The Hebridean Spirit Docks in Livorno

Hebridean Spirit Quietly docks in the Port of LivornoWhile a great deal of media coverage was given to the arrival of "the world's biggest cruise ship" in the port of Livorno last Saturday, I doubt if many people noticed the arrival of the very small and select Hebridean Spirit, which slipped quietly into port a few days earlier. Probably the only cruise ship to be registered in Glasgow, this ship holds a maximum of 98 passengers, and offers luxury cruises with an emphasis on less-frequently visited destinations.

A tour to Livorno and Montenero

The ship slides gently and elegantly into port, docking in the old and tranquil Porto Mediceo (where only smaller ships can be accommodated). Its visit on 5 June - part of a cruise entitled "Palazzos and Gardens of the Mediterranean" - was its second to Livorno this year, and the ship's passengers enjoyed a number of tours designed for the special nature of the Hebridean cruises, seeking out the culture and history of the local area. Passengers were offered a Pisa by Night tour, Lucca and the Villa Reale, and at last a local excursion - Livorno and Montenero. Tours were organised by tour agent Medov.
Other ports of call on this cruise were Nice, Genoa, Menton, Hyères, Cassis and Villefranche.

The World's Coolest Cruises

Registered in GlasgowThe Hebridean Spirit is one of a fleet of just two ships. Its sister ship, the Hebridean Princess, was chosen by Queen Elizabeth II for her 80th birthday celebrations, and is perhaps the smallest luxury cruise ship in the world with a maximum capacity of only 49 guests. Hebridean Cruises were recently voted as the "world's Coolest Cruises" by the Ultra Travel Magazine, reflecting a definite move away from the 'big is beautiful' culture.

A Different World of Cruising

I wonder if this small and elegant ship passed the "world's biggest" somewhere on its voyage. If it did, I somehow doubt if any of its passengers felt envious of its enormous counterpart, with its thousands of passengers and ice skating rink. The Hebridean Spirit and its guests belong to a different world entirely.