jacobite maverick cruise

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Our boats what you need to know

There’s only one way to experience the home of Scotland’s greatest legend – on one of our boats.

There are four vessels in our Jacobite fleet, each with onboard toilets. We’ve decked out our fleet with everything you need to make sure you can explore the world’s most famous loch in safety and comfort – that includes serving a range of light snacks, soft drinks, and hot beverages. We even have a bar on board - sláinte

You’ll find our fleet’s knowledgeable staff are friendly and love to help, while an audio commentary also guides you as you sail.

We have toilets on board - you'll never get caught short while sailing the loch!

We serve drinks and light snacks. But please, do not feed the monster!

There's FREE WiFi onboard. But we don't recommend surfing on Loch Ness!

Jacobite Warrior

Of Gallic descent, this robust, aluminium-hulled catamaran was designed by the French naval architects Mer et Design and constructed in the glamorous setting of Cannes. In her previous life, Jacobite Warrior roamed the waters of the Mediterranean before catching the eye of "Compagnie des Iles" who took her to Brittany, where she cruised to the islands in the Gulf of Morbihan.

But a true warrior belongs in the Highlands. So this impressive vessel set sail for Loch Ness in 2011, where she received a warm welcome and a total refit – including two powerful new Volvo engines. Nowadays, Jacobite Warrior's strong exterior belies her warm, softer side. Once onboard, you can relax, visit the bar, and tuck into a light snack as she sails.

Registered at: Inverness No 918294

Call Sign: 2FQD8 MMSI Number: 235093322 

Main Engines: 2 x Volvo Penta D12MH 450hp

Generators: one 26kVa Beta Marine 26, one Perkins 22 kVa

Furuno NavNet Radar, GPS, Plotter and Echo Sounder. Sailor RT6210 and Icom IC-M323 VHF radios, 2 x 100 person Zodiac and 2 x 50 person Zodiac.  Open Inflatable liferafts, four Icom M71 handheld VHF radios. Adult, children and large person lifejackets.

Jacobite Rebel

Like Warrior, Rebel is also a catamaran of Gallic birth, designed by Phillipe Suberero and built by Chantier naval de Rovere near Toulon in France. Originally named Jules Verne IV, the vessel didn't quite make it "around the world in 80 days", but she did sail proudly between Cannes, Nice and St Tropez. In 2014, she said "au revoir" to the Mediterranean, setting sail for Loch Ness.

After a long and arduous journey north, Jacobite Rebel arrived – polished and preened by MacDuff Shipbuilders at Buckie. She has now joined Jacobite's proud fleet of impressive vessels. Her crew is proud to welcome you on board!

Registered at Inverness No 920778

Call Sign: 2IOI8 (Two India Oscar India Eight)

MMSI Number: 235111446

Main Engines: Scania D109 257 KW. 

Generator: 2 x Beta Marine 32 Kva 26 Kva

VHF Radio with DSC                 2 x Sailor 6210 with DSC

VHF Radio Handheld                 3 x Icom IC-M73

Radar                                       Simrad

Plotter                                      Simrad/ Olex

Echo Sounder                           1 Simrad Video Sounder

Compass                                  Simrad Compass

Life-Saving Equipment

4 x 65 man RFD ORIL 

200 Cosalt Premier life jackets for >32kg 20 infant 20 Large  persons 11 orange lifebuoys marked Jacobite Rebel, Inverness, 6 with lines, 4 with lights, 1 plain, 3 red parachute flares, 3 Hand orange smoke and 3 handheld red MOB luff tackle, davit and Jasons' Cradle. 

Jacobite Maverick

Like her name, the Jacobite Maverick is completely unique. Equipped with on board sonars and TV screens, our Nessie enthusiasts won’t miss a blip! Sticking to the trendsetter description, the Jacobite Maverick’s environmental credentials leave other boats green with envy! With an eco-friendly design for lower fuel consumption and water waste, she gets a big green tick from us!

Registered at Inverness - 923189

Call Sign: M D B R 5

Main Engines: 2 x  Scania Di9 257 Kw

Generator: 2 x Beta Marine 32 Kva

VHF Radio Handheld                 4 x Icom IC-M73

4 x RFD Ferryman 65-person ORIL 

200 Crewsaver Premier life jackets for >43kg 20 infant 2 x man orange Karly floats 6 orange lifebuoys marked Jacobite Maverick, Inverness, 2 with lines, 4 with lights,  4 red parachute flares, 2 Hand orange smoke and 6 hand-held red MOB luff tackle. 

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Jacobite Cruise on Loch Ness

It was my husband's birthday, and he had expressed an interest in trying the Jacobite cruises on Loch Ness . We had been around Loch Ness and visited Urquhart Castle on foot many times, but never a cruise on Loch Ness so we relished the opportunity.

After a quick search for " loch ness cruises ", we found the Loch Ness by Jacobite cruise , they had a great website and the catamarans looked state of the art.

We left Inverness and travelled south by car along the A82 for about seven miles until we arrived early at our destination, Dochgarroch . There is a nice café and shop to visit or have a walk along the banks of the canal, before joining the boat.

Loch Ness by Jacobite

We boarded the Jacobite Maverick, at Dochgarroch Lock for a two-hour cruise. The fare was £26 per adult. The Jacobite Maverick has disabled toilet facilities onboard. We left Dochgarron at 12 noon and sailed south at a leisurely pace along the Caledonian Canal, passing the Darroch and Torr woods on our left and the pretty Bona Lighthouse.

The Caledonian Canal

Thomas Telford was commissioned as the principal engineer in the building of the Caledonian Canal which took twelve years to construct and opened in 1822. In all, the canal is twenty-two miles long and has twenty-nine locks.

The Great Glen runs from Inverness in the north to Fort William in the south. It was a beautiful sunny day, perfect weather for sitting outside on the upper deck of the Jacobite Maverick.

On each catamaran there is a screen showing a live sonar readout from the murky depths below, no "Nessie" sized objects but plenty of fish. It's a great feature and makes you think you will be the one to find the monster first.  The onboard guide was full of interesting facts about Loch Ness and the surrounding areas.

The canal opened up into Loch Ness and the magnificent panoramic views of the legendary loch and mountains; it enthralled us for the rest of the cruise. We kept a lookout for Nessie too, but we had no luck in seeing the Loch Ness monster .

Loch Ness is a large deep freshwater loch in the Highlands of Scotland, 230m at its deepest, and sits on the Great Glen fault line, so if you feel any rumbles in the deep this could be why! Loch Ness is an area of stunning natural beauty, a must-see for everyone. Loch Ness contains more water than all of the lakes in Wales and England combined, wow!

Loch Ness Monster

• Urquhart Castle

Halfway into the journey, the ship paused for photographs of Urquhart Castle , which is situated on a rocky peninsula called Strone Point on the West bank of Loch Ness, approximately seventeen miles south of Inverness. Historical records suggest that there has been a castle on this site from at least the 13th century and the castle has borne witness to some of the most dramatic chapters in the history of the Scottish Nation. Urquhart Castle is dominated by the prominent Grant Tower and the ship’s location on the loch offers plenty of opportunities to take photographs of this picturesque gem. The castle is owned by Historic Scotland .

Jacobite Loch Ness Cruise

Loch Ness by Jacobite has been offering tourist cruises on Loch Ness for over 40 years, welcoming nearly 300,000 visitors each year on their fleet of catamarans. Their tours can last from anything up to one hour to a 7-hour extravaganza. They have won awards from Visit Scotland, Trip Advisor, Green Tourism, and Grammy.

What else can I see after the cruise?

You are spoilt for choice for things to see in the Inverness area:

• Dolphins at Chanonry Point
• Culloden Battlefield
• Culloden Viaduct
• Clava Cairns
• Rogie Falls
• Beauly Priory

Conclusion - Loch Ness by Jacobite

Suggestions; bring your own picnic and drinks, beverage prices on board are very expensive. Wrap up warm on cooler days if you are travelling on the upper deck. Indulge in a Miele’s Ice-cream when you get off of the boat, there are lots of flavours to choose from and the mobile cabin is situated near the car park.

We had a fantastic trip with "Jacobite Cruise on Loch Ness", we would highly recommend it on your travels around Scotland and Scottish Highlands.  Why not check out the Jacobite Steam Train in Fort William next?  An excellent tourist train journey along the Glenfinnan Viaduct as seen in Harry Potter.

All information was correct at the time of writing, please check things like entry costs and opening times before you arrive.

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How Loch Ness by Jacobite is showcasing Loch Ness at its best

Ferry company's owner Freda Newton explains why there's more to Loch Ness than ‘Nessie’

There’s a great deal more to Scotland’s Loch Ness than dear old ‘Nessie’, as Loch Ness by Jacobite’s owner Freda Newton explains to Justin Merrigan

By Justin Merrigan | 25 October 2019

This article was first published in the Autumn/Winter 2019 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review . All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.

Way up in the far northern reaches of Scotland in the beautiful Highland region, a cruise and tour operation is enjoying phenomenal success on what could be considered as the most mystical of waterways, Loch Ness.

Award-winning cruise and tour operator Loch Ness by Jacobite has been revealed as one of Scotland’s most popular paid-for attractions outside the country’s central belt stretching from Edinburgh to Glasgow. Hardly surprising when one takes in the natural beauty of the landscape sweeping down to the loch, which was carved by glaciers at the heart of the Great Glen fault.

At the helm of Loch Ness by Jacobite is owner and managing director Freda Newton, who bought the business in 2002. With a vision to open up Loch Ness’s shores to more intrepid adventurers, including tourists hoping for a glimpse of the legendary Loch Ness Monster, Newton has grown passenger numbers from 35,000 to over 300,000 today – a remarkable achievement.

Sailing from its base at Dochgarroch Lock on the Caledonian Canal to Urquhart Castle which stands over Loch Ness from a rocky outcrop, Loch Ness by Jacobite welcomed a record-breaking 315,000 visitors in 2018. This marked a growth of 9% from 2017 and was well over the national average of just 0.1%. Newton attributes the success to a variety of factors.

“Last year was an incredible time at Loch Ness by Jacobite,” she says. “We celebrated a record-breaking number of visitors to the loch, as well as the launch of our new custom-designed catamaran, the Wight Shipyard-built Jacobite Maverick, which across the fleet allows us to take a total of 809 people onto Loch Ness every hour. We welcomed guests from 89 different nationalities, which highlights the international appeal of the area. New flight routes into Inverness Airport and the opening of our retail destination and café in Dochgarroch at the end of June mean we can only expect this growth to continue.”

Investment in the new catamaran was a significant step and, like the operation itself, Jacobite Maverick is unique. “Equipped with onboard sonars and TV screens, our Nessie enthusiasts won’t miss a blip,” comments Newton. “Sticking to the trendsetter description, Jacobite Maverick’s environmental credentials leave other boats green with envy. With an eco-friendly design for lower fuel consumption and water waste, she gets a big green tick from us.”

As with any business, Loch Ness by Jacobite faces challenges, one of the biggest being the Scottish highland weather. However, Newton looks on the bright side. “It’s no secret that we do not have fantastic weather all year round,” she says. “But what we lack in sunshine, we make up for in landscapes rich with colour and nature. While we cannot guarantee the weather, we can guarantee a memorable experience.”

For when the weather does turn “dreich”, guests can now enjoy An Talla by Loch Ness, the new visitor centre and café that opened its doors in June. The development came about after the partial relocation of Loch Ness by Jacobite from its original Inverness base at Tomnahurich Bridge to a temporary building at Dochgarroch Lock.

“Dochgarroch is a beautiful area that has a fantastic story behind it,” explains Newton. “Home to the manmade part of the Caledonian Canal built by Thomas Telford. We have much more space at Dochgarroch Lock, with a large car park area available for coaches and cars. It is also where Jacobite Rebel and Jacobite Maverick depart from, so with more cruise options, parking and footfall, the move from Inverness seemed like the right thing to do – it is also closer to Loch Ness.”

Located in the former Dochgarroch Hall, a Victorian building that had been steadily falling into disrepair, the centre includes a ticket reception and entrance hall, a retail outlet celebrating Highland produce, a 90-seat café built around a central courtyard, and an external terrace overlooking the Caledonian Canal towpath and quayside.

As ever, the hands-on Newton toured the UK’s best cafés, bakeries, tearooms and craft stores to develop her vision. The result is a development that is sympathetic to the distinctive building retaining the original character of the hall.

“The expansion of the Loch Ness by Jacobite fleet and shoreside facilities reflects the hugely positive outlook towards the region’s tourism sector, with our reputation for hospitality renowned the world over,” she says. “It’s experiences like these that make the Highlands such a desirable destination, and it’s no surprise that visitor numbers continue to increase.”

The company Newton now operates is a far cry from the one she bought back in 2002, and the transformation of the business into a slick operation with four vessels offering a choice of cruises has been rightly recognised. In 2015, Newton was named Highland Business Leader of the Year, and she was made an MBE in the 2017 New Year’s Honours list for services to economic and community development in the Highlands of Scotland. She was also awarded the prestigious VisitScotland–Caledonian MacBrayne Silver Thistle Award in recognition of her pivotal role in the region’s tourism industry.

This year, Irish travel operator CIE awarded Loch Ness by Jacobite its best UK Loch Cruise operator title. Without hesitation, Newton attributes the success and recognition to teamwork.

“Everyone in the business has their part to play and it is our people that deliver the service and all we have to do is give them the tools that they need to do their job to the best of their ability,” she says. “We need to give the customer what they want to provide genuine and memorable experiences. What people want to see is Loch Ness, what they experience is Loch Ness by Jacobite. We are always aiming to strive for better. Treating our visitors not as tourists, but as guests.”

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Tags: Scotland     Loch Ness by Jacobite     Loch Ness

Justin Merrigan

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Great cruise - Loch Ness by Jacobite

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Great cruise

Thoroughly enjoyed the cruise on Loch Ness. The only disappointment was that I didn't see Nessie .

Thank you for taking the time to leave us this good review. Hopefully we can welcome you back one day for another Nessie spotting adventure!

Great cruise , with plenty of information provided by Malcolm our entertaining guide. Lovely boat , very comfy with drinks and snacks available .

Thank you for taking the time to leave us this great review of the Contemplation Cruise. We also think Malcolm is very entertaining and a fantastic guide. It's great to hear you enjoyed your trip on the Jacobite Maverick and thank you for sailing with Loch Ness by Jacobite.

Great cruise around Loch Ness up to Urquart Castle and back. Was a lovely day and the wind was non existent on the way back. Have to do the Nessy tour!

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a nice review. It sounds like you picked a great day to visit the loch. Thank you for choosing Loch Ness by Jacobite!

Amazing scenery with interesting, fun commentary about Loch Ness. Great to combine with time to wander around Urquhart castle.

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a lovely review. We are so pleased you enjoyed your Loch Ness by Jacobite experience and time at Urquhart Castle.

On monday 2nd October myself and 7 friends went on the 2pm temptation tour which started with coach driver Kieran at inverness He was very knowledgeable about the local area and boasted how he was so much better at his job than his colleague We all had a great coach trip to Dochgarroch Lock and loch boat trip to Urquhart Castle and return journey by coach many thanks.We will be back again

We are delighted to hear that you had a wonderful time on the Temptation Tour. We are sorry to hear that you didn't see Nessie, but hopefully next time. Thank you for sailing with Loch Ness by Jacobite.

We went on the temptation tour which was a coach from Inverness to the boat, then a cruise along loch Ness to Urquhart castle, then back on the coach for a tour back to Inverness. Kieran was our driver and he was awesome, made the tour for us with all his funny and witty remarks and stories. Super Cally go ballistic!!

We are so pleased to hear how awesome you found Kieran on the Temptation tour. Thank you for sailing with Loch Ness by Jacobite.

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Loch Ness by Jacobite

Home » Loch Ness by Jacobite

Jacobite Cruises on Loch Ness

The best way to explore Loch Ness is on the water. Surrounded by magnificent mountains, ancient castles and historic monuments, there is much to see from this legendary loch. So whether you’re here to look for Nessie, or to take in the history and scenery of this remarkable place, there’s no better way than on a boat trip with Loch Ness by Jacobite cruises. Departing from Clansman Harbour, Dochgarroch Lock or Tomnahurich Bridge, depending on which cruise you pick. With a fleet of catamarans sailing the iconic loch, you can choose a tour to suit you.

Loch Ness Monster

Keep an eye out for Nessie on your Loch Ness cruise

Nessie Hunting

Do you believe in the Loch Ness Monster ? Many do. There have been sightings stretching back to the 1st century, but it was in the 1930s that Nessie-spotting really took off around here. Whether fact or fiction, she is an important part of our culture and history. And what could me more fun than searching for Nessie on the famous waters of Loch Ness? For the kids (big and small) there’s an activity book, audio guide and on-screen sonar, so you can see what’s happening below the water. So keep your eyes peeled and have a camera at the ready!

There are four catamarans in the fleet. They are the Jacobite Queen, Jacobite Warrior, Jacobite Rebel and Jacobite Maverick. Each has toilet facilities, a drinks and snacks bar and free Wi-Fi. There’s also audio commentary, which shares local information and points out interesting landmarks. The cruise company and its boats are named after the Jacobites, a group of 18th-century Highlanders who tried to overthrow KIng George II, believing the British throne rightfully belonged to Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie). There is much local history surrounding the Jacobite movement, some of which you may learn about on your tour.

Choose your cruise

To avoid disappointment, it’s best to book your cruise in advance. Choose the tour for you and book online . If you plan to go out on the deck, remember to stay warm by layering up. Don’t forget your camera .. and let us know if you spot the elusive Nessie!

Also, if you’re boarding at Dochgarroch Lock, be sure to make a stop at An Talla , a sister company of Loch Ness by Jacobite, offering a luxury café and shopping destination.

Dochgarroch Lock, Inverness-shire, IV3 8JG

https://www.jacobite.co.uk/

+44 (0)1463 233999

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A new catamaran for Scotland from Wight Shipyard Co

Wight Shipyard Co has delivered its latest vessel to high profile Scottish tourism operator Loch Ness by Jacobite. The new 20 metre day-cruise passenger catamaran Jacobite Maverick is joining the company’s fleet sailing between Dochgarroch, just outside Inverness, Clansman Harbour and the historic ruins of Urquhart Castle.

“We are delighted to see Jacobite Maverick sail to her new home on Loch Ness as she represents our first order for Scotland,” says Wight Shipyard Co CEO Peter Morton.

“The Loch Ness by Jacobite order was announced in September last year and came only a matter of days after the confirmation of a repeat Red Funnel order which itself followed the delivery to MBNA Thames Clippers of two 35 metre low-wash river catamarans for London.

“The Jacobite Maverick underpins WSC’s track record in building sustainable and low environmental impact vessels,” Peter Morton says.

“Loch Ness by Jacobite is seeing incredible growth and last year we welcomed almost 300,000 passengers onto the waters of Loch Ness,” says Freda Newton, Managing Director of Loch Ness by Jacobite.

“The new catamaran built by Wight Shipyard Co continues our investment in Loch Ness by Jacobite, our people and our fleet so we can offer the very best visitor experience. We have been most impressed by Wight Shipyard’s skills and in particular the quality of finish in their vessels,” she says.

Designed by One2three Naval Architects the hullform of the new catamaran is designed to provide through-life efficiency with low structural weight assisting lower fuel consumption.

The Jacobite Maverick accommodates 200 passengers who board over the forward and aft decks. The aft deck seats 13 passengers while the foredeck has 15 seats and is fitted with hinged boarding ramps. Passengers enter a well appointed and tastefully finished cabin with seating arrangements for 102 passengers tailored to Loch Ness by Jacobite requirements. Specially crafted bench seating finished in the company’s own tartan is complemented by tasteful oak tables manufactured by the shipyard. There is also provision for securing two wheelchairs in the cabin and throughout, all passengers can view 32” flat screen televisions showing the depths below.

Providing refreshments and snacks is a spacious café/kiosk which is fully equipped with two servery bench sinks, an under counter refrigerator, two fridge coffee machines, a hot chocolate machine and an ice maker.

The Four toilets are located at the rear of the accommodation, one of which is for disabled customers. Each WC includes a dual water flushing toilet and a raised bowl hand basin complete with a Dyson airblade tap hand dryer.

Above, on the upper deck, outdoor seating is provided for 84 passengers aft of the elevated wheelhouse which is equipped with the very latest in navigational aids. The instrument panel with all gauges, indicators and warning lights associated with main engines is positioned so that each component is readily visible to the helmsman. The bridge wings are fitted with a control station.

In the hulls of Jacobite Maverick, the engine rooms are laid out in a clean, accessible manner and feature removal hatches over each engine, completely clear of overhead obstructions. The vessel is powered by two Scania DI9 main engines, each producing 257kW @ 2100 rpm. Capable of reaching a maximum speed of 17 knots, the vessel will cruise at 12 knots on Loch Ness further slowing to 5 knots in the Caledonian Canal.

Principal particulars

Builder: Wight Shipyard Co, East Cowes, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom.

Designer: One2three Naval Architects, Sydney, Australia

Craft Classification: Lloyd’s Register A1 SSC Catamaran Zone 2 (MSN1823) Cat C Waters LMC DNVGL 2017 LC R4 Passenger

Flag Certification: Domestic MSN1823 Passenger MCA UK Cat C

Length Overall: 21.34m

Length Waterline: 20.24m

Beam Moulded: 7.60m

Load Draught: 1.90m

Deadweight: 20.83 tonnes

Fuel: 2 x 2000 litres

Fresh Water: 1 x 500 litres

Sullage: 1 x 1500 litres

Passengers: 200

Main engines: Two Scania DI9 marine diesel engines, each producing 257kW (350hp) @ 2100 rpm

Fuel: 70 l/hr (total) at 12 knots fully loaded

Gearboxes: Two Twin Disc MGX 5114 SC

Propulsion: Two fixed pitch, 5-bladed propellers

Generators: 2 x 30kW Kabota engines powering 2 x Beta Marine generators, 33kVa 230V 50 Hz single phase.

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A soaring welcome for new £2.4million Loch Ness cruiser

The summer is set to be ‘plane’ sailing for Loch Ness by Jacobite as the cruise tour operator welcomes a new addition to its fleet.

The Jacobite Maverick embarked on its maiden voyage on the world’s most famous loch this week accompanied by a fitting wingman.

In a nod to the Maverick moniker a fly-by took place thanks to Scotland’s very own maverick pilot, David Heather-Hayes.

With the tourism sector worth in excess of £700 million annually to the Highland economy, the new vessel – which can carry up to 200 passengers – will enable Loch Ness by Jacobite to meet the demands of the growing sector and guide even more guests along the loch.

Behind the £2.4 million investment is Loch Ness by Jacobite managing director Freda Newton MBE, who is gearing up to welcome over 300,000 visitors to the loch this year.

Freda said: ‘When searching for a fitting name, ‘Maverick’ stood out as it means quite unlike anything else – which sums up the Loch Ness by Jacobite experience.

‘We commissioned Wight Shipyard to build the boat and we are really pleased with the end result. The quality is fantastic and it will help us share the loch with even more visitors to the Highlands.

‘The addition brings our fleet up to four, and follows record-breaking visitor numbers in 2017.

‘Loch Ness attractions have seen higher than normal increases for the past two years, climbing 23% and 29% respectively, and as the third runway at Heathrow has been given the go-ahead, the Highland region will directly benefit from this.

‘New flight routes mean we’ve welcomed people from all around the world, including China, the USA and Australia, and the Maverick will help us continue to welcome more people than ever before.

A soaring welcome for the Jacobite Maverick

‘None of this would be possible without the dedication of team Jacobite, who sail a total of 4,359 hours a year!’

Celebrating the launch at Jacobite’s Dochgarroch HQ was Drew Hendry, MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, who was joined by 50 guests for an exclusive preview aboard the bespoke 20-metre catamaran.

Drew said: ‘It was a privilege to join the Jacobite team on-board the Maverick for its maiden voyage, which marks further investment from the company into the region.

‘It’s experiences like these that make the Highlands such a desirable destination, and it’s no surprise that visitor numbers continue to increase.

‘The expansion of the Jacobite fleet reflects the hugely positive outlook towards the region’s tourism sector, with our reputation for hospitality renowned the world over. This is only made possible by the local businesses working tirelessly to provide the best service to all visitors.’

The Jacobite Maverick was built by Wight Shipyard, with its lightweight design providing eco-friendly sailing between Dochgarroch, the Clansman Harbour and the historic ruins of Urquhart Castle.

The launch comes amidst renewed scientific interest on what lies within in the waters, with a global team of scientists, known as the Super Natural History team, carrying out environmental DNA sampling to identify remnants left behind by life in Loch Ness.

It also follows a record year for Nessie spots, with more ‘official’ sightings in 2017 than any other year this century.

Loch Ness by Jacobite

Loch Ness by Jacobite offer 5 star cruises on Loch Ness. 

For over forty years, Loch Ness by Jacobite has welcomed Highland adventurers on board. Why? To cruise the mysteries and myths of the world famous Loch Ness, of course.

Our friendly crew are true professionals at what they do. In fact, each year they entertain nearly 300,000 visitors with award-winning cruises and tours on board our impressive fleet. And always with a smile!

You can pick a Jacobite experience lasting anything from 60 minutes to a seven-hour adventure.  Whatever you’re looking to see,  photograph, or explore in the heart of Loch Ness, we really do offer a monster-sized collection of cruises and tours to suit you and make your Loch Ness voyage great.

Accessible Friendly

Free Parking

Pet Friendly

Experience Loch Ness by Jacobite

Loch Ness is the destination, Loch Ness by Jacobite is the experience. 

Dochgarroch Lock

Dochgarroch

01463 233999

[email protected]

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Inside Tom Cruise And Elsina Khayrova's Whirlwind Fling

When you're as famous as Tom Cruise, it can be difficult to keep your romances a secret. The A-list actor has famously been married three times, and each one had its fair share of media attention. Cruise was first wed to Mimi Rogers from 1987 until 1990, then married to Nicole Kidman from 1990 until 2001, and then tied the knot with Katie Holmes in 2006 before they officially divorced in 2006. However, it seemed like Cruise was able to keep his romantic life a little more out of the spotlight following that high-profile split with Holmes — that is, until the world caught word of Cruise's apparent romance with Elsina Khayrova .

Cruise and Khayrova, a socialite and former model, went somewhat public with their romance in late December 2023. That was when the  Daily Mail reported the star was spotted getting very cozy with his new love at a party in London. "They were inseparable, clearly a couple. He seemed to be besotted with her," an onlooker even told the outlet at the time. That outing came shortly after the two first met, with  Page Six  reporting the two crossing paths after Khayrova accompanied a friend to a tea party Cruise was hosting at his London home. It seemed like things were going well for these two — at least for a little while, anyway.

Tom Cruise reportedly met Elsina Khayrova's kids

A sign that things are going well for any new couple? Meeting the kids. Elsina Khayrova apparently felt comfortable enough with Tom Cruise to introduce him to her children. Page Six reported in February 2024 that Cruise had met his love interests' children, a son and a daughter, who she shares with her former husband, Dimitry Tsvetkov. You may not have heard of Tsvetkov, but he's actually a pretty big deal. Khayrova's ex is reportedly a Russian oligarch and also sells diamonds.

Reports claimed around the same time that Cruise was very much into the ex-model. In January 2024, a source dished on the blossoming romance to Us Weekly : "They're very happy. And Tom's extremely confident about it working out for the long term." The insider also shared that Cruise and Khayrova's relationship had started more as a friendship that blossomed into romance, and also noted that Khayrova was very understanding and supportive of Cruise's busy career. Two months later, a source dished again on the twosome's apparent love to  Us Weekly , sharing that Cruise was supposedly even thinking about things long-term with his girlfriend. Sounds like a perfect match, right? Well ... maybe not exactly.

Things cooled off almost as quickly as they began (but he may be moving on)

Despite the multiple claims Tom Cruise and Elsina Khayrova may have been headed for the long hall, it seems like it all got a little too much for the "Top Gun" star. In February 2024, around two months after he and Khayrova were spotted in London, a source told  Page Six  that Cruise had second thoughts about their romance. They claimed Cruise, who doesn't appear to have spoken publicly about Khayrova, wanted to slow down and felt all the speculation in the media had gotten too intense. "He's cooled things down," they claimed, suggesting Cruise may not be ready for a long-time love with the socialite after all. But that didn't necessarily mean a full-on breakup, as they purported they were still in touch.

But fans maybe shouldn't put a lot of stock in the possibility of these two getting together. That's because, if you believe InTouch 's insider at least, Cruise has eyes for his "Top Gun: Maverick" co-star and "At Midnight" actor Monica Barbaro . They suggested the actor was looking to move on from his brief romance with Khayrova and may just have been looking to do that with Barbaro. "Tom thinks she's stunningly beautiful," the source said in March 2024. "He'd like to explore a relationship with her." It seems like we'll just have to wait and see what's next in the love life of this superstar.

• River Cruising

GCT Moscow to St. Petersburg have you done it?

By relevart , January 25, 2006 in River Cruising

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This is my first time with GCT and I was very disappointed when they said they were substituting a WWII memorial and Victory Park tour for a tour of the Kremlin and Armory Museum. We can take the Kremlin Armory tour for $60.00. The War Memorial and Victory Park tour was originally $45.00. They say it is because people didn't like the Kremlin and Armory Museum tour. It looks like a bait and switch to me. I can't imagine people not wanting to visit the Kremlin and Armory. If any of you have done this cruise I would be curious what you thought about these tours.

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We took the GCT Russian cruise two years ago. I would not go to Moscow without going inside the Kremlin and the Armory. I don't understand droping that tour from the trip.

We're on the GCT Moscow/St. Petersburg September 6th cruise and have gotten the notification about the tour changes. We were going to do both anyway, so it's just a higher cost.

Anyone else going on this date?

Believe me, no matter what do take the Kremlin tour. If you have no other possibility, I can recommend an excellent local guide for you. I am a Cruise/Tour Director for AVALON and we will have the Kremlin Armory included and this would never be replaced for something else, UNLESS there is an official event going on in the Kremlin on the date you are there. This is the only possibility. The Kremlin regularly closes the doors without good reason (visit of a foreign dignitary or so).

Check this with Granc Circle (that is your cruise company am I right?)

Thank you Heintje. If you could give me the local guide info if he is able to pick us up at the boat I would be grateful. My e-mail address is [email protected] . All the Grand Circle tours have been switched from the Kremlin so I don't know what the problem is.

The name of the guide is IRA, She has been my local guide several times, and is specialized in Kremlin and Armory (also the treasury). She is prefered guide for individual guests of some of Moscows top hotels. Her e-mail address is:[email protected]

When you write her, you can mention that you received her name and address through me: Hendrik Jan from Holland.

I will sent a copy of this message to your e-mail address.

Good luck and let me know if you managed to get in touch with her; [email protected]

• 4 weeks later...

I am becoming less and less enamored with GCT as time goes on. I sent my Russian visa application to the agency GCT recommended the middle of January, after I called them and asked if I could send it early because I have a 31 day cruise on Orient Lines beginning 3/11. They said yes. Weekly calls and e-mails with promises to get it to me have not been much help. Finally, this week they said it would not be approved until the middle of March because GCT Russia is holding them up, I told them I had sent it to them early because I had an earlier cruise. So, for USD$100 they say I can get it back by March 1. When I e-mailed GCT they said that is why they sent out the Visa application so early. It looks to me like it doesn’t matter when they sent it out but GCT Russia is not going to send the applications in until the middle of March. I was also told by the agency that once the application is approved it would take two weeks for the Embassy in DC to put the Visa in the passport. If I miss my 31 day cruise I will not be happy and it is off to an attorney as I have done everything I can possibly do.

You may want to read the thread on the Frommers site about Grand Circle and their loss of Better Business Bureau Certification.

We have had both good and bad expeiences with GCT. Better to be informed.

http://www.frommers.com/cgi-bin/WebX...2Ft^[email protected]

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Moscow Boat Tour

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Description

See all the gems of historical and cultural center of the capital in short time and without traffic jams or tiresome walking.

Depending on the itinerary and duration of the Moscow River boat trip, the tour can be 3 or 5 hours.

Highlights of the tour

• St Basil’s Cathedral;
• Stalin skyscraper on Kotelnicheskaya (Tinkers) embankment;
• The Kremlin;
• “House on the Embankment” Stalin skyscraper;
• Monument to Peter I;
• The Central House of Artists;
• Christ the Savior Cathedral;
• Gorky Park;
• Moscow State University;
• Russian Academy of Sciences;
• Luzhniki stadium;
• Novodevichy Monastery;
• Kiev railway station;
• Europe Square;
• Moscow City Hall;
• Government House;
• Expocentre Exhibition Complex;
• and other famous sights.

You will learn about the different epochs of the city from the foundation in 1147 till Soviet times of 20 th  century.

Moscow River

Moskva river has the form of a snake and is the main waterway of Moscow, consisting of a cascade of reservoirs. Within the city, Moskva river is 80 km long, 120 m - 200 m wide and up to 14 m deep. The narrowest part of the river is the Kremlin area in the city center, and the most extensive is around the Luzhniki Stadium in the south. 

Bridges in Moscow

Undoubtedly, bridges and embankments are among the most scenic spots and main attractions of Moscow. Plus, they are so romantic.

• Bolshoy Kamenny Bridge –  Great Stone Bridge –  is the main bridge of Moscow . The first stone bridge was constructed here in the 17th century.
• Patriarshy Bridge  is one of the youngest pedestrian bridges, built in 2004. The bridge connects the iconic Christ the Saviour Cathedral with funky Bersenevskaya embankment, extremely popular place among locals for its trendy art galleries, cafes and panoramic views. Patriarshy Bridge used to be a shooting location for ex-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's New Year speech to the nation.
• Borodinsky Bridge,  erected in honor of the 100th anniversary of the glorious victory in the Battle of Borodino (which every Russian kid knows about), a fierce legendary battle during the Russo-French war of 1812.
• Bagration Bridge  one of the  pedestrian bridges with most picturesque views of the Moskva River with its numerous upper-level observation platforms. The bridge was erected to celebrate the 850th anniversary of Moscow city in 1997.
• Krymsky Bridge  used to be in Top 5 Europe’s longest bridges some 100 years ago. The bridge got its name after the ancient Krymsky ford which Crimean Tartars used to invade Moscow in the 16 th  century.

Embankments of Moscow

Moscow river boats 37 embankments, the most popular being Kremlevskaya, Sofiyskaya, Pushkinskaya, Vorobyovskaya and Kolomenskaya.

You can get the most spectacular views of the Kremlin from  Kremlevskaya and Sofiyskaya embankments.

• Pushkinkaya embankment  is the most romantic in Moscow. It meanders along Gorky Park and Neskuchnyi garden and is rich for all kinds of entertainment as well as cozy nooks, including Olivkovy beach, the famous Zeleny theater as well as a pier for river cruisers.
• Vorobyevskaya embankment  is part of Sparrow Hills nature reserve. This place opens a beautiful panorama of the river and city from the observation deck and is considered to be the place for taking serious decisions in life.
• Embankment in Kolomenskoye  Museum-Reserve has a special charm due to its peculiar geographical relief. The boat trip around Kolomenskoye would be the most peaceful in your life.
• Taras Shevchenko embankment  is popular among photographers for its modern Moscow City skyscrapers. Highly recommended for your night boat trip.
• Embankments of Moscow are the pride of the capital. A distinctive feature of each of the promenades is its architecture and beautiful views. In addition, almost all the embankments of Moscow have a rich history and a lot of notable buildings.

Different epochs

Taking a walk along the Moskva River by boat, you will witness the architecture of Moscow from different eras and styles. Archaeological studies indicate that already in the XI century there stood a fortified settlement on Borovitsky hill, which is now called the Kremlin. Little fortress could not accommodate all the residents of the rapidly growing city, and the Grand Duke ordered the construction of a new Kremlin, larger than the former.

Boat trip around Kolomenskoe Park

Moscow river boat trip starts from the pier Klenovy (Maple) Boulevard and provides reat views of Nicholas Perervinsky monastery.

Nicholas Perervinsky monastery was founded at the time of the Battle of Kulikov (1380). The monastery, got its name from the surrounding area – “Pererva”, which can be translated like “tear off” and because of the location –  here it abruptly changed its course, turning to Kolomna, standing on the opposite bank.

Nowadays Kolomenskoye is State Art, Historical, Architectural and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve, which doors are open to everyone who wants to get in touch with the ancient history of Russia.

Take a break from the big city hustle in the shady parks and gardens of the Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve. Don’t miss a wonderful Church of the Ascension and Tsar Alexey’s Palace in Kolomenskoye!

Monasteries and temples

• Novospassky Monastery
• Founded in the 13th century on the site where now is located the Danilovsky monastery. After a few decades, in 1330, Ivan Kalita moved the monastery onto the Borovitskii hill of the Kremlin. However, in the 15th century, Spassky Monastery again moved, this time to a more spacious place on Krasnoholmskaya waterfront.
• Church of St. Nicholas in Zayaitskom
• Erected in the middle of the XVIII century in baroque style. The building survived after the 1812 fire, but the utensils were destoyed. Parishioners collected donations and restored the temple on their own. In Soviet times, it was closed and re-opened only in 1992.
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• The church was originally erected in honor of the victory over Napoleon and was being under construction for long 44 years. Notoriously demolished in 1937 to be a giant swimming pool under open sky. The current building was constructed in 1990s. It is the tallest and one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.
• The temple was built in 1679-82, during the reign of Tsar Fedor Alekseevich, in late Muscovite Baroque style and can be characterized as bonfire temple. Each gable is a symbol of a heavenly fire.
• Novodevichy Convent
• The most famous concent and monastery in Moscow, presumably founded in 1524. Novodevichy’s status has always been high among other monasteries, it was in this monastery where the women of the royal blood, the wives of Tsars and local rulers of Moscow were kept in prison as nuns.
• St. Andrew’s church  (male acts as Compound Patriarch of Moscow)
• St. Andrew’s church stands right on the slopes of the Sparrow Hills, on the way down to the Moskva River, on the territory of the Nature Reserve “Sparrow Hills”. The monastery is small in size but is very cozy. It’s situated in a quiet courtyard surrounded by temples, fruit trees and flowers.

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow river cruise.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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