21 June 2025
I have to give the weather a dishonourable mention - it tried its best to disrupt our cruise, but as always, the crew onboard the Emma Jane just got on with their tasks and gave us all a memorable cruise ! I think they secretly like the challenges presented !! Some of the unexpected diversions and anchorages were a real treat, bringing the crew and guests together into a big happy group of people, strangers to start with perhaps, but everyone of them were good friends by the end. A great cruise !! I must give the crew their own name checks : Jake - a new member of the Hebrides Cruises family, but already a star, introducing little ‘extras’ when we were in the rib, he obviously put a lot of thought into providing us with the best ! Lynsey - a fabulous wildlife guide, and a fabulous friend if I may claim that honour. Charlie - superb chef, what wonderful meals we were served with, beans on toast at home just doesn’t cut it anymore ???? Jasmin - nothing was ever too much trouble, everything was always in the right place, spotless, and those table designs, amazing ! Perhaps even of more importance than all the obvious skill sets possessed, was the sense of fun, positivity and friendship shown. Marks out of ten for the crew and the cruise ?? Why, 11 of course !! A great big thankyou from me for a great time.
Steve Lloyd
The cruise was excellent. St Kilda is breath taking for its geology, bird life and mysterious historic buildings. Gill and I quite spontaneously both compared its haunting atmosphere with Machu Picchu. Rob the captain took us as close as possible to some wonderful bird covered cliffs, stacks and caves and homed in on bird flocks, seals, minke whales, dolphins, otters and other wildlife sights whenever he glimpsed them. We enjoyed walking on Hirta and the other islands where we saw so many wildflowers. We were lucky to see the St Kilda mouse and wren although TV enthusiasts might consider the Balamory cat more important. I was surprised to learn that the crew of four had not all worked together many times as they formed such a well co-ordinated team. All the passengers got along well. Rob the captain seemed to know the islands in detail and is obviously a man of many accomplishments but still seemed happy to help serve meals. Sian, the lady chef, produced very fine meals and evening dinners were a culinary and social joy. Craig seemed to be everywhere helping and Zoe the naturalist never stopped looking for wildlife and pointing it out from the boat and when she guided us on the islands. We are both somewhat stiff jointed but with a little help we had no trouble with beach landings. We slept in one of the two smaller cabins. There was no space to spare but we quickly made ourselves at home and were very comfortable. The little wet room worked well. We can happily recommend Hebrides Cruises to anybody. Thanks to all you all.
Gill & Paul Gillians: 5 July 2021St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides