13 May 2023
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 parts of the globe, enriched our understanding of the Hebrides from multiple angles. The staff's ability to provide a comprehensive experience was remarkable. They seamlessly blended naturalist, cultural, and historical knowledge, allowing us to appreciate the uniqueness and preciousness of Hebrides island life. With their guidance, we gained a deep appreciation for the inseparable connection between the land, sea, and the people who call this place home. Leaving the Hebrides was bittersweet. The transition back to the modern and busy world was not easy, as this cruise had offered a rare opportunity to detach from the everyday hustle and reconnect with a simpler, more connected way of life. However, the memories and lessons learned during those 8 days will forever remain with me, reminding me to cherish the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving such remarkable places. I wholeheartedly recommend this cruise to anyone seeking a transformative and unforgettable travel experience.
Alison Kinsey
Hi Emma - My family and I were lucky enough to spend a week on board the Lucy Mary last week (2/5-8/5) and spent it with the most wonderful crew of Lewis, Zoe, Bella, Sian and Jasmine. I’d like to pass on my thanks to them all. Their open, friendly demeanour, attention to detail and incredible organisation made the whole experience a total delight. Each day ran so smoothly that, as guests, all we had left to do was marvel at the beauty of the location and the wlldlife, oh and eat an insane amount of utterly delicious food. Huge thank you to Zoe for being so available and informative, for gracefully answering our amateur wildlife questions with no flicker to suggest that she had heard them all before. She heartily joined in our silly family banter, invited us to join in her cetacean watches and politely informed us that there’s no such thing as ‘just a gull’ - only ‘just a dove’ apparently……. Oh and please thank her for being such a great quiz master. On that note, thank you to Jasmine and Bella, my fellow cohorts on the winning quiz team. Thank you also to Lewis, he too had to endure some nosy nav questions from me, and did so with huge patience and heaps of information. His local knowledge and boat handling skills are second to none, I mean we all saw him virtually parallel park Lucy Mary with just a bow thrust nudge, it was a bit special :-) Please also thank him for his ‘hand in pocket parking’ advice, I have spread it far and wide already and will give it go in the very near future. And thank him for taking us to the most amazing anchorage spots each night. Please also thank Jasmine. She is a wonderful host, her table laying imagination, pebble work and napkin art was just joyful. She smiled all trip long and made us all feel really comfortable. Please also thank Bella, the perpetual cleaning machine! Lucy Mary was immaculate, always. It was gorgeous to hear the team laughing all trip long too, mostly led by Bella, who always seemed to have a grin on her face. And finally please thank Sian.
Sarah Desjonqueres: 2 May 2024Idyllic Islands: Mull, Iona, Staffa & the Treshnish Isles