6 May 2023
Just returned from another fantastic cruise on Emma Jane. The scenery was awesome and as for the wildlife, what can I say - we saw dolphins, minkes, white tailed eagles, puffins and far too many others to mention! The islands never disappoint, there's always something new to see and the crew know exactly where to take us for the best views and wildlife spotting. As always, the crew were brilliant and always helpful - particularly to those of us with creaky knees! James, thank you so much for the wooden Step of Stability - I can't emphasise enough what a huge difference it made to me when getting in and out of the tender. The step should be featured on the front page of your website as reassurance to anyone who has any doubts about their ability to get off the boat! Finally, when will there be a Hebrides Cruises recipe book?! Thanks for everything, we can't wait to be back in board!
Val Strickland
It's difficult to add to Ellen's comments about this cruise, all of which we agree with, but we'll try. Firstly, we would like to echo her comments about the exceptional crew - all four of them combined to make this trip unforgettable. To get to St Kilda on our first attempt was amazing and we forgive Jake for weighing anchor at 4.30 in the morning to get us there. The fact that it was a misty, grey day just added to the atmosphere. Now, what didn't Ellen mention? Fantastic beach lunch/barbecue on Vatersay, the hot tub on board - with a dram!, the magical cave on the Shiants and the not quite so magical cave on Eigg, unbelievable numbers of birds on both St Kilda and the Shiants, 50 dolphins bow riding - wow!, fantastic seafood (did I mention that I caught some mackerel? Thanks, Jake) As Ruth said when we got back to Oban - "The only thing that would have made it more memorable would have been if Lauren had spotted a giraffe for us" Thank you James, Emma and the crew of the good ship Emma Jane.
Iain and Ruth Moody: 4 July 2025St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides