Most of the passengers had sailed on the Spirit before. In fact, several had traveled five or more times on the Spirit, and one man had cruised for over 100 days on the ship. Not bad when Hebridean has only operated the ship less than 5 years. This level of repeat passengers shows how comfortable and welcoming the ship is.
The small ship atmosphere allows the officers and staff to become well acquainted with the passengers, making them feel more like guests in their floating country home. The galley staff even had some fun at dinner with the passengers. One night they delivered an erotically designed poached pear (use your imagination) to one good-natured woman that had our half of the dining room laughing. Another repeat passenger had loved the Demitasse of Cappuccino Chabouse, a delicious pastry creation in the shape of a demitasse cup filled with a cappuccino/vanilla flavored concoction. On his previous cruise, he had told some of the staff he wished he could have a breakfast mug of the decadent dessert instead of just a demitasse cup. The galley staff remembered his wish and on the last night of our cruise, the passenger was presented with his breakfast mug of Cappuccino Chabouse! What a wonderful demonstration of how well the staff gets to know their repeat customers!
Cruise ships come in all shapes and sizes and cater to different groups of travelers. I love all types of cruises and have never been to a port I didn't enjoy, but I'm a positive person who adjusts easily. I especially love small ship cruises, and the Hebridean Spirit was memorable and a wonderful cruise experience.
Who Will Love the Hebridean Spirit
- Small ship cruise lovers
- Traditional cruisers
- Anyone who likes "all-inclusive" cruises
- Anglophiles or Americans who like cruising with British and Scottish travelers
- Destination cruisers to unusual ports
- People who like people and love conversation on a variety of topics
- Affluent travelers with high standards and expectations
The Hebridean Spirit (and other small, yacht-like ships) are not for everyone. My brother and his wife love to sail the sunny Caribbean and often don't even go into the ports, choosing to use the cruise ship as their vacation destination. They are not alone. I have a friend who can't imagine a cruise without Las Vegas-type shows and a casino, and another who likes beaches and doesn't enjoy exploring unknown villages and cities. The Hebridean Spirit may not be for them, but that's why we have such a variety of cruise ships to choose from!
Who Will Not Love the Hebridean Spirit
- Anyone who expects the cruise ship to be the destination
- Onboard entertainment seekers
- Gamblers
- Families with children
- Mega-cruise ship fun seekers
- Anyone easily bored or who seeks constant activity and entertainment
- Limited budget cruisers
Hebridean Spirit Itineraries
The Hebridean Spirit cruises the Indian Ocean in the winter, northern Europe in the summer, and the Mediterranean in the spring and fall. The itineraries are exciting and diversified, which is one of the reasons some passengers continue to sail on her over and over. Anyone who loves small ship cruising as I do will truly have a wonderful cruise on the Hebridean Spirit.
