24 June 2019
Excellent on all fronts – a real home from home. Enjoyed all the excursions, very much. Tailored to all abilities, weather and interests where Rob briefed us after dinner about the following day’s itinerary and tucked us into places we would not be able to reach by Ferry or car. He also made significant effort to provide the opportunity to spend optimal time on St. Kilda considering the weather window. Mags was a wonderful Chef catering with consideration to likes/dislikes/allergies. The food was wonderful especially as it was mostly locally sourced. We loved the cheese boards and also a fantastic Birthday Cake for Nick!! Craig – never stopped smiling and nothing was too much trouble. Nigel was enthusiastic and happy to pass on his knowledge and camera skills, plus he knew where to find the wildlife and flora for us to practice these. He was a great guide and we all enjoyed his after diner talks. Rob – looked after us and as a local had some marvelous stories and in-depth knowledge of all the areas we visited. He was empathetic to the needs of all the guests. The other passengers on our trip were great and also happy to share their knowledge of the wildlife/flora. We also appreciated the reference books and much friendly discussion ensued around the daily sightings. It was a trip of a lifetime that lived up to our expectations - It had to be the Elizabeth G for us!
Nick Turton
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