NorthLink Ferries is anticipating another busy summer season in which thousands of people are expected to sail to and from the Northern Isles from Aberdeen and Scrabster.

Last summer, the ferry service from the Scottish mainland to Orkney and Shetland experienced its busiest ever month. In July 2006, NorthLink carried more than 46,500 passengers to and from the Isles, a figure unsurpassed since the company assumed control of the routes in 2002. Of that number, more than 31,000 passengers used NorthLink services in and out of Orkney.

The significant rise in passenger numbers was reflected in NorthLink’s decision to create more than 70 new passenger berths on each of the ships serving the Aberdeen – Kirkwall – Lerwick route. Twenty-two additional cabins are now available on sister ships Hjaltland and Hrossey, providing 76 extra berths. Previously, in addition to recliner seats, each vessel provided 95 passenger cabins, encompassing some 280 berths.

Gareth Crichton, commercial director of NorthLink Ferries, said: “Last summer’s figures were quite excellent. It extended an incredibly successful period of growth in passenger numbers on the routes, as well as confirming NorthLink as the carrier of choice on the Pentland Firth route.

“The new cabins we had fitted earlier this year will be of considerable help in accommodating passengers during what we hope will be another record-breaking summer season on the routes. As ever, we would advise those intending to travel with us during the next few months to book in advance to avoid disappointment.” 

The new passenger accommodation was provided by moving crew to a new module on the upper deck and modifying the crew quarters to accommodate passengers. 

A number of the new cabins feature televisions and DVD players as well as tea and coffee making facilities. Four executive cabins have also been created, which include a larger fixed bed and one pull down bunk, a desk area, tea and coffee facilities and complimentary chocolates and newspapers.

Furthermore, 10 of the existing four-berth cabins have been upgraded to improve their suitability for sharing, with privacy curtains installed on the upper and lower berths, which are available from only £18.40 per person.