Hebridean Island Cruises have launched their Summer 2009 brochure which features some inspiring new itineraries, and excellent additional programmes. The stylish brochure features a series of ‘privately escorted tours’ as Hebridean like to term their cruises. With port-intensive itineraries, off the beaten track, and excellent guides and lecturers accompanying guests both on board and on the tours ashore (all of which are included in the fare), we understand what they are saying: taking a cruise on board Hebridean Spirit is like joining a land-based escorted tour, but with none of the hassle of daybreak starts, packing and unpacking, hanging around cooling your heels at airports or enduring lengthy coach rides from place to place. In addition, you have the freedom to dip in and out of the programme, creating a pace which just suits you.

The 2009 programme has a number of highlights, the first of which has to be the private charter service from the Inflite Terminal at Stansted Airport. You enjoy the unhurried and relaxing environment at Stansted’s private Inflite Terminal with the benefit of a reduced check-in time, and the opportunity to park just a few steps away from the terminal building, at a very attractive rate. Return flights also use the same terminal, so you avoid the busy public area altogether. Highly successful in 2008, we are very pleased to see this back.

The Footloose programme makes a welcome return: these itineraries, perfect for walkers of at all levels, feature a selection of easy strolls and longer hikes, putting beautiful landscapes right at your feet, in the company of knowledgeable and experienced guides who are totally familiar with the terrain. Feedback about this particular programme has indicated that it has been a great experience, not just in terms of what you see, but also in the development of firm friendships with other participants. Footloose and discovery cruises in 2009 take place in Sicily, France & Italy, and Spain & the Balearics.

The Guest Speaker programme for 2009 features a selection of fascinating experts in their fields, ranging from writers to academics, and from diplomats to photographers. Not only will you enjoy their informative talks and lectures, but also in the intimate environment of Hebridean Spirit you will get to know them and enjoy their company and their expertise in a relaxed social environment.

New for 2009 is a partnership between Hebridean and the London Symphony Orchestra, on the 5th August Dalmatia cruise from Kotor to Trieste, the guest speaker Sir Michael Burton will be joined by musicians from the LSO who will perform recitals during the cruise.

The appeal of a Hebridean Island cruise over its competitors is that many of its itineraries are completely unmatched elsewhere. By cruising relatively small distances, Hebridean create in-depth discovery cruises in specific areas, allowing you to spend more time ashore, and get a real taste for the area away from the tourist bustle. The tiny Hebridean Spirits can go alongside in tiny ports, and anchor in isolated bays, to create itineraries you could only replicate in a private yacht.

The season starts with a Red Sea cruise that we suggest you look at closely – the reverse itinerary in 2008 sold out within days of the programme going on sale. From a pre-cruise stay in Muscat, ancient capital of the Sultanate of Oman, you sail from Salalah, calling at Safaga, gateway to the amazing treasures of the Upper Nile at Luxor, and Aqaba – time for a visit to the captivating Rose Red City of Petra.

This is followed by a magical journey from Egypt to Libya, and the opportunity to explore the amazing treasures – the most beautiful and well-preserved cities of Roman Africa.

Two in-depth explorations of Sicily are prime examples of the Hebridean style, whilst in late May you might find yourself cruising on the French Riviera and visiting the Monaco Grand Prix with Murray Walker as guest speaker. The unique Azores itinerary in June takes you to this remote Atlantic island group, a paradise for walkers and nature lovers, whose green and fertile lands contrast with volcanoes and calderas, not to mention an offshore population of whales and dolphins.

Our very favourite itinerary is the magical tour around the Cycladic Islands in September, enjoying the magical Greek Islands and imagining the lives of those extraordinary ancients who lived and travelled amongst these contrasting locations.

At first glance, a Hebridean cruise looks expensive, but when you bear in mind the inclusions, the value is excellent. Let us assist you with early booking, full payment and past passenger reductions, and bear in mind everything that is included in the cost – the private flights, programmes escorted from start to finish, all drinks and gratuities included in the fare, and nothing more to pay for the extensive programme of excursions ashore – make this a genuinely all-inclusive experience: you would be hard pushed to spend anything beyond your up-front cost.