8 independent reviews for Isle of Mull and west coast of Scotland cruise
Reviews for Isle of Mull and west coast of Scotland cruise
Trevor Quickfall review 30 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We both loved the experience of being onboard and sailing around Scotland, seeing some of the places we had already visited from a different viewpoint. It was an extremely relaxing experience. Sadly, we didn’t manage to visit Iona or Staffa which were the main reasons for booking the trip but we totally understood the need for safety and the Skipper did very well to make the trip as interesting as possible under the circumstances. The quality and presentation of the food onboard was also outstanding and we thoroughly enjoyed every meal from breakfast to dinner - well done to the Chef!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If, you book in September …Don’t be disappointed if the weather disrupts the agenda, there is always plenty to see. Take good waterproof clothing (jacket & trousers) and boots/shoes - an umbrella might be handy if it isn’t too windy. Bring binoculars. I think everyone ‘changed’ for dinner but it was all very casual and comfortable.We found using ‘pack-it’ cubes helped as the storage space is limited and these allowed easy access to clothing from the shelves or the luggage stored under the bed. The beds are like divan beds without the drawers so there is room underneath. There are no laundry facilities onboard - towels were changed once - so we found small trek towels/swim towels were useful after showering as these would dry quickly and allowed the bath towels to stay drier.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think all the guests helped the local economy by using hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops and visiting the local museums. As a small boat our visual environmental impact appeared to be small - the Glen Tarsan certainly didn’t look out of place in the pretty harbors and Lochs, unlike the larger cruise ships and luxury yachts. We were lucky enough to see Red Deer Stags, White tailed Eagles, Harbour Porpoises, Seals, Jellyfish, Cormorants, Gannets - which was amazing and this helps to highlight the varied wildlife that lives around the Scottish coast and understand how precious it is. The Skipper has a keen eye and made sure that we didn’t miss anything!The Glen Tarsan and the tender run on diesel, so I guess that there are plans in place for a conversion at some point. I did notice that the crew had a recycle regime implemented for plastics, card, newspaper, bottles and tins - which we adhered to. Our food was sourced as locally as possible, which was excellent.The boat makes its own water and uses seawater for flushing toilets. We were asked to be mindful of the amount of washing water we used and I think everyone was, as I didn’t hear that more ‘clean’ water had to be created. Our only negative comment would be regarding the food leftover after meals because some of the guests only had really small appetites - that was sad, from the effort to produce it and the fact that nothing could be reused.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This has to be a 5 star vacation, even though we didn’t get onto Iona or into Fingal’s Cave on Staffa. It was just so lovely to be ‘spoilt’ by all the crew and not have to think about a thing for 6 days! A really memorable experience on so many levels. The recommendation for safe parking worked well, as did the complementary taxis there and back.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for your kind review. We are sorry that the weather prevented you from getting to Iona and Staffa, but as you state safety has to be the priority. We hope to see you again soon.
Ann McCullagh review 8 Jul 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All of it but made special more so be the great crew.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for the itinerary to change when or if weather changes.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
To some degree for all 3.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic. We had a brilliant time and laughed the whole week. The crews attitude and attentiveness was the icing on the cake.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for your kind review, we are so pleased that you enjoyed your cruise with us.
Michael Spooner review 28 Oct 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The chef, he was fantastic, preparing such quality food in such a small area, he was brilliant. Plus catching my first fish!!!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go with an open mind, don't watch Jane MacDonald and expect what you see on TV, but go anyway, you will not be disappointed.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I was pleased to spend money in the area and I could see what a profound effect Covid and Brexit had on the Western Isles. Not so sure about environmental impact or conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, value for money definitely, but we had Cabin 1 which did not leak. I felt a little sorry for those that experienced problems with water in the cabin. The crew were first rate and could not fault them, the company on board was also first rate. An experience I hope to repeat in a couple of years time, thank you.Read the operator's response here:
Dear Michael
Thank you so much for your very kind comments. We are delighted that you had a wonderful time and look forward to welcoming you back on board soon.
We are very pleased to tell you that Glen Massan will spend the winter receiving some much-needed TLC and will be back to start the new season in April.
Anthony Seymour review 5 Oct 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Glen Massan crew were AMAZING2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
No extra tips necessary3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
No particular comments4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Food - well balanced, plenty of variety and superbly presented in difficult conditionsAvril Osborn review 10 Sep 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The wildlife The countryside The welcoming staff The food2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Travel light Enjoy the company3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A wonderful privileged memoryAnn Wilkins review 16 Sep 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All of it!!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure you have waterproof over trousers and jacket. There are lots of lovely walks when onshore but if the weather is inclement, wet jeans can take away some of the pleasure.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Trips were organised to various local businesses - we especially enjoyed our visit to the cheese factory at Tobermory; then there was whisky tasting and local chocolate tasting - which encouraged us to buy.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely fabulous. The crew went the extra mile.......and much more.......to ensure that we had a wonderful vacation, despite poor weather. The food was amazingly good and the other passengers were excellent companions. All the onboard facilities were clean and comfortable and, for such a small boat, the cabins were surprisingly spacious.Sandra Jones review 26 May 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The scenery - although the weather was not too good - and the excellent food.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If going early in the season take clothes to keep you warm at night.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the food was mostly locally sourced4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
If the weather had been good I would have given it 5 starsjulie Clease review 9 Sep 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole of our vacation was wonderful. The crew were all great, friendly and so helpful. The food was delicious every meal, and plentiful too! The cruise was the best way to see some of Scotland’s beautiful scenery and wildlife. The only fault, we wished it didn't have to end!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't forget your binoculars. Sensible shoes and a waterproof for when up on deck and the weather damp.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I am not sure about these things as we didn't buy any local items.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Our vacation was planned as a special treat, and it exceeded our expectations.Holiday Reviews
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