BOUTIQUE CRUISING
In the Wake of The Queen L
Carol Wright reckons if it’s good enough for Her Majesty, Hebridean Island Cruises should suit her, too
acking a royal yacht these days, the Queen has twice chartered Hebridean Princess for holidays around the deserted beaches and tiny islands of north-west Scotland. And it’s
easy to see why. Having started in 1964 as Columba, one of the Caledonian MacBrayne fleet of car ferries, this boutique little gem was converted to cruising and rechristened by the Duchess of York in 1989. She retains much of her older styling and guests enjoy this; the wooden decks, lots of glistening brass – including the old-fashioned brass engine room signaller – are all still pristine. The former car deck, as well as cabins, affords space for a small gym and storage for speedboats, Zodiacs, bicycles and racks of life jackets. The boats are much used for beach landings in the remoter islands and in other ports she shares jetties with her more modern ferry counterparts. Hebridean Princess has often been called a floating country house. With a maximum of 50 passengers in 30 cabins (and a high proportion of single rooms), a house party atmosphere soon develops, aided by circulated guest lists and a roughly 60 per cent repeat guest factor, as well as a lack of any formal entertainment.
As Chief Purser David Indge comments: “They are all like-minded people and, for them, the art of conversation is not dead.” Apart from the daily excursions, guests can ask to play bridge, go fishing or take a tour on the speedboat. There are no keys to the cabins, though
individual safes are provided. Guests prefer it this way. The cabins vary in size and decor but an underlying theme is rich brocaded drapes and padded headboards on beds piled with cushions and brass wall clocks. Upper deck cabins have large picture windows
which can be partially opened. There is no air conditioning but each cabin has a powerful radiator and in-bathroom heated towel rail – useful for drying laundry.
Iron, ironing board, trouser press and tea and coffee making equipment are neatly stowed and fresh milk is placed in a fridge that is also stocked with complimentary soft drinks. Four cabins have secluded balconies and seven have bathrooms with gold-plated taps. Passengers are advised to bring sturdy walking shoes, non-slip shoes for the decks and warm, weather-proof clothing to combat the often volatile weather patterns in the area. The cruising style
ALL ABOARD
Everything is included in the price and the ship is thoughtful in providing bottled water, anti-midge wipes, etc, to take ashore. There is a strict no tipping policy and drinks are available as needed all day. The waiters and cabin steward- esses are mainly Lithuanian and the officers and engine crew British.
Spring 2011 I WORLD OF CRUISING
65
photo © Hebridean Princess
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