Changes being made to NorthLink Ferries’ booking system this weekend will mean reservations for sailings can only be confirmed on receipt of full payment from the customer.

The policy change takes effect on Monday, May 2, and brings NorthLink into line with the vast majority of the UK and European travel industry. It will help eradicate the issue of unconfirmed bookings, thus ensuring as many customers as possible can travel on their preferred sailing.

Gareth Crichton, NorthLink’s commercial director, said: “We are receiving more advance bookings than ever before and with such high levels of demand for deck and cabin space it is important to ensure we are making the best use of the capacity available on the ships. This measure means it is the payment that confirms the passenger’s intention to travel and therefore the reservation of space on board the vessel.

”The majority of our customers already pay at the time of reservation, so we’re really just looking to extend what is already a widespread practice to all our bookings. Customers making an enquiry only, or not wishing to confirm their travel can of course continue to receive a full quotation online, over the phone, or at the ports. Our fully flexible policy on amendments, transfers and refunds will continue as before, so customers need not be afraid of changing their booking at a later stage.”

Staff at NorthLink’s reservations centre will continue to provide customers with information on availability and prices of particular journeys, and those who do not then wish to confirm a booking, will be given a quote number so the details of their journey will be easily accessible when they return to confirm their intention to travel.

Customers holding credit or debit cards can book online via the NorthLink website www.northlinkferries.co.uk or over the phone (0845 6000 449). Port offices will continue to accept face-to-face bookings as necessary, with payment by card, cheque or cash.