Surprise Voyage with Hebridean Island Cruises: Hebridean Princess Cruise Review

After a fabulous buffet breakfast - with a great choice of healthy options as well as special hot options such as smoked haddock and scrambled egg - it was time to head out for the morning, and today we anchored in Fort William and boarded the tender from the Waterfront Deck; all the crew were on hand to help with life jackets and assist in getting on the tender. We then boarded the cable car which was a beautiful journey climbing the Ben Nevis mountain range and enjoyed a short hike at the top and refreshments at the café. Tonight was the Captain's Welcome Gala Dinner and we met at the Skye Deck for a glass of champagne as we had been blessed with beautiful weather, before enjoying another delicious dinner of Oban scallops, lamb fillet, and pistachio bakewell.

Kyle of Lochalsh was a highlight for me the following day when I visited Attadale Gardens and enjoyed a stunning guided tour by the owner, with time for tea and shortbread at the end and spotting the famous hairy cows of the highlands! We spent the afternoon cruising under the Skye Bridge and the inner sound which was beautiful. I also loved Loch Ewe, where I had the opportunity to visit the stunning Inverewe gardens and the home of Mairi Sawyer, which is an award-winning interactive museum with stunning views out to the garden across Loch Ewe; and Ullapool, where we visited the dramatic Corrieshalloch Gorge, listening to the history of the area and enjoying a short hike to the suspension bridge, looking down at the most beautiful waterfalls. It was quite spectacular!

The next day saw us cruising across the Minch on towards the Isle of Lewis before arriving in Stornoway. Here, a coach took us to Gearrannan Black House Village, a period Scottish thatched blackhouse, and the Callanish Standing Stones - very charming, and certainly took me back in time!

We took another coach tour in Tarbert on the Isle of Harris among the islands, including Horgabost beach. Wow! This has to be one of the most stunning views I've ever seen, with crystal-clear green and blue waters and beautiful white sand - it certainly didn't feel like I was in the UK!

An early start the next day saw us take a speedboat ashore at Loch Scavaig on the Isle of Skye, and we were greeted with a lovely surprise - a table and chairs set up with chilled champagne and coffee with a wee dram for those that wanted to, along with tea, homemade biscuits, and macarons! I took a short hike while some guests sat back and took in the spectacular landscape and wildlife; I even spotted a few seals splashing around and lazing on the rocks.

This evening it was time for the Captain's Farewell Gala Dinner and I joined the captain, guests, and the ship's officers on the Skye Deck for pre-dinner champagne and canapes. I felt so lucky to experience this stunning landscape on a beautiful ship - in the sun, no less! In the evening we enjoyed traditional Scottish fare of haggis, neeps and tatties before a delicious lemon sole stuffed with scallop mousse and crème brulée for dessert. The onboard chefs then came out to introduce themselves and it was fabulous to see who had created these stunning menus throughout our stay. Then, time for one last drink in the Tiree Lounge!

On the final day we arrived in Oban and had a final breakfast; I sat with the same table throughout and would highly recommend this for any solo travellers - we all thoroughly enjoyed each other's company and shared lots of funny stories. It was then time to board the coach for those going back to the airport or station in Glasgow - with stunning scenery all the way until the end, with a stop at Loch Lomond!

I had the most fabulous time on Hebridean Princess; the crew are truly outstanding and nothing is too much trouble for them. I was blown away by the scenery and the landscape, it truly is something else! The surprise aspect was excellent and I'd highly recommend it for the Scottish Isles - it kept us guessing where we were going next, a great topic of conversation, but is also a lovely way to add a new element to the cruise, feeling very relaxed, spontaneous and laidback throughout.