Check-in, baggage and boarding
Special Assistance
Check-in, Baggage and boarding the ships to Orkney and Shetland
When checking in and boarding NorthLink Ferries ships to Orkney and Shetland, all details - from what to do with your baggage to assisting disabled passengers - have been carefully thought out with your ease in mind.
Check-in
In order to board the ferry, please go to the Check-in desk with your Photo ID. If you have taken a note of your booking reference number, this will speed up check-in. You will be issued a boarding card which will be checked just as you are about to board the vessel. Car drivers are asked to approach the car check in booth with their photo IDs ready. Check-in opens 165 minutes - 90 minutes prior to departure and closes 30 minutes prior to departure.
If you do not check-in at least 30 minutes prior to departure you will not be allowed on board our vessels
Car drivers are recommended to check-in at least 1 hour prior to departure.
If you are leaving Stromness on the early morning sailing and have booked a Bed and Breakfast cabin you may board between 21.30 and 23.30 the previous evening.
Whether you are a foot passenger or driving a vehicle your check-in times will be explained when you make your reservation.
Boarding
You will be notified when the ship is ready for boarding. Boarding is an easy process - all terminals and passenger ships are connected with a covered walkway - so foot passengers do not need to use gangways. The walkways are accessible to wheelchairs and all stairs have accompanying lifts to enable access.
Car drivers and their passengers will be directed onto the ferry and will be shown a parking space on the car deck by the Stevedores. 
Lifts and stairwells to the passenger decks are available from both sides of the car decks. Please note that once on board you may not come ashore again prior to sailing (this is a Marine Law requirement)
We will provide staff to assist disabled and frail foot passengers with boarding when required - please let us know your requirements in advance. If you are in a car, you can request that your car is located near a lift on the car deck. Again, please notify us in advance.
NorthLink Ferries also offer a valet service for drivers who would rather not drive their car on board or away from the ferry. For a small charge we will arrange to load your car whilst you board as a foot passenger. On arrival in either Aberdeen or Lerwick we will unload your car and leave it, locked, in the terminal car park. You may then stay on board to enjoy a complimentary breakfast and leave the ship at your leisure, collecting your keys at the check-in desk.
Baggage
If you are travelling with your car, please take only your overnight requirements with you. For safety reasons there is no access to car decks during sailings. 
If you are a foot passenger, your baggage should be checked in at the terminal. You will place it on to a secure trailer and it will be taken on board for you and stored securely. Upon arrival it will be unloaded. Labels for luggage will be issued at check in. Please note that whilst we take every possible care of your baggage, it is left at your own risk.
Please keep any items you need onboard with you as there is no access to checked-in baggage during the voyage. Please ensure though, that Hand Luggage only is taken on board our vessels, in the interests of Health and Safety . Please ensure that your hand luggage does not block walkways or seats.
Passengers are advised that a number of items that could be adapted or intended for use as an offensive weapon are not allowed on board ship without valid lawful reason. A list of these items can be found on our Prohibited items page. Divers are also advised to check our Diving Policy Page. Diving cylinders may be subject to regulations, and some gases may not be carried on our Passenger vessels. Diving cylinders may not be taken as hand baggage by foot passengers and must instead be placed within our specialised dive containers.
Booking directly with NorthLink Ferries on www.northlinkferries.co.uk is cheaper than booking 
with another website and we never charge for any amendments made to your booking!
