Launched

1989

Tonnage

2,112

Length

235 ft

crew

37

Capacity

50

Hebridean Princess is the perfect ship for exploring Scotland’s wildly beautiful coastline. Built-in 1964 and originally christened ‘RMS Columba’, Hebridean Princess began life as a car ferry stationed in Oban. After 25 years of service, she was purchased by Hebridean Island Cruises and following a major refit, commenced operation as a luxury cruise ship offering accommodations for up to 50 guests.

Hebridean Princess is one of the world’s most instantly recognisable ships and is rated as a Four Star Plus vessel in the Berlitz Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships. She is also notable for being previously chartered by Queen Elizabeth II for holidays with The Royal Family.

Onboard Hebridean Princess

In their own words, Hebridean Island Cruises describe Hebridean Princess as a “floating country house” and it is easy to see why. She is a charming vessel and exudes a level of onboard comfort and homeliness that is truly unique.

The recently refurbished public areas are intimate in size and decorated in a palette of pleasing soft natural colours, while the wood-panelled library and teak flooring in The Conservatory really add to the ‘like home, but better’ undertones, which flow throughout every aesthetic facet of the ship.

The crew, comprised of British and Lithuanian staff, are among the best currently serving at sea and offer a level of service that manages to be first-name-terms-friendly yet completely unobtrusive at the same time.

Accommodation

The accommodation on board Hebridean Princess caters for 50 guests across 4 decks and 8 accommodation categories. Unlike other cruise ships, the cabins and suites have been individually designed and do not have traditional room numbers. Instead, they are named after islands in the region.

The most spacious grade of accommodation is the Isle of Arran Suite, which offers a large day room and a king-size bed. Other options include four Balcony Cabins and a variety of Ocean View Cabins with sizable windows.

Those who wish to cruise as a solo traveller will also be well catered for. Hebridean Princess boasts ten well-appointed cabins specifically for single guests.

Regardless of which category you choose, you can rest assured that no expense has been spared where the amenities are concerned. All of Hebridean Princess’s accommodation options are equipped with ample wardrobe space, an en-suite bathroom, a mini-fridge, a personal safe and television for which DVDs are available for rent from the ship’s library.

Dining

Hebridean Princess’s main dining room is the Columba Restaurant. Offering glorious sea views and resplendent with pristine white table cloths, dining in the Columba Restaurant is a highlight of any voyage with Hebridean Island Cruises.

There are three mealtimes aboard Hebridean Princess. Breakfast and lunch both combine tradition table service with a help-yourself buffet available as a more informal option, while dinner in the evening is served in one single sitting for all guests.

The cuisine aboard Hebridean Princess is of the highest quality and easily rivals that which is served on similarly sized six-star cruise ships. As you would expect, the ingredients used are the freshest available with the meat, fish and seasonal vegetables all sourced from within the region.

At other times – and weather permitting – the opportunity might arise to enjoy a BBQ either on the ship’s deck or ashore.

Entertainment

Owing partly to her size, but also in keeping with the destination-led experience, there is minimal entertainment by way of musical performances or shows on Hebridean Princess. As such, dinner is often seen as the main ‘event’ in the evening. The ship does have one main venue, The Tiree Lounge, which is the ships largest space and the venue for pre-dinner drinks and gatherings.

Why choose Hebridean Princess?

If you are seeking a ship with an abundance of fun pools, cinema screens and West End shows, then it is unlikely you will find what you are looking for on Hebridean Princess. However, if you want a quintessentially British experience aboard a ship that blends classically luxurious surroundings, incredible service and a wonderful homely atmosphere, Hebridean Princess is perfect.

If you would like further information regarding Hebridean Princess or if you wish to find out more about cruising with Hebridean Island Cruises, please call our Voyage Consultants on 0800 008 6677. Alternatively, please select your preferred voyage from the selection below and make an online enquiry.

Additional Information

Loch Buie,Loch Scavaig,Loch Scresort

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.

Sound of Islay,Sound of Jura,Sound of Mull,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.

Isle of Canna,Isle of Eigg,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 Crinan,Loch Harport,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 Muck,Isle of Raasay, Lews Castle, Ardvreck Castle

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.

Duart Castle,Kinloch Castle,Lews Castle,Torosay Castle

Very roomy and excellent value for money, this 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 thermostatic shower.

Isle of Danna, Ardvreck Castle, Lews Castle, Isle of Muck, Isle of Raasay

A roomy cabin that is excellent value for money and in great demand with returning guests, 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 Iona,Isle of Staffa,Isle of Coll,Isle of Colonsay

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.

Isle of Barra & Isle of Benbecula

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 Berneray & Isle of Bute

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 re-arranged as twins. The bathroom is generous in size with a full-size bath and a thermostatic shower.

Isle of Arran Suite

The ship’s largest 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.

Waterfront Deck

Promenade Deck

Princess Deck

Hebridean Deck

Boat Deck