Hebridean Island Cruises – Cruise Traveller

Scotland & Beyond

Did you know that the Late Queen Elizabeth II chose Hebridean Island Cruises for her special celebrations travelling through her beloved Scotland?

Hebridean Island Cruise is one of the smallest and finest luxury cruise lines in Europe. Their focus is their commitment to ensure everyone on board receives the best care and attention.

Not only are Hebridean Princess and Lord of the Highlands welcoming and comfortable ships, but also places where lasting friendships are made. A Scottish or Ireland cruise with Hebridean Island Cruises is a truly unforgettable experience.

Travel to unique places like the Caledonian Canal, remote Scottish Islands, Ireland coasts and more. Discover history, culture, nature and rugged un-changing vistas around every bend – the Hebridean Island Cruises way.


Fascinating Locations

Finding new and beautiful places is a Hebridean speciality. The Hebridean Island Cruises team tirelessly seeks locations that will thrill, inform and excite.

Small luxury cruise ships like Hebridean Princess are able to sail where larger ships cannot. Their cruises allow you to explore the rich culture and history of each destination.

Perhaps you’d like to discover the inner reaches of Scotland’s Highlands? Lord of the Highlands takes a small number of guests along the Caledonian Canal in style. Be on Loch Ness, not beside it.

The Great Glen Way runs the entire length of Scotland’s longest glen and follows the natural geological fault line. Starting in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands to Fort William in the shadow of Ben Nevis mountain, ramble your way along.

Hebridean Princess extends the itinerary from her home port of Oban to destinations like, Northern Ireland, Eire, Wales, Isle of Man, Orkney and Shetland…

There can be no more a convincing endorsement than the fact that during her last cruising season, more than 70% of guests had previously travelled with Hebridean.


The Hebridean Difference

Small is personal – Hebridean, believe it is simply not possible to look after large numbers of guests properly and give them the personal service that differentiates an extraordinary holiday from a merely good one. With a crew to guest ratio of almost 1 to 1 allowing them to deliver unobtrusive service, you can enjoy your time to the full.


House party style – The small size of Hebridean Princess and the even smaller, Lord of the Highlands, means that each cruise is always a carefree and convivial affair where good conversation flourishes and new friendships are formed, creating a house party atmosphere that is unfussy and unpretentious.


Cossetted and relaxing – Leave the frantic pace of land behind and voyage into a world of relaxation few people have experienced. There are neither talent shows nor glitzy cabarets on board, just good conversation with fellow travellers and quiet corners in which to relax.

Delectable – With an ever-changing menu, dining on board is a sensational feast. The talented and dedicated chefs use only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients allowing the creation of the most delectable breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas and dinners.


Genuinely Fully-Inclusive

Onboard Dining Experiences

Dine at the picture-windowed Caledonian Restaurant aboard Lord of the Highlands, or the elegant Columba Restaurant when travelling onboard Hebridean Princess.

Barbeques and picnics ashore may also be offered (weather dependent). No matter where or how you are dining, the focus is on locally sourced, highest quality ingredients prepared by top chefs.

Shore excursions

All shore activities have been carefully curated to make the most from each port of call, whether that be wildlife, walking, learning or local artisans, Hebridean includes it.

No need to choose prior, no need to pay a bill at the end, just sit back and enjoy each activity to the fullest.

Complimentary drinks

Compliment each meal with Hebridean’s specially selected wines of the day. Even when you are not dining, there are house wines, spirits, soft drinks and beers available whenever you like, all included in your fare.

Toast your new friends with a glass of Taittinger Champagne – available by the glass – throughout your cruise, or catch up for a tea or coffee anytime.

Stateroom amenities and gratuities

All ship and shore gratuities are included in a Hebridean Island Cruises fare, along with port taxes – so rest easy.

Onboard in your stateroom a warm bathrobe and slippers await your pleasure after cleaning up in your private ensuite. Enjoy Molton Brown toiletries onboard, your own mini fridge and tea/coffee making facilities. Wifi is also available onboard.

Bicycles for loan

Hebridean Princess has bicycles onboard for those wanting to enjoy the stunning scenery of Scotland on many of the traffic-free islands that are visited. (Not available on Lord of the Highlands)

Guides and guest speakers

Knowledgeable guides accompany most cruises, both onboard and ashore. Renowned guest speakers are also a highlight of our voyages, bringing new life to our destinations.


Discreet & Exceptional Service

If you would like to be known by your name within moments of stepping on board, to have your smallest preferences remembered, then mass-market style cruising will never be a satisfactory alternative.


Everything Hebridean Island Cruises does receives the same level of care and attention; from the carefully conceived shore visits to the spectacular overnight anchorages, the exquisite menus and the unique and individually designed cabins, every
little detail aims to ensure that the whole experience is so complete that you will never even notice.


Discreet service is the bedrock of their reputation and the uncannily accurate anticipation of your needs is a skill that the crew has developed into almost an art form. This is in the pursuit of perfection – something for which, in their view, there is no alternative.


Multi-award winning Hebridean Princess has been synonymous with luxury cruising for over 30 years and during this time has established a reputation for the highest of standards and attention to detail.


Ship Specifics

Hebridean Princess Ship Specifications

Length: 235 feet / 71.62 m

Draft: 3 metres

Cruising Speed: 12 knots

Classification: Lloyds

Flag/Registration: UK MCA / Glasgow

Guest Decks: 5

Guest Capacity: 48

Crew Members: 38

Crew Nationality: European

Staterooms: 28

Restaurants: 1 – Columbia

Zodiacs: 2 x Hardy Fisher 20 Tenders, 1 x Flatacraft Force 7 RIB, 2 x Sillinger beach boats

Gross Tonnage: 2112

Installed Power: 240V AC Standard UK 3-pin sockets

Refurbished: Each UK Winter


Lord of the Highlands Ship Specifications

Length: 43 metres

Maiden Voyage: 2021

Draft: 2.5 metres

Cruising Speed: 10 knots

Classification: Bureau Veritas

Flag/Registration: Scotland

Guest Decks: 3

Guest Capacity: 38

Crew Members: 18

Crew Nationality: European

Staterooms: 19

Restaurants: 1 – Caledonian

Zodiacs: none

Gross Tonnage: 745

Installed Power: Main engines 1200 kW and UK standard 3 pin plugs


Did you know that Hebridean Princess has staterooms dedicated for solo travellers?


Elegant staterooms

Lord of the Highlands

Hebridean Princess


Themed Cruises

Food & Drink Theme

Scotland is renowned for some of the most mouthwatering cuisine throughout the world and these gastronomic cruises will introduce you to some of the finest restaurants in the Western Isles. Visiting some of the oldest and newest distilleries in the Hebrides, taste some of the rich malt whiskies for which the area is world-famous.

Walking Theme

Footloose walking cruises are accompanied by three highly experienced guides, two of whom are specialist walking guides with an intimate knowledge of the terrain. These exhilarating itineraries cater for all, whether you are a seasoned
walker, prefer to stroll, or wish to vary the pace from day to day.

If you are bewitched by wildlife, inspired by history, invigorated by bracing walks, tempted by the finest Scottish malt whiskies or stimulated by stunning gardens, Hebridean’s specially themed itineraries may appeal to you.

Garden Theme

Relish the magnificent splendour of some of Britain’s most beautiful gardens, cossetted by the warming effects of the Gulf Stream; a true
horticultural extravaganza.

History & Heritage Theme

Scotland has a rich history and heritage. Epic landscapes were carved out by icy glaciers millennia ago, towering castles have stood for
centuries and mesmerising stories, traditions and legends have been passed down for generations. Explore ancient sites that date from the Neolithic era, uncover the history of the Scottish clans or soak up the unique atmosphere of the double
UNESCO World Heritage Site of St Kilda.

Wildlife Theme

The Hebrides, one of the last untouched natural landscapes in Europe, are home to some of the
finest wildlife in the world. White-tailed eagles soar over the rugged coastline, red deer roam over the
moorland and otters swim off shore. The islands are also a popular bird watching destination as well as the prefect place for marine wildlife spotting.


Hebridean Island Cruises in pictures


Featured Hebridean Island Cruises Itineraries

Voyage to the Emerald Isle

Oban to Dun Laoghaire

8 Nights Hebridean Princess

Starts 23 July 2024

Cruise only fares start from

GBP 6,670*pp

WITH DAVID HARPER ONBOARD

Links between Scotland and Ireland are many and varied, reaching back into the mists of time. Two supremely rich Celtic and Gaelic cultures add history and romance against the stirring scenery of a cruise on board Hebridean Princess through the Irish Sea to the Emerald Isle.

With a sense of anticipation, set sail from Oban to Londonderry. Here, you embark on a walking tour of Ireland`s only completely intact historic Walled City. Experience the magic and awe of the basalt miracle, the Giant`s Causeway on the Antrim Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and observe the stunning birdlife of Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland`s largest seabird colony.

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Scottish Temptations

Oban to Inverness

5 Nights Lord of the Highlands

Starts 26 October 2023

Cruise only fares start from

GBP 2,390*pp

TRAVEL THE CALEDONIAN CANAL

This epic journey through the very heart of Scotland is full of breath-taking contrasts in scenery, history and wildlife. The towering mass of Ben Nevis is a stunning backdrop to magnificent Loch Linnhe and the quintessential Scottish castle, Castle Stalker, before entering the 60-miles of the Caledonian Canal.

As one of the world`s most beautiful cruise routes, the Caledonian Canal offers the unique opportunity to experience Scotland from the perspective of the water. Navigating Neptune`s Staircase is the best way to appreciate Telford`s engineering masterpiece, with the canal passing through the rugged valleys along the Great Glen, a geologic fault line that shaped the landscape of the region.

Jewels of the Clyde

Greenock to Greenock

7 Nights Hebridean Princess

Starts 5 March 2024

Cruise only fares start from

GBP 3,240*pp

PRIVATE TOUR OF FINLAYSTONE HOUSE

Enjoy a private tour of Finlaystone House, seat of the Clan MacMillan for over 160 years and home to the MacMillan family and current clan chief who extend a warm welcome. Tarbert, at the mouth of Loch Fyne, is overlooked by the ruins of Robert the Bruce`s castle which guards the entrance to the harbour. At the pretty village of Ardrishaig, we learn of local heritage and maritime history at the new community hub, the Egg Shed. Onwards to Crarae on the shores of Loch Fyne, where the magnificent baronial Inveraray Castle is the fairytale home to the Duke and Duchess of Argyll.

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Featured Aussie Dollar Hebridean Island Cruises Offers

Secret Scotland & Enchanting England

Glasgow to London

23 Nights Cruise, Rail, Tour & Stay

Hebridean Princess

15 April – 8 May, 2024

Fares start from

AUD $16,995*pp

Including accommodation in Glasgow before heading to Oban for a 7 night small ship luxury cruise aboard Hebridean Princess. Your cruise heads north into remote Scotland on an all-inclusive, wonder-filled week. Disembark in Oban and transfer back to Glasgow for a further 2 night stay, then catch the train to Edinburgh. There’s 3 nights to relax and explore on your own in Edinburgh before joining a small group tour (18 guests) on a nine-night holiday all the way from Edinburgh to London. This magnificent trip is completed with a night in London post-tour.

Scenic Scotland & Incredible Ireland

Glasgow to Dublin

19 Nights Double Cruise & Stay

Hebridean Princess

15 July – 3 August, 2024

Fares start from

AUD $24,995*pp

Begin with a complimentary overnight stay in Glasgow before embarking Hebridean Princess for a 15 night (made up of two cruises back to back) small ship cruise from Oban to Dublin. All your drinks, shore activities and tips are included in the fare as you travel north into Scotland and then south down the east coast of Dublin on a journey of discovery. The trip is completed with a transfer to your Dublin hotel and a further 3 night stay.

Talk luxury small ship cruising aboard Hebridean Princess or Lord of the Highlands with an Australian expert at Cruise Traveller today.

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