Unique Itinerary: Hebridean Princess to France

Hebridean Island Cruises is trying to win the hearts and minds of North American travellers with their small, classically elegant Hebridean Princess.  Carrying just 50 guests, Hebridean Princess typically sails itineraries that explore some of the most remote and beautiful areas of Scotland, but she occasionally ventures into other areas of the UK and northern France.

The intimate Hebridean Island Princess. Photo courtesy of Hebridean Island Cruises

The line has seen such a considerable interest from North American cruisers that it recently opened up a dedicated office in Ft. Lauderdale, and interested passengers can now book in US dollars. Chartered by Her Majesty the Queen twice now, Hebridean Princess is also the subject of our Unique Itinerary of the Week.

Departing August 22, 2011 from Tilbury, England, this eight-night itinerary visits some of the most interesting and historic ports in southern England and northern France, including a scenic cruise up the Thames to London’s famous Tower Bridge.

Passengers will also have a chance to explore the wartime tunnels in Dover before heading across the English Channel to the French town of Dieppe.  In August 1942, over 6,000 Allied infantrymen attempted to seize control of the area from the Germans, without success.  Well over half of the men sent to the beach in Dieppe were killed, wounded or captured.  The hard lessons learned at Dieppe would go on to influence one of the pivotal events of the Second World War: the 1944 beach landings at Normandy.

After departing Dieppe, guests will sail to the beautiful French ports of Honfleur, Rouen and Le Havre.  Uniquely, Hebridean Princess is small enough to sail up the Seine River directly to Rouen, where the morning is spent before sailing to Le Havre. Once a major stop on the transatlantic runs between Europe and North America, Le Havre has experienced a second resurgence in ocean traffic, and is on track to become one of the most popular cruise ports in France.

Hebridean Princess then sails back across the English Channel to spend a full day in Poole before departing for Portsmouth, where this unique voyage ends on August 30^th.

The full itinerary:

Aboard Hebridean Island Cruises, all Privately Escorted Tours (shore excursions) are included in your fare, along with any applicable entrance fees or transportation costs.  Drinks, including spirits, wines, champagne, beers, soft drinks, tea and coffee are also complimentary.  Passengers are able to use the ship’s onboard bicycles ashore at their leisure, and all gratuities are included; in fact, the line actively discourages tipping.

For more information on this fascinating itinerary, including pricing and availability, visit the Hebridean Island Cruises website or contact your favourite cruise travel agency.