Our Independent Opinion

Hebridean Spirit

The basics
Hebridean Spirit entered service in 2001, after being bought from Star Cruises. She has been extensively refurbished by Hebridean and is now a delightful 5-star ship, accommodating just 97 guests and 72 crew – this really is a boutique-style ship. The cabins on this small ship are very special – they do not look like the average cruise ship cabin, and have tasteful fabrics, curtains and panelled walls – much more like a room in a country house hotel.

We like
This ship is very friendly and the discreet, unobtrusive crew and staff are genuine and go out of their way to make you feel welcome. There is a great attention to detail that you rarely find on larger ships, and this is the Hebridean Spirit’s strength. 

What you should know
Don’t take this cruise if you want to dine in a different restaurant every night and need plenty of diversions to keep you entertained.

May we suggest
You take advantage of the fact that Hebridean cruises are truly all-inclusive – take a shore excursion (also included and very well organised). You can even take the ship’s bicycles ashore if you fancy some independent exploration.

Recommended for
We would recommend Hebridean Spirit for intellectual, well-travelled couples and singles who like to cruise with like-minded people in a sophisticated atmosphere, without any razzamatazz.


Hebridean Princess

The basics
Like the Hebridean Spirit, she has the look and charm of an English country house hotel. Hebridean Princess cruises around the waters of Scotland and occasionally travels up to Norway, and like her sister ship fares are fully inclusive. The cabins on this small ship are very special – they do not look like the average cruise ship cabin, and have tasteful fabrics, curtains and panelled walls – much more like a room in a country house hotel.

We like
This ship is very friendly and the discreet, unobtrusive crew and staff are genuine and go out of their way to make you feel welcome. There is a great attention to detail that you rarely find on larger ships, and this is the Hebridean Princess’s strength.

What you should know
The Hebridean Princess is the smallest cruise ship afloat, accommodating just 49 guests and a crew of 37.

May we suggest
The food onboard is excellent and even Queen Elizabeth II chartered her in 2006 for a family celebration.

Recommended for
We would recommend Hebridean Princess for intellectual, well-travelled couples and singles who like to cruise with like-minded people in a sophisticated atmosphere, without any razzamatazz.