MV Glen Tarsan

MV Glen Tarsan and her fleetmate Glen Massan are traditional wooden fishing boats drydock-reconstructed into small cruise vessels. Each boat accommodates a maximum of 12 passengers in 6 double cabins, along with 6 crew. Shipowners Ken Grant and Andy Thoms purchased Glen Tarsan in 2004. She was originally built in Baltimore (Cork County, Ireland), launched in 1977, and relaunched as a cruise ship in 2007.

Both Glen Tarsan and Glen Massan have gold-painted funnels. Originally built for the Irish fishing fleet by the Irish Government, Glen Massan was destined for scrapping until her current owners purchased and saved her from demolition. They restored and converted her into a mini cruise ship. Glen Tarsan underwent a similar restoration and was introduced in 2007. The two vessels operate 3- and 6-night roundtrip sailings from Oban, Scotland to Argyll and the Hebrides.

Majestic Line is a privately owned cruise company headquartered in Dunoon, Scotland. Established in 2004 and named after the fictional shipping company featured in Neil Munro’s Para Handy tales, the line offers voyages out of Oban to the Islands of the Clyde and the Inner Hebrides. The company operates a small fleet of two converted fishing trawlers, plus a third purpose-built vessel styled after a 1930s motor yacht.

In 2004, friends Ken Grant and Andy Thoms purchased and converted their first vessel, Glen Massan, into a mini liner, sailing from Holy Loch near Dunoon to explore the sheltered islands and lochs of Argyll. In May 2007, sistership Glen Tarsan entered service from Oban for Hebridean itineraries. The third ship, MV Glen Etive, is a custom-designed newbuild that debuted in 2016.

The cruise line carries a distinctly Scottish character and family-run atmosphere. It won the Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year award at the 2012 Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards. A Scottish piper may welcome guests aboard Glen Massan or her sistership Glen Tarsan, each featuring a painted wooden hull and deckhouse topped by a polished wooden wheelhouse.

The two classic fishing boats serve as the cruising equivalent of restored steam trains. A 3- or 6-night voyage aboard these vessels is relaxing and intimate, though not luxurious in the hotel sense. Instead, they provide a comfortable, home-style environment, with a small crew who deliver highly personalized service.

Glen Tarsan and Glen Massan share a similar layout. All cabins have double beds, with at least one allocated for solo travelers. While not hotel-grade, the staterooms offer freshly laundered duvets, multiple pillows, and tartan blankets for warmth. Each cabin features an electric radiator and a ceiling-mounted fan. En-suite facilities include a small shower room with washbasin, toilet, hairdryer, Arran Aromatics toiletries, shelving beside the bed, and compact built-in wardrobes. Below-deck cabins have small windows without a view; however, guests typically spend most of their time ashore visiting villages, walking scenic countryside, or exploring castles and gardens. Onboard time is often spent on deck wildlife-watching or relaxing in the main saloon, socializing with fellow travelers.

Coffee is available whenever a crew member is in the galley. Depending on the itinerary, guests are offered either morning coffee or afternoon tea with home-baked cakes. Wine is complimentary with dinner, and a reasonably priced bar offers pre-dinner drinks. Outside the saloon is a small wooden deck with table and chairs, while the top deck features wooden sun loungers and the forward deck provides an additional bench.