Christian Little

You dont have to cruise abroad for stunning scenery and fantastic service.The highlands and islands of Scotland with their lochs and remote beauty are all accessible from the quaint comfort of the Hebridean Princess, the cruise ship operated by Hebridean Cruises.Carrying just 49 guests, this vessel has an enviable reputation for exceptional service, fine food and wine and the very warm welcome from the dedicated crew of just 38. This charming and intimate cruise ship is ideal for intellectual, well-travelled couples and singles who like to cruise with like-minded people in a sophisticated atmosphere, without any razzamatazz.

Luxury cruises dont come any more exclusive than this as the Hebridean Princess is the only vessel in the fleet.With just 30 spacious, elegant and well-appointed cabins, it may also be the smallest cruise ship afloat.However, she surely must be the only one that can claim Royal Approval as Queen Elizabeth II chartered her in 2006 for a family celebration.Like her majesty, guests can expect the highest standards of luxury five star accommodations together with a level of service from a bygone era. The cabins on this small ship are also very special and with tasteful fabrics, curtains and panelled walls they are reminiscent of a room in a country house hotel.

The crew take pleasure in sharing their local knowledge with passengers, introducing them to some of the most striking and awe inspiring landscapes in Europe with romantic castles, spectacular lochs and seldom-visited anchorages. You dont often find escorted walking tours as part of a 5 star cruises, but excursions from the Hebridean Princess cater for most walking abilities with a range of guided walks in the hills, mountains and lochs.If the scenery isnt enough to inspire, the promise of a nip of whisky back on board should do the trick! Cruises are typically between four and eight nights, departing mainly from Oban. Sailing the waters of the Western Isles and beyond to far-flung St Kilda, the Orkney and Shetland Isles, the Hebridean Princess also visits Norway during the summer months before returning via the Northern Isles in August. For more information about luxury cruises, visit this cruise travel blog.