24 June 2019
We’re just back from a superb 10-night cruise aboard Elizabeth G. It’s our latest trip with Rob and his crew. With en-suite cabins now it’s even more of a luxury trip. Not that we spent much time in the cabin - instead we were generally found on the top observation deck, watching shearwaters dance across the waves, fulmars shoot past effortlessly, gannets flying in squadron-formation and panicky puffins duck beneath our wake. We’re enticed down for two reasons: bow-riding dolphins, when we hang over the bow sharing the excitement and energy of this spectacle with our fellow guests, and food: Mags was our cook preparing fabulous meals with local ingredients, including scallops hand-dived by our skipper, Rob. It was at dinner each evening that Rob would discuss the next day’s itinerary, balancing our wishes with the weather and his incredible knowledge of the most picturesque anchorages. Each day saw us exploring a new island with the help of Nigel our wildlife guide, taken ashore by Rob and Bosun Craig in the tender. And we even got to St Kilda. St Kilda is a unique place with a magical atmosphere; an atmosphere that lingers in part because of its remoteness. Rob found the weather window to allow a 2-night stay and it was here, on our trip round the stacs, that guests and crew came together on the front deck to gaze in awe at the thousands of seabirds around us. As we disembarked, a little sadly, in Oban on our last day I couldn’t help wonder how soon we’ll get the urge to return...
Catrin Lester
From start to finish this was an exceptional cruise. Skipper James was determined to get us to St Kilda, despite the poor weather conditions, we rocked and rolled our way there, and what a place it was, it certainly exceeded my bucket list expectations! James is so considerate to all his crew and guests. Lynsay our guide was marvelous and encouraged me to climb The Gap, despite my knee issue I made it, and what a view I had of the village and Village Bay from the rock I chose to sit on for my picnic. Lynsay's patience with fellow guests and knowledge of her birds and flora were excellent. Jaya our chef extraordinaire made delicious meals, and as for her home made daily cakes they were to die for. Sofia was very attentive to all our needs and kept the whole boat immaculate. she is a little gem. The islands we visited had such variety, and from day to day it was a surprise as to where we would be next, due to the strong winds, James was kept on his toes to keep us all safe and busy. I still cannot believe the abundance of seabirds we saw, and so close. The dolphins were a treat. top marks to everyone at Hebrides Cruises.
Deirdre Brown: 8 June 2024St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides