Hebridean Princess
Hebridean Princess / Hebridean Island Cruises
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Lounging on deck
Lounging on deck / Hebridean Island Cruises
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Royal Crown Restaurant
Royal Crown Restaurant / Hebridean Island Cruises
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Dessert
Dessert / Hebridean Island Cruises
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Royal Crown Lounge
Royal Crown Lounge / Hebridean Island Cruises
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Cabin
Cabin / Hebridean Island Cruises
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Hebridean Island Cruises

Our Review
by Gary Buchanan
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

Hebridean Island Cruises purchased its flagship, the 50-passenger Hebridean Princess, in 1987 and after extensive reconstruction and refurbishment — she had been a 600-passenger ferry built in 1964 — launched what is now considered to be the smallest luxury cruise ship afloat. Hebridean Princess’ cruising season is March to November, mostly from her home port of Oban on Scotland’s west coast, and she visits remote islands, lochs, and bays beyond the reach of larger vessels. Privately escorted tours designed to capture the culture and history of each port are included. Hebridean Island Cruises also offers itineraries in June and July on the Rhine and Danube rivers aboard its 90-passenger Royal Crown vessel.

What We Love

Superb Staff: Hebridean Princess has British officers and an excellent Latvian crew who excel at discreet and unobtrusive service. With a crew-to-passenger ratio of virtually one-to-one, the service level is about as good as it gets at sea.

Fresh, Local Cuisine: Every meal in the Columba Restaurant is a tour de force. Here some of Scotland’s finest chefs take full advantage of the fresh local produce to create truly memorable cuisine, especially for the gala dinners.

Best Known For

All-Inclusive Fares: All drinks (wines, spirits, Champagne, beers, and soft drinks) are part of the cruise fare, as are gratuities and excursions. A connoisseur wine list is available at additional cost. 

Personal Tours: Accredited Blue Badge Guides accompany all tours ashore. Hebridean Princess has two shore tenders, a Zodiac, and a rowboat (for passenger use).

Who It's Best For

Social Couples and Singles: More than half the passengers are repeaters, which reflects how popular the experience is and how varied the itineraries are. These cruises are especially popular with mature singles, as the chief purser is proficient at ensuring no one is excluded from the social house party that is hosted each cruise.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

That Scottish Weather: It is notoriously unpredictable, so bring warm clothes that can be layered. Bug spray is also advisable, as the Scottish midge can be bothersome from June through August.