6 May 2023
Just returned from another fantastic cruise on Emma Jane. The scenery was awesome and as for the wildlife, what can I say - we saw dolphins, minkes, white tailed eagles, puffins and far too many others to mention! The islands never disappoint, there's always something new to see and the crew know exactly where to take us for the best views and wildlife spotting. As always, the crew were brilliant and always helpful - particularly to those of us with creaky knees! James, thank you so much for the wooden Step of Stability - I can't emphasise enough what a huge difference it made to me when getting in and out of the tender. The step should be featured on the front page of your website as reassurance to anyone who has any doubts about their ability to get off the boat! Finally, when will there be a Hebrides Cruises recipe book?! Thanks for everything, we can't wait to be back in board!
Val Strickland
This was our second cruise on the Lucy Mary, so we had high expectations from last time, which were all fulfilled. Abbie was once again our steward, while skipper Lewis, Chef Jeya and Wildlife Guide Linsey were new to us. Our weather was exceptional, with Lewis keeping us well away from any bad stuff. We also achieved our top bucket list item of dolphin bow wave riding, with around 20 dolphins swimming with us on one day and then around 6 on a later day - stupendous. Our fellow travellers were all lovely people, which is such an important factor in these small cruise ships, and it was a nice touch for Lewis and Linsey to join us for our evening meals. Jeya’s food was consistently superb, and Abbie made sure we were always well looked after. Always impressive was the ability of the crew to turn their hand to pretty much any task, which meant that occasional glitches were dealt with smoothly and without fuss. Lynsey in particular was visibly always on the go, cleaning the decks while we breakfasted, guiding us on board and onshore, and helping brief and debrief us at the end of each day. Having such an experienced wildlife guide at your elbow at all times is what really differentiates this cruise from the competition. The whole experience felt like we were very much involved in agreeing or amending the itinerary for the following day, rather than simply being a passenger. We are already booked for a 10 day cruise next year.
John and Aileen MacLean: 13 May 2024Skye, the Small Isles and the Shiants