This luxury, boutique sized ship spans 5 decks and has the capacity to carry between 81 and 97 passengers. With 72 crew there is always an excellent passenger to crew ratio onboard. Ideally this ship is best suited to couples (usually 50+ and British) and single travellers who enjoy immersing themselves in local culture. Single travellers are also offered the choice to dine with fellow singletons. If large-scale cruising makes you want to head for the hills then this really is the option for you. The attention to detail and levels of service onboard are both excellent. Children under nine are not permitted on this vessel; therefore this is not really the one to pick for family holidays.
Hebridean Spirit will allow you to explore the world around you and travel to places you simply won’t see on itineraries of larger cruise ships. So why not take a different look at the Mediterranean and Caribbean? Visit less travelled places such as Montserrat, the British Virgin Islands, Sardinia and Libya. Head off to South America or sail around the Atlantic Islands taking in Morocco and Maderia. You can even experience the Black Sea region and visit Odessa, Sinop and Trabzon.
Built in Italy in 1991 this ship has also gone under the names of Sun Viva II, Megastar Capricorn and Renaissance Six. After undergoing a major refit it re-entered service for Hebridean International Cruises in July 2001. It weighs just over 4k tons and measures 90m in length and 15m in width. Good things really do come in small packages and this ship proves the point; with elegant interior décor, good library and plush drawing room to relax in. There is also a fair amount of deck space as well as a stylish wrap- around teak promenade. The onboard currency is the British pound.
There are a total of 49 cabins onboard all with outside view; the smallest measures 20sq.m with the largest measuring 34 sq.m. 18 of the cabins are designed for single person occupancy and 8 have a private balcony. Unfortunately none of the cabins on this vessel can accommodate wheelchairs. There is one lift onboard.
For double/twin cabins there are 5 grades to choose from, while the single occupancy cabins are split into 4 different grades. Most cabins come with TV and DVD player, fridge and mini-bar that is replenished daily with water and milk, tea and coffee making facilities, personal safe, trouser press, telephone, ironing board, full length mirror and a dressing table with mirrors. Grade A (The Suites) come with Jacuzzi type corner bath and heated floors, while Grade B (The Glens) and Grade C (The Isles) also come with bath tubs. Grade D (Isles and Clans) and Grade E (The Castles) both have showers and sofa beds that convert into bed space for a child.
| What are the cuisine/dining options? |
The main dining venue onboard is the non-smoking Argyll Restaurant; an assigned single seating policy is the order of the day for dinner with an open seating policy for both breakfast and lunch. Wherever possible food is sourced locally when in port and of course, given its Scottish background, you are sure to find Haggis on the menu. You will find imaginative, tasty food on the menu complimented with fine wines.
Other dining options:
Mizzen Deck Brasserie: for al fresco dining enjoy breakfast and lunch on deck at this informal venue.
Sky Lounge and Mizzen Deck: Coffee and Petits-fours, Morning Coffee and Afternoon Tea is served in all lounge areas.
As you may have gathered by now this is no ordinary cruising experience and you will not find any traditional forms of entertainment onboard. (There is no casino, disco, cabaret acts or nightclub venue). Instead you can unwind in The Skye Lounge and enjoy a drink accompanied by piano music, learn more about your destination from a well- informed guest speaker or enjoy a good read in the library. Smokers have their very own designated smoker’s room or you can partake of a Cuban cigar in the humidor. To check those e-mails there is Internet access in the Panorama Lounge.
To get that heartbeat pumping head for the gym, watersports platform or take a lightweight bike and helmet, head for shore and explore on your own. Take in a swim in the outdoor swimming pool. If you are in need of pampering and relaxation try the Spa complete with steam room, beauty/hair salon, relaxation room and plunge pool. Or why not spoil yourself with a facial, massage, pedicure and manicure?
Expect something a little different from Hebridean International Cruises as they offer passengers all-inclusive cruise fares. Therefore included in the cruise fare is your airfare (summer time only on private charter –Stansted /winter scheduled flights), all port and passenger taxes, routine medical services and use of all sporting equipment. Gratuities are not only included they are actively discouraged once onboard. Unlike other large scale cruises shore excursions are all-inclusive on this ship, as is all ship to shore transport, entrance fees to any museums and all picnics/barbecues ashore.
Onboard there is no extra cost for all snacks, meals and beverages (inc. champagne, spirits, house wine, beers, tea, coffee and soft drinks). Other added touches include fresh baskets of fruit replenished daily.
