Hebridean International Cruises have been setting the benchmark for luxury cruising since 1989. Featuring some of the World's Finest Privately Escorted Tours, their two small, five star luxury cruise ships - Hebridean Spirit and Hebridean Princess - afford their guests the highest standards of luxury cruise ship accommodation, together with a level of service from an almost forgotten era.

Last month, Sales Consultant Wendy and her husband John sailed on Hebridean Spirit. In this feature she tells us her views and opinions of their time aboard this magnificent vessel.

Their itinerary commenced in Dubai and Wendy and John decided to arrange their flight package independently so that they could arrive a few days earlier to spend a little extra time exploring the city.
'Hebridean International Cruises are very flexible, so we took the opportunity to organise a pre-cruise stay separately. This did work out slightly cheaper too, but it meant that we had to arrange our own transfers and make our way to the port in time for embarkation.' Said Wendy.
Hebridean provide private flights for their summer programme between the UK and Hebridean Spirit, and you'll find the aircraft has much wider leather seats. They also have their own check-in area at the airport, and a lounge where you can take advantage of drinks and snacks.

On the day of embarkation, the couple were delighted to have been greeted by the Captain and the Head Purser, who directed them to the restaurant so they could have lunch before exploring the ship.

Arriving at their cabin, the couple were amazed at its' size. They booked the lowest grade of cabin, but it was in an excellent mid-ship location. As it has no corner bath, the cabin itself was actually larger than the higher grades, and the shower was certainly the most spacious they have ever experienced on a cruise ship.
'The cabin was very similar in size to that of a suite on a P&O Cruises ship, for example. It had a sitting area, plus all the usual facilities, such as a hairdryer and television. It also had a CD/DVD player, so you could select films or music from the on board library and use them in the privacy of your cabin.'
Wendy was particularly impressed with the walk-in wardrobe and iron/ironing board provided in the cabin. They were also presented with matching robes and slippers, and in the bathroom were plentiful Molton Brown products. The large fridge was stocked twice daily with soft drinks.

'The beauty of this cruise was that everything was included in the fare,' says Wendy.
Their cruises are all-inclusive. Not an empty promise, but a Hebridean policy to ensure you have a carefree holiday both on board and ashore. Below we have highlighted what's included in the cost of your Hebridean cruise:

• Private flights for the summer 2007 programme between the UK and Hebridean Spirit, and scheduled flights for the winter programme.
• All Privately Escorted Tours; Each of the bespoke Privately Escorted Tours is also included, all entrance fees to venues featured in each itinerary and transport to and from shore visits.
• Dining; All meals and snacks on board ship and picnics and barbecues organised and included as part of the itineraries. Fresh fruit from baskets around each ship.
• Drinks; House wines and spirits, champagne, beers, soft drinks, tea and coffee throughout each ship.
• Use of on board gym, steam room and relaxation room
• Use of ships bicycles and snorkelling equipment
• Routine medical examinations and minor treatments by the on board doctor
• All gratuities - Hebridean actively discourage tipping
• Port and passenger taxes

The food served on Hebridean Spirit was of an exceptionally high standard. Both Wendy and John marvelled at the five or six courses presented to them each day. There were three dining venues, two of which were outside, and all three were served buffet style.
'You pointed out to your chef exactly what you'd like, as much or as little as you wanted, then your waiter brought this to your table. The food was created using the finest, freshest ingredients. It really was out of this world. There was a pianist playing throughout our evening meal too. ' Says Wendy.

Entertainment isn't something you'd find much of on a Hebridean cruise. The emphasis is on socialising and relaxation. A typical evening saw Wendy and John retiring to one of the lounges boasting an inviting stone fireplace, and meeting with new-found friends.
'The average age range appeared to be around 55-60 years. We met with some fascinating people during our time on board, and it was lovely to get to know our Captain and some of the officers over the evenings.'

About Hebridean Spirit

A successful blend of cosmopolitan style and old-fashioned courtesy has provided guests with the perfect holiday combination of pure relaxation and stimulating destinations since Hebridean Spirit's first sailing in 2001. With only 96 guests, a genuinely all-inclusive tariff, near 1:1 guest/crew ratio, first-class service and gourmet cuisine combining with fascinating far-flung destinations, time aboard Hebridean Spirit is a truly unique experience.

Hebridean welcome their guests on-board their elegant and refined vessels into an atmosphere where congenial company mixes with an anticipation of discovery. Both ships echo the company philosophy that "small is personal", giving a small number of guests the very special Hebridean Experience of luxury cruising to off the beaten track destinations. Their excellent crew have earned Hebridean a world-class reputation for unbeatable service, fine food and wine, and their attention to detail.

To whet your appetite, Bolsover Cruise Club invites you to experience luxury cruising to off the beaten track destinations, with a collection of superb itineraries throughout summer 2007. You can enjoy remarkable savings and, as a valued Bolsover Cruise Club member, you will qualify for our usual Cruise Club discount off the brochure fares, representing astonishing value on a variety of meticulously assembled itineraries.

If you find this information to be of interest and would like to discuss this superb cruise product further, then please call our Reservations Department on 01246 819819. Our staff members are more than happy to send you a Hebridean International Cruises brochure.

Click on the ship name to read more staff cruise reviews:

P&O Cruises' Arcadia
P&O Cruises' Oriana
P&O Cruises' Oceana
Sea Princess
Ocean Village
Fred Olsen's Braemar
RCI's Voyager of the Seas
Family Cruising aboard Oceana

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