The NorthLink Ferries passenger ships, MV Hjaltland and MV Hrossey are 125 metres in length, and MV Hamnavoe is 110 metres. Each ship can carry up to 600 passengers.
NorthLink ships have been built to exceed the latest safety standards. The bow doors are of clam shell design and are kept closed by the pressure of the water outside. There is a second set of doors inside which by themselves can withstand the sea. Each ship is equipped with lifeboats and marine escape systems fitted in excess of MCA regulations.
To find out more information about MV Hamnavoe, MV Hjaltland, and MV Hrossey, including accessibility information, cabins, food and drink, shops, travelling with pets and other facilities on board, visit the NorthLink Ferries Travel webpage.
To find out more information about the freight ships MV Helliar and MV Hildasay, including timetables, prices, dimensions, procedures, and goods carried, please visit the NorthLink Ferries freight webpage.
NorthLink Ferries are always happy to make arrangements for anyone who requires help at the ports or onboard ships. If you require any assistance please let us know by emailing [email protected] or phoning 0800 111 4422 (free from UK landlines and mobiles).
NorthLink Ferries ships have been built with accessibility in mind to ensure that all passengers enjoy their experience on board. View our Accessibility Policy and information about accessibility options, including cabins, toilets, and lifts.
Food and drink can be purchased from the Feast restaurant – view the menu online. Food and drink is also available to buy in the on board bar. Snacks and drinks can be purchased in the shop on board. Please be aware that food and drink may not be available late at night.
There is a range of food options available on the Feast restaurant menu, which also displays allergen information. If you have special dietary requirements, please inform a member of the on board team who will offer alternatives.
You can use Sterling cash (GBP), Visa, Visa Debit, Mastercard, Mastercard Debit, UK Maestro, American Express, Apple Pay and Google Pay on board NorthLink ships. Sorry – NorthLink Ferries do not accept personal or business cheques.
The Magnus Lounge is a private lounge – space in the lounge is limited. Entry is available to passengers who purchase a Premium or Executive cabin, and can be bought online or on board. Benefits include complimentary snacks and refreshments, newspapers, magazines, and a table dinner service (though meals are not included in the Magnus’ Lounge price).
Animals can travel in a pet-friendly cabin, in a kennel, or can remain in your vehicle. Unfortunately, animals are not allowed in the ship’s public areas, with the exception of guide dogs. On the crossing from Scrabster to Stromness, pet owners may book a free space in the dog lounge or take their dogs to the outside deck. Find out more about travelling with pets.
There are many facilities for children and infants on board. These include a children’s play area, children’s meals, cots, highchairs, children’s films, and baby changing facilities (which are available within the accessible toilets). View more information about travelling with children.
Children under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by an adult on all NorthLink Ferries ships between the Scottish Mainland and Shetland and Orkney.
There are no restrictions for women to travel at any time during their pregnancy on NorthLink Ferries sailings. However, passengers should ensure that they are fit to travel before embarking.
Passengers are advised that all areas on board NorthLink Ferries ships are non-smoking with the exception of the outside decks. The use of electronic cigarettes is also prohibited in the public areas.
Yes. Please contact the NorthLink Ferries freight department on 0800 111 4434 or visit the unaccompanied vehicles page on the freight website for further information. Please note, unaccompanied vehicles and trailers are charged as per the freight rates.
Some car alarms may be sensitive to vibrations on deck and can be set off during the crossing. The noise can be disruptive to passengers, especially during an overnight sailing, and so NorthLink would appreciate if you could disable your car alarm before sailing.
On NorthLink sailings arriving at Hatston, Stromness, and Scrabster, disembarking passengers must leave the vessel immediately. However, on sailings arriving in Aberdeen and Lerwick, passengers can stay on board for an hour after arrival in the morning. Vehicle drivers should follow announced instructions to disembark immediately upon arrival in Aberdeen and Lerwick, but may return on board as a foot passenger with a valid boarding card, for an hour.
If you lose any property whilst travelling with NorthLink Ferries please fill in the form on the lost property page. The NorthLink lost property department can also be contacted by e-mail on [email protected]
