11 May 2024
What an amazing holiday. It exceeded our expectations. It was our first visit to Scotland and our first cruise. We were thoroughly spoilt. Chris, the skipper navigated his way around the stunning Isles and lochs ensuring we had every opportunity to spot wildlife whilst respecting the correct distance. Maggie, stewardess, nothing was too much trouble. Her attention to detail was excellent especially her creative table napkin sculptures. Carleton produced the most amazing culinary delights. Top quality dishes from such a small galley. Hannah, our wildlife expert. Her enthusiasm and knowledge was superb. She took time to explain things and made sure everyone was able get good sightings especially of the eagles' nests. She clearly loves her subject. And then the flora and fauna- dolphins, whales, seals, and the numerous species of birds including golden and white tailed eagles. A special mention to Emma and Hannah for dealing with and arranging for our luggage to be reunited with us midway through our cruise. Such a memorable holiday and will hopefully return soon.
Ian Griffiths
Just returned from another magical trip with Hebrides Cruises. We left Oban on a sunny, breezy afternoon out past Lismore where the Islands and Lochs beckon. We were blessed with wonderful weather with silvery light changing to brilliant sunshine and flat seas. We visited the beautiful little islands Eigg and Rona on our way up the inside of Skye where we had great hikes and beautiful anchorages. Dolphins. Sea eagles, porpoises and seals seen along the way. Rona was special with our amazing guide, Indy, it was a day of ‘firsts’ ! Indy has spectacular sight and hearing and vast knowledge. He introduced us to a rare pink grasshopper and an extraordinary gathering of solitary bees. On every hike and at sea he provided us with gems of information on flora and fauna, birds and marine life and his enthusiasm was palpable. A magical afternoon and morning on the Shiants, hiking to the bothy and cliffs, drifting around the islands and sea arch in the tender and swimming. Then off to look for Fin whales. We spent an hour watching minke whales feeding , there was a rare sighting of North Atlantic white beaked dolphins and lots more on our way back to Mull via spectacular Loch Scavaig and the isle of Canna., again with great hikes and swimming. Spectacular scenery in a sunny cloudless sky. The delicious food was provided by our super chef Calum, Poppy looked after our every need on board with a smile and infectious laughter, Oliver, our bosun, made sure that the very comfortable Lucy Mary was always clean and shining and helped us in all sorts of ways. As always , our brilliant skipper, James, brought us so calmly to such beautiful places and both he and Indy added so much to our enjoyment with their daily briefings and obvious delight and enthusiasm for the sea, all marine life and the environment. We had a lot of fun! A big thank you to all and of course to Emma who so efficiently runs everything from ashore. Looking forward to my next trip
Geraldine Hickey: 9 August 2025Skye, the Small Isles and the Shiants