
Hebridean Princess
Scottish Island Cruises on Hebridean Princess
Hebridean Princess is a beautiful and elegant ship. She has captured the hearts of thousands of guests for more than thirty years. As one of the smallest luxury cruise ships afloat, she is able to access places larger ships simply cannot reach. Launched in 1989, Hebridean Princess embarks on all-inclusive cruises from Oban around Scotland and beyond. She is constantly maintained to an exceedingly high standard and accommodates just 48 guests. Hebridean Princess truly is a home-from home-experience.
Good for
Fine Dining, Included Shore Visits, Bicycles Available, Gratuities Included, Engaging Entertainment
What to expect from Hebridean Princess
Overview
Welcome to the small luxury cruise ship, Hebridean Princess. Purpose-built for Scotland’s Western Isles, she was launched as a cruise ship by Hebridean Island Cruises in 1989. Sailing mainly from her home port of Oban, Hebridean Princess glides serenely through the water. Her small size means she has access to the remotest islands, lochs and bays beyond the reach of larger vessels. Hebridean Princess perfectly complements the wildly beautiful Scottish scenery. Carrying a maximum of 48 passengers, fellow guests soon become friends. Cruise the Hebrides in unrivalled comfort with the refined service of a floating country house.
Home-From-Home
The on board welcome is always warm, where the congenial atmosphere of a country house party is abound. Here, old friends unite and new acquaintances are quickly made. The unaccompanied need never feel alone. At the same time, guests are free to enjoy the luxury of their own private space whenever they choose.
Accommodation
At sea, comfortable personal space is the greatest luxury. Most cabins on board Hebridean Princess have ocean views through the picture windows or twin-opening portholes. Sumptuous bed linen, plush mattresses and indulgent down or hypoallergenic duvets and pillows aid restful sleep. Fluffy towels and full sized baths or refreshing showers add to the sense of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Four cabins with private balconies offer uninterrupted views of soothing surf and endless horizons, daydreaming in your own teak steamer chair with your favourite tipple. The Isle of Arran suite has a large private sitting room, perfect for entertaining old friends or new, or just curling up with a good book. Amost one third of cabins are dedicated to solo travellers.
Isle of Arran Suite
The ship’s largest luxury cabin, the Isle of Arran Suite, is located on the port side of the Princess Deck and, as all windows are on the ship’s side, privacy is assured. It comprises a large, separate day room, a spacious bedroom and a well-equipped bathroom with bath and separate walk-in shower. The bedroom contains a king-size bed, which can be re-arranged as twins, generous wardrobes, drawers, dressing table and a second television.
Isle of Barra
The Isle of Barra is located on the port side, forward on the Princess Deck. The balcony, which affords total privacy as it cannot be overlooked from the ship, is fitted with teak tables and chairs, in order for you to enjoy the magnificent scenery. The bathroom is generous in size with a full-size bath and a thermostatic shower.
Isle of Benbecula
The Isle of Benbecula is located on the starboard side, forward on the Princess Deck. The balcony, which affords total privacy as it cannot be overlooked from the ship, is fitted with teak tables and chairs, in order for you to enjoy the magnificent scenery. The bathroom is generous in size with a full-size bath and a thermostatic shower.
Isle of Coll
Located on the same deck as Reception and the Columba Restaurant, this roomy, forward-facing cabin, at the forward end of the Princess Deck, is fitted with three large picture windows offering excellent views ahead over the bows. The king-size bed can be rearranged as twins. A well deck, some 40 feet (12m) in length, between the cabin and the forecastle, ensures privacy. A large bathroom, which features a full-size bath with a thermostatic shower.
Isle of Colonsay
Located on the same deck as Reception and the Columba Restaurant, this roomy, forward-facing cabin, at the forward end of the Princess Deck, is fitted with three large picture windows offering excellent views ahead over the bows. The king-size bed can be rearranged as twins. A well deck, some 40 feet (12m) in length, between the cabin and the forecastle, ensures privacy. A large bathroom, which features a full-size bath with a thermostatic shower.
Isle of Muck
This popular, double-bedded cabin, located on the starboard side of the Princess Deck, has three full-size picture windows, which afford superb views and give the room a bright, airy feel. Private facilities include a thermostatic shower.
Isle of Berneray
The roomy Isle of Berneray is situated on the starboard side, towards the after end of the Promenade Deck. The private balcony in this cabin ensures total privacy as it cannot be overlooked from the ship, and with teak tables and chairs, it is the perfect place to sit back, relax and take in the breathtaking landscapes. This cabin contains a king-size bed, which can be rearranged as twins. The bathroom is generous in size with a full-size bath and a thermostatic shower.
Isle of Bute
The roomy Isle of Bute is situated on the port side, towards the after end of the Promenade Deck. The private balcony in this cabin ensures total privacy as it cannot be overlooked from the ship, and with teak tables and chairs, it is the perfect place to sit back, relax and take in the breathtaking landscapes. This cabin contains a king-size bed, which can be rearranged as twins. The bathroom is generous in size with a full-size bath and a thermostatic shower.
Isle of Danna
A roomy cabin that is in great demand, the Isle of Danna is tucked into a quiet corner on the port side of the Princess Deck. It contains a king-size bed, which can be converted into twin beds, and two comfortable chairs from which to enjoy panoramic views through full-size picture windows. Charming private facilities include a thermostatic shower.
Isle of Staffa
Situated on the starboard side of the Promenade Deck, towards the after end of the ship, this superb cabin is fitted with a comfortable king-size bed, convertible into twins. Large picture windows are perfect for watching the landscape unfold. The spacious bathroom contains a full-size bath with a thermostatic shower.
Duart Castle
This roomy, elegant cabin on the Waterfront Deck is connected by a flight of stairs to the Princess Deck, offering easy access to the embarkation area on the same level for the small boats when going ashore. The cabin is fitted with two opening portholes and a forward-facing porthole. It features a spacious bathroom with a full-size bath and a separate walk-in shower.Isle of Iona
Situated on the port side of the Promenade Deck, towards the after end of the ship, this superb cabin is fitted with a comfortable king-size bed, convertible into twins. Large picture windows are perfect for watching the landscape unfold. The spacious bathroom contains a full-size bath with a thermostatic shower.Torosay Castle
This roomy, elegant cabin on the Waterfront Deck is connected by a flight of stairs to the Princess Deck, offering easy access to the embarkation area on the same level for the small boats when going ashore. The cabin is fitted with two opening portholes. It features a spacious bathroom with a full-size bath and a separate walk-in shower.
Kinloch Castle
This roomy, elegant cabin on the Waterfront Deck is connected by a flight of stairs to the Princess Deck, offering easy access to the embarkation area on the same level for the small boats when going ashore. The cabin is fitted with two opening portholes. It features a spacious bathroom with a full-size bath and a separate walk-in shower.Ardvreck Castle
This elegant double bedded cabin on the Waterfront Deck is connected by a flight of stairs to the Princess Deck, offering easy access to the embarkation area on the same level for the small boats when going ashore. The cabin is fitted with two opening portholes. It features a spacious bathroom with a full-size bath and a thermostatic shower.Lews Castle
This elegant double bedded cabin on the Waterfront Deck is connected by a flight of stairs to the Princess Deck, offering easy access to the embarkation area on the same level for the small boats when going ashore. The cabin is fitted with two opening portholes. It features a spacious bathroom with a full-size bath and a thermostatic shower.
Sound of Islay
Situated on the starboard side of the Waterfront Deck, this is a roomy single cabin, fitted with two opening portholes. The private facilities feature a thermostatic shower. A single staircase links this room to the Princess Deck, with direct access by a flight of three steps to the embarkation area for the small boats when going ashore.Sound of Jura
Situated on the starboard side of the Waterfront Deck, this is a roomy single cabin, fitted with two opening portholes. The private facilities feature a thermostatic shower. A single staircase links this room to the Princess Deck, with direct access by a flight of three steps to the embarkation area for the small boats when going ashore.Sound of Mull
Situated on the starboard side of the Waterfront Deck, this is a roomy single cabin, fitted with two opening portholes. The private facilities feature a thermostatic shower. A single staircase links this room to the Princess Deck, with direct access by a flight of three steps to the embarkation area for the small boats when going ashore.Isle of Raasay
An excellent port-side double-bedded cabin in a quiet corner on the same level as the Tiree Lounge and the Library. This extremely comfortable cabin has open views from its window and is well-equipped with private facilities, including a thermostatic shower.
Sound of Sleat
Situated on the starboard side of the Waterfront Deck, this is a roomy single cabin, fitted with two opening portholes. The private facilities feature a thermostatic shower. A single staircase links this room to the Princess Deck, with direct access by a flight of three steps to the embarkation area for the small boats when going ashore.
Loch Crinan
This charming, interchangeable king-size or twin-bedded cabin on the port side of the Hebridean Deck is generous in size and attractively priced. Although there are no windows or portholes, fresh air is circulated day and night by the ship’s forced air ventilation system. Spacious private facilities include a thermostatic shower.Loch Harport
This charming, interchangeable king-size or twin-bedded cabin on the starboard side of the Hebridean Deck is generous in size and attractively priced. Although there are no windows or portholes, fresh air is circulated day and night by the ship’s forced air ventilation system. Spacious private facilities include a thermostatic shower.Isle of Eigg
This well-appointed cabin lies on the starboard side of the Princess Deck, enjoying good views from its windows. With a charming home-from-home feel for the single traveller, it is much in demand. The private facilities include a thermostatic shower.Isle of Rum
This well-appointed cabin lies on the starboard side of the Princess Deck, enjoying good views from its windows. With a charming home-from-home feel for the single traveller, it is much in demand. The private facilities include a thermostatic shower.Loch Torridon
This charming, interchangeable king-size or twin-bedded cabin on the port side of the Hebridean Deck is generous in size and attractively priced. Although there are no windows or portholes, fresh air is circulated day and night by the ship’s forced air ventilation system. Spacious private facilities include a thermostatic shower.
Isle of Canna
This well-appointed cabin lies on the starboard side of the Princess Deck, enjoying good views from its windows. With a charming home-from-home feel for the single traveller, it is much in demand. The private facilities include a thermostatic shower.
Loch Scavaig
This charming, well-appointed cabin, located on the starboard side of the Hebridean Deck, offers a spacious bathroom and a full-size bath with a thermostatic shower. As it is not fitted with windows or portholes, fresh air is supplied by the ship’s forced air ventilation system.Loch Buie / Loch Scavaig
This charming, well-appointed cabin, located on the starboard side of the Hebridean Deck, offers a spacious bathroom and a full-size bath with a thermostatic shower. As it is not fitted with windows or portholes, fresh air is supplied by the ship’s forced air ventilation system.
Loch Scresort
This charming cabin, located on the starboard side of the Hebridean Deck, is well-appointed and is popular with the single traveller. Fresh air is supplied by the ship’s forced air ventilation system, as this cabin does not have windows or portholes. Loch Scresort has good-sized private facilities with a thermostatic shower.
Decks
Boat Deck
- Loungers & Chairs
- Open Deck Area
- Funnel
- Guests' Forward Viewing Area
- Motor Lifeboats
Promenade Deck
- Skye Deck (open deck with table and chairs)
- Skye Bar
- Isle of Berneray
- Isle of Bute
- Isle of Iona
- Isle of Staffa
- Isle of Raasay
- Promenade Deck
- Look-Out Lounge
- Library
- Conservatory
- Tiree Bar
- Tiree Lounge
Princess Deck
- Columba Restaurant
- Shop
- Reception
- Isle of Arran Suite
- Isle of Barra
- Isle of Benbecula
- Isle of Coll
- Isle of Colonsay
- Isle of Danna
- Isle of Muck
- Isle of Canna
- Isle of Eigg
- Isle of Rum
- Viewing Balcony
Waterfront Deck
- Sound of Jura
- Sound of Sleat
- Sound of Islay
- Sound of Mull
- Ardvreck Castle
- Lews Castle
- Torosay Castle
- Kinloch Castle
- Duart Castle
- Gym equipment
- Landing stage for small boats
- Card and Games Area
Hebridean Deck
- Loch Torridon
- Loch Crinan
- Loch Scresort
- Loch Harport
Kids and Teens
Please note that there are no facilities available for children.
Gratuities
Knowing when and how much to tip can be a difficult decision, but on every
Hebridean Princess cruise all gratuities are included in your cruise fare, both on board and ashore.
Entertainment
After an energetic walk ashore, the comfort and homeliness of Hebridean Princess welcomes you back as though to your own home; and that is how we, and more importantly our guests, like to think of this unusual little ship. ‘Like home but better’ is how she is often described.
The Tiree Lounge & Bar
The Tiree Lounge, with its intimate bar, is the social focal point; beautifully designed and filled with soft armchairs and welcoming sofas providing cosy areas grouped around perhaps the most extraordinary feature of the ship – a brick inglenook fireplace!
The Library
In the peaceful wood-panelled Library a masculine feel has been created, using leather, unique upholstery and dark woods and should a spot of solitude appeal, there is a fine selection of reference and general interest books to be enjoyed.
Look Out Lounge
The soft tones furnishing the Look Out Lounge flow seamlessly from the colour palette in the foyer areas, creating a relaxing space to take in the stunning views.
The Conservatory
Painted, rattan furniture brings a casual feel to the Conservatory and the natural look has been complemented by the beautifully restored teak flooring. A wonderfully calm space to enjoy the scenery.
Boat Deck
The Boat Deck on Hebridean Princess is where the best views of Scotland can be enjoyed. Out here in the fresh air, get close to nature or savour a glass of whisky whilst absorbing the ever-changing panorama. Rugged coastlines and dramatic landscapes combine to create a dramatic backdrop to our luxury Scottish island cruises.
Skye Deck
The Skye Deck, at the aft end of the Promenade deck, offers a panoramic outdoor space to enjoy cocktails before lunch or perhaps a deck barbecue. Five individually designed and elegant cabins are also located on this deck, two with private balconies so providing intimate outdoor space to enjoy fresh air and stunning seascapes.Enrichment
Unlike most cruise ships, a Hebridean Princess cruise includes all shore visits. From cultural to historical, energetic walking and biking to simply strolling around the bay, the opportunities to experience the peace are endless.
Engaging Shore Visits
There is no need to decide in which tours and visits you would like to participate as these are all included, as are fishing trips and speedboat rides, which can be arranged on request
Bicycles
Should you wish to invigorate yourself and explore independently, why not take one of the ship’s modern bicycles ashore and enjoy the stunning scenery of the islands, many of which are traffic-free.
Going Ashore
On most days Hebridean Princess berths or anchors in different locations both morning and afternoon, whilst the ship’s tenders are on hand to operate a shuttle service ashore. Manned by our experienced able-bodied seamen, they are always ready to offer a friendly word of reassurance and a steadying hand. Should you choose to wander at will, the small boats are always available to transport you back on board if the yearning for a glass of something or chef’s afternoon tea prove too hard to resist.
Some of the islands we visit are so off the beaten track that no landing place is available. We will then use our special beach landing craft for an exciting chance to wander an uninhabited island or headland.
Our long-standing connections in this remote corner of the kingdom enable us to arrange visits to privately owned castles and gardens, with an opportunity to talk to the owners and enjoy the different dimension of a visit that is utterly personal.
A highly knowledgeable and experienced guide, with three guides on our Footloose walking itineraries and two on selected themed cruises, will accompany your visits ashore. Whether exploring remote islands and historic sites, or simply taking in the magnificent scenery on board, you will appreciate their knowledge and insight of the spectacular areas through which Hebridean Princess cruises. The guide’s evening talk is a convivial get-together in the lounge after dinner – and an ideal opportunity to relax over coffee or a digestif and mingle, whilst learning more of the tantalising places to come.
In addition to our usual range of activities, the more adventurous can enjoy speedboat rides, fishing trips or cycling ashore on the ship’s bikes, all of which can be arranged on request.
Themed Cruises
If you are bewitched by wildlife, inspired by Scottish food and drink or fascinated by history and architecture then one of our specially themed itineraries may appeal to you.
In 2026 our themed cruises will also include gardens, golf, cycling and a brand new cruise designed around lighthouses. Indulge your passion in the company of like-minded guests.
Guides and Guest Speakers
Knowledgeable guides accompany all cruises, both on board and on the tours ashore. Renowned guest speakers feature on selected cruises; passionate about their subject, these captivating orators bring each itinerary to life.
Enriching Guest Speakers
The enrichment of discovery and thrill of knowledge put Hebridean Princess cruises in a category of their own.
Hebridean Princess cruises in a category of their own.Our on board speakers are chosen precisely because they are among some of the best authorities in their field. Passionate about their subject, these captivating orators bring each cruise alive and are delighted to share their knowledge with their fellow guests – a true meeting of minds.
Knowledgeable Guides
On board Hebridean Princess and on visits ashore, we are fortunate to have an invaluable team of enthusiastic and energetic guides, all adept in their fields, whose broad knowledge of history, architecture, culture, folklore, wildlife and flora of the Scottish Highlands and Islands adds a special dimension to our cruises.
A highly knowledgeable and experienced guide accompanies guests for the duration of each cruise, with three on ‘Footloose’ walking itineraries and two on wildlife, golf and cycling cruises, always there to offer information and an occasional helping hand. Single guests can enjoy their company at dinner, when they join an Officer’s table in the Columba Restaurant. After-dinner talks outline the next day’s activities and shed fresh light on the unique regions through which we sail.
Dining
Fine dining is a vital part of the perfect cruising experience. On Hebridean Princess, we take special pride in the quality of our cuisine, prepared by expert chefs from locally sourced produce. Our wines are carefully selected to complement our varied menus.
Weather permitting, light barbecues are sometimes held on deck or ashore. Hebridean picnics on some of our longer Footloose walks are said to be legendary!
Breakfasts are informal and are as healthy or as hearty as you choose with fresh fruit, home-baked breads, cooked Scottish fayre and of course, Chef’s own take on that Scottish staple (porridge), with or without a wee dram!
Our Gala Dinners are sparkling occasions, from the Champagne reception in the Tiree Lounge to a gourmet dinner – and no cruise would be complete without a traditional recital of Robert Burns’ Address to a Haggis!
Guests can choose to dine on their own, with a companion or on a larger table hosted by one of the Ship’s Officers, ideal for solo travellers
The Columba Restaurant
Dinners and lunches are served in the elegant Columba Restaurant, where awe-inspiring scenery is on view through the picture windows. Whilst dinner is usually at anchor, breakfast and lunch are often served en route to our next destination, as breathtaking landscapes roll by.
Other Cruise Information
ClassCruise Type: ocean
Class:
Ship Size: mini
Style: classic
Operator Reference: hebridean-island-cruises
Nursery: none
Child Facilities: none
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