17 July 2023
Dear Emma - It was lovely to meet you briefly both before and after our recent cruise - Fiona and I had such a wonderful time, the fellow passengers were great company but what really made the trip was the fantastic crew, James (for the first 2 days), Bren, Zoe, Hannah and Charlie. They were so professional but also very personable and we could not have asked for better care (or indeed better food when it came to Charlie!). The cruise gave some spectacular highlights but for me the encounter with the humpback whale on the return leg was amazing but even better was the sunset off the Cairns of Coll - the evening meal had just finished when Bren came to announce that the sunset promise to be spectacular. I spent a good hour on the top deck photographing the beauty of the sunset but was aware of something special as Zoe, Hannah and Bren remained on top and there was total silence as we reflected on the profoundness of the scene.
Ian Woods
The cruise far exceeded our expectations as did the weather! James was an excellent captain and we felt safe in his capable hands navigating through some sometimes very challenging channels. Guide Lynsey's enthusiasm was infectious and informative and there were many wildlife highlights both at sea and on land. Undoubtedly getting up close to the pod of Killer Whales was the ultimate highlight. Chef Jaya produced some wonderful meals and Bea did an excellent job serving us at the dining table and cleaning our cabins. The boat was much more roomy than we expected and our cabin was very cosy. The viewing areas were brilliant and there was plenty of space for both passengers and crew to enjoy. We will be back!
Alasdair and Sue Northrop: 10 June 2023St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides