In 2017 we introduced our new luxury vessel, which had a very successful season and she is already almost booked out for 2018. Over the winter, a few essentials were addressed, including operational upgrades such as new stabilisers to provide the best cruising experience possible for our guests. The ship was then painted blue to match our brand colours and her sister ship Elizabeth-G. All along, we knew that we would rename our new ship and tradition demands that a ship should have a feminine name which is often a close relative of the owners family. So what better name to choose than for our own daughter who has been instrumental in building Hebrides Cruises to the success it now is.
Emma Jane will arrive in Oban on April 3rd, ready for the new season and splendid in her new colour. She will be officially named at a special ceremony on Sunday 22 April. Ships are renamed all the time, but as all seafarers know, there is a vital formula to go through to ensure continued good fortune on the seas. As part of the ceremony a special speech will be made to Neptune before the usual procedure of naming the boat. The boat will then be blessed by a minister, in this case Donald Kirsop, Uncle of Emma.
Sunday 22 April will also be our Open Day from 2pm onwards on the pontoons at Oban. All are welcome to come and find out if small ship wildlife cruising (with an extra bit of luxury!) is for them!
This was our second trip with Hebrides Cruises and it once again turned out to be a highly memorable and enjoyable trip... and successful trip to St Kilda. The Skipper James and his crew of Will, Indy, Sammy and Abbie are all to be commended for making this trip so wonderful, their care and attitude of nothing being too much trouble was truly appreciated. The sighting of Risso's dolphins at St Kilda was such a joy - not only to us but to James and Indy, which made the sighting all the more special. The food was not only superbly delicious but so imaginative. Lucy Mary's accommodation was extremely comfortable and despite the weather of rain, mist and wind these did not mar our holiday at all. As keen walkers we really enjoyed the many opportunities to walk ashore with Indy, and these helped to counteract the effects of the marvellous food. We would certainly recommend Hebrides Cruises for holidays which are a little different. Kindest Regards to all at Hebrides Cruises, Hazel and Bob ... the ones that kept asking questions, all of which were willingly and patiently answered.
HAZEL WALKER: 26 June 2025St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides