13 May 2024
I was longing to be aboard “Lucy Mary” again ever since stepping off her at the end of my cruise last September; I had felt surely it couldn’t be as good again - but it was. During the entire trip the 4 crew members worked extremely hard to make sure we had a thoroughly enjoyable time, with enthusiasm, professionalism and friendliness. It was great having Abbie as our charming and efficient steward again: I must mention her inventive table decorations, a beautiful highlight of every dinner time. The other three crew were new to me but outstanding. Jaya created mouth-watering meals and treats, with a zesty approach to the food, and indeed to life in general, which was very appealing. Lynsey as wildlife guide was supremely good, sharing her remarkable knowledge of the area and its wildlife so that we saw, heard and learned about many places, animals, birds and plants which would have gone unnoticed or unidentified had she not been there. All of the wonders we saw would, of course, have been unreachable without Lewis the skipper, who did his utmost to take us to all the places we were hoping to visit - with great success. The glorious weather, coupled with Lewis’s skilful handling of the boat and his careful route planning in conjunction with Lynsey and ourselves, gave us opportunities for reaching stunning destinations. There was plenty of time to savour all the experiences, whether on land by tender trips ashore or at sea by Lewis’s willingness to slow or stop for us to observe dolphins, whales, seals, seabirds. A crew working together for the best possible outcome and an amiable group of fellow passengers, travelling on a delightful boat in an area so rich in natural beauty, gave me another unforgettable cruise. Thanks wholeheartedly and see you next year!
Stephanie
I have long wanted to visit the Scottish Isles. A friend of mine recommended Hebrides Cruises and, since my husband gets seasick just looking at the ocean, I decided to travel alone. How fortunate, then, to have both delightful fellow guests and the most delightful of crews imaginable. The boat herself, the Elizabeth G, proved to be staunchly seaworthy and decidedly comfortable. AND she came equipped with a simply marvelous chef, Sarah, who fed us like royalty. Thank goodness for the daily walks that enabled us to eat most of what she presented. I think we saw every seabird in the book, my favorite -- no surprise here -- the adorable puffins who are much smaller in real life than I had imagined. We also saw numerous minke whales and porpoises, as well as eagles and red deer at a distance. Loved the ruined nunnery on Iona. Very atmospheric. Was awed by Fingles Cave and enchanted by the beauty of the isles themselves. With deep thanks to ALL the crew and to Hebrides Cruises which is both warm and highly professional.
Jennifer Tomkins: 22 April 2023Idyllic Islands: Mull, Iona, Staffa & the Treshnish Isles