Hebridean Island Cruises is introducing guest speakers and adding more walking-themed departures next year as it looks to attract new passengers to the brand.
Wildlife expert Tim Earl will be on cruises in July and August next year, while gardens expert Nicholas Merchant will be accompanying a Castle and Gardens of the North cruise in April. The new Footloose walks are in the Northern Isles in July 2010 and the Clyde in October 2010.
Director Ken Charleson said there are just a few special-interest departures for 2010 to avoid upsetting past passengers who do not want the product to change.
He said: “We are taking the best things from Hebridean Spirit and putting them on Hebridean Princess but we have to get the right balance.”
Earl previously lectured on Spirit, which was sold in April, just before Hebridean went into liquidation. It was acquired by All Leisure Group, which also owns Swan Hellenic and Voyages of Discovery, and has the 49-passenger Hebridean Princess.
Charleson admitted it has been a “turbulent” year but said bookings are looking good for the rest of 2009 and into 2010. “We had a sluggish start to 2010. I think past passengers were waiting to try us this year and make sure nothing had changed before booking next year.
“Things have really picked up so obviously they are pleased”.
Hebridean offers a luxury all-inclusive cruise product with all drinks, gratuities and excursions included in the price. Some 25% of bookings are through the trade.
Also new for 2010, Princess will be cruising from the Clyde in early and late season as it has more sheltered waters.
For 2011, there will be a five-week round-Britain cruise that will go on sale in March 2010. There are also plans to visit Normandy, the Channel Islands and Belgium.
● Hebridean Princess is having a £1 million refit in November this year to bring it in line with SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) 2010 regulations. All wood panelling has to be stripped out and replaced with non-flammable look-alike material.