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
It was always expected to be a good holiday as we knew the Hebridean coastline was stunning; we had visited before. We knew we were going to be well looked after on a Hebrides Cruise, be on a beautiful vessel, be very well fed, and spend time wonderfully learning more about the amazing wildlife, history and ecology of the area; we had read the reviews before and since booking 18 months ago, and Emma had covered everything expertly to prepare us for the trip. We also knew we were going to like our cabin mates; as a private charter we were travelling with friends. But our trip was so much more than the sum of those things thanks to the team with us and their obvious love of working together and doing what they do. From the moment we stepped on board and our relaxed welcome briefing by our captain James, the entire team of James, Jake, Will, Charlie and Jas were just that - with us - joining in and being completely at ease with everyone, whilst subtly making sure the trip ran like clockwork, taking hospitality to a level which is seldom experienced and does not happen by accident! It was sunny, and so was the disposition of Charlie our extremely talented and creative chef, as we woke to her chuckling with Jas while preparing amazing breakfasts. This continued right through to the most gorgeous dinners and the briefing at the end of the day by James, Jake and Will when on occasion the raucous enjoyment was only matched by the jaw dropping cacophony of the guillemots and razor bills at Harp Rock. The only thing that was dark and stormy was the cocktail thanks to the multi talented Jas, always attentive to everyone’s individual preferences in between offering up new origami napkin styles and creative table decorations. And there was next to no wind, but we were blown away by Will’s wildlife photography and knowledge of both wildlife and history of the area.
Lesley Goodfellow: 5 May 2025Private Charter 6 Nights