All Leisure Group has bought Hebridean International Cruises, including its Hebridean Princess vessel, from administration for £1.4m.

The group, which already own Voyages of Discovery and Swann Hellenic, plans to operate luxury cruises on-board the 49-passenger vessel out of Skipton, Yorkshire.
Lord Sterling, who is currently chairman of Swann Hellenic, will also become chairman of the new company. Mike Deegan who was managing director of Hebridean will remain as managing director, and the 12 staff will retain their jobs.

Group executive chairman Roger Allard said: “This acquisition is our first investment of the funds raised on flotation and represents, as promised, a continuation of All Leisure’s strategy to acquire established niche destination-led brands.

“Hebridean Princess justifiably enjoys the exceptionally high levels of both passenger loyalty and customers support that a product of this quality and profile should demand.”

Hebridean’s troubles were attributed to its other vessel, the Hebridean Spirit, which operated on its international routes, mainly in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Sale of the vessel was completed just before the company was put into administration, with the official line being that this proved too little too late.

The 72-metre Hebridean Princess is one of the world’s smallest cruise ships, accommodating 49 passengers and 38 crew. Its style is akin to that of a Scottish country house, with 30 tartan-bedecked cabins, a large fireplace and a small library.
——-