MV Glen Etive

In 2016, the cruise ship Glen Etive joined The Majestic Line’s fleetmates Glen Tarsan and Glen Massan—both converted wooden fishing trawlers. Unlike the “Majestic fishing boats,” Glen Etive is a purpose-built vessel featuring a 1930s yacht-inspired design, steel hull, and stabilizers that ensure safer navigation in rough seas.

MV Glen Etive operates mainly 10-night itineraries to the Isle of Skye, Islay, the Outer Hebrides, and St Kilda during summer, as well as 6-night cruises to Skye and the Small Isles in October. All voyages depart roundtrip from Oban, Scotland. Ports of call and routing are weather dependent, but the ship usually anchors off each destination twice daily. There are no organized shore excursions, though guests are tendered ashore and may arrange a return time. The crew provides helpful information and recommendations on local sights and attractions.

Majestic Line is a privately owned cruise company headquartered in Dunoon, Scotland. Established in 2004 and named after the fictional shipping company in Neil Munro’s Para Handy tales, the line offers voyages from Oban to the Islands of the Clyde and the Inner Hebrides. The fleet includes two converted fishing trawlers and one purpose-built vessel designed to evoke the look and feel of a 1930s gentleman’s motor yacht.

In 2004, friends Ken Grant and Andy Thoms purchased and converted their first vessel, Glen Massan, into a small cruise ship sailing from Holy Loch near Dunoon to explore the islands and lochs of Argyll. In May 2007, sistership Glen Tarsan joined the fleet for Hebridean sailings out of Oban. Glen Etive, the third vessel, is a custom-designed newbuild introduced for the 2016 season.

MV Glen Etive features an oak-paneled dining room and bar, complemented by nautical lights and maritime antiques sourced from salvage yards by Majestic Line’s owner, Andy Thoms. With a maximum capacity of 12 passengers, guests and crew quickly become acquainted on a first-name basis.

The dining room is located aft, and the bar offers a selection of malt whiskies, spirits, and bottled beers from the Fyne Ales microbrewery. The bar area is furnished with comfortable club chairs and includes a cozy library with maps and books for guests to learn about the Scottish islands and their wildlife. A flat-screen TV and DVD collection are available, though views from the always-open bridge—framing Scotland’s dramatic, fast-changing skies—often provide all the entertainment needed.

Accommodation consists of two cabins on the main deck and four below (with non-opening portholes), all similar in size and design, featuring cream walls and blue furnishings. Beds are elevated and comfortable, offering ample storage beneath as well as in a wardrobe.