Islay and the Southern Hebrides Cruise

Glen Etive
We are now building a new purpose-built vessel, the Glen Etive which will be ready for the 2016 season . The new vessel is currently being built by Ardmaleish Boatbuilding Co. Ltd on the Clyde. Finished in traditional wood and brass, with spacious accommodation and a steel based hull, the new boat will undertake 10-day cruises to Islay, Skye, the Outer Hebrides and St Kilda and 6-day cruises to Skye and the Small Isles. The design of our vessels is to encourage informality and relaxation; the deck saloon is where guests gather and everyone dines together at one large table. The size of our cruise vessels allows inshore access to delightful and remote areas not available to bigger cruise vessels. There is no better way to cruise Scotland from a unique vantage point. Each day there are new stops on offer and every night the boat anchors off a different stunning location for dinner.
Cabins Each vessel accommodates 11 guests within 6 double  ensuite cabins which and can be configured as either twin or double beds. There are two cabins on deck and four below deck; all cabins are similar in size and style. The size of the cabins is spacious for a boat but compact compared to a hotel bedroom.  The cabins were designed with enough space to allow for a very good nights sleep but on the assumption that guests would be spending time in the indoor deck saloon or on the outdoor decks, rather than in their cabins. All cabins are ensuite All cabins have a shower ensuite with washhand basin and toilet. Again, these are smaller than a hotel ensuite but a very good standard for small boat cruising. Alarm clock, hairdryer and luxury locally made toiletries are provided. First class crew and hospitality Cabins are serviced daily and the crew are happy to provide for any special requests.  Click here to find out more about the fabulous food on board. Single occupancy at no supplement On each vessel two cabins are reserved for single occupancy at no additional supplement, therefore the size of the group of guests on board is normally 10 people. The Deck Saloon The deck saloon is where our guests gather and relax, it is always warm and comfortable with crew on hand, discreetly attentive.  The windows allow fabulous panoramic views of the Highland coastline as the vessel gently cruises  through the landscape. Informal dining All meals are served at the communal table in the deck saloon, although canapes and drinks are often served on the outdoor aft deck, which is accessible through French doors, to catch the last of the evening light.  Early risers are welcomed by a hot drink and any other sustenance required until breakfast is served.   The library stocks books on local maps, history, wildlife and attractions and a range of board and other games. There is a plasma screen in the deck saloon where scenes of local history and wildlife can be viewed or a film, if everyone is in agreement. A well stocked bar The bar in the deck saloon is very well stocked, including an impressive choice of malt whiskies (and soft drinks if preferred!) and is available at all times The Outdoor Decks Chatting on the whale watching deck Bird watching relaxing aft deck The outside decks are a delightful aspect of The Majestic Line vessels.  They have been carefully designed to enhance the guest experience on board, providing a perfect outdoor environment when desired.  At deck saloon level, french doors open out onto the sheltered aft deck, which has a table to allow for alfresco dining.  At any time, guests can be found reading, chatting enjoying a drink or snack or just taking in the scenery. Al fresco at anchor When the boat is at anchor the aft deck is the perfect place for milling after dinner, to share histories, watch a beautiful west coast sunset, check out the stars and listen to the perfect silence broken only by the calls of birds and the gentle lapping of the water against the hull Take a spell at the helm! From the deck saloon, stairs lead to the spacious upper decks and the wheelhouse.  When cruising many of our guests like to spend time in the wheelhouse chatting with the skipper and crew and perhaps even taking a spell at the helm. The crew have a wealth of information about the local history of the areas visited that day and aspects of marine interest. Soak up the sun or watch out for whales There are two top decks, the sheltered aft sun deck with sun loungers and the fore deck which is ideal for wildlife watching.  Or there is plenty of space to find a corner to settle down with a book..

12 years and up

themaj-IslSouMaj