Food & Drink

The Columba Restaurant

Eating Indoors and Al Fresco

Grand Gala Dinners

Entertainment

The Library

In the peaceful wood-panelled Library a masculine feel has been created, using leather, unique upholstery and dark woods and should a spot of solitude appeal, there is a fine selection of reference and general interest books to be enjoyed.

There are iPads in the Library and Wi-Fi access is available. The cellular system in the Highlands and Islands is somewhat patchy and reception can be irregular.

In an emergency, the ship can be reached by satellite phone, full details of which will be forwarded prior to your cruise.

The Tiree Lounge & Bar

The Tiree Lounge and bar on Promenade Deck is the social hub on board ship. Beautifully designed and filled with soft and comfortable furnishings and a warm brick inglenook fireplace, it is a cosy area to relax and enjoy afternoon tea. The Library, Conservatory and Look-Out Lounge are all located nearby, providing further space to sit with a drink and enjoy the scenery.

Look Out Lounge

The soft tones furnishing the Look-Out Lounge flow seamlessly from the colour palette in the foyer areas, creating a relaxing space to take in the stunning views.

Skye Deck

Soak up the atmosphere at the rear of the Promenade Deck, where guests can relax on the open-air Skye Deck. The Skye Bar is close at hand, serving a selection of aperitifs and cocktails. Teak tables and chairs provide ample seating to enjoy glorious vistas and al fresco refreshments.

The Conservatory

Painted, rattan furniture brings a casual feel to the Conservatory and the natural look has been complemented by the beautifully restored teak flooring. A wonderfully calm space to enjoy the scenery.

Shop

There is a wee shop on board selling a bespoke range of gifts and mementos. We support British designer makers and the majority of our items are made in the UK.

Fitness

The Gym

Located on the Waterfront Deck, the ship’s small gym is equipped with an exercise cycle, treadmill and rowing machine.

Enrichment

Cruise Guides

A highly knowledgeable and experienced guide will accompany guests on visits ashore. On Footloose walking itineraries, there will be three guides. This includes exploring remote islands on cruises to St. Kilda, viewing historic sites or simply taking in the magnificent scenery. Guests will soon appreciate their knowledge and insight into the spectacular areas through which Hebridean Princess cruises.

The guide’s after-dinner talk is a convivial get-together in the Tiree Lounge. So this is an ideal opportunity to relax over a coffee or digestif and learn more of the tantalising places to come.

Shore Visits

Hebridean Princess is only occasionally alongside and often anchors offshore. Her two small boats regularly make landings. Named after two west coast islands, Shona and Sanda, they regularly make landings for guests.

Our able-bodied seamen man these boats. They are always ready to offer a friendly word of reassurance and a steadying hand. Above all, they are only too happy to help guests get ashore and back again.

Bicycles

The ship carries a selection of bicycles for guests to use ashore and explore independently.

Extra Activities

At no extra charge, your holiday can be made even more enjoyable with fishing trips and speedboat rides, which can be arranged on request.

Themed Cruises

If you are bewitched by wildlife, inspired by Scottish food and drink or fascinated by history and architecture then one of our specially themed itineraries may appeal to you.

FOOD AND DRINK

Scotland is celebrated for some of the most mouth-watering cuisine throughout the world and our gastronomic cruises will introduce you to some of the finest restaurants in the Western Isles. Visiting renowned distilleries in the Hebrides, we taste some of the rich malt whiskies for which the area is world-famous.

FOOTLOOSE WALKING

There is no better way to experience the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands and Islands than on a Footloose walking cruise. Exploring on foot far off the beaten track, often to places only accessible from the sea, is the ultimate escape from the pressures and cares of the everyday world.

GARDENS

Relish the magnificent splendour of some of Britain’s most beautiful gardens, cossetted by the warming effects of the Gulf Stream; a true horticultural extravaganza.

HISTORY AND HERITAGE

Scotland has a rich history and heritage. Epic landscapes were carved out by icy glaciers millennia ago, towering castles have stood for centuries and mesmerising stories, traditions and legends have been passed down for generations. 

Explore ancient sites that date from the Neolithic era, uncover the history of the Scottish clans or soak up the unique atmosphere of the double UNESCO World Heritage Site of St Kilda.

WILDLIFE

The Hebrides and the Northern Isles are some of the last untouched natural landscapes in Europe, and are home to some of the finest wildlife in the world. White-tailed eagles soar over the rugged coastline, red deer roam over the moorland and otters swim off shore. The islands are also popular bird watching destinations as well as the perfect place for marine wildlife spotting.

GOLF

As the home of golf, Scotland can justifiably boast some of Britain’s best courses and our unique golfers and non-golfers itinerary features some of the ‘hidden gems’!

Guest Speakers

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS ON HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS

Selected cruises welcome specially chosen expert speakers. They bring Scotland’s history and culture to life with passion and in-depth knowledge.

Experience the rich history, culture and taste of Scotland with expert cruise speakers who can bring this beautiful country to life. On selected cruises, Hebridean Princess welcomes guest speakers, hand-picked for their in-depth knowledge, who love nothing more than sharing their passion for Scotland. The enrichment of discovery and thrill of knowledge put these cruises in a category of their own.

ENRICHING GUEST SPEAKERS ACCOMPANY SELECTED CRUISES TO HELP YOU GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR VOYAGE

Our guest speaker and themed cruises always prove extremely popular. To avoid disappointment, book an expert cruise on Hebridean Princess today.

Scotland's Wildlife

While relaxing on the Boat Deck, look out for wildlife around Scotland’s coast. Ranging from beautiful eagles and ospreys to majestic deer and sunbathing seals. There’s always something to see!

Ensuring the continued safety and success of wildlife in Scotland is important to Hebridean Island Cruises. That’s why since 2012, we have been working to raise funds for UK marine conservation charity, Sea-Changers. To date, Hebridean Princess guests have donated over £30,000. We have also agreed to match fund every donation made by guests, effectively doubling the contributions. 100% of funds raised by Hebridean Island Cruises will continue to support marine conservation projects. Sea-Changers has been able to award more marine conservation grants across the UK, which over the years have enabled a vast range of vital marine conservation activity. Much of this takes place in and around the Scottish Hebrides. For more information visit the Sea-Changers website.

Wildlife Guides

For those bewitched by nature, our themed wildlife itineraries are a magical experience. The Hebrides’ untouched natural landscapes are home to some of the finest wildlife in the world. The islands are also a popular bird watching destination, as well as the prefect place for marine wildlife spotting. There are a limited number of binoculars on board for loan, but guests may wish to bring their own.

Selected Hebridean Princess cruises offer guest speakers to inform guests, helping to bring the itinerary to life. Our on board speakers are chosen because they are among the best authorities in their field, enriching voyages with insider knowledge.

Belmond Royal Scotsman Experience

A BELMOND ROYAL SCOTSMAN AND HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS EXPERIENCE

Travel with sophistication on one of Scotland’s most beautiful and elegant trains. Hebridean Princess and Belmond Royal Scotsman together offer the ultimate luxury tour of Scotland. Combine an unforgettable train journey on the Royal Scotsman and a stay in Edinburgh at the 5-star Balmoral Hotel (where required) before embarking on a luxury cruise with Hebridean Princess. Guests can also enjoy a chauffeur-driven transfer to or from the Balmoral Hotel or Hebridean’s courtesy coach, on the day of cruise embarkation or disembarkation.

BE INSPIRED BY SCOTTISH LANDSCAPES

Graceful and intimate, the Royal Scotsman cuts a grand swathe through the Scottish countryside. It is the height of luxury train travel – opulent carriages, first-class service and landscapes that have inspired artists throughout the centuries. This, combined with a boutique cruise on the elegant Hebridean Princess, visiting Scotland’s spectacular Highlands and islands, creates a truly unforgettable experience.

LUXURY TRAIN EXPERIENCE

The Royal Scotsman embarks from Edinburgh on a 2 to 4 night adventure through the Scottish Highlands. There is excellent attention to detail paid to every part of the train throughout its ten stunning carriages. Only 40 guests travel through Scotland’s finest countryside in its private cabins at any one time. This is what ensures the train crew can offer personal and undivided attention.

There are glorious views from every window. But to get really close to the scenery and feel the bracing air, head to the open deck observation carriage. Find a sofa or armchair and watch the Highland glens and villages race by. With a coffee or a dram of whisky in hand, this is the perfect way to spend time with friends, family and new acquaintances.

Other

Disabled Facilities

If wheelchair users wish to cruise with us, they must be accompanied by a fare-paying able-bodied companion to assist them on board and ashore. Wheelchair access may be limited. Entrances to the vessel have raised coamings and almost all cabins have a raised lip or step from bedroom to bathroom. Please note that bedroom doors are no wider than 70cm. As the vessel does not carry a supply of narrow wheelchairs for general use, guests should check that their own chair is of a suitable width. 

Minors

Hebridean regrets that children under the age of nine cannot be accommodated.

Dress Code

Daytime: During the day dress is casual. It is advisable to bring suitable clothing for the area in which you will be cruising.

Evening: For dinner in the evening, guests prefer to dress more formally, with a jacket and tie for gentlemen and the equivalent for ladies.

Gala evenings: The recommended dress code for Gala evenings is black tie for gentlemen and evening wear for ladies, although this is by no means mandatory. On these evenings, the Officers will wear formal dress. The number of Gala evenings depends on the length of the cruise, but as a guideline, two formal Gala Dinners will be held during a seven-night cruise.

Footwear: Non-slip shoes should be worn on deck and in the ship’s small boats when going ashore. Some cruises visit remote locations where heavy-soled shoes or walking boots are recommended for shore visits and serious walking.

Footloose cruises: In addition to walking boots, they recommend that guests protect themselves against the unpredictable weather with waterproof clothing; they would stress that jeans are considered unsuitable. A reasonably sized rucksack would also be useful.

Dietary Requirements

Hebridean can cater for most dietary preferences, with the exception of strict kosher and one or two other regimes. Special requests should be included in the Pre-Cruise Questionnaire; our reservations staff will be pleased to advise you.

All-Inclusive Hebridean Princess Cruise

Meals and drinks

All meals are included. This includes both on board and ashore, and all snacks and picnics. Fresh fruit from baskets around the ship. Champagne, wines (excluding those from the Premium Wine Library range). Plus, beers, spirits, soft drinks, tea, coffee and other hot drinks.

Guides and guest speakers

Knowledgeable guides accompany all cruises, both on board and on the tours ashore. Footloose walking itineraries include three experienced guides. Also, selected cruises feature guest speakers.

Shore visits

The entrance fees to all castles, gardens and other places of interest on our cruises are included. Also, as transfers between the ship and each destination ashore, as shown in the itineraries.

Bicycles

Guests can make use of the ship’s bicycles to explore ashore.

Internet

Free use of the internet including Wi-Fi access.

Transfers and car parking

Travel to and from the local airport or railway station to and from Hebridean Princess is included. Also, secure car parking is provided at the port (with the exception of London).

Extra activities

Hebridean cruises can be made even more enjoyable with fishing trips and speedboat rides. Hebridean Cruises staff will arrange extra activities by request at no extra charge.

Port taxes

All pier and harbour dues.

Gratuities

Finally, Hebridean operates a strict ’no tipping’ policy.

Not included

Travel to and from our private coach transfer points. Wines and spirits from the Premium Wine Library range. Any private shore visits organised by request which are not part of the cruise itinerary. Personal telephone calls. Items purchased from the Hebridean Princess shop. Personal laundry.

Scotlands Wildlife

While relaxing on the Boat Deck, look out for wildlife around Scotland’s coast. Ranging from beautiful eagles and ospreys to majestic deer and sunbathing seals. There’s always something to see!

Ensuring the continued safety and success of wildlife in Scotland is important to Hebridean Island Cruises. That’s why since 2012, we have been working to raise funds for UK marine conservation charity, Sea-Changers. To date, Hebridean Princess guests have donated over £30,000. We have also agreed to match fund every donation made by guests, effectively doubling the contributions. 100% of funds raised by Hebridean Island Cruises will continue to support marine conservation projects. Sea-Changers has been able to award more marine conservation grants across the UK, which over the years have enabled a vast range of vital marine conservation activity. Much of this takes place in and around the Scottish Hebrides. For more information visit the Sea-Changers website.

Animals

We regret that no animals are permitted on board the vessel other than assistance dogs accompanying disabled passengers.

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed inside the vessel at any time and is not permitted in cabins. Smoking is allowed only on the outer decks, and guests occupying balcony cabins are asked to show consideration to other balcony users.

Medical Facilities

Guests are advised to pack all necessary medical supplies, as our ports of call are generally off the beaten track and may lack facilities. If guests intend to bring any electrical or electronic medical equipment, they should first check with our reservations staff that it is compatible with the ship’s 240v electricity supply.

Hebridean Princess does not carry a doctor as she is never far from land. Guests should ensure that, to their knowledge, they are fit to take a holiday during which immediate medical assistance may not be available. Arrangements to consult a doctor on land can be made at relatively short notice and assistance can be summoned quickly in the event of an emergency. Any medical and repatriation costs will be charged to the guest’s account.

The ship’s Officers are trained in first aid and a comprehensive medical supply is kept for emergency use