Unlike most cruise ships, a Hebridean Princess cruise includes all shore visits. From cultural to historical, energetic walking and biking to simply strolling around the bay, the opportunities to experience the peace are endless.
There is no need to decide in which tours and visits you would like to participate as these are all included, as are fishing trips and speedboat rides, which can be arranged on request
Should you wish to invigorate yourself and explore independently, why not take one of the ship’s modern bicycles ashore and enjoy the stunning scenery of the islands, many of which are traffic-free.
On most days Hebridean Princess berths or anchors in different locations both morning and afternoon, whilst the ship’s tenders are on hand to operate a shuttle service ashore. Manned by our experienced able-bodied seamen, they are always ready to offer a friendly word of reassurance and a steadying hand. Should you choose to wander at will, the small boats are always available to transport you back on board if the yearning for a glass of something or chef’s afternoon tea prove too hard to resist.
Some of the islands we visit are so off the beaten track that no landing place is available. We will then use our special beach landing craft for an exciting chance to wander an uninhabited island or headland.
Our long-standing connections in this remote corner of the kingdom enable us to arrange visits to privately owned castles and gardens, with an opportunity to talk to the owners and enjoy the different dimension of a visit that is utterly personal.
A highly knowledgeable and experienced guide, with three guides on our Footloose walking itineraries and two on selected themed cruises, will accompany your visits ashore. Whether exploring remote islands and historic sites, or simply taking in the magnificent scenery on board, you will appreciate their knowledge and insight of the spectacular areas through which Hebridean Princess cruises. The guide’s evening talk is a convivial get-together in the lounge after dinner – and an ideal opportunity to relax over coffee or a digestif and mingle, whilst learning more of the tantalising places to come.
In addition to our usual range of activities, the more adventurous can enjoy speedboat rides, fishing trips or cycling ashore on the ship’s bikes, all of which can be arranged on request.
If you are bewitched by wildlife, inspired by Scottish food and drink or fascinated by history and architecture then one of our specially themed itineraries may appeal to you.
In 2026 our themed cruises will also include gardens, golf, cycling and a brand new cruise designed around lighthouses. Indulge your passion in the company of like-minded guests.
Knowledgeable guides accompany all cruises, both on board and on the tours ashore. Renowned guest speakers feature on selected cruises; passionate about their subject, these captivating orators bring each itinerary to life.
Enriching Guest Speakers
The enrichment of discovery and thrill of knowledge put Hebridean Princess cruises in a category of their own.
Hebridean Princess cruises in a category of their own.Our on board speakers are chosen precisely because they are among some of the best authorities in their field. Passionate about their subject, these captivating orators bring each cruise alive and are delighted to share their knowledge with their fellow guests – a true meeting of minds.
Knowledgeable Guides
On board Hebridean Princess and on visits ashore, we are fortunate to have an invaluable team of enthusiastic and energetic guides, all adept in their fields, whose broad knowledge of history, architecture, culture, folklore, wildlife and flora of the Scottish Highlands and Islands adds a special dimension to our cruises.
A highly knowledgeable and experienced guide accompanies guests for the duration of each cruise, with three on ‘Footloose’ walking itineraries and two on wildlife, golf and cycling cruises, always there to offer information and an occasional helping hand. Single guests can enjoy their company at dinner, when they join an Officer’s table in the Columba Restaurant. After-dinner talks outline the next day’s activities and shed fresh light on the unique regions through which we sail.
After an energetic walk ashore, the comfort and homeliness of Hebridean Princess welcomes you back as though to your own home; and that is how we, and more importantly our guests, like to think of this unusual little ship. ‘Like home but better’ is how she is often described.
The Tiree Lounge, with its intimate bar, is the social focal point; beautifully designed and filled with soft armchairs and welcoming sofas providing cosy areas grouped around perhaps the most extraordinary feature of the ship – a brick inglenook fireplace!
In the peaceful wood-panelled Library a masculine feel has been created, using leather, unique upholstery and dark woods and should a spot of solitude appeal, there is a fine selection of reference and general interest books to be enjoyed.
The soft tones furnishing the Look Out Lounge flow seamlessly from the colour palette in the foyer areas, creating a relaxing space to take in the stunning views.
Painted, rattan furniture brings a casual feel to the Conservatory and the natural look has been complemented by the beautifully restored teak flooring. A wonderfully calm space to enjoy the scenery.
The Boat Deck on Hebridean Princess is where the best views of Scotland can be enjoyed. Out here in the fresh air, get close to nature or savour a glass of whisky whilst absorbing the ever-changing panorama. Rugged coastlines and dramatic landscapes combine to create a dramatic backdrop to our luxury Scottish island cruises.
Fine dining is a vital part of the perfect cruising experience. On Hebridean Princess, we take special pride in the quality of our cuisine, prepared by expert chefs from locally sourced produce. Our wines are carefully selected to complement our varied menus.
Weather permitting, light barbecues are sometimes held on deck or ashore. Hebridean picnics on some of our longer Footloose walks are said to be legendary!
Breakfasts are informal and are as healthy or as hearty as you choose with fresh fruit, home-baked breads, cooked Scottish fayre and of course, Chef’s own take on that Scottish staple (porridge), with or without a wee dram!
Our Gala Dinners are sparkling occasions, from the Champagne reception in the Tiree Lounge to a gourmet dinner – and no cruise would be complete without a traditional recital of Robert Burns’ Address to a Haggis!
Guests can choose to dine on their own, with a companion or on a larger table hosted by one of the Ship’s Officers, ideal for solo travellers
Dinners and lunches are served in the elegant Columba Restaurant, where awe-inspiring scenery is on view through the picture windows. Whilst dinner is usually at anchor, breakfast and lunch are often served en route to our next destination, as breathtaking landscapes roll by.
Our reservations staff are on hand to help arrange flights from UK airports to the airport nearest your port of embarkation. From here, guests can meet with our private courtesy coach. They’ll also arrange standard or first-class travel from and to your local UK railway station – and reserve any available seats.
For cruises starting/ending in Oban or Greenock, the nearest terminals are Glasgow Central Railway Station and Glasgow International Airport. For cruises starting/ending in Portland, the nearest terminals are Weymouth Railway Station and Southampton Airport. For cruises starting and/or ending in Swansea, the nearest terminals are Swansea Railway Station and Cardiff Airport.
Our door-to-door service gives guests the VIP treatment on the way to any embarkation port, UK railway station or airport. For guests travelling by rail or air, private coach transfers take them from the nearest railway station or airport to their port of embarkation, dropping them back off upon the cruise’s conclusion.
If you’d prefer to drive to your cruise port by car, secure car parking is provided for cruises from Oban, Greenock and Inverness.
Want to extend your adventure or start it early? Guests can extend their holiday with a pre or post-cruise hotel stay with one of our partner groups.