4 July 2025
It's difficult to add to Ellen's comments about this cruise, all of which we agree with, but we'll try. Firstly, we would like to echo her comments about the exceptional crew - all four of them combined to make this trip unforgettable. To get to St Kilda on our first attempt was amazing and we forgive Jake for weighing anchor at 4.30 in the morning to get us there. The fact that it was a misty, grey day just added to the atmosphere. Now, what didn't Ellen mention? Fantastic beach lunch/barbecue on Vatersay, the hot tub on board - with a dram!, the magical cave on the Shiants and the not quite so magical cave on Eigg, unbelievable numbers of birds on both St Kilda and the Shiants, 50 dolphins bow riding - wow!, fantastic seafood (did I mention that I caught some mackerel? Thanks, Jake) As Ruth said when we got back to Oban - "The only thing that would have made it more memorable would have been if Lauren had spotted a giraffe for us" Thank you James, Emma and the crew of the good ship Emma Jane.
Iain and Ruth Moody
What a wonderful cruise ! Skipper James and his crew took us around the enchanting Small Isles plus the impressive Loch Skavaig on Skye in whichever order the weather dictated in order to give us the best opportunity to make successful landings and of course, a peaceful nights sleep. All the Islands had their own character, making them all memorable in their own way, difficult to pick a favourite, but I did feel Canna was a special place ! My fellow guests were lovely company, sharing many a story, and many a laugh, and I know they all enjoyed themselves just as I did. It never ceases to amaze me how the team at Hebrides Cruises deliver such fabulously enjoyable cruises. Everything is done to the highest standard, and yet the crew make it look so easy, something akin to the swan sailing serenely along the surface, whilst behind the scenes the legs are paddling like crazy ! James is the perfect skipper, Emma and Helen, chef and steward, just made every minute of our time on the Emma Jane an absolute pleasure with wonderful food and immaculately clean cabins, the most amazing dinner tables, and our every whim catered for, Zoe was our ever vigilant Guide, I don’t think even she could believe all the cetaceans almost queuing up to perform for us on the sail back from Eigg ! And finally, pulling all of this together, looking after us as we booked and queried and pondered, making sure everything was at hand and on the ship, we have to say a big thankyou to Emma onshore. Thankyou all, you’re an amazing team !! I will, of course, be back !!
Steve Lloyd: 28 July 2021Skye and the Small Isles: Hebridean horizons