Loch Linnhe, the Caledonian Canal & Loch Ness 6-nights

23 September 2023

I am actually struggling to find the words to express how wonderful this holiday was and how much we enjoyed ourselves during our 6 nights on Emma Jane. This experience was truely like no other holiday I've ever taken. It was well put together and the crew were ready to adapt plans where necessary. Firstly thanks to Emma for her initial assistance when we were making the decision to book or not, and invaluable help on travel advice. Whether we were lucky, but we joined a lovely group of fellow, like minded passengers to spend our 6 nights with. All the crew, Chris, the skipper, Sofia, the steward, Carlton, the chef, and Will the wildlife expert, were individually lovely, helpful, patient, and excellent in their roles. However, the four of them together formed a competent and well organised team. I noted the concentration required to navigate us through the locks, and attention to our safety and enjoyment at all times. The food was amazing Carlton. Hard to pick my favourite dish but the Caesar salad was a stand out. Will, took us on lovely walks to enjoy beautiful scenery, rivers, locks, lochs, canal, waterfalls, birds and fungi. Chris, calm, caring and confident, but firm if he needed to be. We must, however, mention Sofia in particular. Her attention to detail, demonstration of a variety of skills, one moment doing the ropes on the vessel, the next serving us tea, cake, and Proscecco in the afternoon(could get used to this but things are never the same when you try to re-create them at home). Her flair in creating the most wonderful table decorations. We could go on. We loved it. Thank you so very much.  Cindy Hudson & Andrew Perry

Cindy Hudson

23 September 2023

Thank you so much for our "Holiday of a Lifetime". From arriving at the departure point to leaving the pontoon on Friday we had a super holiday that exceeded all our expectations. We have not hesitated in booking for next year and we will enjoy the anticipation of another restful week of sheer luxury!  Thank you.  Liz and Frank ps. thanks for the special anniversary celebration surprise!!

Frank Moseley

16 September 2023

The whole experience was a delight, James, Will, Carlton and Sofia were lovely and the ship and accommodation was great, our cabin (5) was well designed and comfortable with ideal nooks and crannies for storage. We made for a very sociable group and the ambiance was helped by the friendly atmosphere on board.  It was all very enjoyable and the scenery stunning sailing up to the sea lock at Fort William and along the canal and lochs towards Inverness. It is a truly lovely time of year to visit the Highlands and the perspective from water level on the ship was ideal. Will provided an expert guide to the flora and fauna along the way and the walks on shore. Seeing spectacular skeins of Pink Footed Geese on their way to their feeding grounds on the morning of the last day was a particular highlight.  I would not hesitate to recommend the cruise, we both had a lovely time in good company with a delightful and knowledgeable crew.

Peter Thomas

17 September 2022

Tell you something you may not know. The rise through upsy locks is extraordinary, a body of water controlled. Then the down-the-stairs feel as you descend to the wide mouth of Loch Ness. Ok, that's one thing, two actually, but how you traverse this is not the whole picture. The thought and the planning that goes into every minute detail is diverse, dynamic and delicious. From Emma and back (for she is the pilot) we have Captain 'Calm' who deals with everything on board, Ash who makes light of all her work as steward, Will, guide, who knows the over and under story and Jordan who should cook for heaven, all of them showing such grace. I loved watching each member of this team step out of their roles when required. For any unsure of bumpy seas, this one is for you. Ps, bring swimwear. The hot tub affords the best of sunset views.

Judy Fairbairns

17 September 2022

Emma, as always, makes the booking experience a pleasure, everything is clearly defined, and any queries/requests etc are handled most efficiently.  The crew were all such experts in their field, but more than that, the way they worked together to make the whole cruise a great experience was admirable, and such fun !  Skipper James deserves extra praise, his cruises are always top notch, and this was no exception.

Mr S Lloyd

17 September 2022

Excellent itinerary. Very good opportunities for getting off for the guided walks, following the Emma Jane up and down the locks. Even go to operate the Lock gates on one occasion!  Will very knowledgeable on his wildlife.  Delivered everything as expected.

Colin Wilkie

18 September 2021

A brilliant week cruising the Caledonian Canal - our first time on Emma Jane, and it won't be the last! The crew were fantastic, as ever, and our fellow guests were so entertaining and a lot of fun was had by all! A week of total relaxation with excellent views of deer, golden eagles, buzzards, and a perfectly placed otter! You just can't beat the scenery in the Highlands and we appreciated being able to go ashore and explore.

John and Val Strickland

18 September 2021

Proper Preparation Provides a Perfect Performance, and Practice makes Perfect. I would add Pride and Professionalism to a description of James, Kat, Will and Jo's contributions. Their individual expertise, James' leadership,  and everyone's ability to deal with every situation, whilst clearly enjoying themselves, could not be faulted. Please pass on our thanks - Brian and Bernice, Stockton-on-Tees

Bernice & Brian Turnball

18 September 2021

Emma was always available or quick to respond to emails or messages left.  A well planned, perfectly executed trip with varied excursions for all abilities.  A great crew from all aspects.  Efficient, professional but also friendly at all times.  Couldn't have been better - go for it! 

Fiona Ray

18 September 2021

This was our second cruise with Hebrides Cruises and it was equally as good as our first. Everybody's needs were catered for impeccably and there were some lovely surprise touches -popcorn ! anniversary cake! and even the completely unexpected sighting of an otter !! The company -both crew and other guests could not be bettered and really made the whole experience amazing. Many thanks to all at Hebrides Cruises especially our crew James, Cat, Jo and Will for looking after us so well. Ros & Mike Pickford

Mike & Ros Pickford