Exploring the Scottish Isles in luxury on Hebridean Princess
Our Cruising Specialists, Karen and Fay, recently enjoyed a luxury, all-inclusive Scotland cruise on 50-passenger Hebridean Princess. Read their exclusive review:
Following a scenic rail journey via Carlisle to Glasgow Central Station, we were greeted and boarded our coach bound for Greenock port. After a quick stop at Glasgow Airport to collect fellow passengers, we arrived at the port to embark Hebridean Princess, and were welcomed by the wonderful sound of bagpipes. We were definitely in Scotland now!
After a very warm welcome onboard by the crew and chief pursers, it was time to relax with a pre-dinner glass of champagne in the beautiful Tiree Lounge. The lounge was the heart of the ship, with its magnificent stone fire place and bar. Guests could easily spend many an hour relaxing and chatting over a coffee or a wee dram. The lounge also offered superb views of the dramatic scenery around the Scottish Isles. I never tired of sitting by the windows and watching the landscapes go by.
The cabins on board Hebridean Princess are named after Scottish castles, lochs and Isles. Our cabin was 'Kinloch Castle', located on the Waterfront Deck. There was plenty of room and two porthole windows which could be opened. The beautiful en-suite bathroom had a full size bath (rare in cabin accommodation) and shower, plus luxury Molton Brown toiletries. There were also tea and coffee making facilities in the cabin. Hailing from Yorkshire, we were delighted to have a tea pot and fresh jug of milk in the fridge every day.
Whilst onboard, we had the opportunity to view some of the other cabins, including Balcony cabins which featured teak tables and chairs from which to enjoy the stunning views. The Isle of Arran Suite, the largest cabin on board and located on Princess Deck, was extremely impressive. It had a separate day room where guests could relax and take in the everchanging vistas. The Isle of Danna cabin, also on Princess Deck, had full size picture windows. It remains a firm favourite with returning guests.
We were very impressed at the range of cabin accommodation for single guests. The single cabins were well positioned, spacious and as with all other cabins onboard, very well appointed. With a number of single guests on the sailing, the crew did their utmost to ensure they were well looked after, and at meal times they were invited to join a hosted table.
Speaking of meal times, the food throughout our cruise was second to none. All meals were served in the Columba Restaurant which had a very relaxed atmosphere and traditional wood panelling decor. Tables were set out in twos (aside from the hosted table mentioned above), with just one sitting for each meal. We enjoyed a special Farewell Gala Dinner on our final evening which included a memorable 'address to the Haggis' from the Captain!
The highlight of our cruise was a visit to Mount Stuart House on the Isle of Bute. We enjoyed a fantastic and very informative morning tour of this stunning house, taking in the history, architecture and works of art. We particularly enjoyed the archives which housed works including the first edition publications by Robert Burns and original architectural drawings.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time aboard Hebridean Princess. There was a warm and friendly atmosphere onboard, mainly down to the chief pursers and crew onboard, for whom nothing was too much trouble. We had a truly memorable experience and as they say in Scotland “haste ye back”… we certainly will!