13 May 2024
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
The holiday of a life-time. I loved every minute. Obviously the views and islands were amazing but the boat and the especially the crew were amazing also. Angus, Will, Callum and Charlie made us feel part of their boating family and we all entertained each other over dinner in the evenings with our stories and jokes. The other passengers were great and we continue to send pictures and memories to each other on our specially set up WhatsApp group. As a complete non - sailor, I felt safe at all times with Angus our skipper, and I relished the adventure. Will, our wildlife expert, made sure that we witnessed some spectacular events, including a couple of white tailed Eagles; Dolphins sporting with us on the bow wave; and Gannets showing their skills diving for mackerel. Callum was lovely, always attentive to our needs and always smiling, filling up our glasses, bringing us tea on deck without spilling any. ( How did he do that?) And Charlie, our Chef, wow the food was superb, what a star. I am hoping to start painting the fabulous sea scapes very soon while the warm glow of the experience is still in my veins. Thank you for a very special time.
Rita Mitchell: 9 September 2022Skye and the Small Isles: Hebridean horizons