31 May 2025
This was our third annual cruise with this excellent family business, and our first on the Elizabeth G (previously we had been on the Lucy Mary), and we are already booked back on the Elizabeth G in 2026 to the Flannan Isles. Getting to St Kilda has been on our bucket list for a long time, and when the weather turned bad two days before we embarked, we were resigned to being lucky to even get to the Outer Hebrides. During the early bad patch, skipper Iain worked his magic to keep us away from the rough seas and winds, whilst finding us idyllic inlets to explore and overnight in, whilst Trinity our steward and Izzy our chef kept our minds off the weather with great food and great service. Onboard and on our daily trip ashore, our wildlife guide Gill kept finding loads of wildlife and plants to wonder at and be educated on, so spirits were actually quite high despite the weather, which alleviated slightly a day or so in and allowed us to run across to the Outer Hebrides, where the pattern of great food, great service and great nature spotting continued. And then, late in our ten day window of opportunity, skipper Iain gave us the great news that the weather had improved to the point where a dash out into the Atlantic was feasible, but only for a one night stay. The next day, and with an extra early start, we hunkered down while the Elizabeth G used her stabilisers to the full in what was still a bit of a swell to us landlubbers, such that we arrived a few hours later “shaken but not stirred” at St Kilda. After a quick lunch, we headed ashore for a magical 5 hour visit, with incredibly clear and sunny skies overhead from the moment we arrived on the island, with rain only starting to appear as we headed back to our floating hotel for our well deserved dinner. The following morning we toured the rest of the archipelago, and marvelled at the stacks and the impossibly large numbers of seabirds everywhere. The weather had continued to improve, and so a longish leg was agreed upon, taking us down to Barra and Vatersay where we spent our second last night before a trip ashore to enjoy the phenomenal beaches on Vatersay. Our penultimate day was a trip to Rum, and this was the only trip ashore in the whole 10 days where we were actually rained upon (for only half of our shore trip). Then finally back to Oban first thing on the last morning, leaving us all feeling that we didn’t want it to end, and also that it seemed that we had been out on our cruise for a very long time! While there were so many highlights on our cruise which added to the main event of St Kilda, one which will stay with us for a long time was when Iain handed control of steering the Elizabeth G to both of us in turn, and spent a good amount of his precious time educating us on all things maritime. Truly the crew make you feel that nothing you want is too much trouble, and their welcoming attitude, along with the excellent, different and always interesting discussions with the other passengers, gave a jovial, friendly and fun atmosphere to the whole escapade. We look forward very much to our 2026 Hebrides Cruises experience. See you again soon. John and Aileen MacLean.
John and Aileen MacLean
31 May 2025
What a fabulous, exciting and enjoyable holiday we had on the Elizabeth G thanks to the team on board. They were the most professional and flexible team and we highly recommend them. Despite the dreadful wind and rain at times we got to St Kilda safely and as comfortably as was possible. Iain planned the trip extremely carefully and made sure he had the boat in the best position possible when the weather window opened up to sail to St Kilda. Each day brought something new for us to see, different lochs, islands and wildlife we’d never been able to see from the land before. Gill alerted us to the wildlife and was on hand to talk about it and accompany us on guided walks if we chose to join. Iain slowed the boat for us to see the wildlife, when feasible. We’ll certainly never forget the Sea Eagles and the ‘Barra Boys’ - bottle nosed dolphins. The food was extraordinary. Yes, we have been very spoiled by the meals Izzy cooked, plus afternoon tea each day, and now face life without it! Trinity made sure our cabin was as comfortable and clean and tidy each day and discreetly learnt what our likes and dislikes were when serving and helping with all the meals, and was on hand for drinks and coffee for anything we needed in the day. Each evening after dinner Iain and Gill would talk with us about the day and where Iain was planning our journey for the next day. They both answered our questions with great patience and humour and we certainly felt our needs were more than met. We were travelling with a lovely group of passengers too. Iain and his team have made this a very special holiday for us to remember for ever. Thank you.
Louise & Steve Caines
1 July 2024
We had an excellent trip. The boat and food were lovely and the crew excellent. We weren't sure if we would get to St Kilda because of the weather, but the skipper knew exactly what to do to maximise our chances, and we did get there.
Andrew Roberts
1 July 2024
Emma extremely helpful. The leadership and knowledge of our skipper, Charlie made the most of weather windows to ensure our St Kilda landing and managed our expectations so well. We learned so much and had so many opportunities, facilitated by Will and Charlie, together. Meals were very well prepared and had strong Scottish character. Afternoon teas are impossible to resist. It is clear that the company makes a special effort to make these events as stress free as possible.
Fiona Goudie
1 July 2024
This was my second trip with Hebrides Cruises. It was magical and I couldn’t have faulted any of it. Charlie was a great skipper making sure that we had the best possible experience. Will is very knowledgeable guide , who ensured we didn’t miss any crucial wildlife sightings. The upper deck on Emma Jane is great for bird and wildlife spotting. I spent many hours up there . Whilst we were enjoying ourselves , Chef Charlie and Yasmine were busy preparing delicious meals for us. Being able to get to and land on St Kilda was a very special and evocative experience, made even better as there were no day boats , so we had the island to ourselves along with those on Elizabeth G.
Mary Lea
1 July 2024
Morning Emma - Just wanted to say thank you for a lovely trip out to St Kilda at the beginning of the month. Charlie (Skipper) was brilliant at keeping us informed of weather changes and getting us out to St Kilda safely. I was a little apprehensive because we have never been that far out into the Atlantic before. But I felt very safe and thoroughly enjoyed the trip and the sun even shone for us whilst we were on St Kilda. Will was his usual smiley self. Will cheered me up no end with his offer of “Would you like a crunchie Debbie”. This has now become a standard phase in our house to make everything all right. Brilliant. Jasmin was a delight and looked after us all brilliantly and her decoration of the boat with balloons for my birthday was really lovely along with the card. Thank you. Charlie (Chef) fed us all very well and my birthday cake was lovely. Thanks Emma, I hope the rest of the season goes well for you all.
D Ledgard
1 July 2024
Hi Emma - Thank you we had a fantastic time and its probably the best holiday we have ever had. We couldn’t fault the boat or the crew in any way and the only worry we have is that the bar has been set so high its difficult to know how to reach it never mind beat it again. However we will be back to cruise with you again as it was so good. I have to mention the crew we had, they were all, without exception, absolutely brilliant . Having Hannah with her knowledge and enthusiasm was a real bonus and as my wife is the real wildlife fan it made it for her, she spent so much time up on the bow with Hannah and a couple of the other guests I thought she wouldn’t come in for meals sometimes. However the draw of Mags meals did bring her in and it was excellent. I don’t know if we were lucky with the guests but everyone got on very well and it made the whole trip very enjoyable. Thank you so much for giving us such a fantastic experience.
K McKechnie
8 June 2024
From start to finish this was an exceptional cruise. Skipper James was determined to get us to St Kilda, despite the poor weather conditions, we rocked and rolled our way there, and what a place it was, it certainly exceeded my bucket list expectations! James is so considerate to all his crew and guests. Lynsay our guide was marvelous and encouraged me to climb The Gap, despite my knee issue I made it, and what a view I had of the village and Village Bay from the rock I chose to sit on for my picnic. Lynsay's patience with fellow guests and knowledge of her birds and flora were excellent. Jaya our chef extraordinaire made delicious meals, and as for her home made daily cakes they were to die for. Sofia was very attentive to all our needs and kept the whole boat immaculate. she is a little gem. The islands we visited had such variety, and from day to day it was a surprise as to where we would be next, due to the strong winds, James was kept on his toes to keep us all safe and busy. I still cannot believe the abundance of seabirds we saw, and so close. The dolphins were a treat. top marks to everyone at Hebrides Cruises.
Deirdre Brown
8 June 2024
Despite some pretty gusty weather, this was a fabulous cruise, our very experienced and attentive crew continually reviewing the forecast and the options to ensure the guests had a memorable and very enjoyable 10 nights aboard the wonderful Emma Jane. I’m fortunate enough to have previously visited St Kilda with Hebrides Cruises, but I must say this visit was possibly even more exciting, more a sense of achievement. However, don’t go thinking that St Kilda was all the cruise was about, not by a long way !! We had a fabulous visit to the sun drenched Shiants – sitting there watching the puffins, guillemots, razorbills, shags etc was pure pleasure. Other highlights were walking among the ruins of the old village on the Isle of Isay, just off the coast of Skye (a first for most of us), and the intriguing ruins at Rubha an Dunain on Skye. Just imagine an Iron Age dun on a cliff top, a chambered cairn from 2nd/3rd century BC, and a stone-lined canal thought to have been built by the Vikings !! This was a first for everyone on board – never let it be said Hebrides Cruises just visit the same old places, nothing could be further from the truth !! Sophia – what a joy to have Sophia aboard as our Stewardess, nothing was ever too much trouble, she had an uncanny knack of knowing just what we wanted before we’d even thought of it ourselves, the dinner table presentation was worth a front page of “House and Home” every night, and her unbridled enthusiasm was infectious ! Jaya – I’ve previously had the pleasure of a cruise with Jaya in 2023, so was delighted to learn of her return for 2024. Wonderful food, great company, and again boundless enthusiasm, what more can I say ! Lynsey - I’ve cruised with Lynsey many times, and in my opinion she steps up a gear every season. We’ve had some wonderful sightings, walks, adventures, and I think I’m right in saying I’ve never known her to fail to identify anything, be it animal, plant, beastie, bird, or whatever. Phenomenal knowledge, and great company ! I’m proud to call her a friend. James – How James managed to get us to St Kilda and everywhere else in the weather that we had I’ll never know. I especially think his evening presentation of the weather forecast followed by the reasoning for the following day’s plan made everyone feel involved as well as getting an understanding of what is involved in formulating that plan. The effort he put into ensuring EVERYTHING was always absolutely as it should be is so reassuring - I truly would be happy to let James skipper any vessel I was on to anywhere in the world and I know I’d be absolutely safe, such is my complete trust in his skill and judgement. Again, I’m proud to call James a true friend.
Steve Lloyd
8 June 2024
Our cruise to St Kilda was a huge success. We made it safely to these wonderful isles thanks to James and his experience of the Hebridean weather and what a day we had there. Bright sunshine with no wind and a spectacular walk with magical views and then a fantastic cruise around Boreray and the stack with calm seas and thousands of birds. James provided us with a sunny day on the Shiants and we also had some lovely walks on Vatersay, Scarp, Isay and around the Viking canal at Rubha an Dunain. Lindsay’s ability to spot wildlife was amazing and as always we really enjoyed her company up on the fly deck. Jaya’s food was perfect and Sofia could not have been more attentive. A wonderful trip, our 5th on Emma Jane and we look forward to many more.
Jenny & John Bartram
Marvellous in every way - again! From beginning to end the experience was enjoyable. Emma’s warm and efficient booking; the boarding and welcome by the crew; then the day-by-day delights of the cruise itself… no effort was spared by everyone involved to make this a(nother) superb holiday. The four crew members were full of youthful enthusiasm and merriment. Jake was a friendly, highly competent skipper who sailed us to beautiful places and made every effort to help us have maximum enjoyment: for example, fishing for fresh mackerel for dinner; pointing out opportunities for me to swim; and using the tender to carry us about, both as a group and individually. Will was a very pleasant and knowledgeable wildlife guide, quietly enthusiastic about natural wonders large and small, and drawing attention to and identifying creatures which might otherwise not have been noticed. Trinity was an effective and attentive stewardess, handling everyone’s wishes with tact and charm, and keeping the boat spotless. Minty provided a myriad of delicious dishes for us all, my own vegetarian food never falling below the highest quality. It was lovely to see the four working together to make our trip fun. About the vessel Emma Jane herself, I have nothing but admiration, and am hoping to cruise on her again soon.
Stephanie: 12 May 2025Far-flung islands: Shiants & the Summer Isles