28 September 2019
Dear Emma - From the moment we arrived on board "Emma Jane" we were thoroughly looked after and totally spoilt. The cruise along the Caledonian Canal showcased the wonderful scenery, and offers a different perspective to say a road journey. The whole crew; James, Helen, Will and Ruth, worked professionally and tirelessly to make our cruise smooth and effortless. We cannot praise Ruth's food highly enough, every meal was a delight. Thank you all for a very memorable and enjoyable experience. We look forward to cruising with you again.
Chris & Christine ReesFitzpatrick
28 September 2019
Hi Emma - Just wanted to thank you for a wonderful cruise. We both thoroughly enjoyed it. The days were nicely structured allowing plenty of time for us to have time out together if we needed it. And the food was just fabulous. All the crew were great and it was really nice to see them work so well as a team. So, thank you! Kind regards Jane & Ian
Ian & Jane Marsden
21 September 2019
This was a superb holiday, travelling solo with strangers on board the Emma Jane. Some were experienced cruisers; others, like me, new to the experience. The group was friendly and I think everyone managed to do as much or as little as they chose to – joining Will on his fascinating wildlife walks, ambling along the tow path or just watching the view change from an easy chair as we moved along the canal and lochs. The crew made a great team - from James' handling of the boat through flights of locks, Helen's watchful care of us and our cabins, Ruth's amazing cooking (for me, the best vegan food I've ever been served.) The weather was lovely, I saw almost everything I hoped to see and lot more I didn't know was there, I enjoyed the informality and peace of it all. I wouldn't have been able to do this without the waiver a single supplement, so thanks to Hebrides Cruises for that.
Lesley Hale
21 September 2019
The cruise if very leisurely paced and has some glorious scenery. We particularly liked the various lock systems and the various walks available during the cruise. Our guide Will was exceptional - very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. James local knowledge was outstanding and much appreciated. All meals were exceptional and Ruth is an accomplished chef. A delight to sail with this crew. Do it - it was extra special.
David Holdgate
21 September 2019
This was our second 'Hebrides Cruises' trip and it did not disappoint. Once again, the administration and organisation were excellent, facilities above expectations, and the cruising and land-based experiences perfect. The crew were friendly, efficient and professional, and worked incredibly well as a team. The food was delicious, with full accommodation of guests with specific nutritional requirements. The nature 'expeditions' walks were well organised and full of interesting sightings and sounds (stags bellowing during the rut). We cannot fault the holiday and would like to thank all concerned.
Gary Smith
27 October 2018
Spectacular in all aspects. Jane and I are hopeful to cruise the 10 day cruise to St. Kilda in 2020. Captain James and crew were wonderful hosts. We could not have had a more joyous occurrence. Terre Harper, iris Jane Robinson
Ronald terre harper
29 September 2018
We had an amazing time on the Emma Jane. The crew was fantastic and made us feel right at home and very welcome. James, the skipper, took us to such beautiful places. Suzy, our naturalist, was very knowledgeable and fun to hike with. Maddie worked tirelessly to ensure the vessel was clean and comfortable and that we had everything we might need or want. Kevin is a master in the galley and fed us very well. The scenery was stunning and the people of Scotland are wonderful. All in all, it was a fabulous holiday. We highly recommend Hebrides Cruises--you won't be disappointed.
Mike and Gina Shedd
22 September 2018
Hi Emma - It was great to meet you on the lovely Emma Jane. What a delighful boat she is. The Caledonian Canal was a fabulous cruise and I can’t praise the crew enough for their care and attention to detail. Without exception they looked after us with cheerfulness and good humour and made it a very special week. I feel I can’t praise your company enough. As a newly single traveller holidays can feel a bit daunting, but I wouldn’t hesitate to book a trip on my own with yourselves because you provide such a welcoming and safe environment. Hebrides Cruises is a great company and I hope you are all really proud of what you have created. Hilary Holt
Hilary Holt
22 September 2018
For so many years it has been my aspiration to cruise the length of the Caledonian canal. The cruise on board 'Emma Jane' fulfilled my ambition and was a truly magical experience that exceeded all expectations. It was one I shall never forget. The scenery was stunning, and to see it from the water offered a unique view, which added so much to its aura. The 'Emma Jane' crew - Skipper James, Bosun Maddie, Chef Kevin and wildlife expert Susie - were very welcoming and always on hand to attend to every need. Their knowledge, attention to detail, and engagement with the guests was much appreciated by all those on board. The varied menus were exceptional and all were five-star meals, with every taste catered for. Nothing was too much trouble. The walks (even cycle rides) and visits ashore offered a real insight into the 'ports of call', and the transfers from ship to shore via the tender added much to the experience. Thank you and well done everyone at Hebrides Cruises. We hope to return soon for another memorable cruise aboard the 'Emma Jane'.
Warren Vokes
7 October 2017
Always prompt and helpful emails from Emma. Food was outstanding and beautifully presented - Margaret excelled! Craig was a pleasant and helpful waiter too - always cheerful. Rob's welcome into the wheel house was warm and friendly with fascinating information. A very worthwhile and unique holiday expereince. HIghly recommended! Family members in the UK and here in Australia were impressed with the booklets and pictures.
Eleanor & Don Mclean
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: 24 June 2019St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides