28 July 2021
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
Last year was our first, long awaited trip on Emma Jane. It was an amazing experience, over and above anything we could have hoped for. So on our return we booked this years cruise AND 2025. As skipper James said ‘ you need to do these things while still vertical’! Emma Jane is a beautiful, comfortable vessel to travel on from the well thought out cabins, comfy sofas and books in the salon and multiple outside viewing areas to look out for all the wildlife and scenery. Skipper Charlie found wonderful anchorages, dramatic scenery and safe clean places for the hardy swimmers. Arriving at the Shiants around the north of the islands was a real highlight. This approach allowed us to see the huge and dramatic basalt pillars, that dwarf those at Fingals Cave. Later, with perfect conditions, Charlie and Will ( Guide) took us on the rib to see the formations, caves and birds at really close quarters. Amazing! Will sort out the wildlife at sea and on land with great success. Highlights include both common and bottlenose nose dolphins who came to ride the bow wave. A lovely view of Minke whale. 3 white tailed eagles together on the eastern shore of Raasay and 8 in the sky as we sailed away from The Shiants. Will led us safely on shore trips that were adapted to the ability and wishes of the guests. This includes a dramatic hike up to Hallaig, the abandoned settlement on Raasay. Stunning views in all directions and a golden eagle viewed from above. Charlie (chef, not the shipper!) cheerfully cooked us up 3 lovely meals a day as well of cake for tea, using a great deal of local produce. I loved the fish dishes. She was ably assisted by equally smiley Jasmine, who looked after us, served us meals, made drinks and kept everything spotlessly clean and tidy. It felt as if the whole crew worked together as a well oiled team. I’ve seen it written before on reviews before, but if you are considering a trip with Hebrides Cruises - book it. Will and Sarah
Will and Sarah: 13 May 2024Far-flung islands: Shiants & the Summer Isles