Hebridean Spirit Report The Hebridean Spirit, Scotland’s only international cruise ship visits exotic destinations ranging from the northernmost extremities of Norway to the tropics of the Indian Ocean. Sheila Fisher was invited to board the Hebridean Spirit in Riga, Latvia to sample the Western Baltic Treasures Cruise through Lithuania, Poland, Denmark and Sweden. Read Sheila’s report to find out more or call 0121 250 2200 or 0845 086 9710 to speak to one of our cruise specialists.
Flight
We flew on a private charter flight operated by Channel Express from Stansted to Riga to join the Hebridean Spirit. All cruise passengers are fast-tracked through the departure gate at Stansted and served complimentary refreshments including bucks fizz, coffee, tea and Danish pastries while they wait to board. The flight is of a Business Class standard with plenty of legroom and leather seats. The flights lasts for approximately two hours during which passengers are served a lunch.
Riga
Arriving in Riga, we cleared immigration quickly and walked out to the waiting coaches. Your luggage is brought out to be identified and then delivered to your cabin.
Cabins
We were accommodated in a Grade C ‘Isles’ cabin, however during the cruise we had the opportunity to view all grades of cabins, which are all outside and are of a good size. Each cabin is individually furnished and have varied bathroom facilities. All cabins, including suites, are beautifully appointed with excellent wardrobe space, tea and coffee making facilities, glassware, ice bucket, fridge, safe, hairdryer, TV and DVD player. Bathrooms are all serviced with Molton Brown products.
Public Areas
The Skye Lounge is the main public room is beautifully furnished with large picture windows, a full sized stone inglenook fireplace and a bar.
The Argyle Restaurant is on the deck below and accommodates all guests at one time.
On the top deck is the Panorama Lounge, which is circular with picture windows and glass doors leading on to a lovely sun deck with sun beds, towels and a refreshment cabinet. This unique lounge has two sections of walls at the rear lined with books and a DVD library. There is also a fully stocked bar from which you can make your own drinks at anytime. A huge bowl of fruit is also constantly replenished. Just outside the lounge there are two small reading rooms (one where smoking is allowed), lined with classical literature to best sellers.
The open Mizzen deck at the stern of the ship has tables, chairs, umbrellas and a few lounger chairs. Used for outdoor eating, this deck is ideal for taking breakfast and lunch al fresco. It is a less formal dining area but it is fully serviced from a small galley area. There is a bar to serve drinks which makes it a pleasant place to congregate after dinner, and if you get chilly there are fleece blankets provided.
Ports of Call
Our ports of call included Klaipeda in Lithuania, Gdansk in Poland, Copenhagen in Denmark and Ystad in Sweden. An excursion programme is arranged for each port and a guest lecturer (a classical history scholar) gave some very informed and often bloody history lectures regarding our various ports, prior to arrival. The excursions were well organised and very interesting. They often included walking tours of the various old towns and visits to castles, churches and museums.
Summary
With only 45 cabins and a capacity of about 80 the Hebridean Spirit is quite a small ship. The whole ship feels like a floating 5 star country house or even a private yacht. The food is superb with everything freshly produced and often locally sourced. The service is immaculate and friendly and everything is included in the price including excursions, entrance fees, guides and tips. The captain interacts with all the passengers, which gives an intimate atmosphere.
The itineraries are carefully chosen and the ship can access many ports that would be inaccessible to larger cruise ships.
