A Hebridean New Year

Not everyone thinks of the UK when it comes to cruising, but it is increasingly the case there are a wide variety of cruise options both in and around the British Isles and Ireland. It is a great way to see a lot of the country in real comfort and style, and there are now several dozen opportunities to give it a try.

 

However, one of the 'little secrets' of the cruise world is that there is a deluxe niche operation based in and around the west coast of Scotland that has been in business since 1989 and is really worth seeking out. We have featured Hebridean Island Cruises several times in World of Cruising itself and it is pretty clear that if the boutique-style of the Hebridean Princess is good enough for Her Majesty the Queen, it ought to be high on most people's wish list!

 

With that in mind, here are three typical Hebridean Island options in March, which we think are well worth highlighting, especially as they have special fares available for those booking in advance, a Hebridean New Year, if you like.

 

Take your pick from:

 

Treasures of the Clyde: 6-night cruise, departing March 5; prices start from £2,040 per person for an outside cabin. Enjoy the contrasts of the new season from the comfort and luxury of the Hebridean Princess with this new itinerary that takes in the diverse landscapes of the Scottish Islands, from grand castles to remote island retreats. 

Footloose to the Lochs and Isles: this seven-night cruise departs March 18, with prices starting from £3,430 per person for an inside cabin. Dust off those walking boots for the first Footloose walking cruise of the season with this new itinerary that introduces new walking routes alongside old favourites. 

Jewels of the Western Seaboard: a seven-night cruise, departing March 25, with prices starting from £2,260 per person for an inside cabin. Take in picture postcard villages, breathtaking lochs and wild glens with this journey of discovery around the western coast and Inner Hebrides.

More info: call 01756 704 700 or visit www.hebridean.co.uk.

Have you subscribed to World of Cruising magazine yet? We have a fabulous offer for all new subscribers this year - 50 per cent OFF the regular rate AND the chance to win a cruise in our free prize draw offer. See this link!

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Try 'Wild Scotland' With Aurora

Expedition cruise company Aurora Expeditions has launched its new 2013 ‘Wild Scotland’ voyage with a 10% Earlybird offer. Going from coast to coast, the voyage will explore the heritage and wildlife of the beautiful Scottish Isles as few see them.

Carrying a maximum of 54 passengers, Aurora's ship Polar Pioneer will depart from the picturesque town of Oban on the west coast and end in Aberdeen on the east. The 11-day voyage departs June 23, 2013.

Following in the footsteps of our Celtic and Viking forefathers, the historic and wildlife themed voyage will blaze a trail across Scotland’s beautiful coastline including the Highlands, western islands, Outer Hebrides, Shetland Islands, Orkney Islands and Aberdeen. Exploration from Polar Pioneer will be carried out using the fleet of Zodiacs for landings ashore.

Aurora's Scottish historian Carol Knott will regale passengers with fascinating stories and provide enriching lectures to unlock the mysteries of this ancient coastline, which includes Neolithic sites scarcely altered in 5,000 years. The cruise will visit remote crofting communities and iconic castles that were once strongholds of Scottish clans. A naturalist will also be among the team of expedition experts, all of whom provide fascinating talks to help interpret the day’s sightings. Kayaking is available on this voyage.

All passengers will also receive a complimentary 12-month membership to the National Trust of Australia (NSW), including entry into over 300 properties in the UK.

For more information on adventure-style cruising, please follow this link to The Cruise Line Ltd, the UK’s expedition cruise specialists.

(NB: Picture Graham Morgan)

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.