Hebridean Island Cruises

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

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 two vessels: one with space for 80 passengers, the other accommodating 49.

The British-owned ships cater 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").

The smaller of the two vessels, the Hebridean Princess, cruises mainly in Scotland, with occasional forays to such destinations as Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. The larger 80-passenger ship, the Hebridean Spirit, offers cruises in the Baltic, Norway, the Mediterranean, the Adriatic, and the Aegean. Both ships have received the coveted 5-star rating from Douglas Ward, editor of The Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships.

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