It seems like you can’t even blink these days without a new river cruise ship being launched. The popularity of river cruising just continues to grow and grow, with many cruise lines pushing contemporary style and ultra-modern design. So I’ve written this blog to commemorate something a bit different. I give you the Hebridean Princess.
The Hebridean Princess is nearly 50 years old. In ship years that might as well be over 100. It was built in 1964 as the RMS Columba, serving as a passenger ferry to the Isle of Mull and later to other Scottish Islands. Four years later she was renovated and could carry between 600 and 870 passengers and up to 50 cars.
In 1988 she was acquired by Hebridean Island Cruises and following extensive renovation she relaunched in 1989 as a luxury cruise ship, sailing around the islands of Scotland and now to Ireland and England as well.
She still remains a stunning ship, carrying just 50 guests and with a crew of 38 meaning one of the best crew-to-passenger ratios on the waters. She has built a fine reputation for the service on-board including stunning fine dining and beautifully-appointed cabins.
It’s not just me who thinks highly of the ship, either. HM Queen Elizabeth II has twice chartered the ship privately for a family holiday, in 2006 to celebrate her 80th birthday and again in 2010. If you’re looking for the seal of approval from someone then surely it gets no better?
The fiftieth birthday of the ship next year will hopefully be marked with the significance that is justified. Amongst all the latest technology and super-stylish ships that are being launched, she is a wonderful ship with a long heritage and one that I hope continues for as long as possible, and I’m sure I’m not alone.
By Ian Lewis
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