New ‘mini’ cruise ship will explore Scotland’s most inaccessible islands

The Majestic Line, based in Scotland, is rolling out a new “mini” cruise ship next week. Very mini, as in 12 passengers.

The Glen Etive doesn’t have a top-deck pool, a three-story water slide or celebrity chef restaurants. And it doeesn’t need them either.

It’s a sturdy hardwood-and-brass vessel that offers travelers an intimate way to spend 10 days exploring the farthest and most inaccessible islands off Scotland’s west coast.

Itineraries include the Idyllic Isles of the Outer Hebrides (Aug. 13 and Sept. 10), From Skye to the Shiants (June 18, July 30 and Sept. 24) and Islay and the Southern Hebrides (May 21 and Aug. 27).

The ship is named for one of the prettiest glens in the Scottish Highlands, where scenes from the 2012 James Bond movie “Skyfall” were filmed. It will officially launch April 5 after a naming ceremony at Holy Loch Marina near Dunoon.

Food on board is locally sourced and freshly made, served in a common dining room.

The Etive joins two other ships -- the Glen Massan and the Glen Tasan -- in the Majestic Line fleet. Cruises aboard the ship are already 75% booked for 2016, a company statement says.

Cruises cost (same for solo travelers) about $5,823 per person for a 10-night sailing.

Info: The Majestic Line, 011-44-1369-707-951

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