24 June 2019
We’re just back from a superb 10-night cruise aboard Elizabeth G. It’s our latest trip with Rob and his crew. With en-suite cabins now it’s even more of a luxury trip. Not that we spent much time in the cabin - instead we were generally found on the top observation deck, watching shearwaters dance across the waves, fulmars shoot past effortlessly, gannets flying in squadron-formation and panicky puffins duck beneath our wake. We’re enticed down for two reasons: bow-riding dolphins, when we hang over the bow sharing the excitement and energy of this spectacle with our fellow guests, and food: Mags was our cook preparing fabulous meals with local ingredients, including scallops hand-dived by our skipper, Rob. It was at dinner each evening that Rob would discuss the next day’s itinerary, balancing our wishes with the weather and his incredible knowledge of the most picturesque anchorages. Each day saw us exploring a new island with the help of Nigel our wildlife guide, taken ashore by Rob and Bosun Craig in the tender. And we even got to St Kilda. St Kilda is a unique place with a magical atmosphere; an atmosphere that lingers in part because of its remoteness. Rob found the weather window to allow a 2-night stay and it was here, on our trip round the stacs, that guests and crew came together on the front deck to gaze in awe at the thousands of seabirds around us. As we disembarked, a little sadly, in Oban on our last day I couldn’t help wonder how soon we’ll get the urge to return...
Catrin Lester
What a fabulous holiday ! My second cruise with Hebrides Cruises, and they just get better and better … Rob, Emma, Lynsey and Ian were an amazing crew, each and every one of them couldn’t do enough for us it seemed, we were thoroughly spoilt ! The Emma Jane is a lovely vessel, so comfortable, plenty of room, though can’t comment on the Hot Tub as the gents didn’t manage to sample it’s delights (the Ladies rather enjoyed themselves though !). The standard of food was really exceptional, and plenty of it - I defy anyone not to be impressed ! We were lucky enough to get to St Kilda this time, it truly is a magical place, but then again all the islands have their own magic, we enjoyed them all. So, a lovely boat, great food, wonderful scenery, then add an amazing crew and what do you have – a Hebrides Cruises holiday of course ! Try one, you’ll not be disappointed…
Steve Lloyd: 9 June 2018St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides