Tuesday 18 December 2018

Christmas & New Year Opening Times



Day
Date
Opening Times
Monday (Christmas Eve)
24th December 2018
9am to 12pm mid-day
Tuesday (Christmas Day)
25th December 2018
Closed
Wednesday (Boxing Day)
26th December 2018
Closed
Thursday
27th December 2018
9am to 6pm
Friday
28th December 2018
9am to 6pm
Saturday & Sunday
29th & 30th December 2018
Closed
Monday (New Year’s Eve)
31st December 2018
9am to 12pm mid-day
Tuesday (New Year’s Day)
1st January 2019
Closed
Wednesday
2nd January 2019
Normal hours resume
9am to 6pm

A Serenade to the Hebrides - by Mark Dury

 
Following the delightful Classical Inspiration cruise on board
Hebridean Princess, which commenced on 3rd July this year, guest Mr
Mark Dury was inspired to write the following poem.

We would like to thank Mr Dury for his kind permission to publish his
Serenade to the Hebrides.
 
Double click on the poem to enlarge
 


Tuesday 11 December 2018

Hebridean makes 2019 Wave Awards Shortlist

The shortlist for the 2019 Wave Awards has been announced.  These prestigious awards, now in their 4th year, celebrate the very best in the cruise industry, and are open to cruise lines, travel agents, tourist boards and ports.


We are delighted to be shortlisted in the following categories which will be judged by a panel of experts:
  • Best for Solo Travellers (ocean or river)
  • Best Specialist Cruise Line
The winners will be announced at a black tie gala dinner at London’s De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms on 7 March 2019.
 
There is still chance to vote for us in the Favourite Luxury or Premium Cruise Line category before voting closes on 31st December 2018.
 

FREE Tickets to the Destinations Holiday & Travel Show

In January we will be attending one of the UK’s biggest cruise and travel shows. Come along and meet our experienced team and have your questions answered face to face – we’d love to see you…

https://destlondon.seetickets.com/event/destinations-show/olympia/1264701

Book your next holiday or travel experience at the UK's biggest and most inspiring travel show. Taking place at Olympia London, 31 January - 3 February 2019, Destinations: The Holiday and Travel Show is the essential event to indulge your passion for travelling.

Packed with hundreds of leading and independent tour operators, over 75 tourist boards from across the globe, cultural entertainment, world flavours, travel celebrities and more, Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show, in association with The Times and The Sunday Times, is the UK's largest and longest-running travel event.

From activity and adventure to culture, cruise and more, Destinations’ vast array of exhibitors will inspire you to discover new destinations and adventures near and far. Take the opportunity to tap into their in-depth knowledge enabling you to tailor-make and book your perfect trip.

Plus, discover the Stanfords Travel Writers Festival, a line-up of incredible talks, presentations and panel sessions from a host of leading travel writers and authors, whilst exotic cultures are brought to life through dance, performance and free food and drink tastings across the ‘Experience The World’ stages. The two ‘Meet the Experts’ theatres also provide over 50 hours of free travel advice from destination specialists.

>> Click here for your FREE tickets - quoting EXHEBRI

or

Call 01756 704704 and we'll arrange to send you a redemption voucher.

Note - Tickets are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.  Complimentary tickets must be downloaded from the Destinations website in advance of the show opening and are not available after 30 January 2019.

Tuesday 4 December 2018

Read the Latest Edition of The Hebridean Times Here

As our 30th anniversary season draws to a close, I should like to take this opportunity to update you with all the latest news from Hebridean Island Cruises and on board your favourite cruise ship, Hebridean Princess, by inviting you to read the 30th issue of The Hebridean Times here online.

>> READ THE HEBRIDEAN TIMES HERE

In this edition, Captain Richard Heaton shares with us some of his highlights of this season and our Meet the Team article features Purser Doreen Thomson.  Our crossword competition offers whisky lovers the chance to win one of two fantastic prizes, a set of Glencairn glasses and crystal jug, together with a bottle of our own blend malt.

As we look forward to next season, it is still possible for you to relive any cruise this year by reading our popular cruise logs.  All the Hebridean Princess cruise logs from the last three seasons can be found by >>clicking here<< allowing you to enjoy a virtual voyage of relaxation and discovery. 

With next years cruises selling quickly and a number of itineraries already fully booked, please call Jonathan, Lisa, Louise, Stella or Abigail on 01756 704704 without delay to avoid disappointment.

With very best wishes for a wonderful festive period.

Yours sincerely

Ken Charleson - Managing Director


>> READ THE HEBRIDEAN TIMES HERE

British Travel Awards Win for Hebridean

The results of the British Travel Awards 2018 were announced on 28 November to an audience of 900 senior leisure travel company executives and representatives from consumer and trade media.

The presentation ceremony – held at Battersea Evolution, London – saw 130 awards presented to 98 companies along with 292 silver and bronze finalist accreditations for excellence in product offering and customer experience.

The winners were determined solely by the number of consumer votes cast between 2nd July and 30th September and the counts verified by professional business consultants Deloitte. The award categories reflect a broad range of leisure travel services which are grouped on the winners’ page as:

Best Holiday Companies by Holiday Type
Best Holiday Companies to Destinations
Best Travel Planning & Booking Companies
Best Cruise Lines & Airlines
Best Villa Accommodation & International Hotel Brands
Best Car Hire & Holiday Add-on Companies
Best UK/Domestic Holidays, Accommodation & Leisure Attractions


HEBRIDEAN ISLAND CRUISES
WAS ACCREDITED WITH A BRONZE AWARD IN THE BEST ULTRA SMALL /
BOUTIQUE CRUISE LINE CATEGORY


Since 2008 the BTA have been recording public votes and since 2009 the results have been verified by Deloitte. This practice of integrity and transparency has established the British Travel Awards as the largest and most influential poll of consumer opinion on companies operating in the leisure travel market. This year saw a diverse mix of winning companies with small, medium and large companies being recognised across many categories.

Tuesday 27 November 2018

Scottish Highlands and Islands named in Lonely Planet's Top 10 Best Regions to Visit in 2019

The wild landscapes of Scotland's Highlands and Islands are one of the last corners of Europe where you can discover genuine solitude.



Since the 19th century the Scottish Highlands have been famed for their wild nature and majestic scenery. Visitors are faced with awe-inspiring vistas at every turn from white sand beaches, soaring peaks, magnificent castles and uninhabited islands.  What better way to see all this and more than from the comfort and luxury of the floating country house hotel, Hebridean Princess?  The dramatic backdrop of ever-changing scenery is enhanced by our legendary personal service, superb cuisine lovingly created from locally sourced produce accompanied by specially selected wines and, of course, the best Scottish Malt Whiskies.  These ingredients make a Hebridean Princess cruise a uniquely memorable experience.



As the only UK destination included in the Lonely Planet Best in Travel Top 10, the Scottish Highlands and Islands are home to hundreds of iconic locations, attractions and experiences, many of which can be visited during a Hebridean Princess cruise. Encapsulating centuries of history, culture and traditions, the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides have been identified as just some of the reasons to visit.



Hebridean Princess guests can discover the very best of Scotland's top-quality local produce by joining one of our food and drink themed cruises, Gastronomic Scotland, or sample the true taste of Scotland on our Westering Home and Whisky Galore cruise.  Other themed itineraries include exploring remote and undiscovered landscapes on one of our Footloose walking cruises, discovering some of the finest wildlife in the world in one of the last untouched natural habitats in Europe and soaking up the unique atmosphere of the areas ancient sites on one of our History and Heritage voyages. 



Enriched by our experienced and knowledgeable guides and, on selected cruises, captivating guest speakers, each cruise is a voyage of discovery through the stunning Scottish Highlands and Islands which have finally received the recognition which they so richly deserve.



Wednesday 31 October 2018

Hebridean Island Cruises Shortlisted for 2019 Wave Awards




The Wave Awards are the most prestigious accolades in UK cruising and we are delighted to announce that Hebridean Island Cruises has been shortlisted in the Favourite Luxury or Premium Cruise Line category. 

We would love to secure your votes.  Voting closes at midnight on 31st December 2018 and the top three in each category will go onto the Wave Awards ceremony held at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London on 7th March 2019 where the winners will be unveiled.

>>CAST YOUR VOTE HERE>>

Wednesday 26 September 2018

Hebridean Princess 2019 Calendars selling fast

Our  2019 calendars are selling fast!  Ideal as a present for family or friends, or as a little treat to yourself as you count down the days until your next Hebridean Princess cruise, they are priced at only £10.


The calendar contains a stunning selection of scenic shots, wildlife, iconic landmarks and images of the ship which capture the beauty of landscapes and the natural world of Hebridean Princess' home waters.  Many of the images were taken by guests, such as this lovely autumnal shot by Geoff Dixon taken near Inverie, Loch Nevis.



Please call 01756 704704 or email reservations@hebridean.co.uk to order your copy.



Tuesday 25 September 2018

Last few days of voting in the 2018 British Travel Awards


Hebridean Island Cruises has been nominated for the following categories in the prestigious 2018 British Travel Awards (BTAs).
  • Best Ultra-Luxury Cruise Line
  • Best Specialist Cruise Line (Ocean & Expedition)
  • Best Ultra-Small/Boutique Cruise Line
The winners will be determined by the consumer, who has until 1st October to cast their vote, with the successful companies announced at the BTA Gala Awards Dinner, being held in London on 28 November 2018.




Ken Charleson, Managing Director of Hebridean Island Cruises remarked:

"We are thrilled to be nominated in the prestigious BTAs once again which is testament to the hard work and dedication our staff, both on board and ashore, have given to the company over the past twelve months. We are committed to providing the best possible cruise experience for our guests and to be nominated in this way is a true accolade and reward for everything we do. I hope as many of our guests will take this opportunity to cast their votes to help us secure a win."

>> VOTE FOR HEBRIDEAN ISLAND CRUISES

BTA chief executive Lorraine Barnes Burton said:

"The British Travel Awards give you the opportunity to reward travel and tourism enterprises for outstanding performance in service delivery and product offering. Voting in the 2018 Awards is now open and nominated companies have until 30th September to lobby their happy customers for votes – good luck to Hebridean Island Cruises."

The British Travel Awards are considered the benchmark for excellence when it comes to finding out who really is the best in the travel industry. The British Travel Awards is a proudly independent organisation, verified by leading global business practitioners, Deloitte.

Hebridean to Attend Cruise Select Show

https://www.cruiseselect.co.uk/events/cruise-selects-cruise-show-2018
 
It's that time of year again, and Hebridean Island Cruises will be attending Cruise Select's highly popular annual Cruise Show on the 7 October 2018 at the Sharnbrook Hotel, near Bedford.

During the day, you will be able to meet with travel professionals from various cruise and river lines including Hebridean's Sales & Marketing Manager, Jonathan Moffatt.
 
The top reasons to come along are:
 
1) Your chance to discover various styles of cruising including river, small ships, expedition and luxury - and
 
2) Enjoy exclusive offers only available to Cruise Select
 
Doors open at 10:30 am until 3:00pm.
 
The Sharnbrook Hotel (Park Lane, Sharnbrook, MK44 1LX) is located just off the A6 with lots of free parking.
 
The very popular Italian restaurant hosts their famous £9.95 All Day Sunday Roast as well as authentic Italian options should you wish to stop for a bite to eat. It is recommended that you pre-book as it can get very busy.
 
If you’ve never cruised before, or you’re a cruise novice, Cruise Select will be holding an ‘Introduction to Cruising’ presentation with their own answer to Jane McDonald, Amy (don’t worry, she won’t sing though). Presentations will be held at 11.00 am and 2.00 pm, and are restricted, and places must be reserved – so please let Cruise Select know whether you would like to attend, which time, and how many places you would require, by selecting the following link
 
We look forward to seeing you on the day.
 
 

Tuesday 18 September 2018

Food and Travel Magazine 2018 Award Winners

We are delighted to announce that for the second year in succession, Hebridean Island Cruises has been voted by readers of the Food and Travel Magazine as winners of the Adventure/Boutique Cruise Line 2018 award.


We were up against strong competition but every vote counted and we would like to thank all the readers who cast their votes to help us win this prestigious award.

Ken Charleson, Managing Director said "We are delighted to win this fantastic award at such a respsected event - this really does illustrate our commitment to providing the very best cruise holidays in a truly unique and elegant way.  It is testament to our officers, crew and staff both on board and ashore."

Friday 31 August 2018

Hebridean Road Show

Over the coming weeks Hebridean will be out and about attending various events. 

Members of the Hebridean shore-based team will be on hand to showcase both Hebridean Princess and our European River Cruise Programme. 
 
We'd love to see you - please come along and we'll be pleased to answer any questions you may have.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yorkshire Cruise Show with Bluewater Holidays
18th September 2018 at the King's Hall and Winter Gardens, Ilkley - 2pm to 6pm

Hebridean's Business Development Manager, Hannah Cockell, will be presenting at 2:20pm.






To reserve your place please use the link below:

www.yorkshirecruiseshow.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Northumbria Travel Cruise Show 
14th October 2018 at Rockliffe Hall, Great Hurworth, Darlington - 10am to 4:30pm

Hebridean's Business Development Manager, Hannah Cockell, will be presenting at 1:00pm.






To reserve your place please call 01670 829922 or email info@northumbriatravel.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Select World Travel Show 
16th October 2018 at Italian Villa, Compton Acres, Poole - 10am to 4:30pm


 
To reserve your place please call 01202 709881 or email info@selecttravel.co.uk
 

LAST CHANCE to Vote for Hebridean in the 2018 Food & Travel Magazine Awards

https://foodandtravel.com/awards

For the 5th consecutive year, Hebridean Island Cruises has been nominated in the renowned Food & Travel Magazine Awards. From thousands of entries, Food & Travel Magazine compiled the shortlist for this year’s Reader Awards.

Ken Charleson, Managing Director of Hebridean Island Cruises said:

"We are absolutely delighted to be nominated for the 5th consecutive year, for Boutique Cruise Line of the Year, in the Food & Travel Magazine Awards. The awards recognise the very best in food and travel and we very much hope to be collecting this prestigious accolade at the awards ceremony to be held at the RAC Automobile Club, Pall Mall, London this coming September."

Please help us to secure Boutique Cruise Line of the Year by voting for us now clicking on the image below - voting closes 7th September 2018

https://foodandtravel.com/awards

Thursday 12 July 2018

FREE Tickets to Countryfile Live at Blenheim Palace - 2nd to 5th August 2018

https://countryfilelive.com/tickets
 
Hebridean Island Cruises will be attending BBC Countryfile Live at Blenheim Palace between 2nd and 5th August 2018. 

The four day event schedule is packed with features celebrating everything we love about the Great Brtish countryside and hebridean will be exhibiting on stand C104.

We have a very limited number of FREE day tickets available (via redemption voucher), so should you like to come along for what is likely one of the best days out this summer please either telephone 01756 704704 or email us at reservations@hebridean.co.uk providing your full name, address and telephone number.

Vouchers should be redeemed online by 27th July 2018.

Hebridean Island Cruises Nominated for 2018 British Travel Awards

https://www.britishtravelawards.com/btaform.php?nomLink=212
Hebridean Island Cruises has been nominated for the following categories in the prestigious 2018 British Travel Awards (BTAs).
  • Best Ultra-Luxury Cruise Line
  • Best Specialist Cruise Line (Ocean & Expedition)
  • Best Ultra-Small/Boutique Cruise Line
The winners will be determined by the consumer, who has until 30 September to cast their vote, with the successful companies announced at the BTA Gala Awards Dinner, being held in London on 28 November 2018.

Ken Charleson, Managing Director of Hebridean Island Cruises remarked:

"We are thrilled to be nominated in the prestigious BTAs once again which is testament to the hard work and dedication our staff, both on board and ashore, have given to the company over the past twelve months. We are committed to providing the best possible cruise experience for our guests and to be nominated in this way is a true accolade and reward for everything we do. I hope as many of our guests will take this opportunity to cast their votes to help us secure a win."

>> VOTE FOR HEBRIDEAN ISLAND CRUISES

BTA chief executive Lorraine Barnes Burton said:

"The British Travel Awards give you the opportunity to reward travel and tourism enterprises for outstanding performance in service delivery and product offering. Voting in the 2018 Awards is now open and nominated companies have until 30th September to lobby their happy customers for votes – good luck to Hebridean Island Cruises."

The British Travel Awards are considered the benchmark for excellence when it comes to finding out who really is the best in the travel industry. The British Travel Awards is a proudly independent organisation, verified by leading global business practitioners, Deloitte.
 
 

Wednesday 11 July 2018

Hebridean Princess 2019 Calendar

The next winner in our 2019 Calendar Photography Competition is John Noorani with this fabulous shot of the interior of the Italian Chapel on Orkney.



You can still obtain your copy of the calendar for just £10 on board Hebridean Princess or by mail order. Please call 01756 704704 or email reservations@hebridean.co.uk

Thursday 21 June 2018

Hebridean Princess 2019 Calendar

The next winner in our 2019 Calendar Competition is Maitland Woods with the amazing shot of sunset on the Skye Deck. 

Order your copy of the calendar for just £10 by calling 01756 704704 or email reservations@hebridean.co.uk, or on board Hebridean Princess.

Wednesday 13 June 2018

Hebridean Princess 2019 Calendar

The next winner in our 2019 Calendar Competition is John Noorani with this colourful image of Inverewe Garden.

Order your copy of the calendar for just £10 by calling 01756 704704 or email reservations@hebridean.co.uk, or on board Hebridean Princess.

Friday 1 June 2018

Hebridean Princess 2019 Calendar

The 3rd winner in our 2019 Calendar photography competition is Dr Christoph Haertel who submitted this lovely image of ponies on the Isle of Muck.



Order your copy of the calendar for just £10 by calling 01756 704704 or email reservations@hebridean.co.uk, or on board Hebridean Princess.

Friday 25 May 2018

River Cruising on Royal Crown by Martin Bell OBE


Since I am no longer sent off to the war zones at short notice, I am in the happy position of being able to pick my destinations at my leisure. Not all invitations are accepted by any means. Some years ago I twice declined to appear on Strictly Come Dancing – a wise decision, in my case.

But 2 years ago I was asked by Hebridean to join their Royal Crown cruise on the River Danube –
and I had the time of my life.

Part of it was the ship itself, with its old-fashioned blend of polished decks, brass fittings and magnificently appointed cabins. Part of it was meeting some wonderful people with a real interest in the recent troubled history of the Balkans. Some of them said afterwards that the experience had
changed them.

If you fancy casinos and night clubs, lounging on beaches, this is not for you. But if you want a cruise which is also an adventure and a learning experience, and from which you come out better informed than you went in, then it might be just your stretch of water. And bring a notebook or a sketch pad, so your memories can be somehow stored on paper.

It is as far from ocean cruising as you can imagine. We stopped at a new river port every day, from Budapest to Belgrade, each with its singular history. The Iron Gates, a mountain gorge which we passed through, is the most beautiful waterway in the whole of Europe. The banks of the Danube are mostly pristine and undeveloped, except for the high ground. We passed forests and shallows with
the most amazing bird life. And if you are of a nervous disposition, you are always within reach of dry land. No lifeboats are necessary!


And by the way, Johann Strauss was colour blind. The Danube for the most part is not blue at all but all sorts of other and interesting colours. And as it flows and winds through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria I can assure you that there is not a dull sight to be seen on the whole length of it.

I am not a tour guide and knew little about the Paprika Museum in Hungary. But I stood on the upper deck to point out the principal landmarks of the Croatian river port of Vukovar, destroyed by the Serbs after a 90 day siege in November 1991. I was with them for days on end when they destroyed it. Much of the town has been rebuilt, but a corner shop with flowers growing inside the ruins remains as shrine to the tragedy of war. In an evening lecture on board Royal Crown, I showed some of the footage of the time, and explained what it was like to be there. And in the Bosnian War too, which followed it as night follows day. Then it was news. Now it is history, and I lived it for five years.

I also wrote poetry about it – well, poetry of a sort, and had a book of my verses published. So be warned – I offer not only three lectures during the cruise but a poetry recital. I am one of the few passengers who decides not to disembark everywhere. So I wrote a poem about it:

I thought as I clutched my Vodka Smirnoff
The secret to successful cruising
Even with only moderate boozing
Is knowing when not to get off.

And I wrote another about the sort of cruise this isn’t:

If this is Monday, it’s Livorno,
And raining stair rods, no bon giorno.
Cruising’s for those who dodge the coroners
And travel without meeting foreigners.
If dismal weather’s all one needs,
We might as well have stayed in Leeds.

The Royal Crown is not at all like that.

If you are a lecturer on a big ship, you find someone whom you want to avoid (always a man, in my
experience!). But on Royal Crown that is not a problem, for you will be among like-minded people.

Nor do I hide away. If anyone wants further information or reminiscences of the wars, I can talk till your eyes glaze over! I can usually be found on the upper deck, and occasionally with something distilled and Scottish in my hand. The Hebridean hospitality remains the same from one end of Europe to the other.


I look forward to the cruise from Bavaria to the Moselle in July, and hope you will join me.

Martin Bell


>>> FROM BAVARIA TO THE MOSELLE
13th July to 24th July 2018
Prices from £4,440 per person based on 2 people sharing a deluxe twin cabin.




Hebridean Princess 2019 Calendar

Congratulations to Rob Norman, the next winner in our calendar photo competition for this shot of Hebridean Princess at anchor off the Isle of Jura. 



Don't forget the 2019 calendars are available to buy on board or by mail order from our office at a cost of £10. Please call 01756 704704 or email reservations@hebridean.co.uk