Hebridean Island Cruises set for Glasgow Cruise Show

Hebridean Island Cruises, operator of the renowned small cruise ship, Hebridean Princess, will be on hand to showcase their 2012 itineraries and talk about the launch of their new dedicated river cruises programme on the Rhine and Danube rivers at The Daily Telegraph Cruise Show, being held at the Glasgow SECC, from 22 to 23 October 2011.

The much anticipated exhibition is designed to showcase the range of different cruises available with Hebridean Island Cruises offering a unique cruise experience on board a ship often compared with an opulent country house. Representatives at the show will be distributing current brochures for both Hebridean Princess and the new Hebridean River Cruises programme. With the recent announcement that Hebridean River Cruises inaugural season will see sailings on the Rhine and Danube rivers during June and September 2012 there is sure to be a lot of interest in stand E7.

For more information visit www.hebridean.co.uk or small ship specialists The Cruise Line.

Spring Edition of World of Cruising

The brand new Spring edition of World of Cruising magazine will be out in the next few days, packed full of the very best coverage of the fabulous cruise business.

In Issue 50 (yes, we have now reached the half-century mark after almost 13 years!), we have a headline feature on a serene Canada and New England autumn cruise aboard the deluxe Crystal Symphony, looking at what makes this region so special as well as the truly blissful onboard Crystal style.

We also go to the Norwegian Arctic in the company of Lindblad Expeditions and look at the best places worldwide to see the best wildlife from a cruise ship, courtesy of our arch-blogger and expedition specialist Steve Newman.

For cruise ship reviews, we put the Spirit of Adventure, MS Europa and boutique little Hebridean Princess to the test, while we have a great historic perspective on the Queen Elizabeth (past and present) and also go Land Cruising once again on the magnificent Crimean Express.

As ever, there are your usual range of news, features and views, plus Readers Letters and the essential (and wonderful!) World of Spas with Jo Foley.

And we welcome a brand new columnist in 2011, the great blogger Captain Greybeard, dedicated cruise enthusiast and a great source of travel advice (as well as amusing insights into the cruise business).

All in all, it represents the best read from the best writers with the best presentation anywhere in the cruis-iverse! Make sure you have your copy by subscribing online at www.worldofcruising.co.uk.

The Princess Royal

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Well, if it's good enough for Her Majesty the Queen to sail around the Western Isles on, then the Hebridean Princess must be highly worthwhile having a look at.

The point is, though, that a lot of people are under the illusion the waters of western Scotland are the only area the company (Hebridean Island Cruises) features but, in fact, MANY more destinations are on offer for 2011.

These include Scotland's east coast, Northern Ireland, northern France, the Channel Islands and the Isles of Scilly. Of course, you don't have to stay on board, but be aware it's difficult not to with this lovely five-star, luxury vessel.

As well as ports of call, there is the company's excellent Footloose guided walks programme, which lets you take in some spectacular hill walking, loch and mountain trails and, of course, this wouldn't be Scotland if there wasn't a nip of malt whisky and a hearty meal waiting for you on your return.

Indeed, the inglenook fireplace and the herringbone brick-work at times enhance the Scottish appearance and you could almost be the laird settling down in your big, comfortable armchair at night. It is this ambiance of the Scottish country house and the lack of organised entertainment that makes it impossible not to relax on this vessel.

With just 50 cabins - of which 10 are dedicated for single travellers - and a crew of 38, it's no wonder Hebridean Princess has such loyal repeat business. Most of the cruises of four and ten nights depart from Oban, reaching destinations as far as St Kilda and the Shetlands.

Each all-inclusive cruise is carefully researched and planned by the company to make sure you get the best out of each port of call and its surrounding area. There is a range of privately escorted tours, often visiting places uniquely open for ships guests, and, if that doesn't appeal, why not borrow one of the ship's bicycles or arrange a fishing trip?

The elegant dining room has large windows to watch the scenery as you enjoy your meals - using the freshest local produce where possible, such as cheese from the Isle of Mull and, of course, the wonderful haggis. Whether, like me, you prefer to pour a wee dram over your haggis on the plate is entirely up to you.

But, just like the Hebridean Princess herself, I'd thoroughly recommend it.