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
Fabulous !I will be honest and admit that I hadn’t even heard of the Flannan Isles until I booked this cruise, so some speedy reading was called for! I’m please I did, for that little knowledge created an aura about the place, and when we were lucky enough (thanks to James !) to actually step ashore, then the highlight of my cruise was instantly created. Then, cruising across to visit the plethora of gannet further added to the Flannan experience, a fabulous place ! That is not to say it was the only highlight – the standing stones at Callanish were another highlight, and being able to anchor within sight of the stones just added to the experience. Those were my own personal highlights, but Eigg and The Shiants were also amazing places. St Kilda was always my dream island to visit, and I managed that on a previous cruise with you, but I must say, I think this cruise actually surpassed that one – what more can I say ! The crew were simply fabulous. Helen kept the accommodation spotless throughout, catered for our every need, Emma provided wonderful meals, Will was a true action man, pointing out wildlife, lifting anchors, fastening ropes precariously on Flannan, and of course, James was ever the perfect skipper. Each and every one of the crew were brilliant to share the cruise with, so friendly, so keen to provide absolutely anything that anyone wanted.
Mr Steve Lloyd: 24 June 2021Far-flung islands: Harris, Taransay & the Flannan Isles