Hebridean Island Cruises

ABOVE: The Hebridean Princess cruises the islands, coastline, and firths of Scotland, with occasional visits to foreign shores.

By Durant Imboden

Archived article

In a cruise industry that's becoming dominated by conglomerates with megaships whose tonnage rivals that of aircraft carriers, Hebridean Island Cruises is a refreshing anomaly. The line, which was founded by yachtsmen and bills itself as "The Small Ship Cruise Company," has just one vessel with luxury accommodations for 49 passengers.

The Hebridean Princess cruises mainly in Scotland, with occasional forays to such destinations as Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. The ship has received a coveted 5-star rating from Douglas Ward, editor of The Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships.

Hebridean Island Cruises caters primarily to a well-heeled British audience, and the atmosphere follows suit (or so one might assume from the dress code, which states that gentlemen who wish to dress formally on gala nights may wear "a dinner jacket, tuxedo, or the kilt").

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