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
Wow, what a holiday - it was absolutely fantastic. The crew, fellow passengers and wildlife did not let us down and the weather was particularly kind to us (we even got a tan)! The islands we visited, including Eriskay, Taransay, Monach, Rum, Canna etc were unforgettable, but to reach the pinnacle of the enigmatic islands, St Kilda, was purely magical. The history of this island is unique and only when you get up close can you bring the stories to life - it is really a must-see destination. Personal thanks to Emma, Colin, Richie, Will, Michelle and Ashleigh, both on and offshore cannot be underestimated - all were simply brilliant and we appreciate all they did for us. If you are thinking of a wildlife adventure in comfy surroundings with some top-notch expertise and restaurant-quality food, then look no further than Hebrides Cruises. We hope to come back in the not-too-distant future! Thank you all again for making the trip such a memorable one, never to be forgotten. PS thanks also to Peter May, author, who also helped us to understand the history of the islands (albeit within fictional settings) - his books of the area are well worth a read.
John Thompson / Janette Hastings: 25 July 2022St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides