21 September 2024
This was such a magical adventure. I can't praise the crew highly enough, with the attention to detail, caring approach, thoughtfulness and professionalism all making our trip so easy, relaxing, happy and fun. I travelled with my elderly mother who benefited from a helpful hand navigating some of the wobblier walking moments and was thrilled at the generous approach towards topping up her wine glass. The kindness and thought put into celebrating her birthday was hugely appreciated. Like me, she came away having enjoyed fabulous scenery, majestic views (we were so fortunate with the weather), amazing animal encounters, excellent food, cleanliness throughout and generous hospitality, but it was the sheer friendliness and kindness of the crew that made the holiday so perfect. I brought with me various food intolerances and not once did I feel that I was getting second-best, indeed quite the opposite with my own freshly-baked cake each day and a very understanding approach from the fabulous Izzy and Craig. Hannah provided expert wildlife guidance and was so welcoming, knowledgeable, kind and engaging. We could make informed decisions about the walks and she was always available and wonderfully enthusiastic, providing a helpful recap each evening that also helped bring our fellow guests together. Chris was a very welcoming skipper and we benefited from his expertise (changing routes to avoid choppy water / bad weather) and particularly appreciated his summary each evening of where we'd been and cruising plans for the next day. Craig was the most perfect steward/bosun in making us feel so very welcome and at home, with laughter plenty and every guest detail noted and remembered. Izzy cooked the most incredible meals and we were sated and amazed each day, with delicious and inventive food and great thoughtfulness regarding dietary needs. Huge congratulations and thanks to all the team for making our holiday so very special. In summary, our cruise was incredibly special and very magical. We can't praise the team enough and found all elements to work so well together, from the amazing food to the friendliness and professionalism, with such a stunning backdrop and a very well understood and researched itinerary. Pausing the boat to enjoy dolphins, view white-tailed eagles and hunt for the elusive Minke whale really did put guests first, most importantly in balance with nature too. A holiday we will never forget and certainly one that we would repeat.
Rebecca Lovelace
Dear Emma - I wanted to write a proper thank you for our cruise. I know you have all moved seamlessly to creating a special experience for the next sets of guests, but you must know that you, the whole team ashore and aboard, have once again created a treasure-trove of memories for our family. It’s hard to believe that a week ago we woke up on Lucy Mary looking at Lismore lighthouse. The whole experience was so perfect it’s like we stepped into another world at the end of the pontoon. The Hebrides are glorious and we were very lucky with the weather, but we know that the rest of the perfection comes from a great deal of skill, organisation, talent, and very hard work. You and James have created and inspired a team which not only provides five star service but also radiates fun, imagination, attention to detail and compassion. Indy’s enthusiasm is so infectious. Sammy somehow managed to make everyone’s favourite food and serve exactly what everyone wanted to eat. It was wonderful to see Will’s growing confidence; his rock-pooling was a revelation and we did so appreciate the shining windows and the flying tender and the great piles of coats and shoes and lifejackets that were all kept shipshape. Abbie is a marvel; there is no single thing to thank her for, but a million little things, which together create a feeling of welcome, safety, beauty and comfort. As well as a great leader of the team, James is an intuitive, talented and hugely knowledgeable skipper and we all loved being on the bridge looking at charts and searching for lights and beasties (and doing fast and bumpy on the tender). A heartfelt thank you from each and every one of us, especially me. I had the best time, doing what I love and knowing everyone else was happy too. With love
F Mylchreest: 10 April 2025Private Charter 10 Nights