Back in March 2020 I was rudely awoken by Captain Hashmi basically instructing us to abandon ship.
Our 2020 World Voyage on Queen Mary 2 had come to an abrupt end due to the Covid pandemic, and we were all being sent home from Australia rather than spending another 6 weeks exploring the world from the comfort of our ocean liner.
That was the last time I was onboard a ship. Over 2 years have passed, many future cruises have been booked and then cancelled due to the pandemic. However, this is all about to change. Safarigal is about to embark on another adventure.
The Itinerary
After many years of watching the Hebridean Princess sail out of Oban, and wishing I could be on board, my wish is coming true.
On May 10th we will finally get to embark on the ferry which has been converted into a luxury ship, and we will sail around the Scottish Isles on the Hebridean Wildlife of the Western Isles 7-day cruise from Oban.
But first we have to get there.
And we have to pass a slew of Covid tests along the way. Just like Covid scuttled our last holiday, there remains the risk that it will rear its ugly head again, and instead of exploring the Scottish coast, we will be trapped in isolation in some run-down hotel in the middle of nowhere. Is it worth the risk? Of course.
So here is the planned itinerary:
April 29th Fly to New York
May 1st to May 8th Queen Mary 2 from New York to Southampton
May 10th to May 17th Hebridean Princess round trip Oban, Scotland
May 17th to June 5th Visiting with friends and family, and celebrating the Queenβs Platinum Jubilee
June 5th to June 19th Queen Victoria Mediterranean cruise
My main goal for this blog is to share the experience of small ship cruising in Scotland, but I also plan to post updates about the rest of the trip from time to time.
It is time to go down to the sea again.
Looking forward to hearing about your adventures – particularly interesting as I live in Scotland.
I am so excited about the Hebridean cruise – something completely different!
Hi Safarigal.Great to hear from you again.Have a great trip. Looking forward to hearing all about it.
Thanks!
Great stuff! Definitely worth a go! I look forward to your ongoing posts, and will be with you in spirit – gin preferably! ππ»ππ
Thanks, and I agree with the spirit π
So thrilled to see you on the move again. We’re probably a year or yet, but still hopeful you sail once again.
Will watch for each post
Hi Safarigal
Glad to see you are cruising again. We have always been intrigued by Hebridean Princess but always thought fares outrageous so will be really interested on your take of it!
QV is my favourite ship so will love to have a βfixβ on her prior to our own cruise later this year
Bon Voyage!
The fares are outrageous on the Hebridean Princess, but with not cruising for 2 years, I though we owed it to ourselves to do something really special as a treat. I am interested to see if it lives up to my expectations! We are also keen to see how QV has fared over the years – it is definitely time to relax in the Med again π
Love it-just wish I could be with y’all. Wishing you a wonderful journey!
Jim
We will so miss having you and Betsy along with us π
This sounds amazing. I got the link from the Cunard forum on Cruise Critic and will be reading avidly. Have you read a book called Little Wing by Freya North It’s recently out, set partly on Harris & Lewis and describes the Scottish Islands beautifully. You should be able to get it at any UK bookshop/supermarket.
Thanks so much for the recommendation – I am always looking for topical literature to read :). I love your website too!