Welcome to the small luxury cruise ship, Hebridean Princess. Purpose-built for Scotland’s Western Isles, she was launched as a cruise ship by Hebridean Island Cruises in 1989. Sailing mainly from her home port of Oban, Hebridean Princess glides serenely through the water. Her small size means she has access to the remotest islands, lochs and bays beyond the reach of larger vessels. Hebridean Princess perfectly complements the wildly beautiful Scottish scenery. Carrying a maximum of 48 passengers, fellow guests soon become friends. Cruise the Hebrides in unrivalled comfort with the refined service of a floating country house.
Home-From-Home
The on board welcome is always warm, where the congenial atmosphere of a country house party is abound. Here, old friends unite and new acquaintances are quickly made. The unaccompanied need never feel alone. At the same time, guests are free to enjoy the luxury of their own private space whenever they choose.
- Size mini
- Style Classic
- Type ocean
- Year of launch 1964
- Year of last refit 2018
- Gross tonnage 2112t
- Length 71.0m
- Width 14.0m
- Speed 15kts
- Decks 5
- Language English (British)
- Currency Pound Sterling (£)
- No. of passengers 50
- No. of crew 38
- No. of cabins 30
- -wheelchair access 0
Unique experiences for a few people - never something ordinary for a crowd
- Beautiful and remote destinations on your door step
- Timeless elegance and a country house atmosphere
- A maximum of 50 guests
- A guest to crew ratio of almost 1 to 1
- Genuinely fully-inclusive cruise fares
- Fine dining with locally sourced produce
- Dedicated allocation of single cabins
- Knowledgeable and experienced guides
- Themed itineraries including gardens, walking, food and drink
Hebridean operates a strict ‘no tipping’ policy.
Elegantly decorated and furnished, Hebridean Princess cabins are individually designed to make the most of the available space. Poetically named after Scottish isles, castles, lochs and sounds, they are amongst the most spacious for vessels of her size.
All cabins offer ample wardrobe space, including a small personal safe, drawers and a dressing table, hairdryer, trouser press, iron and ironing board, tea/coffee-making facilities and television. There is also a refrigerator stocked with a selection of soft drinks with fresh milk supplied daily. For your added comfort and relaxation, bathrobes, slippers and a wide range of Molton Brown toiletries are also provided. All guests enjoy exactly the same high standard of service irrespective of cabin grade.
Please note that smoking is not allowed in the cabins.
Isle of Arran Suite
The ship’s largest cabin, the Isle of Arran Suite, is located on the port side of the Princess Deck and, as all windows are on the ship’s side, privacy is assured. It comprises a large, separate day room, a spacious bedroom and a well-equipped bathroom with bath and separate walk-in shower. The bedroom contains a king-size bed, which can be re-arranged as twins, generous wardrobes, drawers, dressing table and a second television.
Isle of Barra
The Isle of Barra is located on the port side, forward on the Princess Deck. The balcony, which affords total privacy as it cannot be overlooked from the ship, is fitted with teak tables and chairs, in order for you to enjoy the magnificent scenery. The bathroom is generous in size with a full-size bath and a thermostatic shower.
Isle of Benbecula
The Isle of Benbecula is located on the starboard side, forward on the Princess Deck. The balcony, which affords total privacy as it cannot be overlooked from the ship, is fitted with teak tables and chairs, in order for you to enjoy the magnificent scenery. The bathroom is generous in size with a full-size bath and a thermostatic shower.
Isle of Coll
Located on the same deck as Reception and the Columba Restaurant, this roomy, forward-facing cabin, at the forward end of the Princess Deck, is fitted with three large picture windows offering excellent views ahead over the bows. The king-size bed can be rearranged as twins. A well deck, some 40 feet (12m) in length, between the cabin and the forecastle, ensures privacy. A large bathroom, which features a full-size bath with a thermostatic shower.
Isle of Colonsay
Located on the same deck as Reception and the Columba Restaurant, this roomy, forward-facing cabin, at the forward end of the Princess Deck, is fitted with three large picture windows offering excellent views ahead over the bows. The king-size bed can be rearranged as twins. A well deck, some 40 feet (12m) in length, between the cabin and the forecastle, ensures privacy. A large bathroom, which features a full-size bath with a thermostatic shower.
Isle of Muck
This popular, double-bedded cabin, located on the starboard side of the Princess Deck, has three full-size picture windows, which afford superb views and give the room a bright, airy feel. Private facilities include a thermostatic shower.
Isle of Berneray
The roomy Isle of Berneray is situated on the starboard side, towards the after end of the Promenade Deck. The private balcony in this cabin ensures total privacy as it cannot be overlooked from the ship, and with teak tables and chairs, it is the perfect place to sit back, relax and take in the breathtaking landscapes. This cabin contains a king-size bed, which can be rearranged as twins. The bathroom is generous in size with a full-size bath and a thermostatic shower.
Isle of Bute
The roomy Isle of Bute is situated on the port side, towards the after end of the Promenade Deck. The private balcony in this cabin ensures total privacy as it cannot be overlooked from the ship, and with teak tables and chairs, it is the perfect place to sit back, relax and take in the breathtaking landscapes. This cabin contains a king-size bed, which can be rearranged as twins. The bathroom is generous in size with a full-size bath and a thermostatic shower.
Isle of Danna
A roomy cabin that is in great demand, the Isle of Danna is tucked into a quiet corner on the port side of the Princess Deck. It contains a king-size bed, which can be converted into twin beds, and two comfortable chairs from which to enjoy panoramic views through full-size picture windows. Charming private facilities include a thermostatic shower.
Isle of Staffa
Situated on the starboard side of the Promenade Deck, towards the after end of the ship, this superb cabin is fitted with a comfortable king-size bed, convertible into twins. Large picture windows are perfect for watching the landscape unfold. The spacious bathroom contains a full-size bath with a thermostatic shower.
Duart Castle
Isle of Iona
Torosay Castle
This roomy, elegant cabin on the Waterfront Deck is connected by a flight of stairs to the Princess Deck, offering easy access to the embarkation area on the same level for the small boats when going ashore. The cabin is fitted with two opening portholes. It features a spacious bathroom with a full-size bath and a separate walk-in shower.
Kinloch Castle
Ardvreck Castle
Lews Castle
This elegant double bedded cabin on the Waterfront Deck is connected by a flight of stairs to the Princess Deck, offering easy access to the embarkation area on the same level for the small boats when going ashore. The cabin is fitted with two opening portholes. It features a spacious bathroom with a full-size bath and a thermostatic shower.
Sound of Islay
Sound of Jura
Sound of Mull
Isle of Raasay
An excellent port-side double-bedded cabin in a quiet corner on the same level as the Tiree Lounge and the Library. This extremely comfortable cabin has open views from its window and is well-equipped with private facilities, including a thermostatic shower.
Sound of Sleat
Situated on the starboard side of the Waterfront Deck, this is a roomy single cabin, fitted with two opening portholes. The private facilities feature a thermostatic shower. A single staircase links this room to the Princess Deck, with direct access by a flight of three steps to the embarkation area for the small boats when going ashore.
Loch Crinan
Loch Harport
Isle of Eigg
Isle of Rum
Loch Torridon
This charming, interchangeable king-size or twin-bedded cabin on the port side of the Hebridean Deck is generous in size and attractively priced. Although there are no windows or portholes, fresh air is circulated day and night by the ship’s forced air ventilation system. Spacious private facilities include a thermostatic shower.
Isle of Canna
This well-appointed cabin lies on the starboard side of the Princess Deck, enjoying good views from its windows. With a charming home-from-home feel for the single traveller, it is much in demand. The private facilities include a thermostatic shower.
Loch Scavaig
Loch Buie / Loch Scavaig
This charming, well-appointed cabin, located on the starboard side of the Hebridean Deck, offers a spacious bathroom and a full-size bath with a thermostatic shower. As it is not fitted with windows or portholes, fresh air is supplied by the ship’s forced air ventilation system.
Loch Scresort
This charming cabin, located on the starboard side of the Hebridean Deck, is well-appointed and is popular with the single traveller. Fresh air is supplied by the ship’s forced air ventilation system, as this cabin does not have windows or portholes. Loch Scresort has good-sized private facilities with a thermostatic shower.
Boat Deck
-
Loungers & Chairs
-
Open Deck Area
-
Funnel
-
Guests' Forward Viewing Area
- Motor Lifeboats
Promenade Deck
- Skye Deck (open deck with table and chairs)
- Skye Bar
- Isle of Berneray
- Isle of Bute
- Isle of Iona
- Isle of Staffa
- Isle of Raasay
- Promenade Deck
- Look-Out Lounge
- Library
- Conservatory
- Tiree Bar
- Tiree Lounge
Princess Deck
- Columba Restaurant
- Shop
- Reception
- Isle of Arran Suite
- Isle of Barra
- Isle of Benbecula
- Isle of Coll
- Isle of Colonsay
- Isle of Danna
- Isle of Muck
- Isle of Canna
- Isle of Eigg
- Isle of Rum
- Viewing Balcony
Waterfront Deck
-
Sound of Jura
-
Sound of Sleat
-
Sound of Islay
-
Sound of Mull
-
Ardvreck Castle
- Lews Castle
-
Torosay Castle
-
Kinloch Castle
-
Duart Castle
- Gym equipment
- Landing stage for small boats
- Card and Games Area
Hebridean Deck
-
Loch Torridon
-
Loch Crinan
-
Loch Scresort
-
Loch Harport
Fine dining is a vital part of the perfect cruising experience. On Hebridean Princess, we take special pride in the quality of our cuisine, prepared by expert chefs from locally sourced produce. Our wines are carefully selected to complement our varied menus.
Dinners and most lunches are served in the elegant Columba Restaurant, where awe-inspiring scenery is on view through the picture windows. Whilst dinner is usually at anchor, breakfast and lunch are often served en route to our next destination, as breathtaking landscapes roll by.
Weather permitting, light barbecues are sometimes held on deck or ashore. Hebridean picnics on some of our longer Footloose walks are said to be legendary!
Breakfasts are informal and are as healthy or as hearty as you choose with fresh fruit, home-baked breads, cooked Scottish fayre and of course, Chef’s own take on that Scottish staple (porridge), with or without a wee dram!
Our Gala Dinners are sparkling occasions, from the Champagne reception in the Tiree Lounge to a gourmet dinner – and no cruise would be complete without a traditional recital of Robert Burns’ Address to a Haggis!
Guests can choose to dine on their own, with a companion or on a larger table hosted by one of the Ship’s Officers, ideal for solo travellers
The Columba Restaurant
Guests will dine in the elegant Columba Restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The large picture windows allow guests to appreciate the awe-inspiring scenery as they dine. Guests can choose to dine on their own, with a companion, or on a larger table hosted by one of the ship’s officers. This is ideal for solo travellers and a great way to meet other guests.
Dinner is sometimes at anchor. Breakfast and lunch are often taken whilst heading to the next beautiful destination. Wherever Hebridean Princess is, food is always enjoyed alongside breathtaking landscapes.
Eating Indoors and Al Fresco
On occasion, lunch may be served al fresco on the Skye Deck and, on certain cruises, chef may take his skills ashore and produce a legendary Hebridean picnic – an extraordinary contrast to the rugged scenery in which it will be served.
After an energetic walk ashore, the comfort and homeliness of Hebridean Princess welcomes you back as though to your own home. The Tiree Lounge on the Promenade Deck offers a place to relax and mingle with others Fifty like-minded guests mix in a convivial atmosphere and create a house party mood.
Grand Gala Dinners
Regular gastronomic Gala Dinners are sparkling occasions on Hebridean Princess. From the grand cocktail reception in the Tiree Lounge to a splendid gourmet dinner in the Columba Restaurant, these are evenings to look forward to. Indeed, no cruise would be complete without a traditional recital of Robert Burns’ Address to a Haggis!
Dining on board Hebridean Princess is a gastronomic experience which guests relish. This is cruise dining at the highest level – a floating restaurant with the finest food, grandest views and best company. Book your next luxury cruise around Scotland to experience the best in hospitality and dining with Hebridean Island Cruises.
Hebridean Princess has five stunning decks, each offering something unique. The Boat Deck is where all the best views can be seen, with plenty of space to relax and soak up the scenery. The Promenade Deck holds most of the public rooms, such as the Lounge, Library and Conservatory. As well as extra space to enjoy the open air on the Skye Deck at the rear. The welcoming reception foyer and elegant fine-dining restaurant are on the Princess Deck. While the luxury cabins are located across several of the decks.
There’s so much to explore while onboard the Hebridean Princess. What’s more, Hebridean cruises are all-inclusive, which means shore visits and tours, meals and drinks and so much more are included in the fare. Take a look at all that’s included.
The Library
In the peaceful wood-panelled Library a masculine feel has been created, using leather, unique upholstery and dark woods and should a spot of solitude appeal, there is a fine selection of reference and general interest books to be enjoyed.
There are iPads in the Library and Wi-Fi access is available. The cellular system in the Highlands and Islands is somewhat patchy and reception can be irregular.
In an emergency, the ship can be reached by satellite phone, full details of which will be forwarded prior to your cruise.
The Tiree Lounge & Bar
The Tiree Lounge and bar on Promenade Deck is the social hub on board ship. Beautifully designed and filled with soft and comfortable furnishings and a warm brick inglenook fireplace, it is a cosy area to relax and enjoy afternoon tea. The Library, Conservatory and Look-Out Lounge are all located nearby, providing further space to sit with a drink and enjoy the scenery.
Look Out Lounge
The soft tones furnishing the Look-Out Lounge flow seamlessly from the colour palette in the foyer areas, creating a relaxing space to take in the stunning views.
Skye Deck
Soak up the atmosphere at the rear of the Promenade Deck, where guests can relax on the open-air Skye Deck. The Skye Bar is close at hand, serving a selection of aperitifs and cocktails. Teak tables and chairs provide ample seating to enjoy glorious vistas and al fresco refreshments.
The Conservatory
Painted, rattan furniture brings a casual feel to the Conservatory and the natural look has been complemented by the beautifully restored teak flooring. A wonderfully calm space to enjoy the scenery.
Shop
There is a wee shop on board selling a bespoke range of gifts and mementos. We support British designer makers and the majority of our items are made in the UK.
Hebridean Princess has a small gym located on the Waterfront Deck. There is also a selection of bicycles for use when exploring ashore.
The Gym
Located on the Waterfront Deck, the ship's small gym is equipped with an exercise cycle, treadmill and rowing machine.
Please note that there are no facilities available for children.
Unlike most cruise ships, a Hebridean Princess cruise includes all shore visits. From cultural to historical, serious walking and biking to simply strolling around the bay, the opportunities to experience the peace are endless.
On most days Hebridean Princess berths or anchors in different locations both morning and afternoon, whilst the ship’s tenders are on hand to operate a shuttle service ashore. Manned by our experienced able-bodied seamen, they are always ready to offer a friendly word of reassurance and a steadying hand. Should you choose to wander at will, the small boats are always available to transport you back on board if the yearning for a glass of something or chef’s afternoon tea prove too hard to resist.
Some of the islands we visit are so off the beaten track that no landing place is available. We will then use our special beach landing craft for an exciting chance to wander an uninhabited island or headland.
Our long-standing connections in this remote corner of the kingdom enable us to arrange visits to privately owned castles and gardens, with an opportunity to talk to the owners and enjoy the different dimension of a visit that is utterly personal.
A highly knowledgeable and experienced guide, with three guides on our Footloose walking itineraries, will accompany your visits ashore. Whether exploring remote islands and historic sites, or simply taking in the magnificent scenery on board, you will appreciate their knowledge and insight of the spectacular areas through which Hebridean Princess cruises. The guide’s evening talk is a convivial get-together in the lounge after dinner – and an ideal opportunity to relax over coffee or a digestif and mingle, whilst learning more of the tantalizing places to come.
In addition to our usual range of activities, the more adventurous can enjoy speedboat rides, fishing trips or cycling ashore on the ship’s bikes, all of which can be arranged on request.
Cruise Guides
A highly knowledgeable and experienced guide will accompany guests on visits ashore. On Footloose walking itineraries, there will be three guides. This includes exploring remote islands on cruises to St. Kilda, viewing historic sites or simply taking in the magnificent scenery. Guests will soon appreciate their knowledge and insight into the spectacular areas through which Hebridean Princess cruises.
The guide’s after-dinner talk is a convivial get-together in the Tiree Lounge. So this is an ideal opportunity to relax over a coffee or digestif and learn more of the tantalising places to come.
Shore Visits
Hebridean Princess is only occasionally alongside and often anchors offshore. Her two small boats regularly make landings. Named after two west coast islands, Shona and Sanda, they regularly make landings for guests.
Our able-bodied seamen man these boats. They are always ready to offer a friendly word of reassurance and a steadying hand. Above all, they are only too happy to help guests get ashore and back again.
Bicycles
The ship carries a selection of bicycles for guests to use ashore and explore independently.
Extra Activities
At no extra charge, your holiday can be made even more enjoyable with fishing trips and speedboat rides, which can be arranged on request.
Themed Cruises
If you are bewitched by wildlife, inspired by Scottish food and drink or fascinated by history and architecture then one of our specially themed itineraries may appeal to you.
FOOD AND DRINK
Scotland is celebrated for some of the most mouth-watering cuisine throughout the world and our gastronomic cruises will introduce you to some of the finest restaurants in the Western Isles. Visiting renowned distilleries in the Hebrides, we taste some of the rich malt whiskies for which the area is world-famous.
FOOTLOOSE WALKING
There is no better way to experience the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands and Islands than on a Footloose walking cruise. Exploring on foot far off the beaten track, often to places only accessible from the sea, is the ultimate escape from the pressures and cares of the everyday world.
GARDENS
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 AND HERITAGE
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
The Hebrides and the Northern Isles are some of the last untouched natural landscapes in Europe, and 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 popular bird watching destinations as well as the perfect place for marine wildlife spotting.
GOLF
As the home of golf, Scotland can justifiably boast some of Britain’s best courses and our unique golfers and non-golfers itinerary features some of the ‘hidden gems’!
Guest Speakers
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS ON HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS
Selected cruises welcome specially chosen expert speakers. They bring Scotland’s history and culture to life with passion and in-depth knowledge.
Experience the rich history, culture and taste of Scotland with expert cruise speakers who can bring this beautiful country to life. On selected cruises, Hebridean Princess welcomes guest speakers, hand-picked for their in-depth knowledge, who love nothing more than sharing their passion for Scotland. The enrichment of discovery and thrill of knowledge put these cruises in a category of their own.
ENRICHING GUEST SPEAKERS ACCOMPANY SELECTED CRUISES TO HELP YOU GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR VOYAGE
Our guest speaker and themed cruises always prove extremely popular. To avoid disappointment, book an expert cruise on Hebridean Princess today.
Scotland's Wildlife
While relaxing on the Boat Deck, look out for wildlife around Scotland’s coast. Ranging from beautiful eagles and ospreys to majestic deer and sunbathing seals. There’s always something to see!
Ensuring the continued safety and success of wildlife in Scotland is important to Hebridean Island Cruises. That’s why since 2012, we have been working to raise funds for UK marine conservation charity, Sea-Changers. To date, Hebridean Princess guests have donated over £30,000. We have also agreed to match fund every donation made by guests, effectively doubling the contributions. 100% of funds raised by Hebridean Island Cruises will continue to support marine conservation projects. Sea-Changers has been able to award more marine conservation grants across the UK, which over the years have enabled a vast range of vital marine conservation activity. Much of this takes place in and around the Scottish Hebrides. For more information visit the Sea-Changers website.
Wildlife Guides
For those bewitched by nature, our themed wildlife itineraries are a magical experience. The Hebrides’ untouched natural landscapes are home to some of the finest wildlife in the world. The islands are also a popular bird watching destination, as well as the prefect place for marine wildlife spotting. There are a limited number of binoculars on board for loan, but guests may wish to bring their own.
Selected Hebridean Princess cruises offer guest speakers to inform guests, helping to bring the itinerary to life. Our on board speakers are chosen because they are among the best authorities in their field, enriching voyages with insider knowledge.
Belmond Royal Scotsman Experience
A BELMOND ROYAL SCOTSMAN AND HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS EXPERIENCE
Travel with sophistication on one of Scotland’s most beautiful and elegant trains. Hebridean Princess and Belmond Royal Scotsman together offer the ultimate luxury tour of Scotland. Combine an unforgettable train journey on the Royal Scotsman and a stay in Edinburgh at the 5-star Balmoral Hotel (where required) before embarking on a luxury cruise with Hebridean Princess. Guests can also enjoy a chauffeur-driven transfer to or from the Balmoral Hotel or Hebridean’s courtesy coach, on the day of cruise embarkation or disembarkation.
BE INSPIRED BY SCOTTISH LANDSCAPES
Graceful and intimate, the Royal Scotsman cuts a grand swathe through the Scottish countryside. It is the height of luxury train travel – opulent carriages, first-class service and landscapes that have inspired artists throughout the centuries. This, combined with a boutique cruise on the elegant Hebridean Princess, visiting Scotland’s spectacular Highlands and islands, creates a truly unforgettable experience.
LUXURY TRAIN EXPERIENCE
The Royal Scotsman embarks from Edinburgh on a 2 to 4 night adventure through the Scottish Highlands. There is excellent attention to detail paid to every part of the train throughout its ten stunning carriages. Only 40 guests travel through Scotland’s finest countryside in its private cabins at any one time. This is what ensures the train crew can offer personal and undivided attention.
There are glorious views from every window. But to get really close to the scenery and feel the bracing air, head to the open deck observation carriage. Find a sofa or armchair and watch the Highland glens and villages race by. With a coffee or a dram of whisky in hand, this is the perfect way to spend time with friends, family and new acquaintances.
Scotlands Wildlife
While relaxing on the Boat Deck, look out for wildlife around Scotland’s coast. Ranging from beautiful eagles and ospreys to majestic deer and sunbathing seals. There’s always something to see!
Ensuring the continued safety and success of wildlife in Scotland is important to Hebridean Island Cruises. That’s why since 2012, we have been working to raise funds for UK marine conservation charity, Sea-Changers. To date, Hebridean Princess guests have donated over £30,000. We have also agreed to match fund every donation made by guests, effectively doubling the contributions. 100% of funds raised by Hebridean Island Cruises will continue to support marine conservation projects. Sea-Changers has been able to award more marine conservation grants across the UK, which over the years have enabled a vast range of vital marine conservation activity. Much of this takes place in and around the Scottish Hebrides. For more information visit the Sea-Changers website.