Diamond Anniversary Cruise

Tuesday 12th to Tuesday 19th March

On the 12th March 1964, MV Columba was launched at the Hall Russell yard in Aberdeen by Lady Craigton, and was relaunched as Hebridean Princess in 1989. Join her Diamond Anniversary celebrations as she explores the lochs and isles of the Firth of Clyde and the highlights of the Kintyre peninsula.

Tuesday 12th March

When all guests had safely embarked at the Ocean Terminal, Greenock, we set sail for our overnight anchorage in Rothesay Bay.

Wednesday 13th March

The first port of call on our anniversary cruise was Rothesay, Isle of Bute, for a morning visit to Mount Stuart House, the flamboyant Neo-Gothic mansion, testament to the 3rd Marquess of Bute.

After lunch, Little Cumbrae played host to afternoon walks ashore.

We anchored overnight in Lamlash Bay, off the Isle of Arran.

Thursday 14th March

South to Troon where Culzean Castle Estate played host to our morning visit. Grandiosely transformed in the 1770’s by the great Robert Adam, the castle has since been restored by the National Trust for Scotland.

Guests visited the humble cottage where Robert Burns was born and spent the first years of his life. The museum now houses more than 5,000 Burns artefacts including handwritten manuscripts – a celebration of the enduring legacy of Scotland’s national poet.

We anchored overnight off Ayr.

Friday 15th March

We spent this morning cruising, circumnavigating the granite islet of Ailsa Craig. Uninhabited and home to a large gannet breeding colony, Ailsa Craig is famed for the blue honed granite used for curling stones.

After lunch we cruised around the picturesque, privately owned Sanda Island before arriving in Campbeltown where guests enjoyed free time ashore and we remained overnight.

Saturday 16th March

A tour of the Springbank Distillery allowed guests to discover each step of the whisky making process and taste a wee dram.

Following lunch on board, the afternoon was spent visiting the ruined Cistercian monastery of Saddell Abbey and Westport Beach on the Kintyre Peninsula.

We anchored overnight in Lower Loch Fyne.

Sunday 17th March

On the Cowal Peninsula, Portavadie offered refreshing morning walks ashore.

Tighnabruaich played host to afternoon walks to the view point for views of the Kyles of Bute. Welcome drinks were served on the jetty.

We anchored overnight in Holy Loch.

Monday 18th March

Our final visit was the magnificent mountainside setting of Benmore Botanic Gardens.

Guests spent a relaxing afternoon on board cruising Loch Long and Loch Goil on passage towards our overnight anchorage off Greenock where the Farewell Gala Dinner was held.