23 April 2022
I have cruised before with Hebrides Cruises and this time chose to do the one "that visited the puffins and Staffa". The crew were as brilliant as ever and the food was definitely 5* all the way including catering for the individual dietary requirements too. We were able to land in some beautiful places and did see the puffins on Lunga which is a magical experience listening to them "chatting away" just a couple of metres away from your feet! We also was taken into Fingal's cave on the tender which was an unexpected bonus to the trip. We were very lucky with the weather and our wildlife sightings included a huge pod of common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, minke whales, feral goats and a sea eagle literally flying low past the ship! Thank you to Chris, Zoe, Craig, Sian and Emma for such a lovely relaxing break. I can't wait to return...
Melanie Rogers
Well! Where does one start to describe such a phenomenal adventure. As a couple of old folk, well into their eighties, with one of us disabled and only recently diagnosed with dementia. You may wonder what on earth were we doing, taking on a small vessel wild life cruise into the seas around the Hebrides. An act of Faith, maybe. Fear not! This is no ordinary “cruise company”. Read on, this is something else. From the very onset, when first contacting Emma, (and before realising we had a dementia situation) , we were treated with immense respect, given prompt very sincere answers to all our queries and immediately realised we were dealing with a very genuine company and warm people. We could do this! So it proved to be. All the guidance and joining information was detailed, accurate and very helpful. On arrival at North Pier, Oban, prior to boarding, we were met by the most friendly of people who promptly took our luggage and conveyed it to our boat, LucyMary. And there she was! The most handsome of vessels, gleaming and awaiting her guests, whilst laid alongside the pontoons. We felt like royalty. At the foot of the companionway stood owner Rob, waiting to greet his guests. No, not captain, skipper, or the like, simply Rob. The head of what was for the duration, a close knit group of guests and crew who blended together seamlessly into one very happy family the whole trip. The crew of four were simply brilliant. Starting with Rob, of course. Then in no particular order - Indie, our extraordinary and knowledgeable naturalist and wild life expert. Abbie, delightful, ever accommodating stewardess, who looked after everyone with continuous attention. Serving meals, making drinks, tidying cabins, fetching and carrying. Then , the chef! Perry. Wow, what he produced in the galley was exquisite. But, it didn’t stop there. All of the crew joined in where appropriate with any other duties too.
Mike & Margaret Knighton: 18 September 2023The Small Isles and sea lochs: Wildlife havens