• Itinerary: There are 4, 7 9, and 14 night cruises going to lochs, estuaries and islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides on Scotland's west coast, usually including Iona, Rhum, Muck and Eigg, Lewis, Skye, Staffa and Orkney Islands. Some also include St. Kilda, an isolated island west of the Outer Hebrides and home to a wide variety of seabirds. Most departures are from Oban with a coach connection from Glasgow. There are a variety of itineraries depending on whether you want to visit towns, castles and gardens or to visit the remoter parts of the western isles. Garden cruises are in May and September. Other itineraries include the north and west coasts of Ireland.
• Cabins: 30. Cabins range from 112 to 367 sq. ft. There are 24 outside cabins, 6 inside, 11 single and 4 with balconies. Cabins have refrigerator, TV (some with VCR), radio, coffee and tea-maker and an ironing board/trouser press. Each cabin is individually designed and there are a range of configurations (with single, double or twin beds). Most have one or more windows of different sizes (suite has three large windows). Some cabins have portholes that can be opened.
• Dining: The dining room has one seating and is non-smoking. Fresh produce is purchased locally. There is traditional Scottish fare, such as venison, pheasant, rainbow trout, gooseberry and pear crumble. Passengers traveling as singles are seated together and are hosted by an officer.
• Dress: Casual during the day. After 7 p.m. men wear jackets, women wear dresses or pant suits. Captain's night and at least two other nights per week are dressy, and men usually wear dinner jacket, tuxedo or kilts. The weather is damp in the Scottish islands so take warm clothing.
• Facilities and Activities: The ship was originally built as a passenger ferry, then was redesigned to resemble a country hotel. The passengers are mostly British, one-third singles, two-thirds couples. There are several lounges for viewing (one especially for cigar and pipe smokers), a conservatory, a mini-gym and a library. Guides are on board to answer questions and lead excursions, but not to lecture. There are deck games, fishing trips, clay pigeon shoots and explorations by motorboat. There is an open bridge policy. Some passengers report that the engine is noisy, but the ship anchors at night. Children under age 9 are not allowed. There is no smoking in the restaurant, library, conservatory or the port side of the main lounge. All outside rooms and public rooms have portholes or windows that open. There are bicycles, fishing gear and small boats for passenger use. There are usually two shore visits by tender or zodiac-style landing craft at different locations each day.  Excursions explore wildlife, sometimes castles, gardens, deserted beaches or towns.
• Recent Fares Reported to Us:  Per person from $1,820 to $4,125 for a six-night cruise up to $28,045 for a 14-night cruise in the biggest suite. Shore excursions and entrance fees are included in the fare as well as use of the small boats, speedboat, bicycles and fishing tackle. Single cabins have no supplement. The vessel maintains a no tipping and fully inclusive pricing policy. Some cruise fares include air or rail fare to and from a UK airport.
  
   For current fares and detailed itineraries of Hebridean cruises, click on this direct link

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