Logs
The breathtaking beauty of Scotland’s islands is beyond compare and the contrasting geology and customs among the islands make each one unique. The Outer Hebrides are possibly the most magical and unspoiled of all the islands around the coast of mainland Britain. Join us to discover their best-kept secrets.
Tuesday 23rd June
The voyage began in Oban, where passengers embarked beneath the familiar grey-green hills of Argyll. As evening settled over the water, Hebridean Princess slipped quietly away to drop anchor in Bloody Bay, sheltered in the lee of the Isle of Mull — a dramatic introduction to the cruising grounds ahead.
Wednesday 24th June
Morning brought a gentle passage across the Sea of the Hebrides, the ship rolling softly westward towards the Outer Hebrides. In the Tiree Lounge, travel journalist Simon Calder gave the first of his talks, drawing a full house.
The afternoon rewarded guests with a beach landing on Vatersay — one of Scotland’s most southerly inhabited islands — where walks along its sweeping white-sand beaches proved a particular highlight. The ship anchored overnight in the sheltered waters off the Isle of Eriskay.
The Welcome Gala Dinner was held this evening.
Thursday 25th June
The morning brought a call at Lochboisdale, South Uist, from where guests crossed to the Isle of Eriskay — a small, intimate island with a remarkable history. Lunch was served at Carinish Village Hall, a warm and convivial affair before the afternoon’s excursion to Barpa Langass, a well-preserved Neolithic chambered cairn, and the nearby stone circle of Pobull Fhinn. Hebridean Princess then sailed north to Lochmaddy, where all guests rejoined before the ship settled for the night at anchor off Vatersay.
Friday 26th June
Tarbert on the Isle of Harris was the morning’s destination, with a tour taking in the jewel of the itinerary: Rodel Church, the finest medieval building in the Outer Hebrides, its carved stonework astonishing in its detail.
The afternoon brought a very different spectacle — the ship anchored off the Shiant Isles, those remote and precipitous columns of basalt that are home to one of the UK’s great seabird colonies. Puffins, guillemots and razorbills crowded every ledge. By evening, Hebridean Princess had berthed alongside in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, and guests gathered in the Lounge for entertainment after dinner.
Saturday 27th June
A full day ashore on Lewis. The morning was devoted to the Callanish Standing Stones — ancient, haunting and utterly arresting in the Hebridean light — and the impressive Dun Carloway Broch, its double-walled tower still standing to remarkable height after two thousand years.
The afternoon offered a choice: the absorbing collections of Lews Castle Museum, or simply the pleasure of wandering Stornoway at leisure. The ship anchored overnight off Portree, Isle of Skye.
Sunday 28th June
Portree’s colourful harbour frontage greeted guests on a bright Skye morning, with a coach laid on for those wishing to visit Dunvegan Castle — seat of the MacLeod chiefs and home to the legendary Fairy Flag.
The afternoon passage was one of the cruise’s scenic treats: threading under the Skye Bridge, navigating the swift tidal narrows of Kyle Rhea, then gliding past the Small Isles — Rum, Eigg and Muck receding astern as the ship found her overnight anchorage in the peaceful waters of Loch na Dal. Simon Calder gave the second of his talks during the afternoon.
Monday 29th June
The charming fishing port of Tobermory on Mull — its painted houses reflected in the bay — occupied the morning, with guests free to explore the town’s galleries, distillery and waterfront.
The afternoon belonged to Lunga: local boats ferried guests to view the nesting puffins.
The farewell gala dinner was held at anchor in Charlotte Bay off the Isle of Kerrera.
Tuesday 30th June
Hebridean Princess returned to Oban, completing a circuit of the Western Isles that had taken her guests from ancient standing stones to seabird cliffs, from island village halls to one of Scotland’s grandest castles. Disembarkation brought the voyage to a close — the Hebrides, as ever, leaving their mark.
