The Majestic Line

Europe - British Isles & Western

Europe - All

Excellent

Glen Shiel

Glen Tarsan

Glen Massan

Glen Etive

We embarked at Oban!

International travel restrictions have taken our usual cruising options from us, but we were desperate to get onto the water. So we discovered The Majestic Line and were pleased we did.  It was lovely not having a pre set itinerary but just trusting the judgement of our skipper Neil to choose our route and stops for the day.  Typically we moved after breakfast and lunch and we always anchored for the night before dinner.  Anchorages were always beautiful.  Although not advertised as going to St Kilda we were delighted to find on embarkation that the weather and seas were such that we were going to make that trip - and what an amazing stop it was.  The vessel had stabilisers and although it moved a little for a few hours one day it was generally very smooth sailing.

Life on board is very low key - you make your own entertainment, most people just watch the world go by, spot wildlife (we saw dolphins, seals, minke, white tailed eagles and lots of puffins and other sea birds) or join the skipper in the wheelhouse which is always open to guests.  In the evening people sit and chat after dinner but after the exertions of the day late nights tend not to happen.  That said the bar is well stocked and sensibly priced.

Rooms are compact but then you only sleep in them and whilst the storage is limited, with some careful organisation on Day 1 we had no problems - I took some Ikea skub collapsable "drawers: with me and they gave perfect underbed storage.  The en suite was even more sizeable than we expected and the shower was good, powerful and lots of hot water.

What can we say about the catering - it was perfect, the best of Scottish produce well cooked and served family style each evening.  We even picked up the mussels for one nights dinner at the mussel farm in Mull and were eating them two hours later.  There is no choice of dishes but the chef works with the information you give on your pre cruise form so you are always offered an alternative if you have told them in advance of likes and dislikes.  We had canapés before dinner, two expertly prepared courses and always a cheese board of Scottish cheeses with different cheeses every night.  Wine is served at dinner with generous pours and top ups.  Breakfast included juices, fresh fruits, a cooked plate and lots of toast supplemented by delicious Argyll preserves.  Lunch was an appropriate light dish, gorgeous salads were often offered.  Add to this home made cake at 4pm and crisps, sweets and fruit available all the time and you will understand why we were glad of time ashore to work off our indulgences.

Service onboard is excellent - everyone works as a team, the skipper acts as waiter, the engineer (Alan) clears table and both of them were spotted doing the washing up.  The chef (Molly) in our case is very happy to share her recipes with you and Kerrie the bosun is everywhere helping you and doing all she can to make your cruise a good one.  They all help with tendering which is really easy as it is not a rib boat but a solid little vessel with a little stair at the back so landings on beaches are not really wet landings.

It was a great opportunity to see inaccessible parts of the Scottish islands in comfort and the best of Scottish hospitality.

A delightful exploration of the Outer Hebrides

Celebrating a friends 70th Birthday - it was a private charter 

A Welcome Pack was received well before the trip with lots of information contained within it - a follow up call to ensure we had received it and did we have any questions 

There was an allocated meeting point which served refreshments prior to us embarking - our luggage was transferred to our cabins on board 

On board we were welcomed by the crew who introduced themselves and gave us information about the boat including any safety issues. The Captain then discussed with our hosts the proposed plans for the following days.

Crew - four in total including the Captain. They worked as a great team, they worked hard were very approachable and knowledgeable plus they entertained us with a musical evening 

Food - superb, beautifully planned and cooked meals using local produce wherever possible. Home made bread, rolls, scones and biscuits that were delicious. Breakfasts that were absolutely worth getting up for. A beautifully set table especially for the evening meal. A good selection of wines - a more than adequate bar. They take note of any dietary requirements 

Cabins - good colour scheme, excellent linen, good sized comfortable double bed, local toiletries, good sized wardrobe, soft good sized towels 

Some things to be aware of - 

You cannot do anything about the weather 

When you go on shore you travel on a small tender - the crew members who accompany you will look after you 

If you are not on a private charter then you should be prepared to socialise with new people 

This trip was on my “bucket list” and it exceeded all my expectations it was wonderful. We had good weather so we have been able to share not only great memories but some wonderful sunsets.

Hebridean Adventure

this trip was to celebrate a special birthday with friends.

We chartered the boat for four days and three nights and sailed around Mull taking in Tobermory, Iona and Staffa. There were many highlights but one that stands out was taking the tender right into Fingal's cave in Staffa.

we wee lucky with the weather but our Captain Neil knows the area like the back of his hand and chose moorings that meant we were blessed with super sunrises and wonderful sunsets.

the cabins were well furnished and clean ( the Glen Sheil is the newest in the Majestic fleet) and the food was excellent. Our chef prepared meals that were of the right portions and they were of super quality.

The crew, just four, multitasked throughout and they were so accommodating thus adding to the trip.

All in all a wonderful few days at sea. It does help when the passengers all knew each other but that doesn't take away the thought and preparation that Majestic put into the whole experience.

Hebredean delight

This is my fifth trip with The Majestic Line and it was even better than ever. The Glen Shiel is the newest boat in their fleet and is designed with comfort and practicality in mind. 

 Nothing is left to chance (apart from the weather, but hey it’s Scotland! ) with meticulous service from booking through to disembarkation. 

The crew are professional, efficient and friendly. Fellow passengers are generally a group of interesting people from all walks of life and I have always found it a delight to spend time with them. On this occasion we were 9. 

Apart from the beautiful and wild Scottish scenery and our interesting trips ashore. the highlight for me was the cuisine which could not have been bettered. Our chef, Mike, excelled himself by providing a varied, wholesome and impressive menu each day for 10days. 

For a single person this is an ideal trip with no additional supplements, excellent company and wonderful customer service 

From start to finish.

Can’t wait for my next trip.

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