Seasonal Opening Times

Wishing all our followers and loyal guests a safe and peaceful Christmas and all good wishes for better times to come in 2021.

Read The Hebridean Times Online

The winter edition of The Hebridean Times is now available to view online. The latest issue is filled with all the latest news from Hebridean Island Cruises, including the expansion of our fleet with the acquisition of MV Lord of the Glens.

With all sailings paused until early 2021, in this issue we share our new health protocols for when we take to the seas again. With our enhanced health and safety measures you will still be able to enjoy the holiday you dreamed of.

Captain Heaton gives us an insight as to what on board life has been like during lockdown with only a skeleton crew, and a number of our guests have shared the creative ways in which they have been keeping alive their fond memories of Hebridean cruises.

Our cruise focus features Historic Houses and Castles of the Clyde and our new 2021 European River Cruises offer two enticing itineraries on the romantic Rhine and tranquil Moselle, with the opportunity to combine the two into a stunning, extended Grand Voyage through the heart of Europe.

With very best wishes for remaining safe and well over the Christmas season.

Ken Charleson - Managing Director

>>Read the Winter Edition of The Hebridean Times Here

2021 European River Cruises Brochure Now Online

Whilst travel plans have been placed on hold this year, many of you will have been dreaming of better times and looking forward to future adventures; it is the contrast between a small, personal company such as Hebridean and mass market travel that now becomes even more apparent.

Hebridean's 2021 European river cruises on board MS Royal Crown attract a maximum of just 70 guests, cared for by a dedicated crew and exceptional Hebridean Team, including recently retired Chief Purser David Indge, from our very own Hebridean Princess, who will accompany each of our river cruises in 2021.

 

Travelling with us, Hebridean style, means discovering very special destinations ranging from romantic cities, quaint villages and historical gems to private residences and palaces - with many unusual places in between.

 

As many of our guests will tell you, a holiday with Hebridean is as far away from the average cruise as it is possible to be.

 

Our 2021 European River Cruise Collection is now available to view online by selecting the link below. Furthermore, early booking savings are available for reservations made before 30th October 2020.

 

When the time is right for you, call our experienced reservations team on 01756 704704 to check availability or to make a booking. Alternatively, email reservations@hebridean.co.uk or contact your preferred travel agent or cruise specialist.

 

We very much look forward to welcoming you on board.

VIEW BROCHURE HERE >> 2021 EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISE COLLECTION 

We're Good to Go in March 2021

Protecting the health, safety and welfare of our guests, crew and the remote communities which we visit, is our number one priority and we have been working hard to adhere to government and public health guidance. We're delighted to announce that Hebridean has been awarded the 'We're Good to Go' accreditation. 

Visit Scotland award a 'We're Good to Go' certificate to all tourism businesses who have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment to check they have everything in place to reopen safely. 

This new UK-wide industry standard and consumer mark provides confidence for you, our guests, as well as  communities and tourism businesses alike - as we work towards the future. 

Highly Commended in the Silver Travel Advisor Awards

We're delighted to announce, that at yesterday's Silver Travel Advisor Awards, Hebridean Island Cruises was Highly Commended in the Best Specialist Cruise Line category.

Thank you to everyone who voted for us.

Over 225,000 votes were cast - 60% more than last year, setting a new record – in this year’s Silver Travel Awards as, in these unprecedented times, older travellers sought to show their appreciation of the travel companies, cruise lines and destinations that have delivered the very best for the over 50s in the last 12 months.

Many things have had to adapt to new circumstances this year, the Silver Travel Awards included. For the first time, the Awards were virtual, with the worthy winners announced to viewers at an online ceremony broadcast on Tuesday 15 September to an audience of hundreds of travel industry colleagues and Silver Travel Advisor members.

With the inimitable Gyles Brandreth on fine form as the witty Master Of Ceremonies and the action actually taking place in the Wallace Collection, home to The Laughing Cavalier among many outstanding artworks, the spirit of the Silver Travel Awards was still very much to the fore.

When You're Ready, We'll Be Here

The Coronavirus outbreak has created unprecedented and challenging circumstances for every one of us and has made 2020 a year we'll never forget. 

For Hebridean Princess, it has meant several months out of service, with many guests not being able to enjoy the cruise which they had been looking forward to so much. The vast majority of our 2020 cruising schedule, including Norway, will now be replicated in 2021, with many affected guests having been able to reschedule their cruise to next year.

In turn, this means our summer return to the south coast of England, including the Isles of Scilly, Channel Islands, Northern France, Belgium and The River Thames, will now operate in 2022.

It has taken some planning, but we're now able to say that when you're ready, Hebridean Princess will be here to take you on the ultimate escape from the every day world in 2021 and 2022.

The 2021 and 2022 brochures are now available to view online by selecting the appropriate brochure covers below. We also have a limited number of printed brochures available on a fist come, first served basis so if you would like to receive a copy please call 01756 704704 or email reservations@hebridean.co.uk

As with all of our brochure launches, early booking savings are available on the fares shown. Furthermore, all bookings for 2022 cruises only require an initial deposit of 10%* at the time of booking. These offers are valid until 30th August 2020 and are available for new bookings only, not combinable with any other offer and are subject to availability.

We very much look forward to welcoming you on board soon, to rediscover the world of Hebridean Princess, and I should like to thank you for your continued support.

With best wishes for remaining safe and well during these unusual times.

Ken Charleson - Managing Director

Please vote for Hebridean and you could be a winner too!

The Silver Travel Awards 2020 will celebrate the very best in over 50s travel.  

We would greatly appreciate your vote for us as the Best Specialist Cruise Line. And you could be a winner too! Vote now in the Silver Travel Awards for your chance to win one of 8 fabulous travel prizes, including cruises, escorted tours and car hire. 

PLEASE VOTE FOR US

Farewell to Chief Purser David Indge

“Ladies and Gentlemen!

Dinner is now served in the Columba Restaurant.

And, don’t forget, whatever you choose – ENJOY!”

Just one of the memorable and heart-warming announcements made by the exuberant Chief Purser, David Indge, who, after 14 years of working on board Hebridean Princess and entertaining guests, has decided to retire from the role in order to spend more time with his wife Pat and enjoy time in the garden.

Of his time on board, David said “I have met many wonderful people and have worked with the most dedicated and committed team you could ever imagine. I shall miss every one of them dearly.”

He added “although guests will no longer see me on board Hebridean Princess, both Pat and I shall continue to oversee Hebridean’s European river cruise programme on board Royal Crown and I may occasionally find myself back on board “’HP” as relief Chief Purser”.

David will be so fondly remembered for his after-dinner stories and jokes, which have had so many people in tears of laughter over the years.   

Not only has David been such a familiar face to so many of Hebridean’s guests, he also found fame on the More 4 television programme ‘Richard Wilson’s Highland Fling’, when he was interviewed by the veteran actor, Richard Wilson himself, responding to each question with huge enthusiasm and humour. 

Thank you David, for all you have done with such dedication. We will all miss you enormously, but please don’t forget to leave your joke book on board!

Read the spring edition of The Hebridean Times here

The first edition of The Hebridean Times in 2020 brings you up to date with all the latest news from on board Hebridean Princess and ashore at Hebridean Island Cruises.  

In a few days time, Hebridean Princess will emerge from her winter re-fit and set sail from Greenock on the Clyde to commence her 32nd season. Over the winter, our engineers and deck crew have been busy undertaking essential maintenance and ensuring all is in full working order, whilst our housekeepers and hotel staff have been hard at work cleaning and polishing the front of house areas in readiness to welcome our first guests of the year.

Although our 2020 season is about to commence, we are already looking forward to next year and our 2021 Cruise Collection on board both Hebridean Princess and Royal Crown. We always strive to keep our itineraries fresh and exciting to tempt new guests to experience the delights of a Hebridean cruise, whilst also introducing new destinations and themed cruises for the many loyal guests who cruise with us regularly. A sneak preview of what’s new is included on page 12.

Our crew news focuses on the retirement of David Indge as Chief Purser on board Hebridean Princess, but for those who would love the opportunity to sail with Dave one last time, don’t worry, as he will accompany all the European river cruises on Royal Crown which are featured on pages 10 and 11.

I do hope you enjoy this edition of The Hebridean Times and that we have the opportunity to welcome you on board Hebridean Princess or Royal Crown for a memorable and relaxing holiday very soon.

>> Read The Spring Edition of The Hebridean Times by Clicking Here

Wave Awards 2020 Finalists Announced

Considered the Oscars of Cruising, the Wave Awards marks and celebrates the very best in the cruise travel industry, as voted for by readers of World of Cruising magazine.

The Wave Awards recognise and reward excellence and innovation in a business that is continuously evolving to deliver an exceptional experience, both on board and ashore.

For the past year, avid cruisers have been casting their votes for their top ‘favourites’ for each of the seven public Wave Award categories, which include Favourite Ocean Cruise Line, Favourite River Cruise Line and Favourite Cruise Destination, among others. We can now reveal that Hebridean Island Cruises has been shortlisted as finalists in Best Specialist Cruise Line and Best for Solo Travellers categories.

Real Response Media group editor Colette Doyle said: “The Wave Awards is the highlight of the cruise calendar and our shortlist demonstrates a wide breadth of success and innovation across the sector… We wish all those on the list the best of luck.”

Real Response Media publishing director Peter Grant added: “The 2020 event promises to be our biggest yet, with a first-class venue hosting a wonderful evening of celebration.

“Winning a Wave Award is a prestigious acknowledgement of hard work, innovation and teamwork, highlighting all those who strive, every day, to raise awareness of the industry and entice more and more holidaymakers to book a cruise.

“I would personally like to thank everyone who entered and extend my best wishes to all those on the shortlist.”

On 2 April 2020, the winners will be announced at an exclusive black-tie event in London.

Scotland's Year of Coast and Waters 2020

2020 has been designated the year to celebrate Scotland's remarkable coasts and waters.

From water inspired myths and legends to historic harbours, sweeping coastlines and the very best in seafood, whisky and wildlife – Scotland’s enviable reputation for unspoiled beaches, rich natural and cultural heritage and thrill-seeking adventure activities will be showcased through a year-long programme of events and activities.

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “From fishing and textiles, to whisky and wave power, Scotland’s waters have shaped our history and influenced our culture, our stories and our way of life.”

“Our coasts and waters are host to an amazing array of riches and are greatly valued and cherished by visitors and locals alike, so it’s fitting that we have a full-year placing them in the spotlight.  Scotland’s distinctive scenery, landscape and our unique history and culture continue to remain the key motivations that drive visits to the country, so the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 presents a fantastic opportunity to play to our strengths.”

See Scotland from a different perspective - from the deck of Hebridean Princess. Exploring some of the magnificent coastline and myriad islands by boat is an incredible experience that will stay with you for years.  Enjoy delicious local seafood and a wee dram made with water from the seas and streams, uncover the secrets of remote islands, relax with a spot of fishing in one of the sea lochs, or simply drink in the ever-changing views as you cruise through some of the most stunning scenery in the British Isles. 

Book your cruise now to join the 2020 Year of Coasts & Waters celebrations.