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HEBRIDEAN INTERNATIONAL CRUISES
Scotland, Ireland, England, Norway, Baltic, Arctic, Mediterranean, Greece,
Croatia, Scandinavia, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Maldives, India, Sri Lanka
 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 itineraries include the north and west coasts of Ireland.
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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 SPIRIT
Passenger Capacity: 80
Built: 1991, rebuilt as Hebridean Spirit 2001
Former Names: Renaissance 6, Megastar Capricorn
Length: 272 ft.
Beam: 50 ft.
Draft: 13.77 ft.
Elevator: 1
Officers: British
Staff and Crew: 70
- Itinerary: Spring and summer cruises are 4, 7, 8 and 9 nights; winter cruises
are 7, 14 and 16 nights. Cruises of the Red Sea (between Alexandria
and Muscat), Greece, Sicily, Croatia, Indian Ocean,
Mediterranean (between Rhodes and Alexandria), the Maldives, Seychelles,
Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, Denmark, Norway, the Arctic, Sweden,
Russia, Spain, Italy and the British Isles.
- Cabins: 49. Some cabins have balconies; 18 are for singles, with
no single supplement, and 31 are doubles with either twin beds or king.
Cabins have refrigerator, TV/ VCR, private bath with tub or shower. A closed circuit camera
scans the horizon so scenery can be seen on the TV monitor.
- Dining: The dining room has one sitting and is non-smoking. Passengers
traveling as singles are seated together and are hosted by an officer.
Breakfast and lunch are usually outside on deck.
- Dress: Casual during the day. After 7 p.m. men wear jackets, women wear
dresses or pantsuits. Two nights per week are dressy, and some men wear dinner
jacket, tuxedo or kilts.
- Facilities and Activities: The ship has a lounge with occasional entertainment
by locals, and a library. There is a spa with aromatherapy, massage, steam,
plunge pool, hairdresser and exercise equipment. Guides are on board to answer
questions and lead excursions, and some cruises are accompanied by a guest
lecturer. There is an open bridge policy. Children under age 9 are not
allowed. There is no smoking except on deck and in one lounge. The ship is
air-conditioned. There are bicycles, fishing gear and small boats for
passenger use. Shore excursions are usually by tender.
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Recent Fares Reported to Us:
Per person from $4,115 for a 4-night cruise to $20,795 for 14-night cruise in a
suite. Shore excursions and entrance fees included as well as use of the small
boats, tenders, and bicycles. Single cabins have
no supplement. The vessel maintains a no tipping policy.
For current fares and itineraries of Hebridean cruises, click on this
direct link
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