5 October 2024
This was our second time on the Elizabeth G and once again we had a wonderful time. On this cruise it struck us even more just how much the crew go the extra mile and work round the clock to make it a perfect experience for the guests. On this trip we were delighted to renew our acquaintance with Alistair and Craig, and we met Hannah who shared her vast knowledge and experience. Ellie was our cook and we believe it was her first time, and she treated us royally. Despite all the stereotypes about the weather, Scotland always delivers, and we had an overnight at the head of Loch Etive which will live long in our memories.
John & Christine Blair
4 October 2024
We very much enjoyed our few days away. Hadn’t been to Loch Etive before and thought it was lovely. Everywhere else good too and then good company and good crew! All a winning combination. Look forward to next time. Look after yourselves and don’t work too hard during the winter months!! Nance xx
Nance Tosh
4 October 2024
I loved every minute of it.
The crew were wonderful, so kind and patient , the food was amazing. If too much Sam was happy to give me half portions or just a starter and dessert. I would certainly recommend you to anyone. Indy was a fantastic wild life spotter and made sure I saw everything. As I told James I would put the cruise in the top 3 holidays of a lifetime along with Manchu Pichu and trekking in the Himalayas!
Jill Eddison
30 September 2023
We have recently returned from the 4 night wildlife Inner Hebrides cruise on the Elizabeth G. We so enjoyed the cruise. Our fellow passengers were a delight, so very kind when my husband had difficulty walking half way through a walk ashore. The crew could not have been more helpful, Alistair our Captain and Lindsey our wildlife expert knowing where to go to see as much wildlife as possible and the most beautiful and calm places to anchor for the night. We saw the big 5! Craig, our Bosun was very attentive and generous with the wine! The weather was mostly kind, except whenever we got into the tender it would rain but as soon as we landed it stopped! We have never seen so many gorgeous rainbows. The food was exceptional and so much of it! Charlie, you’re a genius to be able to produce that quality of food in the tiny galley! We were sad when the trip ended, so sad in fact, that we have booked another cruise for next April!
Ruth Wiseman
25 September 2023
We were delighted to be able to join the Lucy Mary with friends for a 5 day cruise. The highlights we’d like to share are: • great accommodation and food; • polite, obliging and enthusiastic staff; • an absolute certainty that the safety and comfort of guests is paramount; • guests with mobility issues and dietary requirements are accommodated with care and without fuss; • the extremely knowledgeable wildlife guides make every effort to ensure all guests experience the wonders that the Hebrides can bring; • finally, whilst the weather cannot be controlled, the Skipper will try to adjust the itinerary to make the best of it. We were lucky to be able to capture some sights on film to share, but many of our scenic views and wildlife moments are best stored as delicious memories to be savoured in quiet moments of post-holiday reflection and treasured forever. It is without hesitation that we recommend Hebrides Cruises for an experience of a lifetime which we hope to repeat.
Karen and Trevor Walker
1 October 2022
This was a very professional cruise. Everything about it was seamless. From the booking process and boarding to dining and excursions it was faultless. The crew were knowledgeable. The chef capable of excellent cooking and considering the confined space of the galley this was remarkable. Daily briefings kept us informed and our wildlife guide was superb. We saw all the big five. For anyone wanting to experience a wildlife cruise this is a must.
Martrin Dixon
1 October 2022
Oh...extra special? Having my meals made for me, being ferried from place to place, having daily company of interesting guests (some of which we have swapped contact details), witnessing gorgeous flora and fauna - I had all the “extra” I needed. I did mention to James that it would be nice to have his mum on my next sail! (I have read her book). The booking of the Big Five was done when we came back from the Small Isles trip last July. The actual booking, admin and info part is easy and seamless - the problem is the
availability! The calendar is always “fully booked”. Go whilst your legs can still carry you!
L Stephen
1 October 2022
Everyone a team player making the whole experience feel totally supported. Professional, calm and fun to be with creating a relaxed atmosphere. We were totally spoiled by all. Excellent, varied menu, always tasted fabulous and well presented. Thankyou, hand diver fresh scallops a real treat. Excellent, cabin always tidy. All areas kept welcoming.
Stephen Brake
1 October 2022
This cruise is the shortest one they do but we still managed to get in a lot of walking in some beautiful locations. It was the rutting season so it was magical to stand out on deck listening to the bellowing stags in the hills surrounding the Loch. We also had some good sightings of them. We were privileged to have two very close sightings of wild otters on land eating their catch! The crew were as helpful and attentive as ever. I think the fact that out of the four cabins on the Elizabeth G, three were people who were returning to the ship, including myself, which proves what a wonderful experience it is. It was also nice to have a couple on board who hadn't sailed with Hebrides before as they were so enthusiastic. A friendly group, lovely locations and brilliant crew - what more could you ask for!
Melanie Rogers
2 October 2021
Everything exceeded our expectations. The crew seemed to genuinely enjoy the cruise and took care of our needs and wants easily; it felt that we were with friends. Was wonderful to eat all the wonderful and tasty food - It was a pleasure to have James and Linsey join us at dinner! Appreciated being able to drop our luggage off earlier in the day and the info re parking.
I was apprehensive due to my fear of water however the crew were most understanding and made me feel safe.
By the end of the cruise we both felt so at ease and were enjoying such a wonderful experience that neither of us wanted to leave.
Rachel Dillon
We set off from Oban in the Elizabeth G under the expert skippering (is that a word ?) of Alistair, Bosun Craig was ever attentive providing drinks and excellenttable service, Zoe our guide pointing out various wildlife species and Charle our Chef providing delicious meals and snacks all throughout the cruise. I would nominate Charlie for Master Chef. Alistair plotted our course northwards, we saw Dolphins on our first day, poor Zoe couldn't get me to say pods, "herds of them" was my cry, it was amazing that these highly intelligent creatures would actively go out of their way to interact with us, it happened every day and our faces ached with the smiles these fantastic animals generated. We saw Minke whales almost every day as well The Elizabth G may be 60 years old but she is in excellent condition, strong, reliable, steady in a strong wind and swell because of her stabilisers, she has character and a beauty all of her own. She is big enough to give you confidence that she can tackle what mother nature throws at her but small enough to anchor in some truly amazing places. Every day you go ashore and explore another new location. (Weather permitting) Every member of the crew is dedicated to making sure you get the most out of your cruise, excellent food, excellent care, super knowledge of the flora and fauna. You go to bed every evening with your knowledge expanded, your spirits lifted. If you want to see Dolphins, Whales, Harbour Porpoises, Eagles, Shags, Gannets, Manx Shearwater, Gulls of every type, the list of encounters is limited only by the time/length of your cruise, sign up for a cruise as soon as you can. Alistair, the skipper has the utmost respect for the wildlife you encounter, every encounter is on the animals terms, their safety takes priority, he lets the wildlife come to the boat rather than pursuing it. His storytelling is wonderful, every evening he and Zoe join you and he shows you where you have been, where you are going and what weather to expect, there is even a knowledge test at the end o
David and Tracy Woods-Thomas: 28 August 2023Whale watching in the Northern Minch