MV Glen Etive

In 2016, the cruise ship Glen Etive joined The Majestic Line fleetmates Glen Tarsan and Glen Massan - both boats being converted wooden fishing trawlers. Unlike the "Majestic fishing boats", Glen Etive is purpose-built, with 1930's yacht-like design, steel hull and stabilizers that allow safe navigation in rough seas.

MV Glen Etive cruises on 10-night itineraries to Skye, Islay, Outer Hebrides and Saint Kilda (during summer) and 6-night cruises to Skye and Small Isles (in October). All departures are roundtrips from Oban Scotland. Ports and itineraries are weather dependent, but the cruise ship usually anchors off each location twice per day. There are no organized guided tours, but passengers can be ferried ashore (via tender boat) and arrange a time to be picked up. The boat's crew provides helpful information and suggestions on local sights and attractions.

Majestic Line is a privately owned cruise line headquartered in Dunoon, Scotland. Established in 2004, it is named after fictional shipping company which features in Neil Munro's Para Handy tales. As of 2013, the cruise line was operating voyages out of Oban to the Islands of Clyde and the Inner Hebrides. The company operates a fleet of two ships converted from fishing trawlers, as well as a 3rd, purpose-built vessel, which has the feel and looks of "gentleman's motor yacht" of the 1930s.

In 2004 two friends, Ken Grant and Andy Thoms purchased and converted their first ship, Glen Massan, to a mini liner, leaving from Holy Loch (close to Dunoon) to the islands and lochs of Argyll. In May 2007, sistership Glen Tarsan was introduced to sail from Oban for the Hebrides. The 3rd ship, Glen Etive is custom-designed newbuild which was ready to cruise for her 2016 season.

MV Glen Etive features a finished with oak-paneled dining room and bar, nautical lights and antiques picked up in salvage yards by Majestic Line's owner (Andy Thoms). The passengers and crew are soon on first-name terms with a maximum of 12 passengers.

The dining room is located aft and the bar stocks a range of malt whiskies, other spirits and bottled beers from Fyne Ales microbrewery. Ship's bar boasts comfy club chairs and a cozy library containing maps and books so guests can brief themselves on the Scottish islands and their abundant wildlife. There is also a flat-screen TV and a DVD selection but the nice views from the always-open bridge of the swiftly shifting skies are entertainment enough.

Two cabins are available on deck and 4 below (featuring non-opening portholes), all similar in style and size, with blue furnishings and cream walls. The high beds are comfortable, with ample storage underneath and in a wardrobe.