Can you provide advice on visa and immunisation requirements?
Hebridean Island Cruises advise UK citizens joining either vessel of all visa requirements particular to their itinerary, and will recommend a visa service agency, where required, which deals with applications on their behalf. Guests from outside the UK should contact their own embassy for guidance.
Please click here for more information:
www.travel-guide.com/appendices/passportandvisa.asp
Living on board ship presents no danger of infection and every care has been taken to ensure that on visits ashore any risk is minimised. However guidelines and where applicable, information regarding vaccinations required for the region are provided well in advance of departure dates. Guests should discuss any individual requirements with their doctor.
Please click here for more information:
www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice/tables.htm
What will the weather be like?
For the comfort and pleasure of our guests, Hebridean Spirit’s itineraries generally follow warm rather than hot weather patterns. The world’s climate being at times unpredictable, our little ships are seldom far from a sheltered bay or port. Should we encounter inclement weather, you can rest assured that there are experienced hands at the helm, our +100 A1 passenger vessel classification bestowing on us the capacity to operate in all weathers. Hebridean Princess sails the waters of the Western Isles and beyond come rain or shine. As with the rest of the United Kingdom, the driest months are reputed to be April and May.
Is there a doctor on board?
Spirit has a well-equipped surgery and dispensary and our on-board doctor is on call to deal with minor emergencies. Where s|he is unable to provide the appropriate level of care, transfer arrangements to a hospital ashore will be made. Guests are required to bring with them any medication they are likely to need. Hebridean Princess, never far from land, does not carry a doctor. Medical stores are kept on board for emergencies and the ship’s officers are trained in first aid. In the event of an emergency, medical assistance can normally be summoned quickly. Guests are required to bring with them any medication they are likely to need.
I would like to know your dress code
Two formal gala evenings are held during each seven night cruise when our recommended dress code is black tie or tuxedo for gentlemen and cocktail dress for ladies. This is by no means compulsory and for those who prefer less formal attire, a light jacket or long-sleeved shirt, and for ladies, a light dress or trousers is perfectly acceptable for other evenings.
What is your smoking policy?
Smoking is permitted on the outside decks and in the Look Out Lounge provided on both ships, where you will also find a well-stocked humidor. We ask those guests occupying a cabin with a balcony on board Spirit to show consideration to their non-smoking neighbours and to note that no smoking is allowed inside the cabins on either vessel. Cigarette smoking is also permitted aboard Hebridean Princess on the starboard side of the Tiree Lounge after 6.00pm.
How do your small ships compare to larger vessels?
Guests joining us on one of our two small ships can explore remote and unspoilt corners inaccessible to passengers aboard large cruise liners, and will soon find that a small number of fellow travellers assures them an unparalleled level of personal attention and service and an intimate and comfortable atmosphere in which to take their choice of good company or spacious tranquillity.
What are the facilities for disabled passengers?
Both ships are well-equipped with handrails, but some steep stairways make the use of a wheelchair on board Hebridean Princess impracticable and we would advise any guest with walking difficulties or limited mobility to take a cabin on either the Princess or Promenade deck. There are lipped coamings between cabins and bathrooms on each vessel. Whilst Hebridean Spirit has a lift to carry passengers between decks, the cabin doorways are 700mm wide and would require any wheelchair to be narrow. We insist that those guests who sometimes require the use of a wheelchair are accompanied by an able-bodied companion.
Will I find an activity to suit me?
We offer our guests the option of taking part in well organised visits to the highlights and also to some of the lesser known gems of the region. Some of our visits provide an opportunity to gain an exclusive glimpse of local treasures not normally open to the public. Knowledgeable local guides and, on occasion, specialist speakers will ensure that you get as much from your visit as you desire. For those of independent spirit, local maps, directions to the best beaches and the guidance of those with inside knowledge are on hand to help you to explore, walk, or simply soak up the local atmosphere. Both ships have well maintained bikes for our guests’ use and in addition, Spirit has a swimming platform situated off the stern of the Castle deck for those who would prefer to take their exercise closer to home. Both vessels have a well equipped gym.
Is the vessel air-conditioned?
Hebridean Spirit is fully air-conditioned by an air circulation system serving all cabins and public rooms. Princess stays in cooler waters and is fully heated, with a mechanical ventilation system which provides cool ambient air when required.
Can I obtain local currency on the ship?
Hebridean Spirit trades in sterling and carries a small amount of local currency which we are happy to exchange in small denominations based on the last known exchange rates. We would remind our guests that the Euro is generally accepted within European waters, and a small supply is always available on board. Hebridean Princess also carries Euros when she visits Ireland and France.
Are children allowed on board?
We are unfortunately unable to accommodate children under the age of nine.
Are pets allowed on board?
We regret that we are unable to allow animals on board either vessel.
Are there any laundry facilities available?
Spirit has a small laundry which is used primarily for the laundering of the ship’s linen but we are happy to undertake some personal laundry, particularly for guests staying with us for two weeks or more. However, we would stress that we are not specialist cleaners and cannot therefore take responsibility for guests’ items. In the case of larger quantities, your indulgence is requested. There is no laundry service available on Hebridean Princess. |
