9 August 2025
Mull and her Inlets and Islands - Glen Massan
Cheryl and Neil Scott
We would like to highly praise the crew for their hard working adaptability, friendly approachable manner and their commitment to the enjoyment of the passengers.
We have just returned from a 6-day cruise. I have multiple dietary issues, chef Helen completely reassured me she could deal with them all, coeliac, add in lactose free, food anaphylaxis and another lady being vegan she worked marvels in the small galley! The other 2 younger members of staff work along with her helping and learning to a high standard. I also have sun and pain issues due to lupus, they made adaptations to shade me, helped when pain caused mobility to become difficult and still managed to get me onto the tender boat, well wrapped up to go into Fingals cave on Staffa - a completely dreamt of experience.
Cabins are more spacious than I imagined, very comfortable beds with the sound of the waves against the porthole lulling us into sleep. So much food on board, stocked with dedicated gf and df snacks that there was no need to take anything along " in case", home made cake every day, tea coffee, soft drinks on tap at all times, wine on the table for dinner and whisky, cider or beer available to purchase outwith the complimentary supply. Everything was spotlessly clean, beautifully served with a variety of cheese to try, changing every night.
The tranquility when anchored up in quiet bays in the evening with the engine switched off, looking out over the calm water and breathing in the clean air is already missed. The captain was happy to divert for special requests taking passengers to land on a much admired nearby island. Welcoming passengers into the wheel room, explaining, chatting and showing them the ropes.
Chef was always busy multi tasking cooking, teaching and available to chat at the same time, open to requests for a change to her plan when I was feeling poorly.
They have worked as a team for several seasons and it shows, they are a credit to the company. It’s very obvious they enjoy what they do and in such a small environment they are a pleasure adding to the joy of the cruise. One lap of the ship equated to 100 steps for me, every evening once the sun was down the laps would start 9.2k steps being my personal best with crew members encouraging me as I went round.
The ship is a very comfortable temperature upstairs with windows and doors able to be opened, was a bit warm below deck, hint to anyone with heat issues - bring a wee fan. It's all very relaxed, no need for tons of clothes, removing shoes coming in from outside onto the carpeted area was simply good manners, spa type slippers were provided if you didn't bring your own. All shower gel, toilet soaps, hand cream shampoo was matching Scottish product. Food obtained locally as far as possible highlighting Scottish and local firms.
All crew kept an eye out for local marine life, regularly calling out the sighting of dolphin or whales.
There are 2 upper cabins without steps if mobility is a big issue. I had to stay onboard a lot due to the sunshine but it did not feel a punishment to relax at anchor whilst other passengers went off to a distillery or a wander. The soporific sway and crew chat more than easily passed my time.
Cannot describe completely the gloriously relaxing experience on this ship, the wooden hull giving the occasional creak as we went. Sublime!
Crew on this trip were captain Iain, engineer Dan, steward Yaz, chef Helen and trainee Bo. Well done.
