HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS: THE PRINCESS OF THE SCOTTISH WATERS

HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS CRUISE REVIEW

The Hebridean Princess  is undeniably unique in style and size and she is the ‘smallest’ luxury cruise ship floating on our waters today. She joined Hebridean Island Cruises in 1989 where she has been looked after since and sailing passengers year in year out, mostly from her home port of Oban in Scotland.

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HOW MANY PASSENGERS DOES THE HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS HAVE?

Hebridean Princess only carries 50 guests and this is how she has a crew ratio of virtually one-to-one, thus providing the expected high standards and attention of her crew while you view the stunning Scottish scenery. There are no other cruise ships quite like the Hebridean Princess; she is unrivalled, as I was about to witness.

I was given the unique opportunity to visit this stunning ship in the port of Greenock, near Glasgow. Hebridean Princess is a cruise ship that I had high expectations for, and she did not disappoint.

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Hebridean Princess is a very traditional British ship resembling a Manor House, with warm neutral colours. In the lounge her focal point is her stunning brick open fireplace. I should imagine that she is one of the only ships in the world to feel so homely and welcoming.

There are many personal touches throughout with ornaments, paintings and lamps instead of big lights dangling from the ceilings. Despite the day being dull and gloomy, the lounge was still very light and airy. I felt very at ease as soon as I walked in. You certainly get the feel that she is a tiny ship, but very personal and intimate.

There are many open spaces on Hebridean Princess and in particular viewing balconies. She also has a little conservatory where you can help yourself to tea and coffee and enjoy the stunning views from the comfortable chairs by the window. Or even take your drink to the outer decking areas, which on a dry, warm and sunny day are absolutely stunning.

The library is on the same deck as the Conservatory, in fact it is opposite by just a few casual footsteps. Again the feeling is so homely, yet the room is only small but cosy.

HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS OFFICERS & CREW

I must say that a special mention must be made for the Hebridean Princess Chief Purser David Indge, although he prefers Dave. What a fantastic asset to the Hebridean Princess crew. Very welcoming and entertaining but at the same time very enthusiastic and passionate about the Princess, just like all the crew are.

Dave is the man who cracks the jokes and sits with you as if nothing is too much trouble. Well I certainly got that feeling anyway, I asked Dave, “So what do you like about Hebridean Princess” and his response pretty much summed it up in one line. Dave said “Well I used to work for P&O Cruises but when I made the move to here, I would never look back. I have been here for 9 years and I prefer the traditional cruising and like myself, everyone loves Hebridean Princess and feels so passionate about her”. And it really does show with everyone.



Onboard the Hebridean Princess are British Senior Officers and she is British flagged and managed. She has a one sitting restaurant. The dining times vary each evening and the Chief Purser will always stick to the old traditions of the old British ways and announce “lunch is served” or “dinner is served”.

HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS DESTINATIONS

When you sail on the Hebridean Princess you will find it is all about the destination. Her itineraries are centred around the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, Eire, Wales, and Isle of Man. Occasionally Hebridean Princess will sail as far as The Channel Islands, The Isles of Scilly, Northern France and Belgium. She will visit all the unspoilt destinations, and anchor at ports deemed too small for the larger ships. Hebridean Princess sails from Oban, Inverness, Dublin, and Greenock.

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Captain Trevor Bailey said to me “I find it amusing when you see the large ships anchored miles out at sea and using tenders to bring their passengers ashore. At least with the Hebridean Princess, we can sail straight in and anchor down and let our passengers straight off without any tender”. Again this also proves the point as to why small ship cruising is becoming ever more popular.

WHAT IS INCLUDED ON HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS?

So what is included when you sail on Hebridean Princess?

• All your meals
• All snacks
• All wines, spirits and beers
• All soft drinks, teas and coffees
• All shore tours and excursions
• Use of ships bikes
• Use of fishing tackle
• All port taxes
• All gratuities

MEALS ON HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS

All your meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included in your cruise fare onboard Hebridean Princess. Your breakfast and lunch is served to you while the ship is sailing. Your dinner on the other hand is served while the ship is stationary. What an amazing feeling you must get when you look out the restaurant windows and see the stunning scenery and the lit backdrop of the port whilst eating your meal. Every now and again there will be barbecues and these are included as well.

DRINKS ON HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS

On Hebridean Princess, all your drinks, quality wines, spirits, champagne, beers and soft drinks are included too. You will not have to worry about tipping your crew either as all the gratuities are included.

TOURS ON HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS

All your excursions are included onboard Hebridean Princess and they offer only the finest privately guided tours. There are 4 or 5 cruises a year with walking tours included for the experienced walkers going to many places inaccessible by road. So if you are a lover of walks and cruising, these would be absolutely ideal

HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS CABINS GALLERY

Hebridean Princess only has 30 cabins, 20 which are twins and doubles (of which 4 cabins have a balcony) and 10 singles. It is fantastic news that they cater for the solo traveller and encourage it. For singles it would be like joining a smallish group and you will always have other guests to chat with. Hebridean Princess guests can chat with the Captain everyday and are welcomed with a Champagne Reception. I loved this touch as everyone is treated as equals.

All cabins on Hebridean Princess are all individually designed. The decor is traditional, and some may say old fashioned and dated, but you know, that is what makes this ship unique. She is a very old ship and it is only fitting that the interior should reflect the era. I have to say the cabins are meticulously clean and not one smear or speck of dust anywhere.

The bathroom products used are Molton Brown, only the best and well known brands. The cabins are a good size and have ample space for comfort and have all the refines of a hotel room, if not more.



Another lovely touch is that all cabins have a decanter and two glasses (all with Scottish Whiskey) the mini-bar is replenished daily and all at no charge.

What doesn’t cease to amaze me was the ability to open all the windows in every cabin. Must be nice to get in some sea breeze while sailing!! I think Hebridean Princess in unique in this regard!

However, there is no air conditioning on the ship. Instead they have a ventilation system. Fresh air is drafted in from the outside and filtered through all the cabins, thus creating the effects of air conditioning….but in a far greener way.

All cabins have bathrobes and slippers as standard and all pretty much have the same facilities. Now unusually, onboard the Hebridean Princess, they do not have cabin keys. The cabins are left unlocked during the day. They can be locked from the inside whilst you are in the cabin. Just goes to show that on a ship like this who needs keys!



Some of the corridors are very narrow and can at times feel claustrophobic. I must point out that due to the age and size of the ship, some of the staircases can be very steep and narrow and the Hebridean Princess is not suitable for those with walking difficulties or disabled passengers.

DINING ON THE HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS

Dining on Hebridean Princess is really special. Guests are treated to fine examples of regional cuisine, handcrafted by talented chefs onboard who really showcase the beauty of seasonal Scottish ingredients. I was pleased to learn that all food is sourced from local providers who share the ship's commitment to exceptional quality, and each dish is thoughtfully paired with exclusive house wines. I can confirm the food is delicious!

The Columba Restaurant is small and cosy with large windows bringing in lots of natural light and again traditional in colour and style. There are seven tables in here easily accommodating the 50 guests onboard. The tables and the linen were immaculate and nicely laid out.

What I was looking forward to was the address of the Haggis performed by Captain Richard Heaton. The haggis was huge and the address was amazing. We sampled some haggis with Turnip and Sweet Potato mash and it was absolutely delicious.

ADDRESS TO THE HAGGIS VIDEO ON HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS

HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS CRUISE REVIEW SUMMARY

In summary, Hebridean Princess is an amazing cruise ship and extremely fantastic value for money. Her sheer luxury, the all-inclusive nature, the attentive crew, her uniqueness to other ships is truly undeniable. The respect she receives from all her crew is amazing and this will reflect on the passengers who will sail on her on many unmatched, unrivalled itineraries.

It is easy to understand how the crew are so attached to the Hebridean Princess and why so many passengers return time and time again to sail on her. I was only here for the day, but I can imagine after being on here for a week it can be emotional to say goodbye.

This is ship is so important for UK history, not because she is the smallest, not because of her luxury and for being so unrivalled but the fact this ship is used by the Royal Family and has been appointed by Her Majesty the Queen.

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