Many of our guests are from Australia as part of a major trip around Scotland, the UK or Europe. Our Scottish cruises are the perfect way to see several islands of the Hebrides while taking a break from constant travelling. We were delighted to welcome Autralian guests mother and daughter Hilary and Tania on board Emma Jane and provide them with an individual bespoke cruise experience. Our overseas guests really appreciate our guided shore trips, providing a great insight into the communities, history and nature of the Hebrides. It is very easy to reach our departure point in Oban from Edinburgh or Glasgow,please just get in touch with Emma if you need travel advice. Hilary and Tania were wonderful guests and we really do hope they can come on board again in the future. Their guest companions on board all sent in pictures which are seen in the gallery below. Here is what Tania said about their cruise to Skye and the Small Isles:
"My Mum and I have just been on this wonderful Skye and Small Isles cruise – it was so amazing- the mix of outdoor adventure- heading to shore in a zodiac, walks on the islands, amazing sunsets, wildlife spotting- and yes we did see puffins, Minke whales and dolphins, to name just some- and lots of bird life. But also a life of luxury on Emma Jane- there seemed to be so much space- 3 viewing decks, a large luxurious lounge area, just max 10 passengers, and 4 amazing staff. James- our Skipper – who always managed to find a beautiful and still mooring for the night – and has a great eye for spotting sea creatures, Emma our bosun- worked so hard looking after us all and the boat, Caroline our amazing gourmet chef, and Chris our wildlife and photography expert. The crew were fantastic- we are planning on another cruise as soon as we get a chance to revisit Scotland. My Mum is elderly but adventurous and was fine on this cruise and so well looked after. So if you read this – and are thinking of a trip like this- just book it now- you won’t regret it!"
From Tania and Hilary in Australia.
I recently had the pleasure of embarking on an unforgettable cruise to the Hebrides Cruises ( Skye, Small Islands,and the Shiants, in Scotland ( May 13-21, 2023), and I must say it was an experience that exceeded all expectations. The 8-day journey was filled with breathtaking scenery, fascinating insights, and a genuine sense of camaraderie among the 8 participants and 4 staff members on board. One of the highlights of this cruise was undoubtedly the exceptional staff. From the knowledgeable and enthusiastic naturalist to the experienced skipper, each member of the team showcased a remarkable dedication to our well-being and enjoyment throughout the trip. The naturalist's expertise and passion for the islands were evident in every interaction, making each wildlife sighting and nature excursion a truly enriching experience. The skipper's lifelong knowledge of the islands and the sea, along with his emphasis on safety, instilled a sense of confidence and allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of the Hebrides. Not to be forgotten is the cook, whose culinary skills transformed each meal into a delightful gastronomic experience. Not only were the dishes healthy and delicious, but they were also beautifully presented, showcasing the cook's artistic talents. Finally, and not any less significant, was the boat swain's excellent customer service, always attentive to our needs and ensuring our comfort throughout the journey. His prompt response to any request with a touch of his humor, further added to the overall exceptional service on board. What set this cruise apart was the intimate atmosphere created by the small group size and the daily rituals shared among the participants. The shared adventures and delicious meals fostered a sense of closeness and allowed for meaningful connections to be formed. We gathered each day to recount our sightings of birds and sea life, engaging in storytelling and discussion. This combination of shared experiences and diverse perspectives, with travelers from different
Alison Kinsey: 13 May 2023Skye, the Small Isles and the Shiants