Hebridean Princess is a small cruise ship operated by Hebridean Island Cruises, with an interesting history.
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Hebridean Princess alongside at Festningskai, Bergen |
Built in Aberdeen in 1964 as RMS Columba, she spent her first 24 years as a ferry in the Hebridean islands, operating on a variety of routes. Her original passenger capacity as a ferry was 600, which was later increased to 870 with the addition of extra seats on her aft deck.
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The gangway of Hebridean Princess |
In 1988 Columba was sold to the newly-formed Hebridean Island Cruises for conversion to a luxury cruise ship. She underwent a major refurbishment the following year in Great Yarmouth and emerged as Hebridean Princess.
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The central superstructure of Hebridean Princess |
Today Hebridean Princess carries just 49 passengers with a crew of 37. She offers a high level of service and has a loyal following. In July 2006, HM Queen Elizabeth II chartered Hebridean Princess for a week-long trip around the Scotish Isles to celebrate her 80th birthday with her family, and again for a 2-week cruise in 2010.
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Hebridean Princess alongside in Bergen |
Hebridean Princess stayed alongside overnight, with an early morning departure scheduled for the following day.
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