Your comfort and safety on board
Providing the personal care, expert guidance, and detailed information you need to explore the Hebrides with total confidence.
Personalised support before you sail
At Hebrides Cruises, we believe the magic of the Scottish Isles should be accessible to as many people as possible. Whether you are traveling as a multi-generational family or have specific concerns regarding mobility, sight, or hearing, our goal is to ensure you feel confident, safe, and fully supported from the moment you book.
We understand that every guest has unique needs. If you have questions about whether our small-ship cruises are right for you, we are here to help you make an informed decision.
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Consult with Emma: Our Shore Manager, Emma, is your dedicated point of contact. She can provide detailed insights, photos, and even videos of specific areas of the ship to help you visualize the experience.
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Multi-Generational Travel: Our cruises are perfect for families with varying energy levels. While some may want a rugged hike, others can enjoy the scenery from the deck or a gentle stroll on the beach.
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A Note on Mobility: Due to the authentic layout of our traditional vessels (including steep stairs and narrow companionways), we unfortunately cannot accommodate full-time wheelchair users.
Your Arrival & Embarkation
We’ve streamlined our boarding process to ensure a stress-free start to your holiday.
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Easy Access: We depart from the Oban Bay pontoons, a central and accessible location in the heart of Oban.
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The Crew Briefing: Before you even arrive, our Shore Manager briefs the crew on any specific assistance you might require.
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Personal Orientation: Upon boarding, your Skipper provides a comprehensive safety briefing. A crew member will then personally escort you to your cabin, pointing out handrails and any layout features specific to your room.
Life on board: safety and comfort
Our crew is trained to be proactive, ensuring you never have to ask twice for a helping hand.
| Feature | How it Supports You |
| Daily Briefings | Every evening, the Skipper and Guide outline the next day’s itinerary so you know exactly what to expect. |
| Stability & Grip | Sturdy handrails are fitted throughout all outer decks, stairwells, and inside your private cabin. |
| Attentive Crew | From the Skipper to the Chef, our team is always on hand to assist with movement around the deck or any personal requirements. |
| Tailored Experience | Our Wildlife Guides chat with you individually to adapt shore walks or wildlife spotting to your pace and interests. |
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Safety First: Before every landing, the Skipper provides a briefing on the specific terrain of the landing site.
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The "Double-Hand" Rule: At least two crew members are always stationed at the tender to assist you in and out of the boat.
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Enhanced Tenders: Our tenders are equipped with grab rails and extra steps to make boarding easier and more secure.
Frequently Asked Questions: mobility & comfort
How much walking is involved? The beauty of a small-ship cruise is that you can do as much or as little as you like. While our guides lead daily walks on shore, there is never any pressure to participate. You are welcome to stay on board and enjoy the views from the deck or the comfort of the saloon, or simply take a short stroll along the shoreline.
Are the stairs on board difficult to navigate? Our vessels are traditional ships, which means staircases (companionways) are often steeper and narrower than those in a standard building. However, they are all fitted with sturdy handrails. If you are concerned, Emma can send you a photo of the specific stairs on your chosen vessel.
I have a hearing/visual impairment; how will I receive safety information? Safety is our priority. In addition to the group briefings, our crew provides one-on-one orientations. We will walk you through the vessel personally to ensure you are familiar with the layout, and we can provide written versions of our daily briefings upon request.
Can I bring a walking aid? Collapsible walking sticks and frames are generally fine for use on board and on many shore excursions. Because we use small tender boats to reach the shore, we recommend sturdy, non-slip footwear. Please let us know in advance what equipment you plan to bring so we can ensure it can be safely stowed.
What happens if I find a landing site too challenging? Our Skipper and Guide assess every landing site for safety and ease of access. During the evening briefing, they will describe the terrain (e.g., "rocky," "sandy," or "inclined"). If a particular landing doesn't feel right for you, you can choose to stay on the main vessel and enjoy the peace of the loch.
How steady is the boat when boarding the tender? Our crew are experts at "timing the tide." We use a two-person assist method—often called the 'Seaman’s Grip'—to ensure you are steady and supported while moving between the ship and the tender. We take our time; there is never any rush.
"I know that 'the unknown' can be a barrier to booking. Please don't hesitate to reach out. I've sent everything from door-frame measurements to videos of the stairs to help guests feel at ease. We want you to arrive feeling excited, not nervous." — Emma, Shore Manager