27 April 2019
We know nothing of Scotland. It’s time for us to see why people like this area of the world so much. We book a tour found on the internet. The dates are right. We travel to Oban and find the pre-trip information sent to us invaluable. We wait at the dock for the crew to meet us and take our soft-sided luggage to our cabin. The other guests are prompt and the crew is timely too. We marvel at the amazing cameras and the experiences of other passengers. Two have traveled with the ship multiple times. We are focused on where we are and the journey ahead of us. Our luggage is delivered to our ensuite cabin. There is plenty of space to store our gear and thoughtfully placed shelves for items, such as cameras and binoculars we might need without digging through our bags. The double bed has a portal window and well placed reading lamps. Our cabin and the public areas were impeccably cleaned each morning while we are off to shore with naturalist, Alexa. There is a library selection of literature and guide books to help identify what we saw on walks. I noticed a scrabble game, which we never found time to play. The chef, Mags, works in a tiny galley and turns out the most amazing meals. Giving people a choice between vegetarian and non vegetarian entrees, wine is included with the dinners. A breakfast buffet is laid out and there is always a hot breakfast available. There are 8 of us on this voyage. We all eat together and take excursions in the morning and afternoon. Craig is calm and also assists the chef and helps Chris, the Captain, anchor the boat when we stop for the night. Weather and sea conditions are the great unknown in the Hebrides. The deciding factor to where we will go. Chris lets us know the itinerary will be flexible. He picks amazing calm spots to anchor each night. He is very good at communicating why we are going or not going to an island and invites us up to see the bridge. We travel to amazing sites, such as the island Inch Kenneth and Ulva, and learn the history of each place we visit. The walks are easy strolls, or passengers can extend the excursions if they choose. Everyone shares what they know with us. We are home and missing the camaraderie of fellow passengers and crew. St. Kilda? I would do it in a heartbeat with this amazing company!
Greg and Bobbie Hobbs
This was our first trip with Hebrides Cruises and right from the word go it was clear we had chosen a very professional & client centered operator. From the time of being welcomed by the crew of Elizabeth G and Owner Rob & Emma, at the jetty head to the time of our departure we were extremely well looked after, plus the Scottish clouds parted and we had a wonderful week of sun which simply added to the delights of our adventure. Alasdair as Captain was brilliant, Charlie always cheerfully produced fabulous meals from her galley, Craig as bosun and 'cabin fairy' kept the ship spic and span, and was always charming, and last but not least, Hannah our wild life expert (& fellow Northumbrian) was full of enthusiasm and knowledge, so every day was a school day for us in expanding our knowledge of wildlife in this area. Highlights included puffins on Lunga, Common dolphins in the bow wave, Eagles, Otters and Joanne's birthday (same day as Rob's it turned out!) with a fabulous ship made carrot cake and fizz to welcome us back aboard after a great day ashore on Iona and an interesting ride back in the rib!! As reasonably regular sailors on both larger ships and smaller yachts (crewed by just us!), this was a wonderful way to experience the West coast of Scotland and its many hidden gems. The problem now, is which one to choose next.......
Keith & Joanne Jackson: 20 April 2024Idyllic Islands: Mull, Iona, Staffa & the Treshnish Isles