Hebridean Island Cruises introduced its new 2012 cruise brochure featuring 20 new itineraries aboard its Five-Star, ultra-luxurious, and all-inclusive Hebridean Princess to majestic and idyllic ports in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and Ireland. The new brochure can be viewed online or ordered on Hebridean’s North American website featuring U.S. Dollar fares by visiting www.hebrideancruises.com.

The Hebridean Princess has attracted many loyal guests over the past 20 years, including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and members of her family when the ship was privately chartered in 2010.

During her March through November cruise season in 2012, Hebridean Princess offers a distinctive variety of four- to ten-day cruises sailing mainly from her Scottish home port of Oban, as well as from Greenock and Invergordon in Scotland. Two new cruises departing from Cork, Ireland—South from Cork and Gaelic Explorer—will delight guests with visits to the most picturesque and fascinating ports along the Emerald Isle. Other season highlights are tours to the extraordinary sites of Kelburn Castle, built in the 13th century and rarely accessed by groups, Loch a’ Choire with its magnificent panoramic views, and the privately-owned luxurious Isle of Eriska.

All new signature “Footloose” itineraries include incredible walking tours among inspiring landscapes such as Footloose in Ireland, Hebridean’s first ever walking-themed cruise in Ireland, Footloose through the Isles, Footloose on Skye and Footloose through the Celtic Fringe. Each cruise is accompanied by three highly experienced guides and is tailored to both seasoned walkers and those who prefer a gentle stroll.

Other highlights of the new 2012 season for Hebridean Island Cruises include:

  Uncover a treasure-trove of gems in the Northern and Southern Hebrides along the west coast of Scotland on the new 7-night itinerary Hebridean Jewels. The cruise explores the awe-inspiring pleated columns of Kilt Rock and the flamboyant Baronial façade of Glenborrodale Castle. Cruise fares start from $3,810 per person in March 2012.

  In the Wake of Boswell and Johnson follows the legendary tour of the two travellers, and features guest speaker Professor Peter Martin, who published acclaimed biographies on James Boswell and Samuel Johnson and is an expert on their tour through the Inner Hebrides. 7-night cruise fares start from $5,380 per person in April 2012.

  The tempting A Gastronomic Tour of Skye offers the best of locally-sourced Scottish cuisine combined with stunning scenery. Highlights include lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant with an entertaining cooking demonstration hosted by Scotland’s renowned food writer Lady Claire MacDonald, as well as lunch at the award-winning restaurant The Three Chimneys, a converted 100-year-old crofter’s cottage located along the beautiful banks of Loch Dunvegan. Fares start from $4,850 per person for 5 nights departing June 2012.

  South from Cork in August 2012 explores the mystery and magic of ancient Celtic and Gaelic country. Visiting Slea Head, the westernmost point in Europe, this 7-night cruise offers a trip to Bantry House, showcasing extensive European collections of the 2nd Earl.

  Discover stunning wildlife, bird havens and the exceptional heritage of the 130-mile Atlantic Chain of the Western Isles on the 7-night Away Westward itinerary that visits Scotland’s most famous prehistoric site, the Callanish Stones. Fares start from $6,050 per person departing September 2012.

Cruising in British country elegance, Hebridean Princess with her truly unique itineraries offers a Five-Star, all-inclusive experience that is remarkably exquisite. As the smallest luxury cruise ship afloat, the 50-guest Hebridean Princess sails to remote coastal villages, scenic islands, and inaccessible locations in bays and lochs that are normally visited by only private yachts. She offers all the comforts and décor of a warm and elegant country home with 30 spacious cabins (10 designated especially for the single traveller). Hebridean Princess, with a passenger-to-crew ratio of almost one-to-one, offers the highest standards of luxury cruise ship accommodations together with a level of service from an almost forgotten era.

New 2012 season fares start from $1,720 per day (based on double occupancy and subject to availability). Fares include all meals, beverages and select wines, spirits and champagne, privately escorted tours, a distinguished guest speaker program, and all port charges and gratuities. Also included are an array of activities such as the use of the ship’s bicycles to explore ashore, fishing, bridge, speedboat rides and more. Black-tie gala dinners are a special highlight, and guests will enjoy a fine dining experience featuring tantalizing culinary delights fused with fresh local ingredients on every cruise.