Hebridean Island Cruises Makes North American Debut

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hebridean Island Cruises, serving the ultra-luxury small ship cruising market, has launched its North American presence with offices in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and a new North American website (www.hebrideancruises.com).  

Carrying only 50 guests with a passenger to crew ratio of close to one-to-one, Hebridean Island Cruises' Hebridean Princess (2,100 gross tons) offers an exclusive number of guests the highest standards of luxury cruise ship accommodations together with a level of service from an almost forgotten era.  

"We are delighted to introduce this new and exciting cruise brand to our U.S. and Canadian region, especially at a time in our industry when avid cruisers and mature travelers are seeking a one-of-a-kind vacation experience," states Steve Novello, President of All Discovery Cruising, North America.  "Initial sales and market feedback have been extremely positive, and we are seeing incredible interest from our new web site," adds Novello.

The Hebridean Princess has attracted many loyal guests over the past 20 years.  The Hebridean Princess was especially pleased to welcome back Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and members of her family when the ship was privately chartered in 2010.  

In 2011, Hebridean Princess offers a collection of 4-to-10 night cruises to majestic and idyllic ports along the Highlands and Islands of Scotland – one of the last remaining unspoiled regions in Europe – as well as to Ireland, England, Channel Islands, Wales and Northern France.  Most cruises depart from the Scottish home port of Oban.  Other departure ports are Greenock, Invergordon, and Leith in Scotland; Portsmouth and Tilbury (London) in England; and Cardiff in Wales.  As the smallest luxury cruise ship afloat, the Hebridean Princess sails to remote coastal villages, picturesque islands, and inaccessible locations in bays and lochs that are normally visited by only private yachts.  Hebridean's signature "Footloose" cruises incorporate a spectacular walking adventure along the awe-inspiring Scottish Highlands, and are tailored to both seasoned walkers and those who prefer a gentle stroll.  Itineraries are carefully designed to visit unforgettable destinations that inspire and enrich the minds of inquisitive travelers.  Guests who prefer a mysterious element will enjoy the 7-night "Hebridean Surprise" itinerary departing October 4th (round trip Oban) where only the Captain knows the full details of the itinerary that will be unveiled...

Cruising in British country elegance, the Hebridean Princess offers a 5-star, all-inclusive cruise experience that is remarkably exquisite.  All meals (including picnics ashore), beverages and select wines, spirits and champagne are included, as well as privately escorted tours, a distinguished guest speaker program, and all port charges and gratuities ("no tipping" policy).  Also included are a variety of activities such as the use of the ship's bicycles to explore ashore, fishing, bridge, speedboat rides and more.  Guests will savor fine dining and tantalizing culinary delights in The Columba Restaurant  fused with fresh local ingredients, and black-tie gala dinners are one of the highlights of every cruise.

The Hebridean Princess, equipped with all the comforts and décor of a warm and elegant country home, has a total of 30 cabins (with 10 single occupancy cabins), each individually designed and poetically named after Scottish Isles, castles, lochs and sounds (such as her largest cabin, the Isle of Arran Suite).  An extraordinary onboard feature is the welcoming Tiree Lounge with a large Inglenook-style fireplace and mesmerizing views through its large panoramic windows.  Relaxation is the key emphasis with an intimate ship ambience that invites you to unwind and escape to a world of discovery, friendships, insight, and light evening entertainment.  The Hebridean Princess with her five passenger decks offers a well-stocked library, a waterfront deck gym, two lounges, a conservatory, and a restaurant.

Hebridean's new comprehensive North American website www.hebrideancruises.com provides a wealth of information for consumers, travel agents, and anyone wishing to learn more about Hebridean Island Cruises.  The site includes access to virtual tours and online brochures, and the opportunity to attend webinars and receive periodic news and promotional offers.

Hebridean Island Cruises' "small is personal" philosophy is echoed throughout the company – both onboard, with an exceptional crew that has earned Hebridean Princess a world-class reputation for superior service, and ashore with a dedicated North American team that delivers a "boutique" approach to service.  

"We look forward to welcoming our U.S. and Canadian guests aboard the Hebridean Princess and reaching a similar level of recognition as she received in Europe over the years.  We've made it easier for our market to consider a Hebridean Princess cruise as guests and travel agents are now able to book in U.S. Dollars and establish a local relationship with our North American team.  Together with her sister brands, 2010 marked a successful sales year for the North American region, with fourth quarter results that almost doubled our gross quarter revenue for the same quarter in the prior year," states Novello.  

Most cruises aboard the Hebridean Princess sell well in advance of her March through November season with 4-to-10 night all-inclusive fares starting at $1,860 per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability.

For more information or to make reservations, contact Hebridean Island Cruises – North America Toll-Free at (877) 600-2648 or visit www.hebrideancruises.com.

Travel agents can become a discovery cruising expert on Hebridean Island Cruises and her sister brands by accessing All Discovery Cruising's easy-to-follow video-based training site www.discoverycruisingexpert.com.  

All Discovery Cruising (www.alldiscoverycruising.com) is the marketing trade arm for all cruise brands in its portfolio – Hebridean Island Cruises, Swan Hellenic, and Voyages of Discovery – and serves the North American region from its office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  The three niche brands, each with their own distinctive characteristics and unique style, share a combined focus on discovery cruising with destination, enrichment, and small ship cruising as key product attributes.  All Discovery Cruising is part of All Leisure Group PLC, the largest-British owned cruise ship company operating a fleet of four vessels – Hebridean Princess (Hebridean Island Cruises), Minerva (Swan Hellenic), Discovery (Voyages of Discovery), and Alexander von Humboldt (the newest addition, to be introduced in the future).  A Swan Hellenic river cruising program is available.  All Leisure Group PLC, publically-traded and listed on the London Stock Exchange, is the only UK listed cruise company to have maintained shareholder dividend payments in the current global economic climate.  

SOURCE Hebridean Island Cruises