Scottish Highlands and Islands Cruises

We recently returned from the splendid Scottish Highlands and Islands Cruise and must say that it is one of the best cruises we have ever experienced

Initially whilst booking we thought the price high compared with other river cruises. We were later to realise how unique the Caledonian Canal journey really was and taking into account that the excursions were covered by the price we finally felt that the holiday was value for money.

The scenery was stunning and views of Ben Nevis were magnificent!

The Crew were always so pleasant and this led to a very happy atmosphere aboard the ship. Brian the Hotel manager kept us all amused with his talks and his attention to every detail ensured that events went like clockwork. Konia our guide was a fount of knowledge and added even greater interest to excursions. Seeing so many Dolphins in the open sea was an extra bonus!

Above all the food was so good and varied, fresh, locally produced and well presented that this really made our holiday!

We travelled in June 2013 from Inverness to Kyle for 7 days. The competence of the sailing crew cannot be doubted - the locks on the Caledonian canal leave only inches each side of the vessel yet there was never the a hint of a ding which meant operating the vessel was most precise. The weather was generally kind, it rained when it didnt matter and our times on-shore were mostly dry, if a bit cool. To be able to see and learn of so much of Scotland in such a short period was a delight as was being in the company of such agreeable fellow passengers. The ship is very pleasant: comfortable and reasonably spacious public areas, cabins lacked nothing and even had plenty of space to stow luggage. But the real bonus was the staff who made our holiday such a pleasure. Quite how the confined galley could magic 52 covers for every mealtime at such a consistently high standard is a mystery. The serving staff were attentive, cheerful and efficient and worked well both as individuals and together. Together with the Hotel Manager who seemed to be everywhere all the time, they are a superb credit to the operators of Lord of the Glens - professional is the word that seems to come most to mind so bravo to all! While not very experienced cruisers, we have been on 5 or 6 and this experience beats all of them by far - for us, it set a standard others should strive to match.

An absolutely wonderful holiday. The itinerary was great, the scenery incredible and the ship very comfortable. However special thanks must go to the Captain, Brian, (the hotel manager) and crew of the Lord of the Glens whose hard work, dedication and enthusiasm made it such an enjoyable experience. Your tour manager, Konia, was brilliant and gave us so much information about everywhere and everything. The quick and responsive action when our coach broke down on the way back to Inverness showed how efficiently everyone works together.

We have done and enjoyed a great deal of river cruising but this trip was something unique and special and one which we very much hope to repeat.

Many thanks to all concerned and to all at Blue Water Holidays - the booking arrangements were easy and clear and information and advice freely given.