28 June 2018
We set off on 28 June from Oban for our ten days exploration of the Hebrides with the hope that we’d visit St Kilda. We did, and so much more. The crew (Chris (skipper), Alexa (wildlife guide), Pete (cook), Emma (bosun), were fantastic from the off. They effortlessly transported our mountain of luggage to our comfortable cabins which Emma kept spotless through the cruise, as well as looking after us on the rough crossing to St Kilda through to Caribbean strength G&Ts. Chris was a really good skipper. He sailed the boat well and did his best to find a route that best managed his passengers’ seafaring abilities, and he also had a ceremony to give homage to the Blue Men of the Minch! Pete’s amazing menus incorporated our requests – I’ll always remember his mussels on the first night, his haggis Scotch eggs, my mother’s clootie dumpling and much more – and we appreciated how he involved the kids (9 to 11) in the kitchen. Alexa (with Chris) magic’d up an amazing array of wildlife with huge enthusiasm and great knowledge. We became blasé about the number of dolphins we saw – I can best quote Chris “the weather and the wildlife sightings are some of the best I’ve known in almost 20 years”. The weather was fantastic which enabled us to land and explore Tobermory, Canna, Sanday, Taransay, Hirta (St. Kilda), Mingulay, Vatersay, Rum, Lunga (Treshnish Isles) and Loch Buie, as well as sailing past Neist Point (Skye), Boreray (St. Kilda), Monachs, Hellisay in the Sound of Barra, Eigg, Staffa, Ulva and Iona. The weather was so good we were able to swim off Sanday, Taransay, Mingulay and Vatersay, as well as enjoy the hot tub. This was a trip of a lifetime for us all. We were able to see so many places which have been specks on the horizon for so long. The cruise was magical and extra special. It’s given us memories to last a lifetime!
George Mitchell
Don’t hesitate. Being onboard with Skipper James, Lewis, Abbie, Bella and Sian made us both very happy. Here are some of the words we would use to describe our trip - adventurous, genuine, luxurious, care 24/7, skillful, you put us at ease, fun, more fun & laughs, our fellow guests were great company and we’re keeping intouch. This was our third trip with Hebredes Cruises. Our 40th Wedding Anniversary Cruise and Sian kindly baked us a delicious, egg free, celebration cake. Keep doing what your doing. We loved every minute and left Lucy Mary wanting more. We could say more but will finish by confirming that ‘the craic was mighty’. Fair winds and tides to you all at Hebrides Cruises. Your hard work and dedication is appreciated. Best regards, Robbie & Ali xx
Robbie & Ali Brennen: 25 April 2024Idyllic Islands: Mull, Iona, Staffa & the Treshnish Isles