In 2009, All Leisure Group purchased Hebridean International Cruises and changed the name to Hebridean Island Cruises. However, in 2017 the company went back to being privately owned. It is indeed a luxury, all-inclusive cruise experience.
Ships: 2 (one owned , one chartered)
How Many Passengers: 50 and 90 passengers
Personality: The ship is small, so passengers get to know each other (and the crew) quite well throughout the journey. Spaces are cozy, elegant, and home-like, with patterned upholstery and curtains as well as wood furnishings throughout. Her Majesty The Queen has even chartered Hebridean Princess – twice.
Fellow Passengers: The cruise line is popular with upper class British folk, so onboard you’ll find mostly British passengers who are well-educated and have high-paying jobs.
Cabins: Hebridean Princess has cabins with mostly outside views, and includes some solo staterooms and a one suite onboard, too. Cabins vary in size and decor, but all have robes, flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee-making stations, traditional wooden furniture, and photos on the walls. Royal Crown, the charter, has all outside cabins with portholes, with a few categories to choose from. Each cabin includes robes, satellite television, wooden and brass furniture, and classical paintings on the walls.
Dining: Meals are served in the ship’s dining room, using locally sourced ingredients as much as possible. Breakfast is usually a buffet, and lunch is either a buffet or full-service meal depending on the day’s activities. Dinner is a full-service four or five course meal. Weather permitting, sometimes an outdoor barbecue is held on the ship or ashore.
Amenities: Bicycles to use ashore, complimentary wifi, a sun deck, musicians, and expert enrichment speakers.
Best For: Those looking for an intimate, laid-back atmosphere.
Included Alcohol: Wine, beer, and spirits are all included.
Gratuities: Included
Where They Go: The Rhine River, Northern Ireland, and the following Scottish island regions: Outer Hebrides, Inner Hebrides, Northern Isles, and and the Firth of Clyde Islands
