SCOTLAND AGENT insight


Andara Travel director Dave Allen shares his insight into selling Hebridean Island Cruises “Hebridean Princess is a unique product that attracts mainly a British clientele aged over 50. Customers who frequently sail on the ship value the better things in life and want to be utterly spoilt on board. Hebridean Princess has a delightful atmosphere reminiscent of an upmarket country-house hotel at sea, and the caring and professional staff create a relaxed ambience on board. Nothing is too much trouble for them, including


the professional guide who organises the excursions – all of which are included in the fare. The ship is all-inclusive and the cuisine is wonderful, including fresh lobster, langoustines and as much champagne as you can drink. Nature lovers will enjoy the shore excursions – on our visit to the Shiant Islands, YG UCY VJQWUCPFU QH RWHƂPU s CPF VJG UJKRoU small tenders and speedboat offer great ways to get ashore and into quiet coves.”


`


Guests are often regular passengers returning with friends they’ve made on board, or solo travellers who relish the social atmosphere


Signature service


Thanks to its timeless design and traditional features, Hebridean Princess attracts a rather niche market, who are often regular passengers returning with friends they’ve previously made on board, or solo travellers who relish the social and welcoming atmosphere. This select clientele tends to be retired professionals and much of the sailing is designed with this market in min`° /hoÕ}h `on½Ì iÝ>VÌlÞ wÌ Ìhi LlÕi«ÀinÌ ov a typical Hebridean Princess customer, this doesn’t mean I’m unable to enjoy the aspects that make Ìhià Ãhi« ÃÕVh > wÀm v>ÛoÕÀiÌi ÜiÌh ÌhoÃi Üho Ã>il on it. The onboard service is faultless, with the crew knowing each passenger by name and, in the case of the bar staff, their favourite drink. The ship’s captain, Richard Heaton, pops down


to the Tiree Lounge in the evenings to catch up with each guest and help arrange anything that might make the sailing that little bit more special, from visits to the bridge to private speedboat excursions. As well as the personalised service, one of Hebridean Princess’s biggest draws is its culinary offering. We enjoy lavish spreads at every meal, but the VhiÀÀÞ on Ìhi V>ki Vomià on Ìhi wn>l iÛinin}] Ühin we’re treated to a gala dinner that showcases Scottish cuisine in all its glory, as well as a traditional recital of Robert Burns’ Address to a Haggis by the captain. But what I enjoy most about the sailing isn’t the voo`] Ìhi ÃiÀÛiVi oÀ Ìhi L>À ÃÌ>vv½Ã `ili}inÌ Àiwllin} ov mÞ champagne glass – it’s the unique peace that comes with visiting some of the UK’s most distant corners.


BOOK IT: A four-night sailing on board Hebridean Princess starts at £4,650 per person, based on two sharing an outside cabin. The price includes all food, drinks and excursions.


60 ASPIRE NOVEMBER 2024


aspiretravelclub.co.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129