Springtime Surprise Cruise Log

Tuesday 25th April to Tuesday 2nd May 2023

Embark on a voyage into the unknown and join us on our Springtime Surprise cruise where only the Captain knows our course.

Tuesday 25th April

Guests embarked in Oban with a sense of anticipation and excitement as to where our mystery cruise would take them. We set sail for our overnight anchorage in Ardtornish Bay.

Wednesday 26th April

This morning was spent cruising the Sound of Mull and the Small Isles. After lunch, guests were tendered ashore at Loch Scavaig, Isle of Skye, for walks ashore or wildlife spotting trips by tender, mainly spotting grey seals.

We anchored overnight in Loch Brittle.

Thursday 27th April

Guests relaxed on board this morning as we cruised the West Coast of Skye and over the Little Minch for the first time this year, and enjoyed a seafood buffet lunch.

In the afternoon we arrived in East Loch Tarbert, Isle of Harris, where guests embarked on a tour and tasting at the Harris Distillery and enjoyed a little retail therapy at the Harris tweed shop.

When all guests were safely back on board we sailed to Stornoway where we remained alongside overnight.

Friday 28th April

Our first port of call this morning was Storonoway, Isle of Lewis to learn stories of the island and islanders at the Lews Castle Museum.

After lunch on board, the ancient sites of Callanaish Standing Stones and Dun Carloway Broch awaited our guests.

Sailing back over The Minch, our overnight anchorage was off the Isle of Raasay.

Saturday 29th April

The Isle of Raasay played host to our morning visit where guests enjoyed walks ashore, visited the local distillery and Raasay House was open for refreshments.

During lunch we sailed to Portree, Isle of Skye where guests explored the Aros Centre, a community cultural centre offering exhibitions, galleries and workshops. Alternatively, guests explored Portree independently and enjoyed speedboat rides around the bay.

We remained at anchor in Portree overnight.

Sunday 30th April

After a morning cruise under the Skye Bridge, through Kyle Rhea and the Sound of Sleat, we arrived and berthed alongside at Armadale, Isle of Skye, for our afternoon visit to Armadale Castle and gardens, and the Museum of the Isles.

Monday 1st May

Today was spent in sunny Tobermory where guests enjoyed a morning visit to the Isle of Mull cheese farm. A delicious buffet lunch was served on board.

The farewell gala reception was held out on the Skye Deck at our overnight anchorage in Duart Bay, and Chief Purser Jim addressed the Haggis at the farewell gala dinner.