Hebridean Celebrates 60 Years

UK’s The Princess Royal attended the astounding 60th anniversary of Hebridean’s Island Cruises’ flagship, the Hebridean Princess. 

In the past the MV Hebridean Princess was known as the Columba, and was used as a car ferry, but after extensive refurbishment works in 1989 it forgoed carrying vehicles to instead carry royalty. 

The MV Hebridean Princess is notable for having been charted by Queen Elizabeth II for holidays, once to celebrate her 80th birthday and another time in 2010 for a two-week trip around the Scottish Islands.

The vessel is the only cruise ship to have received a Royal Warrant, a rare appointment for those businesses who supply goods and services to royalty. 

The managing director of Hebridean Island Cruises, Ken Charleson said, “We were delighted to welcome HRH The Princess Royal back on board Hebridean Princess to help us celebrate such a momentous occasion. Since 1989, Hebridean Princess has established herself as the epitome of luxury, small-ship Scottish cruising, earning an enviable reputation for her renowned level of service and attention to detail.”

37 itineraries will launch in 2024 for the Hebridean Princess, with the vessel returning to Southern Ireland for a new series of cruises that invite passengers to explore the vibrant landscapes of Ireland on walking tours. There will be additional themed itineraries, with some focusing on golf, gardens, art, wildlife and local food and drink.