Hebridean Princess

The 1964-built (as "MS MacBrayne") Hebridean Princess cruise ship is owned by HP Shipping Ltd and operated under long-term charter by the UK-based travel company Hebridean International Cruises via its brand "Hebridean Island Cruises".

Initially, the vessel (IMO number 6409351) was designed as a Ro-Pax ship/cruiseferry (and served in this role for the first 25 years of her career) with a passenger capacity of 600 and cargo capacity of 50 vehicles. The ship was built in Aberdeen, Scotland and deployed on regular crossings between the Scottish islands.

History - construction and ownership

The 50-passenger Hebridean Princess was extensively refitted in 1989 at Great Yarmouth (England), transformed into a luxury cruise ship, and renamed "MV Hebridean Princess". Her car-carrying capability was removed, creating space for additional passenger cabins. The crew-to-guest ratio was also significantly increased.

From July 21 to 29, 2006, the vessel was chartered by HM Queen Elizabeth II for a family holiday marking her 80th birthday. The 8-day charter cost GBP 125,000. On July 23, 2010, The Queen chartered the ship again, this time for a 14-day sailing vacation.

The ship is owned by HP Shipping Ltd (which also owns Lord of the Glens) and chartered to Hebridean Island Cruises (an HP Shipping-owned subsidiary and travel brand) headquartered in Skipton, Yorkshire, England.

Decks and Cabins

Hebridean Princess offers 30 staterooms across 9 categories, including 1 Suite (named Isle of Arran), single cabins (3 grades), and double cabins (5 grades). Most are outside/oceanview, with only 3 inside single and 3 inside double cabins. Each cabin is named after a glen, island, or other Scottish landmark.

Due to the vessel's original design, accommodations are highly individual in size and layout, featuring soft furnishings, fine linens, and Molton Brown toiletries.

The ship has 5 passenger decks, of which 4 are with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The Columba Dining Room reflects the ship’s intimate atmosphere, with two main tables (the Captain’s and the Chief Engineer’s), alongside smaller tables for 2 or 4 guests. Solo travelers are invited to dine with the Captain or Chief Engineer each night. Unlike most cruise ships, all food is fresh and locally sourced. Menus feature premium seafood and fish, as well as grouse, pheasant, venison, and prime beef.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

A team of knowledgeable guides accompanies each voyage, remaining onboard throughout. When in port, local musicians often perform in the evenings. Other entertainment consists of nightly films shown on TV. Daytime activities focus on shore excursions, with Hebridean Princess carrying 5 small boats for twice-daily landings, guided walks, and cycle trips on the islands.

Itineraries

MV Hebridean Princess entered service under her new name on May 26, 1989, offering luxury voyages around Scotland’s Western Isles. Over time, the program expanded to include Ireland, the Orkney and Shetland Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords.

Due to the Coronavirus crisis (and Scotland’s temporary ban on cruising), during summer 2021 (July–August) Hebridean Princess was relocated to England’s south coast.

• Originally scheduled voyages to Shetland and Orkney were canceled, with passengers offered refunds or rebooking.
• For July and August, departures were scheduled from Isle of Portland (Weymouth, Dorset) and Cardiff, Wales, before returning to her principal homeport Oban, Scotland in September 2021.
• The revised season featured destinations in Wales, Lundy Island, Isle of Wight, the Isles of Scilly, and smaller southern ports.

Hebridean Princess’ regular itineraries from Scotland resumed on September 3, 2021.