24 September 2017
What a truly memorable week even though the weather was a little wet at times! The Elizabeth G is just perfect for cruising around the islands. Rob, our skipper, took us to the most magical places to drop anchor for lunch and at night. Some of my best memories are, the ship going quite close inshore as we watched a sea eagle flying through a rainbow back to its nest, hearing red deer calling and then fighting as it was the rutting season on the hills surrounding us when we were overnighting in a sea loch, watching wild otters swimming in the kelp with some inquisitive seals when we stopped for lunch and seeing the night sky with no light pollution or planes flying over. Mealtimes are also very special on board with everyone eating together and sharing their stories of the day and listening to the plans for the next day. The cruise on the Elizabeth G was my first holiday travelling solo so I was little nervous about it but I really didn't need to worry at all. The crew were very welcoming and the group of fellow guests were very friendly. There was always a lot of laughter at mealtimes and out on our walks. We were lucky to have Nigel on board who is a fantastic photographer so he was giving us tips on how to take photos of both the scenery and wildlife. If you are thinking of going, just book it, you won't regret it so long as you like good company, wonderful food and fantastic scenery! I am now booked on the St Kilda trip next year and am looking forward to it already...
Melanie Rogers
Emma is the consumate professional in every detail covering the booking of any cruise, and dealing with any queries etc, and as a bonus she performs all this in such a friendly way ! The Hebrides Cruises team have this down to a fine art, the welcome is first class, and the handling of the luggage etc is so reassuring. Likewise, the assistance given on leaving the cruise is above and beyond, offers of help arranging taxis etc is always there, and the luggage is carried up to the end of the pier for all. That said, leaving the Emma Jane is always the least enjoyable part of any cruise, its like leaving good friends ! This was a wonderful cruise, helped somewhat by the glorious weather, but it was the pace of the whole thing that was absolute perfection. No having to dash anywhere, no trying to catch up, just a thoroughly laid back and ultimately very enjoyable cruise. Yes, the wildlife was unforgettable, but the scenery, and the history combined with the willingness of the crew to add that cherry to the top of the cake on a daily basis made this the perfect cruise – even those less interested in wildlife would enjoy this cruise I’m sure.The crew excelled in absolutely everything, the meals were sublime, the service/care provided by the crew was I believe, unbeatable, and everything was clean and in the right place. AS ALWAYS ! Yes, there are other vessels offering perhaps similar-looking cruises, but look a little deeper, check the reviews, and if possible, check the smiles of the guests as they finish their cruise. I’m lucky enough to have been on a few Hebrides Cruises adventures now, and one of the more telling things is the number of repeat customers that keep coming back. I think that speaks volumes !
Steve Lloyd: 3 June 2023Idyllic Islands: Mull, Iona, Staffa & the Treshnish Isles