Idyllic Islands: Mull, Iona, Staffa & the Treshnish Isles 6-nights

21 September 2019

Thoroughly enjoyable cruise from start to finish. Friendly, helpful and knowledgeable crew who actively sought out wildlife and took us to some remarkable landscapes. Food was second to none. Accommodation was comfortable. Thank you to Chris, Alexa, Craig and Mags.

Ms Kathleen Troop

21 September 2019

This was a new kind of holiday for us. The whole trip was good from beginning to end. Even the weather was fine and it only rained on the very last day. Chris, Alexa, Craig and Mags looked after us and walking on the lonely islands was an experience we will long remember.

Janet Burns

6 July 2019

All was absolutely outstanding. In particular; All of the crew always were always available to help whenever any was needed. Nigel (wildlife guide) was very good in assessing what the differing guests needs were and made sure they were catered for, from quite strenuous “hikes” to gentle strolls depending on the conditions and what there was to see. Mags catered for Alan’s dietary requirements (hereditary fructose intolerance) quite brilliantly, and provided alternatives of a standard that were as for high as the rest of the guests.  Craig quietly, calmly and patiently provided his support and services for all the guests in a very relaxed way and couldn’t have been more helpful. Chris explained the reasons behind our changing itinerary each evening very clearly and supported Nigel to provide a choice of activities, and was instrumental in giving us all the best possible opportunities to see the wildlife and scenery. In particular, we got to see inside the cave at Staffa and seals and dolphins from the rib.  Very impressive, all very well organised!

Alan & Janet Dixon

11 May 2019

We may have different holidays but we'll never have a better one! It was exceptional in every respect. Such a friendly but professional crew who made all their hard work look effortless. The locations we visited were varied but all were wonderful and a surprise seemed to be conjured for us every day. We have already booked another cruise for next year which says it all really. Thank you so much for an unforgettable time.

Heather & Tom Parry

11 May 2019

Me and Jonathan, had the most amazing time, on our cruise, on Emma Jane. Everything was perfect, from the ship, to the staff, to the weather, the food that Pete served, was the best we had ever eaten. Pauline worked so hard, to make everything perfect for us. Lynsey gave us all the wildlife, we could have ever hoped for, and brilliant walks. And James made the experience possible, with his expert knowledge, of where to go for the best of everything, (Including mackerel). On top of all that 9 strangers shared some amazing experiences together, and I think that all of us took more away from the cruise, than we could have ever imagined. And I know we’ll all stay in touch. It was so lovely to meet you too, and james’ mum, and daughter. What else could I say but, thanks so much. We had the best experience of our lives, and look forward to planning our next trip. 

Amanda & Jonathan Smith

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

4 May 2019

This memorable cruise in these beautiful islands exceeded all expectations. We were well looked after by the crew: the food was delicious and great care was taken to cater for individual needs. Friendly and knowledgeable guidance, and the planning of routes to make the most of conditions gave us confidence that we were in safe hands. Our favourite experiences were watching the dolphins playing alongside the boat, the magnificent sight of Fingal's Cave and the tranquility of a walk on Ulva. The abbey at Iona and the remains of the chapel at Inch Kenneth were also of great interest to us. Thank you for making this holiday so special. Peter and Stephanie

Peter and Stephanie Spalding

4 May 2019

We were completely satisfied.  We did everything we expected to do which doesn't always happen, I cant fault anything or anyone.  Everyone went out of their way to make sure we didnt want for anything!  Book early!

Paul Scarborough

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

27 April 2019

What a wonderful experience we had on this most enjoyable cruise. Everything was so well organised from the initial contact and information give by Emma, the greeting by the crew, and throughout the six night cruise, we could not have been better looked after. Every aspect of the week was meticulously organised and we could not have asked for more. Although on some days the light wasn't perfect for photography - my main interest - the skipper, Chris, anticipated the best day to visit what was perhaps the highlight of the week, an afternoon on Lunga, where we saw sea birds by the thousands and especially puffins. This and all the other visits ashore, were greatly enhanced by Alexa, our wildlife guide who made the week so much more enjoyable and a great learning experience. Having a slight walking disability, I was particularly grateful for the additional attention and assistance I had, . On board, we were looked after exceptionally well by Mags, our wonderful chef who made certain we were well fed - the food was perfect every day - and by Craig, the bosun who kept everything running smoothly from the catering aspect to the everyday day tasks around the vessel. There were eight guests on board and we all had the same complaint, 6 nights went by far too quickly.

Derek and Sue Prescott