19 May 2025
We were on the Shaints and Summer Isles cruise. Our first ever. The Elizabeth G was perfect, totally immaculate, spotlessly clean and beautifully presented. The cabins were cosy and comfortable with excellent storage facilities. The outdoor decks were fabulous for enjoying the beauty of the Hebrides. We felt so much at home for the wonderful 10 days.of our holiday. The food was incredible; varied and healthy, as it was so freshly prepared, with plentiful fruit and vegetables. We looked forward to the delight of the dining experience in the lovely, cosy, sociable salon. Absolutely up there with any of the best restaurants we have been to, imaginative and beautifully presented. The whole crew were absolutely amazing. Competent, supportive, welcoming and interesting. We felt totally safe and secure under their guidance. We loved the adventure of travelling between the islands and lochs and it was great to get a walk with the wildlife guide every day. There is nothing we didn't love about the holiday, and we hope to return. THANK YOU all.
Gill and Mike Huhges
The whole experience was amazing from start to finish, and that’s even though we never managed to reach the Outer Hebrides, like we'd been hoping (too much wind/swell in the Minch, thanks to hurricane remnants from across the Atlantic, so the Captain advised we turn back to Skye). We chartered the Emma Jane for 8 days, and there were three generations of us from 11 to 65 (including two kids). Most amazing was Chef Louis, who did the impossible, and served food to suit us all, despite our varied and complicated dietary issues. (Very, very tasty food too.) He was ably assisted by Jenny, our Steward, who kept everything running smoothly. And now everyone misses having their breakfast toast served to them in a Harris Tweed toast cosy. The scenery and wildlife were just as amazing, ably interpreted by our naturalist guide Lynsey. We had several pods of dolphins come surf the bow wave, much to everyone’s delight. As well as eagles and many other bird and mammal sightings, as well as rainbows, castles, perfect beachcombing beaches, and so much more. Lynsey led our rambles ashore, with options for the less energetic among us to still enjoy a stroll while those with younger knees tackled the hills. James, our captain, did a fine job of avoiding the worst of the swells, and he consulted with us each step of the way, so even though we were disappointed not to get to Lewis/Harris, we knew it was for the best. James and Lynsey also made for excellent hosts at dinner. This trip was to celebrate our 30th anniversary, and James managed to surprise us by having his daughter pipe in our cake while we were docked in Tobermory, in fine Scottish style. I’ll keep overusing the word “amazing” as it’s the only word which just about manages to capture the experience. Highly recommended. If you are thinking about doing a Hebrides cruise, do it, and do it with these people. You will not be disappointed. Thank you James, Lynsey, Jenny, and Louis; you made our trip extraordinary.
Barry Twycross: 15 August 2024Private Charter 8 Nights