Hebridean Princess Review

Editor's Note: In March 2010, the ship emerged fresh from a major refit ready for its summer season. The final phase of the refit -- which was part of a four year programme -- included renovations to the Tiree Lounge, Library, Conservatory, Look Out Lounge and Columba Restaurant. Upgrades included renewed carpets and soft furnishings. In other areas, the engines and ancillary machinery have received a full overhaul and the hull livery has been repainted dark blue.

Anyone who's ever fantasized about being an extra in "Four Weddings and a Funeral"'s Scottish wedding scene will simply love this little ship -- it epitomizes old fashioned British style at its very best.

A lovingly-renovated former Caledonian MacBrayne ferry, Hebridean Princess has been transformed from an intra-island workhorse into a gorgeous mini country house at sea, and in the process has become famous as a ship literally fit for a Queen. In fact no less than Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II sailed on Hebridean Princess this year -- she chartered the vessel in July for a cruise to celebrate her 80th birthday.

While Hebridean Princess still carries a few ghosts of her ferry past -- notably quite juddery engines and an old-fashioned forced air system of air conditioning via pull-down plates in the ceilings -- the ship has become that rarest of commodities: one which features a sense of exclusivity and solid, luxurious comfort without pretentiousness.

We'll admit that cruises on Hebridean Princess can be eyewateringly expensive; an October 19 "Inner Hebrides Prospector" seven-night sailing from Oban to Rum, Skye, Eigg, Mull and Lismore costs from £2,350 ($4,435 U.S.) in a single cabin to £5,000 ($9,435 U.S. per person) to share the top Isle of Arran suite.

But if you want to see Bonnie Scotland in unforgettable style, this is the way to do it.

You'll meet everyone from peers of the realm to retired company directors, doctors and lawyers. All are well-heeled (they have to be to afford it), but the atmosphere is friendly and pleasant, with little social vying.

Hebridean Princess Dress Code

Black tie is not obligatory even at Captain's welcome and farewell dinners (though the officers wear dress uniform). However, most guests dress smartly for dinner, and on our trip, many Scottish guests got up, for fun, in full Robbie Burns fig. A golden rule is that understated good taste rather than sequins is the order of the day.

During the daytime, sturdy walking boots, tweeds and waxed jackets will not be out of place if you want to fulfill your fantasy of dressing like an English squire -- or a Scottish Laird. But any clothing appropriate to getting in and out of boats and taking long walks outdoors is fine. (Wellies and walking sticks are provided)

Hebridean Princess Gratuity

Tips are neither necessary nor expected

Next: Hebridean Princess Cabins

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Hebridean Princess Member Reviews 4 Reviews

They took care of EVERYTHING!

December 2012 knotheadusc

My husband and I just had the pleasure of sailing on Hebridean Princess on a back to back cruise through Argyll, Bute, and Kintyre. We were celebrating our tenth wedding anniversary and the two cruises together totaled ten nights onboard. Before ...continue

Hebridean Princess Gaelic Adventure

August 2012 Redlynch

We last experienced Hebridean Princess in 2010 with a trip round the Hebrides. Due to sea conditions we were not able to get over to the Outer Islands so Plan B came into operation and the Captain took us to other interesting places where the water ...continue

Hebridean Jewels March 27- April 3, 2012

May 2012 Beth88

Bagpipe music was playing as I walked to the ship and was settled into my gorgeous single cabin with a big window. We sailed off to the first of 15 ports in the Inner Hebrides. Each day was worth the price of the entire trip. If you like adventure ...continue

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