A LUXURY cruise ship used recently by the Queen for a private 10-day tour of the Western Isles is in Peel today (Monday).

The Hebridean Princess berthed in Peel early this morning just a week after the ship had been leased by the Queen for her family’s cruise, including Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Princess Anne and Prince Andrew and his daughters.

The cruise was to celebrate “a private family occasion” - the 60th birthday of Princess Anne and the 50th birthday for Prince Andrew. It has been used on a number of occasions by the Royal family for family celebrations.

The cruise is believed to have cost the Queen £300,000, but security costs were more than three times that amount as the ship was escorted throughout the trip by a Royal Navy frigate HMS Kent. Local police costs, together with Royal protection officers, divers and dog handlers further added to the security costs.

The Hebridean Princess is currently in the middle of its current cruise “Gaelic Trilogy” which takes in visits to Scotland and Ireland as well as the Isle of Man. The ship boasts a lounge complete with inglenook fireplace, a classic restaurant famed for its haggis and large, luxurious cabins.

The ship has 30 cabins and carries just 50 guests and has a reputation for exceptional service, fine food and wine. Its annual cruise programme concentrates on the British Isles and France and the Channel Islands.

Guests on board today seemed happy to spend their day in Peel and the west of the Island. Tours of Peel Castle, the House of Manannan and a trip to Tynwald Hill in St John’s were top of the agenda and many were happy to enjoy one of the Breakwater Cafe's famous crab baps and a cup of tea sitting on the quay enjoying the unique peace of Peel and the Isle of Man.

Photo: Bill Dale  isleofmanphotos.com