NorthLink Shetland and Orkney Island Ferries today, Wednesday, 19 December, announces its islander concessionary rates.

Residents on Shetland and Orkney already save 30 percent on full fares at both low and peak travel times and additional savings - a further 25 percent on the special islander rate - will be offered to senior citizens and anyone in full time education. Children’s fares have been confirmed at half the cost of an adult fare whether for full fare or concession prices.

The new concessionary fares for return passengers range from: (*)

Commercial director Gareth Crichton said: “Having made public the initial fares for the launch of our services, NorthLink was keen to ensure that islanders would also get an early view of the range of concessionary rates on offer from the new company. Given the range of facilities and quality of service on board and the new timetable, we believe that these rates compare very favourably with those currently offered.

“In designing its on-board service, NorthLink has looked very carefully at the special needs of overnight ferry travel, particularly for older passengers, the infirm or simply those with poor sea legs. For this reason every cabin will remain connected to the ship’s reception throughout the voyage and there will be staff on call throughout the night if any cabin passengers needs assistance. All cabins will of course have comfortable en-suite toilet and shower facilities.”

To complete the range of fares available to passengers, NorthLink will offer cabin-share scheme allowing single travellers to opt for a berth in a shared cabin rather than pay the full cabin rate.

Crichton said: “NorthLink’s view is that most people would prefer not to share a cabin and our price structure is therefore based around the cost of a twin cabin per journey, with small supplements for third or fourth berth occupancy in the inner cabins.

“However there is a significant number of people who travel alone and are prepared to reduce their costs by sharing with others. For this reason we have introduced the shared cabin scheme which lets customers reserve a berth, rather than a cabin, in advance.”

Once on board, single passengers will be required to check in at reception where they will be able to see the passenger list for their cabin before they confirm their acceptance. If for any reason they are dissatisfied with their allocation they have the option to upgrade to a sole occupancy cabin or book a recliner seat subject to availability. The shared cabins will be allocated separately for male and female passengers.

Crichton added: “We have broadened the range of options available to all of our customers and want to ensure that our Orkney and Shetland customers are fully aware of the benefits NorthLink has to offer to create as smooth a transition as possible when we take over the routes in 2002.”