4 May 2019
This is my third trip with Hebrides cruises and it's like meeting up with old friends every time. The crew may change, but the warmth, care and incredible service remains the same with nothing being too much trouble and the effort made to give everyone a good experience is a hallmark of the company. The onshore trips allow for individual choices in how one wants to spend the time ashore while always having the option of a guide who is familiar with the area and advice on things worth seeing . The welcome back with a glass of fizz and home( or should it be boat?)baked cakes is lovely. And talking about food, I have rarely eaten so well on holiday, with Peter in the kitchen producing continually exciting and varied but always delicious meals. Pauline kept everything in sparkling order and James and Lynsey ensured we didn't miss a thing whether it be a sighting of eagles, seals or porpoises - a particular highlight was Lunga and time spent with the puffins! As a single traveller, I always feel so at home and comfortable with my fellow travellers that I find it hard to imagine my year without a trip around the Isles - roll on No. 4!
Anne Barcellos
Well! Where does one start to describe such a phenomenal adventure. As a couple of old folk, well into their eighties, with one of us disabled and only recently diagnosed with dementia. You may wonder what on earth were we doing, taking on a small vessel wild life cruise into the seas around the Hebrides. An act of Faith, maybe. Fear not! This is no ordinary “cruise company”. Read on, this is something else. From the very onset, when first contacting Emma, (and before realising we had a dementia situation) , we were treated with immense respect, given prompt very sincere answers to all our queries and immediately realised we were dealing with a very genuine company and warm people. We could do this! So it proved to be. All the guidance and joining information was detailed, accurate and very helpful. On arrival at North Pier, Oban, prior to boarding, we were met by the most friendly of people who promptly took our luggage and conveyed it to our boat, LucyMary. And there she was! The most handsome of vessels, gleaming and awaiting her guests, whilst laid alongside the pontoons. We felt like royalty. At the foot of the companionway stood owner Rob, waiting to greet his guests. No, not captain, skipper, or the like, simply Rob. The head of what was for the duration, a close knit group of guests and crew who blended together seamlessly into one very happy family the whole trip. The crew of four were simply brilliant. Starting with Rob, of course. Then in no particular order - Indie, our extraordinary and knowledgeable naturalist and wild life expert. Abbie, delightful, ever accommodating stewardess, who looked after everyone with continuous attention. Serving meals, making drinks, tidying cabins, fetching and carrying. Then , the chef! Perry. Wow, what he produced in the galley was exquisite. But, it didn’t stop there. All of the crew joined in where appropriate with any other duties too.
Mike & Margaret Knighton: 18 September 2023The Small Isles and sea lochs: Wildlife havens