We did enjoy our first cruise on-board the Hebridean Spirit. Within a short time we became aware that we were two of the few who had not travelled on her before, a few having been on Hebridean ships up to six times this year alone!.

Our first impression was of an elegantly presented ship, with a happy crew. Informality was epitomised by being welcomed by the personable Clive, who responded to a query: “I am the Captain”.

There were only 69 passengers on board making it easily possible to meet and talk to at least 90%. The weather for the whole cruise was quite perfect with almost cloudless skies every day, and amazingly calm seas as we cruised from the Mediterranean and along the Atlantic coast of Morocco to the Canary Islands, and so it was breakfast and lunch on the open deck every day, except for one when the sun had not yet risen.

Criticisms were few and of a fairly minor nature. We were somewhat disappointed with the “open seating” arrangements at dinner. In answering a question on the pre-cruise questionnaire we were offered a table for two or to join others. We chose the latter as open seating arrangements on other cruises had always proved very rewarding. On this cruise some 90% percent had chosen tables for two, which meant that singles, mainly ladies, were predominant on the larger tables and usually with an officer as host.

All meals were very well presented and excellent quality, but the dinner menus seemed to err on the side of heavy dishes – some starters were quite large and no balancing lighter main courses. The waiters provided excellent service and evidently enjoyed serving and indeed entering into the spirit of the diners

The excursion planning which we understand is a “head office” task, was in some cases rather unsatisfactory, and with the standard of guides also very variable – from excellent to poor. There was inflexibility, such as our otherwise excellent visit to the Alhambra with a one & half hour drive in each direction and the actual visit lasting only two hours. Apparently we had to be back on-board by one o’clock for no other reason than lunch would be served. It would better if the tour manager could change schedules and some details in response to the environment, or passenger’s views.

Our last point is the question of luggage handling. The executive charter worked very well with special check-in at Stansted and good reception facilities. We understood that luggage once checked in would next be seen in our cabins, but apparently security requirements do not now permit luggage to be in bond and we had at every stage to collect luggage from the carousel before handing it over to Hebridean.

The lecturer Chris Bradly presented three excellent talks, Michael Munro provided pre-dinner background music and musical entertainment until the last few passengers retired for the evening; they both helped Penny in keeping groups together during our excursions. The resident bagpiper announced to all on shore the arrival of a uniquely Scottish cruise ship and all was confirmed by the Captain’s ode to the haggis on Trafalgar Night.

An additional treat was provided by a guest, Richard Baker whose voice is immediately recognised by all over 40+, was invited to make a musical addition. He gave us a fascinating talk covering some of his life’s experiences with many humorous anecdotes. I am pretty sure all would confirm that we had a very happy cruise.