03-08-2025
Five essential things to know before you board a Hebridean Island Cruises ship
Hebridean Princess is one of cruising's most unusual ships. Under its previous name, Columba, it was commissioned by the Ministry of Defence in 1964 as a floating nuclear bunker for VIPs during the Cold War, then used as a car ferry before being converted to carry overnight passengers. Even then, there was still some vehicle space, so guests could drive around the islands it visited.
In its present form, as a cruise ship for 48 passengers, it was chartered twice by the late Queen for royal holidays. The 28 cabins, spread over four of the five decks, are named after Scottish landmarks. There's a brick inglenook fireplace in the lounge and a Welsh dresser with plates in a corridor, enhancing the atmosphere of a laird's country house at sea.
As well as the Columba restaurant, the ship has a small library, two bars and a shop. In 2020, Hebridean Island Cruises, headquartered in Yorkshire, acquired Lord of the Glens – now mainly chartered out to groups – followed a year later by Lord of the Highlands.
Prices for a week start at £2,670pp and can top £14,000 for the best cabin on Hebridean Princess at the height of the season; however, fares include drinks, tips and excursions.
1. Where does Hebridean Island Cruises sail?
From its home port of Oban, just over a three-hour train ride, or 100-mile road journey from Glasgow, Hebridean Princess visits the Inner Hebrides, such as Skye and Mull – with its colourful capital Tobermory – and smaller islands including Rum, Islay and Iona.
Other itineraries take it to the Outer Hebrides islands of Lewis, and Harris, or as far as the remote archipelago of St Kilda. Heading north-east the ship also offers calls to Orkney and Shetland or goes down to Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, Wales, the Channel Islands and Isles of Scilly, or the south coast of England and northern France. Some 'surprise' cruises are left to the captain's choice of favourite destinations.
Lord of the Glens and Lord of the Highlands are both small enough to head inland to the Caledonian Canal and Great Glen, sailing between Inverness and Fort William. Excursions include the Culloden battlefield and Clava Cairns – the inspiration for the Outlander time travel series – before a cruise along Loch Ness and through the magnificent flight of eight locks known as Neptune's Staircase.
However, the two ships also head into open water as far as the Inner Hebrides and the west coast, often passing what is regarded as one of the most picturesque Scottish castles, Eilean Donan. Lord of the Highlands also sails as far as Orkney.
On all three ships, expect plenty of excursions to do with history, whisky and Scottish produce, including cheese, oysters and honey. You may get the chance to call into the most remote pub on the British mainland, The Old Forge at Inverie, or enjoy a champagne reception at Duart Castle, the seat of Clan Maclean.
Some itineraries include specialist speakers on subjects including gardens, music and the local wildlife, such as red deer, seals and seabirds.
2. Who does Hebridean Island Cruises appeal to?
The line's average age is 75, with 95 per cent coming from the UK. The rest are American, Canadian, New Zealanders and Europeans. They are loyal, too, with 70 per cent of passengers having sailed with the line before.
This is slow travel, with occasional itinerary changes due to weather, but many customers come along primarily for the journey, the food and the company. They're also the sort of people who think a minimum of £5,340 for a couple on a week-long cruise in or around Scotland is good value for the high standard of service and quality of locally sourced ingredients on board.
If you're the kind of cruiser who enjoys a theatre, casino, spa or a laundry service, this definitely isn't for you – although walkers will enjoy the island stops and photographers will revel in the changing scenery and abundant wildlife.
Hebridean Princess also has bicycles on board for those wishing to explore on two wheels. People-watching and getting to know your fellow passengers on these small ships is fascinating – organised entertainment is limited to the occasional visit from musicians and country dancers.
Children under 12 are not allowed to sail.
3. The fleet
Hebridean Princess (48 passengers)
This sturdy cruise ship is the only one ever to have received a royal warrant and celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024. Although fitted with 21st-century technology, the vessel still boasts its Manchester-made machinery and preserves an engine order telegraph communications device on it. Tartan furnishings and a small decanter of complimentary whisky in each cabin help preserve the Scottish spirit. Even the porridge is offered 'with a wee dram should you wish'.
Sails to
Inner and Outer Hebrides, West Coast of Scotland, Orkney and Shetland, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Wales, Channel Isles, Isles of Scilly, south coast of England, Northern France.
Lord of the Glens (50 passengers)
The royal yacht Britannia, now moored as a tourist attraction at Leith, near Edinburgh, gave the inspiration for the ship's refurbishment from an Aegean Sea ferry when it belonged to the magnificently named Magna Carta Steam Ship Company. Now part of the Hebridean Island Cruises fleet, Lord of the Glens is not often on general sale, but is mainly used for groups and charters. The upper deck is the social hub of the ship, with a bar, lounge and outside terraces.
Sails to
Caledonian Canal and Great Glen, Inner Hebrides, West Coast of Scotland
Lord of the Highlands (38 passengers)
This very Scottish-looking ship is a long way from home, having started life in 2012 as a ferry that carried up to 700 passengers between Greece and Turkey. It took three years to convert to its current use. The upper deck has a restaurant, bar and lounge with panoramic windows, and an outdoor bow balcony. Twelve cabins sit on the same level as the bridge below. The lowest deck includes a suite with windows to both port and starboard.
Sails to
Caledonian Canal and Great Glen, Inner Hebrides, West Coast of Scotland, Orkney
4. Loyalty scheme
The line does not run a loyalty scheme, however loyalty savings up to 5 per cent are available for regular guests at certain times of the year.
5. Access for guests with disabilities
None of the ships are accessible – there are no lifts and no adapted rooms. Going ashore from Hebridean Princess when the ship itself is unable to dock is by one of the two boats, Shona and Sanda, or a beach landing by zodiac inflatable.
