St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides 10-nights

26 July 2025

There are not enough words and adjectives to describe just how fantastic this cruise on Lucy Mary was. To fulfil an ambition of many years to actually visit St Kilda plus many other islands together with a superb crew and like minded great passengers was a dream come true. Captain James made sure we travelled comfortably and safely, making decisions every day after checking on tides and weather so we achieved every goal. His evening debriefing was informative and amusing together with details of the following days adventure. Chef Sammy made such imaginative and amazing meals every day, catering to different requests with a smile, she even shared a few recipes. Needless to say we've added a few pounds! Steward Poppy was a delight - always cheerful, always smiling and laughing and so attentive plus she kept our cabins immaculate every day. Finally, Indy, our wildlife guide. His knowledge, enthusiasm and irresistible personality enthralled us all. We learned so much and achieved his (and our) goals every day with his encouragement and drive. We are so very grateful to have been on this cruise and made memories which will last a lifetime. It won't be our last one!

Nancy and Don Harbron

26 July 2025

A wonderful and perfect cruise! We knew when we booked the cruise it was never guaranteed that we would reach St Kilda because of the vagaries of weather and sea states. However, thanks to the expertise of skipper James we were able to pick out a window in the weather that allowed us a two night stay at St Kilda and what a magical place it proved to be. On the cruise we were delighted by the wide range of wildlife we saw, thanks to the expertise of our wild life guide, Indy. The "beasties" we saw ranged from the St Kilda Wren to Humpback Whale. What a treat. We enjoyed walks on various islands and the mainland, again guided by Indy, and James was more than ably assisted by his bosun, Tristan, to get us safely on shore and back to Lucy Mary. Here we were greeted by the smiling face and bubbly personality of Poppy, the ship's host, who presented us with delicious and varied meals and snacks prepared by Sammy, our brilliant chef. Thank you James and your crew for the most wonderful and unforgettable experience.

Peter & Ioanna Norris

26 July 2025

OMG, if you have cruised before then this is next level, if you haven't then you are in for a real treat. from booking to end this has been a real metaphorical and physical treat, St Kilda is a bucket list trip so why not do it in stye? The vessel is exceptional, the food is next level ( I should know I own a couple), hats off to the steward, deckhand and captain for the knowledge, hospitality and friendliness, I feel I could now sail the Atlantic single handed :-), to have your own wildlife guide is amazing but to have one with such passion and knowledge is inspiring. I could go on and on about this trip so much so that you may think I work for them (I don't) but praise given where praise is due, Thank you Hebrides Cruise for such an amazing trip. See you in May 26

MIke Chappell and Nicola Penny

4 July 2025

Visiting St Kilda is a privilege that has been my ambition for many years. Rain, rolling seas and thick mist could not dent my excitement. Three miles off the archipelago the cloud lifted to 300 feet and Hirta emerged from the murk. Kilda must be dramatic on a clear day, but the eerie shape of Dùn, rising like a half submerged dragon head, protecting Village Bay from Atlantic storms, heralded an emotive and unforgettable visit to the most westerly part of the British Isles. We spent a few hours ashore, taking in the unique and emotional remnants of twenty centuries of inhabitation, then the following morning we circumnavigated Hirta and Boreray. Countless seabirds swarmed in the skies, into and out of the mist; avian crowded stacs rose out of sapphire seas, teaming with seals, while puffins flapped, guillemots and razorbills chattered, gannets and fulmars soared while skuas watched them, and Soay and Boreray sheep danced across the cliff faces like mountain goats. Then we headed east and, as quickly as she had emerged, Kilda was reclaimed by the mist. The rest of the trip was great, and the weather even improved! Skipper Jake got us everywhere we wanted to go with easy going professionalism, wildlife guide Lauren’s love and knowledge of the seabirds and cetaceans was infectious, chef Charlie’s cooking was superlative, international and sooo tasty, and steward Tani was just lovely, proactive and personable. Also, as a solo traveller, it can be daunting spending 10 days with a dozen strangers…but the other passengers were as wonderful as the crew. 5***** Thank you Hebrides Cruises.

Ellen Orrock

4 July 2025

It's difficult to add to Ellen's comments about this cruise, all of which we agree with, but we'll try. Firstly, we would like to echo her comments about the exceptional crew - all four of them combined to make this trip unforgettable. To get to St Kilda on our first attempt was amazing and we forgive Jake for weighing anchor at 4.30 in the morning to get us there. The fact that it was a misty, grey day just added to the atmosphere. Now, what didn't Ellen mention? Fantastic beach lunch/barbecue on Vatersay, the hot tub on board - with a dram!, the magical cave on the Shiants and the not quite so magical cave on Eigg, unbelievable numbers of birds on both St Kilda and the Shiants, 50 dolphins bow riding - wow!, fantastic seafood (did I mention that I caught some mackerel? Thanks, Jake) As Ruth said when we got back to Oban - "The only thing that would have made it more memorable would have been if Lauren had spotted a giraffe for us" Thank you James, Emma and the crew of the good ship Emma Jane.

Iain and Ruth Moody

4 July 2025

We had a great time , fantastic trip led by Jake and his team. The team were very professional and skilled in everything they did. Jake is an excellent skipper / captain - his skill in navigating to and from St Kilda and landings by us ashore is first rate. Charlie is an amazing chef / cook. - you need to double her pay.

william mcfadyen

4 July 2025

We cannot speak highly enough of The Emma Jane, your wonderful crew and the magical 10 day cruise we had to so many wonderful islands, including St Kilda and the Shiants! Skipper Jake, wildlife expert Lauren, steward Tani and chef Charlie were all brilliant and expert in their respective areas. Nothing was too much trouble. Every day we had a presentation on where we’d been and were going next, along with a summary of all our wildlife sightings. We learnt so much about the western isles and its wildlife – whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, otters and the complete cross section of sea birds. Many thanks to Hebrides Cruises for such a fantastic experience and for helping us celebrate our Ruby Wedding anniversary on board with a stunning (and tasty!) cake – decorated with edible flowers - made by chef Charlie.

Nick & Karen Welsh

26 June 2025

This was our second trip with Hebrides Cruises and it once again turned out to be a highly memorable and enjoyable trip... and successful trip to St Kilda. The Skipper James and his crew of Will, Indy, Sammy and Abbie are all to be commended for making this trip so wonderful, their care and attitude of nothing being too much trouble was truly appreciated. The sighting of Risso's dolphins at St Kilda was such a joy - not only to us but to James and Indy, which made the sighting all the more special. The food was not only superbly delicious but so imaginative. Lucy Mary's accommodation was extremely comfortable and despite the weather of rain, mist and wind these did not mar our holiday at all. As keen walkers we really enjoyed the many opportunities to walk ashore with Indy, and these helped to counteract the effects of the marvellous food. We would certainly recommend Hebrides Cruises for holidays which are a little different. Kindest Regards to all at Hebrides Cruises, Hazel and Bob ... the ones that kept asking questions, all of which were willingly and patiently answered.

HAZEL WALKER

26 June 2025

We had a wonderful Cruise on the beautiful Lucy Mary. The crew of James, Indy, Will, Sam and Abbie looked after us so well. We made it to St Kilda, the scenery is amazing, even managed to photograph a St Kilda Wren! The next morning we did a trip around the islands and stacks, stunning scenery, we saw minke whales close up and thousands of gannets and puffins! We also visited, Taransay, Vatersay, Barra, Eriskay to mention a few. The crew made getting ashore with the tender so easy and safe. The whole trip was first class from start to finish. The food was delicious, the accommodation very comfortable and the crew always friendly and helpful. If you are thinking about doing this trip, or any other one, then do! It was our 3rd trip with Hebrides Cruises, who I highly recommend. I look forward to sailing with you again! Thank you!

Shamim Robertson

2 June 2025

What an amazing trip! We were aware that there were no guarantees for anchoring off St Kilda or indeed of going ashore but thanks to the expertise and care of James and his crew we made it, and goodness aren't we appreciative. It was a truly memorable and special experience. Lucy Mary accommodated us beautifully. The professionalism, genuine enthusiasm and hard work by all the crew made our trip the best it could possibly be. The catering, wildlife spotting, walks ashore were excellent and each member of the crew played their part in making it so. This was our second holiday with Hebrides Cruises and we would certainly do another!

Jane Hunter