‘Hebridean Princess’ is not well known outside the UK which is not surprising given that she only accommodates fifty guests and largely confines her voyaging to the Inner & Outer Hebrides and the Scottish coast. She is small, exclusive & purpose built to sail on the Scottish coast – small enough to access the most remote islands & lochs well beyond the reach of conventional cruise ships. As a matter of interest Hebridean Island Cruises is the only cruiseline to hold a royal warrant having hosted HM Queen Elizabeth ll and her family.
Many Kiwis have Scottish ancestry or are keen followers of the many facets of Scottish culture & history and for them ‘Hebridean Princess’ is a ‘must do’ travel experience. She is frequently referred to as the ‘Floating Country House’ and that reflects the very unique onboard lifestyle enjoyed by her guests. There is a single sitting for meals with couples accommodated at tables for two and single guests at tables hosted by the officers. The cuisine is simply superb.
Shore excursions are included in the cruise costs and are fully inclusive of meals, entry fees & gratuities. All are accompanied by Hebridean Island Cruises guides who are experts in their field. One of the features of cruising aboard ‘Hebridean Princess’ is the Guest Speaker Programme who all all world-renowned in their specialist subjects ranging across natural history, gardening, astronomy, Scottish culture, geology & wildlife. Keen walkers are catered for on five ‘Footloose’cruises which feature full days ashore with packed lunches and specialist walking guides. Several options are available whether you are a seasoned walker or just prefer a gentle stroll.
This year ‘Hebridean Princess’ will leave her home waters for a sojourn in southern waters visiting the English Channel ports, Scilley Isles, Channel Islands & Normandy.
These cruises represent really good value for Kiwi travellers – not cheap but with masses of inclusions. Superb accommodation, all meals, shore excursions, virtually all drinks, internet use including wifi, use of bicycles, gratuities & fishing excursions.
A cruise aboard ‘Hebridean Princess’ is a great option for Kiwis who have cruised Fiji with Blue Lagoon or the Great Barrier Reef with Captain Cook Cruises and appreciate the benefits of ‘small ship’ cruising over large conventional cruise ships. The access to tiny ports and remote bays, the ‘village’ atmosphere on board with both fellow guests and crew and the mealtime conviviality.
Hebridean has a 60% repeat visitor factor so early booking is recommended.