A TRULY UNIQUE SHIP: HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS

A Truly Unique Ship: Hebridean Princess

Large blue and white ship docked in a harbor town at dusk, buildings with lit windows in the background.

Amy’s Experience Onboard

Amy was recently lucky enough to experience three nights onboard the unique Hebridean Princess, the world’s smallest luxury ship, sailing from Greenock to Campbeltown – here’s her review.

When we talk about travel, we often talk about ‘must-see’ or ‘bucket-list’ countries. For me, Hebridean Princess has been a ‘bucket-list’ ship for the last ten years or so. A former MacBrayne car ferry and Royal Mail Ship, she has since been transformed into an all-inclusive luxury ship boasting a country club atmosphere, with a wonderful reputation for being utterly unique. Her reputation is so well respected, she has even been chartered by the Queen twice for private family holidays.

A bagpiper in kilt stands on dock near a cruise ship, likely welcoming passengers.

Warm Welcome in Greenock

We were met at Glasgow Airport for the transfer to Greenock, where we were greeted warmly by the ship’s Chief Purser, Bobby, and a kilt-wearing bagpipe player. I was shown to my cabin, The Sound of Sleat, one of ten single cabins on the starboard side of the Waterfront Deck.

Hebridean Princess has capacity for just fifty guests, including ten singles and twenty couples, attentively looked after by 38 members of crew. The exceptionally small guest numbers, the attentive and friendly crew, and the ship’s charmingly quaint country-house-hotel décor all combined to create an incredibly friendly and intimate atmosphere.

Cozy bedroom with a small bed, desk, armchair, and window with curtains. Earth-tone color scheme.

A Delightful Surprise

I had wondered what the guests onboard might be like, but my assumptions were soon overturned. The night before my trip I was so excited I could barely sleep, but I worried that perhaps I had put Hebridean Princess on too high a pedestal. Would the guests be snooty, or perhaps dozing off in lounge chairs?

I need not have feared. The guests were inclusive, lively, and in many cases fitter and more active than I am. There was a genuine sense of camaraderie that developed naturally thanks to the small guest numbers, the lack of cabin keys which created trust, and the shared interests of the guests – many of whom were whisky enthusiasts, fitting perfectly with the Spirit of Scotland cruise theme.

Spirit of Scotland Cruise Highlights

Hill House or Glengoyne Distillery

From Greenock we cruised across to Rhu, where guests could choose between a tour of Hill House in Helensburgh or a visit to Glengoyne Distillery. Hill House, built between 1902 and 1904 for publisher Walter Blackie, is considered one of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s masterpieces. Like many others, I chose the distillery tour, where I learnt about the whisky-making process and blended my own whisky from five different cask-strength samples.

Later that afternoon, we cruised across Loch Striven while guest lecturer Charles McLean gave a fascinating talk on whisky appreciation.

Rothesay and Mount Stuart House

Our next destination was Rothesay, where guests could visit Mount Stuart House, ancestral home of the Marquesses of Bute. This Gothic Revival masterpiece was designed in the 1870s for the 3rd Marquess of Bute. Some guests preferred a stroll around the town or even a bicycle ride.

Isle of Arran

On the Isle of Arran, guests had a choice between touring the distillery or exploring Brodick, where we also stopped at a local cheese factory. Our onboard guide, John Harbour, purchased cheese for that evening’s dinner and entertained us with a story of 19th-century intrigue.

Lake with mountains, stone castle ruins, and a bench in a scenic Scottish landscape.

Remote Sanda Island

One of the highlights was visiting the remote and deserted island of Sanda. Once home to a pub and hotel, now derelict, it also features the ruins of St Ninian’s Chapel. On the other side of the rugged island, a lighthouse and a lively colony of seals awaited. Too small and remote for most ships, this was a truly special experience.

Man in kilt holds bear, smiling at lighthouse on a cliff, overcast day.

Final Stop: Campbeltown

Campbeltown was sadly my final stop before transferring to the airport. I can honestly say I have never felt so sad to leave a ship.

Expert Guidance and Enrichment

Our onboard guide was John Harbour, ex-Royal Navy and now a Blue Badge guide. Although he promised never to return to sea, the charms of Hebridean Princess lured him back, and he now guides several cruises each year. His knowledge and passion, particularly about Mary, Queen of Scots, enriched the whole experience.

Boat sailing on a blue lake with mountains in the background on a sunny day.

Service That Exceeds Expectations

Onboard, you’re incredibly well looked after by the crew – just short of being tucked up in bed and sung to sleep. For Bobby, the Chief Purser, this is exactly what makes Hebridean Princess so special: “Everybody, everybody, onboard looks after every guest, including even the able seamen. It’s a case of everybody just thoroughly enjoys being onboard and working for Hebridean, and just working with all the guests that come onboard, who are just so delightful.”

The attention to detail is wonderful, and there is a genuine sense of teamwork among the crew. Their pride in their work shines through, and their happiness in their roles creates an atmosphere that feels both warm and effortless. Bobby, who has worked on and off with Hebridean Princess since 2008, explained: “It’s just a lovely place to work, all the guests and all the staff onboard ship are just so pleasant to work with, and just so professional in their outlook. It’s a real pleasure dealing with all guests onboard ship, because they really are genuinely very, very, very nice people.”

A waitress serves a drink to an elderly man, seated with others in a cabin overlooking a scenic landscape.

Dining Onboard Hebridean Princess

Culinary Highlights

Robert Burns may have written a poem to a pudding, but I could happily dedicate an epic saga to the food onboard Hebridean Princess. My favourites included a crab salad with avocado ice cream, and pan-roasted wild sea bass with ragout of mussels and champagne pomme dauphine on gala night.

Traditional Touches

Breakfast menus included porridge – served with a wee dram, of course, and a gala evening where you can Toast the Haggis!

Man in kilt serves a haggis platter in a restaurant, people applaud.

The Ship Herself - Hebridean Princess

Hebridean Princess may not have all the bells and whistles of larger modern ships – there are no waterparks, multiple restaurants, or Broadway shows – but she offers something far more valuable: old-world charm and authenticity. From the welcoming Tiree Lounge with its fireplace to the conservatory filled with flowers, every detail reflects warmth and character.

Her décor features subtle Scottish touches, from tartan to Harris tweed. She is purpose-built to explore these waters, and her intimate size allows her to call at destinations other ships cannot.

Cozy lounge with floral sofas, brick fireplace, and a scenic view of the water and mountains.

Why Hebridean Princess is Exceptional

For me, Hebridean Princess epitomises what makes a cruise truly memorable: attentive and friendly staff, exquisite food, and unique destinations. It is no surprise that the ship has one of the highest repeat guest rates in cruising.

The only negative? My experience ended far too soon. There are simply not enough superlatives to describe this flawless voyage.