Hebrides Cruises New Yacht
By Ted Scull
Scotland, a huge draw for visitors from all over the world, is likely to have one of the largest fleets of yacht-sized cruise vessels of any of the world’s cruising regions. Right up there with Croatia and the Greek Isles.
Put away any thoughts of mega-cruise ships blocking the glorious views. Berth capacities of Scotland’s small cruise ships are in the single and low double digits.
The destinations — islands, lochs, and canals — are so numerous, diverse itineraries are almost endless.
A beach on the Isle of Gigha, Southern Hebrides. * Photo: Hebrides Cruises
Hebrides Cruises New Yacht Brings Their Fleet to 3
Hebrides Cruises, operator of two 8-passenger yachts Emma Jane and Elizabeth G, undertakes 4-, 6-, 8-, and 10-night wildlife itineraries throughout the Inner, Outer, and Southern Hebrides and to St, Kilda, Northwest Highlands, and the Caledonia Canal.
(Hebrides Cruises with three yachts are not to be confused with Hebridean Island Cruises with, by comparison, significantly larger, yet still not large, capacities.)
The low capacities attract charters by families, groups of friends, and those with special interests.
RELATED: Writer Robin McKelvie reviews the Elizabeth G.
RELATED: Robin McKelvie writes about the Emma Jane and her hot tub!
The current pair is now joined by a Hebrides Cruises new yacht, the Lucy Mary with eight berths.
Hebrides Cruises new 8-pax yacht Lucy Mary. * Photo: Hebrides Cruises
The name comes from the granddaughter of Hebrides Cruises Owner and Skipper Rob Barlow and daughter of Shore Manager, Emma Fairbairns.
The July 9th Oban ceremony had 12-year-old Lucy Mary herself present to christen the yacht with a bottle of Bon Accord Cloudy Lemonade her favorite beverage.
Hebrides Cruises Owner and Skipper Rob Barlow with his granddaughter Lucy Mary. * Photo: Hebrides Cruises
Following the christening, the yacht embarked on her first cruise with eight passengers. Charters can increase the berth capacity by two more.
“We spent three years looking for the third addition to our fleet; Lucy Mary fits the criteria for all Hebrides Cruises vessels — luxury accommodation, ocean-going endurance, excellent facilities, and sustainable credentials … while immersing passengers in the stunning land and seascapes of Scotland’s West Coast,” comments Hebrides Cruises Owner and Skipper Rob Barlow.
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Hebrides Cruises New Yacht
The new yacht was built by Lowland Yachts in 1994 with a contemporary design. The four ensuite cabins are mahogany-paneled. One master suite adds a dressing room, desk, and sitting area.
One of the four ensuite cabins. * Photo: Hebrides Cruises
Meanwhile, the main saloon has mahogany flooring and the exterior decks are teak.
Public spaces include a big-windowed lounge with two sofas, a dining table for eight, a narrow wraparound promenade, and two cushioned chairs at the bow.
The main saloon with a dining area and lounge. * Photo: Hebrides Cruises
They should be in constant demand in fair weather.
The outdoor decks of Hebrides Cruises new 8-pax Lucy Mary. * Photo: Hebrides Cruises
Sea creatures that one might expect to encounter are minke whales, basking sharks, dolphins, otters, and porpoises.
The Lucy Mary was purchased at Beirut, Lebanon, and the 3,800-mile transfer to Scotland took 27 days, first westward via the length of the Mediterranean, thence out into the Atlantic Ocean, north through the Bay of Biscay, and into the Irish Sea to Oban, its new homeport.
Its oceangoing features were tested and approved.
Hebrides Cruises rank at the top of a luxurious small ship fleet in Scottish waters.
RELATED: Read more about Scotland’s small-ship cruise options here.
RELATED: Ted’s overview of cruising Scotland’s beautiful western waters.
Interested in Hebrides Cruises new yacht?
Have a look at pricing and details here.
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HEIDI SARNA
