Review : Private Charter 6 Nights

5 May 2025

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. There were so many sightings every day and it amazed us all how someone with such depth of knowledge and experience could use such diplomacy that somehow we were made to feel like the experts! Will’s photos of otters feeding on Inch Kenneth, and the shag on Lunga photo staring straight at the lens were particularly spectacular. So a good holiday it certainly was, but with hugs back on the dock in Oban (we tried to stow away but were unsuccessful) it was clear that more than that it was an experience which will stay with us always, and quite possibly for some, will influence our direction of travel as seamlessly as James and Jake steered the direction of the Emma Jane to ensure that each special sighting was captured by all. With sincere thanks, until next time…. Jon & Lesley

Lesley Goodfellow