Hebridean Princess heads south this summer to avoid Scottish clampdown on cruising

Updated on July 13, 2021

The symbol of Scottish cruising, Hebridean Princess, is moving south of the border this summer to avoid restrictions imposed by the Holyrood parliament.

Instead of sailing around the Western Isles, the 50-passenger ship – twice chartered by the Queen – will offer itineraries from Cardiff and Portland with destinations including Wales, the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall. The first cruise leaves Cardiff on July 13 and the ship will return to Oban on a nine-night sailing leaving Portland on August 25.

In a letter to guests, the line said: ‘You are undoubtedly aware of the circumstances surrounding domestic cruising in Scotland, whereby vessels carrying more than 12 passengers will only be permitted to sail once the whole of Scotland falls into tier 1 restrictions or below.

‘Whilst the Scottish government has suggested that July 19 will be the date when all of Scotland moves to tier 0 restrictions, the ongoing rise in coronavirus infection cases could result in this date being delayed further.

‘Domestic cruising in the rest of the UK recommenced on May 17 and with so many guests already having had their sailings cancelled, both last year and this, a significant number of you have told us of your desire to return to Hebridean Princess sooner rather than later.

‘With all of this in mind, and great uncertainty still surrounding the restart of domestic cruising in Scotland, we have made the decision to relocate Hebridean Princess for her 2021 summer season.’

Hebridean Princess hasn’t sailed since the Covid pandemic struck in March last year.

The line’s managing director, Ken Charleson, said: ‘Whilst we are looking forward to our cruises on the south coast, we are very excited about our return to our home port of Oban in early September where we will pick up on our scheduled cruise programme for the rest of 2021.’

For the schedule, please click on the file below.

See also:

Hebridean Princess cancels rest of 2020 sailings

My review of Hebridean Princess

Scottish ban on cruise ships throws round-Britain cruises into confusion