BOUTIQUE CRUISING
evening captain’s champagne receptions. Everyone was formally dressed, several officers in their kilts. Hebridean Princess anchors for dinner
and overnight, and the 7.30am engine start-up acts as a wake-up call. Breakfast can be Continental style in the cabin but most head to the Columba Restaurant for the excellent buffet – everything from fresh honeycomb to strawberries and pineapple, cereals and croissants. Porridge, of course, is available and hot dishes such as kippers, a full Scottish platter and specials of pancakes and berries, smoked salmon and scrambled egg.
By 9.30am most people are off ashore
working up an appetite for lunch. A light sandwich alternative is offered for those not indulging in dishes like fish and chips, Hebridean fish cake and retro puddings like Spotted Dick, Queen of Puddings and Tiramisu.
On a couple of days there was a buffet, the first based round local whole salmon with prawns, smoked salmon and organic salmon additions, the second featuring a gammon joint. On each occasion the chief purser donned his apron and carved and served. David Indge, formerly with Princess and P&O Cruises, is an excellent master of ceremonies, keeping everyone smiling, daily checking each dining table for feedback and remembering everything from forgotten toothbrushes to wake-up calls for passengers.
T
he dining tables are mainly for cou- ples, the chairs turned at an angle to the windows so no one has their
back to the room. There are two tables of eight for officers and singles. Meals showcase local produce with a goodly ac- cent on fish – lobster bisque, Cullen Skink, Colonsay oysters, scallops, North Sea turbot – and Argyll beef, veal and venison, rack of lamb and guinea fowl.
After desserts, from Chocolate Nemesis to Coconut Panna Cotta, there is a cheese platter served, if wished, with a glass of port. The portions are light and well presented so there is no feeling of being over burdened with food. With the meals, red and white wines are served. Premium wines are also available for purchase. For the farewell dinner, there is an oat- crusted haggis solemnly addressed by the guide, with a wee dram served to all! And did it all feel suitably royal?
You bet. 68 WORLD OF CRUISING I Spring 2011
Hebridean Princess FACTFILE
This year, Hebridean Princess extends its itineraries to include the Northern Isles, Scotland’s east coast, France, the Channel and Scilly Islands, England’s south coast, Wales and Ireland, as well as the regular west Scotland cruises.
Longer 9 and 10-night cruises will be available. A 7-night cruise will cost from around £5,090 for a single cabin, from £3,400-£6,790 in different grades of double cabin; £7,130-£7,640 in a cabin with private balcony; and £7,810 for the Isle of Arran suite. All prices are per person.
MORE INFO: call 01756 704704 or visit
www.hebridean.co.uk.
photos © Hebridean Princess
photo: Carol Wright
photo: Carol Wright
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