17 July 2023
What a fantastic experience we had on board the Lucy Mary for seven wonderful days in mid-July. She is a super vessel, very stable on the sea and very, very comfortable. All the crew members were very personable from James on the wheel, Will and Ruari as guides, Sam the cook and Abbie as our hostess. We had the great experience of having Fingal's Cave Cave on Staffa to ourselves as James made sure we got to the island well before the tour boats arrived - of all the places we were brought, this stood out on its own. For me, Lunga was amazing there being so, so many birds present and being able to get really close to Puffins. We were spoiled with Sam's fantastic cooking and also his willingness to work with stuff we foraged both on the shore and also on land. So, thanks to all in Hebrides Cruises for a really memorable west coast of Scotland experience. Brendan
Brendan O'Connor
10 July 2023
Emma- we had a fabulous trip last month on the Lucy Mary. Apart from the scenery, the ( Brendan recorded 53 species of) birds, the dolphins, whales and porpoises, the Lucy Mary was a delightful vessel but particularly her entire crew were outstanding each in their respective roles. We were fortunate in having such a calm, professional and considerate skipper in James , informed wildlife guides Will and Ruari, a creative chef in Sam and Abbie attending to our every need ( and whim!). We have been recommending your company to all and sundry.
Petria McDonnell
10 July 2023
Just back from wonderful trip with friends on the Lucy Mary. Beautiful weather, islands, scenery, anchorages, stunning beaches, lovely swimming, lots of birds and dolphins and the occasional minke whale. Our calm skipper James did everything to fulfill our wishes. His helpers and our minders, Will, Ru, Sam and Abbie looked after us so well and were great full too. Sam produced the most amazing delicious food. Lucy Mary is a great, comfortable boat and she cruises gently and quietly through the water. I’d highly recommend this trip and a big thank you to all
Geraldine Hickey
7 July 2023
Thank you all for the ease with which you brought us to the wonder of the world which is Fingals Cave - what a privilege to swim in that extraordinarily place before the crowds . Thanks to all the crew - all exceptional - food cocktails /perfect navigation /anchorage choices - dolphins and the odd Minke whale - perfection !
Dorothy Cross
3 June 2023
Lindsey the wild life expert was very knowledgeable especially about the bird life. Chris took us to interesting places with wonderful scenery. Fingal’s cave was the highlight! Crew very helpful and looked after us very well. Dietary requests followed. Book early!
Gladys Jones
3 June 2023
Emma is the consumate professional in every detail covering the booking of any cruise, and dealing with any queries etc, and as a bonus she performs all this in such a friendly way ! The Hebrides Cruises team have this down to a fine art, the welcome is first class, and the handling of the luggage etc is so reassuring. Likewise, the assistance given on leaving the cruise is above and beyond, offers of help arranging taxis etc is always there, and the luggage is carried up to the end of the pier for all. That said, leaving the Emma Jane is always the least enjoyable part of any cruise, its like leaving good friends ! This was a wonderful cruise, helped somewhat by the glorious weather, but it was the pace of the whole thing that was absolute perfection. No having to dash anywhere, no trying to catch up, just a thoroughly laid back and ultimately very enjoyable cruise. Yes, the wildlife was unforgettable, but the scenery, and the history combined with the willingness of the crew to add that cherry to the top of the cake on a daily basis made this the perfect cruise – even those less interested in wildlife would enjoy this cruise I’m sure.The crew excelled in absolutely everything, the meals were sublime, the service/care provided by the crew was I believe, unbeatable, and everything was clean and in the right place. AS ALWAYS ! Yes, there are other vessels offering perhaps similar-looking cruises, but look a little deeper, check the reviews, and if possible, check the smiles of the guests as they finish their cruise. I’m lucky enough to have been on a few Hebrides Cruises adventures now, and one of the more telling things is the number of repeat customers that keep coming back. I think that speaks volumes !
Steve Lloyd
3 June 2023
We just wanted to say how wonderful last week was on the Emma Jane. Skipper Chris and Lynsey devised an excellent itinerary. Jaya’s food was amazing and Bee the perfect hostess. The laughter from the galley was a delight even though we didn’t have a clue what they were talking about! The weather was wonderful and the wildlife beyond expectation. The humpback whale making a guest appearance couldn’t have been better timed. Lynsey jumping around the deck with sheer excitement was also quite a joy! Thank you once again to everyone involved with the cruise. It was a long time coming but well worth the wait.
Christine Rose
27 May 2023
Scenery was absolutely stunning. Our skipper, Rob, used his extensive experience to create wonderful daily itineraries to discuss & review. The variety of onshore trips to the Small Isles & Skye was magical. An extra hour on Muck, Rum & Canna to walk & explore a wee bit more would have been welcome. Overnight anchorages were beautiful, sheltered & peaceful. Apart from the Small Isles, my highlight was watching the leaping dolphins & harbour porpoises. Will, our wildlife guide, was a walking source of knowledge. The crew were welcoming, knowledgeable & attended to our every need with care. All of the crew had a good sense of humour so there was a holiday atmosphere & fun, as well as time to reflect. Phoebe’s cooking is divine - it was such a luxury to have home made gluten free fare. If she has time to email the rhubarb tart & pecan bisc recipe that would be great. Bea is a hard working bundle of fun - a great housekeeper & hostess. It was so easy to book & pay. Emma emailed clear & timely information. When I phoned with a question she was very helpful. Treat yourself to the trip of a lifetime. Just do it!
Jenny Doig
29 April 2023
I don't know when I have been so well looked after. This cruise has been simply wonderful and a masterpiece of organisation, knowledge, wildlife, culinary expertise and service of lightest order. You are all amazing people and I have enjoyed this holiday so much!
Jenny
29 April 2023
Thank you to all the crew of the Emma Jane for looking after us so well. It has been a fantastic trip from start to finish. Compliments especially to Nicola and her amazing cuisine and to Bea for all her varied hats, bar tender, deck hand, waitress etc. all brilliantly captured by Rob and thanks to Will for taking so much time to seek out and advise on the wildlife. All the best to you. Cath!
Catherine Fay
Mull is a beautiful island with a captivating coastline of deeply indented sea lochs, dramatic cliffs and inviting shell-sand beaches just waiting to be explored. But there is more; the enticing offshore islands of Mull can be clearly seen from the western coast and the best way to discover them is from the sea. The Treshnish Isles are uninhabited and a haven for wildlife; the puffins and other nesting seabirds are not afraid of humans and to go ashore is an absolute delight. The Isle of Staffa is world famous and, weather permitting, the boat tender can access the inside of Fingals Cave. Our vessel anchors in the Sound of Iona to allow guests to go ashore to visit Iona Abbey and enjoy some of the wonderful walks in the footsteps of St Columba. Visit an abandoned village on the isle of Ulva, the latest west coast island attempting community ownership. These island anchorages are the best place to view a stunning Hebridean sunset. Minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks and otters all frequent the waters around Mull, with many bird species from puffins to eagles a common sight, more easily spotted with a wildlife guide on board. 
We had a fantastic trip; all round excellent! Great comfort, lovely food, engaging and educational walks on shore, swimming off the aft deck followed by a soak in the hot tub and really top class service. Nothing was too much for the crew. Very good value for money too. I cannot recommend this cruise company highly enough.
Alisoun Milne: 2 October 2021Inner Hebrides Big 5 Autumn Wildlife Cruise