Hebridean Princess Cabins

There are four grades of single cabin, five double or twin grades, and two suites. All have outside views, are named after islands, glens or other Scottish landmarks, and are highly individual in design with top-quality soft furnishings and bed linen, Molton Brown toiletries and soft towels.

Tea and coffee-making facilities (in the shape of very pretty china tea sets, not the usual bland white mugs) are in every cabin, as are hairdryers, safes, TV's with inbuilt video-DVD players; mini-bars with jugs of fresh milk and soft drinks, and capacious bathrobes with cozy cotton slippers.

Some single cabins -- like the Isle of Rum -- have washbasins set into the dressing table and a separate marble-walled loo and shower room.

The cabin I stayed in, Isle of Iona, was green carpeted and bedspreaded with red cushions. It had a solid wood desk, two single wardrobes, and inset halogen ceiling lights supplementing cream-shaded brass lamps above the bed and on the desk (thus providing excellent light for late-night readers).

Oblong (and open-able) brass-trimmed picture windows provided good light by day as well, and the large marble-walled bathroom was perfectly splendid with its deep (and quickly filled) bath, gold plated taps, solid Edwardian-style square sink and heated towel rack.

Charmingly, a small decanter of good sherry was set out to greet me on arrival; such touches are what make this little ship so special.

Room service is available on request, and though no formal menu is offered, anything is possible. However, most passengers prefer to eat in the dining room and only use room service if they're ill.

In case you're wondering, the Queen stayed in the Isle of Berneray, on the same deck as Iona, and almost identical except it has cream and blue decor and a small private balcony looking out from the side of the ship.

Next: Hebridean Princess Dining

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