30 August 2021
This was my second cruise with Hebrides Cruises, and it won't be my last! We saw Common and Risso's dolphins as well as Minke whales, and were able to observe some fantastic behaviour while watching them. We also saw White Tailed and Golden eagles, as well as many different sea birds. Added to this was spectacular scenery as well as interesting trips ashore, where we could go for guided walks or head off alone if that was preferred. The knowledge and enthusiasm of our guide Linsey, and skipper James was also much appreciated. Finally, we were very well taken care of by our bosun Cat, and Sarah provided us with plenty of excellent food. All in all it was a fantastic trip, thank you.
Kathy Balmanno
We’re just back from a superb 10-night cruise aboard Elizabeth G. It’s our latest trip with Rob and his crew. With en-suite cabins now it’s even more of a luxury trip. Not that we spent much time in the cabin - instead we were generally found on the top observation deck, watching shearwaters dance across the waves, fulmars shoot past effortlessly, gannets flying in squadron-formation and panicky puffins duck beneath our wake. We’re enticed down for two reasons: bow-riding dolphins, when we hang over the bow sharing the excitement and energy of this spectacle with our fellow guests, and food: Mags was our cook preparing fabulous meals with local ingredients, including scallops hand-dived by our skipper, Rob. It was at dinner each evening that Rob would discuss the next day’s itinerary, balancing our wishes with the weather and his incredible knowledge of the most picturesque anchorages. Each day saw us exploring a new island with the help of Nigel our wildlife guide, taken ashore by Rob and Bosun Craig in the tender. And we even got to St Kilda. St Kilda is a unique place with a magical atmosphere; an atmosphere that lingers in part because of its remoteness. Rob found the weather window to allow a 2-night stay and it was here, on our trip round the stacs, that guests and crew came together on the front deck to gaze in awe at the thousands of seabirds around us. As we disembarked, a little sadly, in Oban on our last day I couldn’t help wonder how soon we’ll get the urge to return...
Catrin Lester: 24 June 2019St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides