31 May 2025
What a fabulous, exciting and enjoyable holiday we had on the Elizabeth G thanks to the team on board. They were the most professional and flexible team and we highly recommend them. Despite the dreadful wind and rain at times we got to St Kilda safely and as comfortably as was possible. Iain planned the trip extremely carefully and made sure he had the boat in the best position possible when the weather window opened up to sail to St Kilda. Each day brought something new for us to see, different lochs, islands and wildlife we’d never been able to see from the land before. Gill alerted us to the wildlife and was on hand to talk about it and accompany us on guided walks if we chose to join. Iain slowed the boat for us to see the wildlife, when feasible. We’ll certainly never forget the Sea Eagles and the ‘Barra Boys’ - bottle nosed dolphins. The food was extraordinary. Yes, we have been very spoiled by the meals Izzy cooked, plus afternoon tea each day, and now face life without it! Trinity made sure our cabin was as comfortable and clean and tidy each day and discreetly learnt what our likes and dislikes were when serving and helping with all the meals, and was on hand for drinks and coffee for anything we needed in the day. Each evening after dinner Iain and Gill would talk with us about the day and where Iain was planning our journey for the next day. They both answered our questions with great patience and humour and we certainly felt our needs were more than met. We were travelling with a lovely group of passengers too. Iain and his team have made this a very special holiday for us to remember for ever. Thank you.
Louise & Steve Caines
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: 21 June 2025Skye, the Small Isles and the Shiants