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HEBRIDEAN ISLAND CRUISES
Scotland, Ireland, England, Norway cruises
HEBRIDEAN
PRINCESS
Passenger Capacity: 49
Built: 1964; rebuilt as cruise ship 1989
Former Names: Columbia
Length: 236 ft.
Beam: 46 ft.
Draft: 10 ft.
Officers: British
Staff and Crew: 38, British
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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 cruises include the north and west coasts of Ireland and
Norway coast.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
HEBRIDEAN RIVER CRUISES
ROYAL CROWN
Passenger Capacity:
79
Crew:42
Rhine river cruise in spring and Danube
river cruise in
autumn on 7-night
cruises.
For current fares and detailed itineraries of Hebridean cruises, click on this
direct link
For special offers and to book a cruise on a Hebridean ship, use our Cruise
Request Form
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