My colleague Becky and I had an invitation to go and see Hebridean Princess in late February, just prior to the commencement of her ‘summer’ cruise programme. Between late October and early March, Hebridean Princess enjoys a well-earned rest and recuperation, so we were to see her just before she resumed service. Having never seen Hebridean Princess or Scotland we jumped at the chance.

We took an early flight from Gatwick to Glasgow met with our host from Hebridean, David Smith, and the rest of the group. Following exactly the route of Hebridean Princess customers, we joined the coach from Glasgow airport to Oban. As usual David had made sure all our arrangements went smoothly – he even organised perfect weather for us! It was very cold, but dry with a brilliant blue sky. Within about half an hour, we had left the city of Glasgow far behind and were experiencing breathtaking scenery. It really was as everyone had said and we could not take our eyes from the window, for fear of missing something. Streams running down the mountains, the odd house dotted between the hills, lochs so still they looked like glass – at times we wondered why anyone would bother to travel to Norway or Canada when so much beauty is right on our doorsteps.

We arrived at Loch Fyne Oyster Restaurant overlooking Loch Fyne where we stopped for lunch, which we could enjoy whilst admiring the scenery, and it was soon time to board our coach to head for Oban, Far from minding the distance (the journey is two to three hours in total) I was actually looking forward to the drive so I could take in more of the scenery.

We arrived in Oban which is a lovely little town perched next to the sea, and there was the Hebridean Princess which looked so at home in this port. We had a very warm reception when we arrived onboard, we were greeted with champagne, and had the opportunity to chat with members of the crew. As they welcomed us like old friends, we got a taste of what it would be like to be a passenger on this intimate little ship. Far from boarding a cruise, you would feel as if you were coming home after a long and unwelcome absence! We then had a tour of the ship which did not take too long. Carrying just 49 passengers, Princess is a pretty and characterful ship. All the cabins are individually decorated, cozy and inviting, and each has its own personality – now wonder Hebridean refer to them by name rather than number. The lounge, conservatory and restaurant are so comfortable and homely, and the whole atmosphere completely different to anything I have experienced on other ships.

Having experienced the coach journey from Glasgow to Oban, I got just a small taste of what makes a cruise on Hebridean Princess: the stunning and varied scenery must be a key part of any itinerary you choose, and of course there are many to choose from. Combine that with a unique vessel like Hebridean Princess, and I can understand now why guests return year after year to this ship. The ease of joining the vessel and cruising in Scotland, and the comfort once on board, must combine to make Hebridean Princess feel like a true home from home.