CONGRATULATIONS CAPTAIN CAZ

Captain Caroline (Caz) Palmer has been appointed as Hebridean Island Cruises' first ever permanent female Master and will work opposite Captain Richard Heaton.

Caz joined Hebridean Princess in 2014 as First Officer and achieved her Master’s Ticket in 2016. She has since worked as Chief Officer on board Hebridean Princess and took temporary command of the vessel in 2021. Most recently, she was seconded to the role of Fleet Safety and Compliance Officer.

Of the appointment, managing director Ken Charleson, said:

“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Caroline Palmer as our first permanent female Captain. Caz has proven herself as a loyal and proficient Officer who is very popular with guests and colleagues alike”

Charleson added:

“Caz brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position of Master and we wish her every success in her new role.”

Of her new role, Caz commented "Having worked onboard Hebridean Princess for the last 8 years as Chief Officer and within the Fleet during the last year, I am excited and honoured to take this next step.

If I have learnt one thing from my time with Hebridean Island Cruises, it is that one is never truly isolated on board. Whilst I will be taking the lead role, it is the team supporting (both on board and ashore) who make the Hebridean Princess the ship for me.

I do not believe in problems, I believe in challenges. In stepping up to Command I expect challenges which I have not imagined. But with the team that we have I am looking forward to facing them."

Read the latest Hebridean Times online

 

I am delighted to attach the first edition of The Hebridean Times in 2022, bringing you up to date with all the latest news from on board and ashore at Hebridean Island Cruises. 

As our 34^th season of Hebridean Princess cruises commences in just a few days time, you can be kept informed of what is happening on board by logging onto our website and reading our online cruise logs which are updated regularly:  www.hebridean.co.uk

During 2022 we will welcome new, distinguished Guest Speakers on board both Hebridean Princess and Royal Crown who will share with you their expertise and enthusiasm in a variety of fields.  We invite you to join one of them on a voyage of discovery to learn more of the history, heritage, culture, music or horticulture of the area through which you are sailing.

I hope you enjoy perusing this edition of The Hebridean Times.  With this year’s cruises selling quickly and a number of itineraries already fully booked, please call our experienced reservations team on 01756 704704 without delay should you wish to join us.

Yours sincerely

Ken Charleson

Managing Director

>> Read the spring issue of The Hebridean Times here

Read the latest Hebridean Times online

As another season draws to a close, I should like to take this opportunity to update you with all the latest news from on board and ashore at Hebridean Island Cruises in the winter edition of The Hebridean Times.

We recently launched the 2022 Cruise Directory for our brand-new vessel, Lord of the Highlands, and have been overwhelmed by the response. Carrying just 40 guests, Lord of the Highlands sets sail in April next year and will cruise the inland waterways of the Caledonian Canal  in elegant style. Our hand-picked crew will extend the warmest of welcomes and Hebridean’s unique relaxed house-party atmosphere ensures that a cruise on Lord of the Highlands provides the ideal escape.

As we look towards next season, our eagerly anticipated cruises on board Hebridean Princess to the south coast of England, northern France, Belgium and the Channel Islands are proving to be extremely popular, with the Channel Islands Explorer itinerary already fully booked.  You can learn more about our Scenic South West cruise in this issue, why not join us on this enticing voyage for a magical, unforgettable experience?

Our 2022 European River Cruises on board Royal Crown are also selling fast. With enriching guests speakers on each Hebridean river cruise to bring each itinerary to life, discover the tranquility of the Dutch and Belgian waterways, the romance of the Rhine, the majesty of the Main and the delights of the Danube.

With very best wishes for a wonderful festive period.

Ken Charleson

Managing Director

>> Read the Winter Edition of The Hebridean Times here 

 

Vote for Hebridean and you could be a winner too!

We are delighted to announce that Hebridean Island Cruises has been shortlisted in the Boutique/Adventure Cruise Line of the Year in the 2021 Food and Travel Reader Awards.

The annual Food and Travel Magazine awards recognise the very best in the world’s food and travel and voting for the 10th edition of the awards is now open – this is your chance to decide who takes home the coveted trophies.

We would love to secure your votes and you have until midnight on 7 January to register at foodandtravel.com/awards. Then, simply choose one entry per category and click 'place your votes'.

All valid voters will be automatically entered into a competition to win two free tickets to the black-tie gala dinner in London on 17 January 2022, where the winners will be announced.

Welcome to the Brand New Lord of the Highlands

Welcome to the latest addition to Hebridean Island Cruises fleet of beautiful and intimate ships, Lord of the Highlands.

We are delighted to launch the Lord of the Highlands 2022 Cruise Directory, offering a brand-new selection of delightful and enticing itineraries through the Caledonian Canal, the Great Glen and the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

Carrying just 40 guests in a relaxed house-party atmosphere, Lord of the Highlands will take Hebridean’s unique style to the intricate inland waterways of the Caledonian Canal to ensure the peace and tranquillity for which we all crave. Combined with visits on Scotland’s western seaboard and the wonderfully diverse Inner Hebridean islands of Mull, Iona, Eigg and Skye, our itineraries present guests with a veritable cornucopia of delights. 

Hebridean Island Cruises are for those who love the idea of exploration, hate the concept of cruising on large vessels and long for that elusive, special holiday where the customer really does come first. 

For many people, the elegant style of a cruise on a small luxury ship has a wonderful appeal. Lord of the Highlands is the ideal escape and promises the warmest of welcomes. Our all-inclusive tariff will provide you with peace of mind and our knowledgeable on-board guides will accompany every itinerary to bring each one to life.

>> Download your own personal copy of the brand new Lord of the Highlands Cruise Directory detailing all our our exciting itineraries in 2022

Hebridean Celebrates Wave Awards Win

The Wave Awards celebrate the very best of the UK’s cruise industry. The Oscars of cruising, they recognise and reward excellence and innovation in a business that is continuously evolving to deliver an exceptional experience, both on board and ashore. Launched in 2015 and now in their fifth year, these awards are firmly established as the premier accolades in the industry.

Open to cruise lines, travel agents, tourist boards, ports and anyone involved in the UK cruise industry,  The Wave Awards give companies the chance to showcase their expertise and contribution to cruising.

The judging panel is made up of industry leaders, travel experts and representatives from the media, and there is also a special 'Favourites' category, voted for by the public.

Organised by Real Response Media, publisher of Cruise Trade News, the event saw cruise lines, travel agents, tourist boards and many more come together for an evening of pure celebration.

Guests gathered at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London, on Friday 15 October, as winners were announced across a range of categories – including both judged and passenger favourites, as voted for by the public.

Cruise Trade News editor Gary Peters said: “It was wonderful to welcome so many people from the cruise industry to the Wave Awards 2021."

Hebridean Island Cruises was delighted to be chosen as a finalist in two categories, and thrilled to be announced as the winner of Best Specialist Cruise Line.

Hebridean Princess Relocates for Summer 2021

Hebridean Island Cruises, the small luxury cruise ship operator, has announced it will reposition its flagship, Hebridean Princess, to the south coast of England for the 2021 summer season.

The ship will operate a series of cruises during July and August departing from Cardiff and Portland before returning to her familiar home port of Oban, Scotland in September.

During her newly announced summer season, the ship will visit a number of destinations in Wales, as well as Lundy Island, the Isles of Scilly, the Isle of Wight plus a number of smaller southern coastal ports.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, and the ban on cruising currently in place in Scotland, Hebridean Princess will relocate to the south coast during July and August. The ship is no stranger to the south coast having cruised in and around this area on numerous occasions previously.

The originally planned cruises to Orkney and Shetland have been cancelled and guests who had bookings on these sailings have been given first opportunity to transfer to the new south coast itineraries.

Hebridean Princess will return to Scotland to pick up her planned cruise itineraries from 3rd September.

Hebridean’s managing director, Ken Charleson, commented:

“With the ban on domestic cruising still in place in Scotland, we made the decision to temporarily relocate Hebridean Princess to the south coast of England, where cruising is currently allowed under certain restrictions. 

A large number of our regular and loyal guests have had their cruises cancelled, often more than once during the pandemic and many have indicated to us that they just wanted to sail on Hebridean Princess as soon as possible. Relocating Hebridean Princess will allow us to fulfil these wishes.

Whilst we are looking forward to our cruises on the south coast, we are very much excited about our return to our home port of Oban in early September where we will pick up on our scheduled cruise programme for the rest of 2021."

For more information contact:

01756 704704

or visit www.hebridean.co.uk 

---ENDS---

2022 European River Cruise Brochure Now Available

We are delighted to release our 2022 European River Cruise Collection on board
Royal Crown, a bespoke selection of relaxing itineraries which will transport you to
the very heart of the continent.

Offering wonderfully varied and meticulously planned itineraries on the tranquil Dutch
and Belgian waterways, the romantic Rhine, the majestic Main and the delightful
Danube, Hebridean River Cruises will take you on a voyage of discovery to fascinating
destinations full of history and intrigue.

With 1930’s style, plus an uncompromising level of service and standard of cuisine,
Royal Crown echoes Hebridean’s wonderfully relaxed style of cruising and house party
atmosphere. With a maximum of just 70 guests, our handpicked Hebridean Team
accompany each cruise to ensure your experience is unforgettable and exceptional with
their meticulous attention to detail.

Itineraries are enriched by renowned guest speakers, and to add that extra special
ingredient, each of our 2022 cruises feature a ‘Hebridean Gem’ – a truly unique and
exclusive experience to add an extra dimension to your holiday and leave you with
amazing memories to treasure.

Unlike most other river cruises, a Hebridean river cruise is fully inclusive and our
carefully thought out flight and rail options make joining and departing the ship as stress
free as possible. Not only are the travel arrangements included in the cruise fare, but
you will be accompanied by Hebridean’s own representatives, meaning that you can
relax safe in the knowledge that you are taken care of from the very start to the very
end of your cruise.

With attractive fares and a renowned reputation for making single guests feel instantly
at ease, Hebridean is the ideal choice for the solo traveller.

All of our 2022 cruises have been designed to offer the opportunity to combine cruises
with the minimum of repetition, presenting guests with a selection of stunning,
extended voyages that discover the very best of what Europe’s majestic waterways have
to offer. For the first time you can cruise with us across the entire continent, on our
ultimate Grand Voyage from the North Sea to the Black Sea, and discover Europe’s
greatest treasures as well as hidden gems. 

We look forward to welcoming you on board.

With just five enticing itineraries in 2022 demand is expected to be high and all bookings made before 7th May 2021 will qualify for an early booking saving of 10% on the published cruise fares.

In addition, if you have previously sailed with Hebridean Island Cruises, you will receive an
exclusive loyalty saving of 5% on the fares shown. 

To make you reservation please call our experienced reservations team on 01756 704704.
They will be pleased to answer any queries you may have regarding the itineraries, travel options or life on board. Alternatively, send an email to reservations@hebridean.co.uk

>>  View the 2022 European River Cruise collection here

Hebridean Princess 2022 Early Booking Offers Extended

Due to popular demand, we have extended our Early Booking Savings for Hebridean Princess 2022 cruises.

Book before 7th May 2021 and save 10% on the full brochure fares on all departures on board Hebridean Princess in 2022.

If you have previously sailed with Hebridean Island Cruises, you will receive an additional loyalty saving of 5%.

Hebridean Wins Food and Travel Magazine Award

This year's Food and Travel Magazine Awards were very much different to previously. Over the past few years the event has been held by means of a glittering ceremony at the RAC Club, Pall Mall, London. But on Thursday evening (4th March) a virtual event, containing as much anticipation, was staged. 

We were thrilled to be crowned Boutique / Adventure Cruise Line of the Year for the fourth time. 

Our Business Development Manager, Hannah Cockell, was delighted to accept the award on behalf of everybody at Hebridean Island Cruises and we would like to thank everyone who voted for us as well as our great friends at Food and Travel Magazine.

2022 Hebridean Princess Cruise Directory Now Available

With beauty waiting at every port of call, there is always plenty to explore on a Hebridean Princess holiday.

Explore the majesty of the British Isles, or perhaps the intriguing coast of northern France and Belgium, in the elegance and luxury of a Scottish country house. 

Britain’s wonderful wildlife and natural beauty mean that being a tourist in your own country can be genuinely enlightening, with the chance to experience something new every day; or perhaps enjoy the total relaxation of doing nothing at all. Whichever you chose, cruising Hebridean style isn’t just about the destinations we visit, but about the experiences you will enjoy as part of the journey.

Discover the excitement of visiting secluded ports out of the reach of larger ships, whilst indulging in truly personal service where everything is included.

The 2022 Hebridean Princess Cruise Collection sees this multi-award-winning ship embark on 38 extraordinary cruises around the British Isles and the contrasting coastlines of the English Channel, offering endless opportunities to get close to local culture and reveal hidden gems. Old favourites, such as the Captain’s Surprise and Flavours of the Hebrides are included, together with a brand new golf cruise which visits the spectacular Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, and our ever-popular series of voyages to the south coast and near continent have the added the excitement of cruising the River Thames to Tower Bridge.

When you are ready to discover the world of Hebridean Princess, she will be ready and waiting.

>>  View the 2022 brochure online here

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