Heading north our voyage takes us to the contrasting worlds of Orkney and Shetland. Nordic in culture and heritage these archipelagos are separated from mainland Scotland by the Pentland Firth. Ruled by the Scandinavian crown until 1468 they are distinctly different and full of hidden gems.
From Oban we round the most westerly point of the British mainland and sail through the Sound of Sleat and Kyle Rhea to stretch our legs on the Isle of Raasay. Cruising the scenic coast of Sutherland we appreciate the colourful displays at Inverewe Garden, with a majestic setting on the water’s edge of Loch Ewe. Rounding Cape Wrath, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area for birds, we steam the north coast to Scrabster from where we visit the Castle of Mey, providing HRH The Duke of Rothesay is not in residence.
Orkney beckons and we observe the islands’ neolithic history at the pre-historic village of Skara Brae. We enjoy a tour of the island of Sanday with a local ranger, before landing on Fair Isle where our options are the bird observatory or South Lighthouse. Sailing for the most northerly point of Great Britain, the sub-arctic archipelago of Shetland, our port of call is Lerwick to explore the Shetland Museum and the restored lighthouse buildings and bird observatory at Sumburgh Head.
Returning to Orkney the spectacular Vat of Kirbister at Stronsay beckons en-route to the mainland and the local heritage museum at Wick. We reflect on our Orcadian adventure as our voyage concludes in Invergordon.
There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.
Hebridean Princess
| Passengers:Crew ratio | 1:1 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 48 passengers |
Hebridean Princess carries a maximum of just 50 guests and has an enviable reputation for exceptional service, fine food and wine and the very warm welcome extended by a dedicated crew of 38. She has thirty spacious, elegant and well-appointed cabins, 10 designed especially for the single traveller.
The crew take great pleasure in sharing their local knowledge with the passengers, and in introducing them to some of the most striking locations in the British Isles. Romantic castles; tranquil, spectacular lochs; wide open spaces and seldom-visited anchorages. Some cruises cater for most walking abilities with a range of guided walks in the hills and mountains, seashores and lochs, with the promise of a nip of whisky and a fine and hearty meal back on board.
The Highlands and Islands of Scotland, her lochs and remote mainland areas are all accessible from the luxurious comfort of Hebridean Princess.
The Hebridean Princess was purpose-built for Scotland’s Western Isles and 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.
