Hebridean Island Cruises' Hebridean Princess.
Photo courtesy of Hebridean Island Cruises
The brilliant thing about cruise travel is there really is a ship and a line suited to each individual taste. Even Her Majesty the Queen has her preference: Hebridean Island Cruises.
While Hebridean Island Cruises have been around for more than twenty years and have won numerous accolades from European travelers and press alike, their unique Scottish itineraries were often out of reach for many North American guests. Fortunately for those looking to experience this boutique ultra-luxury line, Hebridean has launched a major North American initiative that includes dedicated offices in Ft. Lauderdale and a brand-new website, www.hebrideancruises.com.
Canadian and US travel agents are now also able to book their clients directly on a Hebridean Island cruise, and a new online training campaign has been designed bring North American agents up to speed on this fascinating line.
Each stateroom boasts its own distinct styling and theme.
Photo courtesy of Hebridean Island Cruises
Offering a series of four-to-ten night itineraries that explore some of the most beautiful and untouched regions of Scotland, it’s not difficult to find a voyage that captures the imagination. But beside the amazing Scottish countryside, the real star here is arguably the line’s beautiful little ship, the Hebridean Princess.
Hebridean Princess.
Photo courtesy of Hebridean Island Cruises
Carrying just 50 guests and almost as many crew, to step aboard Hebridean Princess is to step back in time, and experience a more relaxing type of ocean voyage, where the magic of being at sea is the key attraction.
The cozy Tiree Lounge even features a fireplace.
Photo courtesy of Hebridean Island Cruises
However, just because she’s small doesn’t mean she lacks features. In fact, Hebridean Princess is one of the most interesting small-ships out there. Her interiors reflect her traditional Scottish heritage, and are comfortably designed. Wood paneling lines walls, and soft accents and historic touches are everywhere. Her Tiree Lounge even features a fireplace – a rare feature aboard ships these days – and panoramic windows, perfect for taking in the sunset while enjoying a relaxing drink.
The line's Footloose tours allow guests the opportunity
to truly get out and experience Scotland.
Photo courtesy of Hebridean Island Cruises
One of the neatest aspects of Hebridean Island Cruises is their unique “Footloose” itineraries. Designed to appeal to both avid and casual walkers, these voyages allow guests to experience a fantastic walking adventure among the most beautiful locations in Scotland, and are a must for those who enjoy the value and comfort of a cruise vacation, but who still want to connect personally with the lands they are visiting.
One of the upcoming Footloose voyages offered by the line is detailed below.
Footloose in the Highlands and Islands
May 17 – May 26, 2011 – Roundtrip Oban, Scotland aboard Hebridean Princess
Embarkation in Oban.
Day 2 – Colonsay and Iona
A morning excursion to Colonsay House Gardens. In the afternoon visit Iona and perhaps a walk to the Bay at the Back of the Ocean. Captain’s Welcome Gala Dinner.
Day 3 – Eigg
Walks and strolls on Eigg including spectacular An Sgurr. Afternoon cruise to Kyle of Lochalsh.
Day 4 – Plockton and Skye
A visit ashore to picturesque Plockton. Afternoon cruise to Skye to visit Armadale Castle Gardens and the ruined Highland Clearance villages of Suisinish and Broraig.
Day 5 – Skye
Cruise Loch Harport on Skye; walkers to Glen Brittle, strollers take a tour to Talisker Distillery and Dunvegan Castle.
Day 6 – Uig
Walkers ashore for a full day walk; strollers tour the Trotternish Peninsula with lunch ashore.
Day 7 – Inverie and Muck
In the morning Inverie and the Old Forge, Britain’s most remote mainland Pub or walks ashore. Visit Muck for afternoon walks.
Day 8 – Mull
Strollers to Tobermory for walks ashore, walkers to Lochbuie. Afternoon visit to Torosay Castle and Gardens. In the evening Champagne reception at Duart Castle hosted by Lord McLean.
Day 9 – Glencoe
Cruise to Loch Linnhe with walkers to Glencoe for the Devil’s Staircase and strollers to Aonach Mor. Afternoon strollers to Glencoe and walkers return from Kinlochleven. Farewell Gala Dinner.
Day 10 – Oban
Disembarkation at Oban.
If you still can’t decide which itinerary to choose, why not let the Captain decide for you? Departing on October 4, 2011 is the aptly-named “Hebridean Surprise” itinerary. On this weeklong voyage, the exact port schedule remains a mystery to everyone but the Captain, and nothing beats the suspense of waking up and peeking out the windows to see where you’ve docked.
Some staterooms even have their own private balcony.
Photo courtesy of Hebridean Island Cruises
Hebridean also offers voyages that call on a number of fascinating ports in Ireland, England, Wales, the Channel Islands, and Northern France. Operating under the “small is personal” philosophy, the company has built a reputation for providing dedicated service both onboard and ashore. Part of the All Discovery Cruising umbrella which includes sister lines Voyages of Discovery and Swan Hellenic, Hebridean has seen a brisk increase in bookings since launching their North American presence.
Bookings for Hebridean Princess normally occur well in advance of her standard March to November season, so interested cruisers would do well to plan ahead.
For more information on this fascinating line, why not pay a visit to their brand-new North American website?
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