10 Nights