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Accessibility support

Boarding the ferry to Orkney and Shetland with a guide dog

NorthLink’s passenger ferries to Shetland and Orkney provide easy access and a full range of facilities for those with accessibility requirements.

These include lifts, Changing Places toilets, a sign language interpreter service, and removable seats in restaurants to allow wheelchair access. All passenger ships also have accessible cabins, which can be booked by contacting NorthLink Ferries or online. Simply switch on the ‘Please show accessible cabins’ button on the ‘accommodation’ selection screen.

You can also view the Company Accessibility Policy, read our Inclusive Travel Guide or access a range of accessibility tools to view this website!

The Changing Places toilet on board NorthLink ships
The Changing Places toilet on board NorthLink ships photo © Copyright Colin Keldie

Changing Places

All three passenger vessels are equipped with a Changing Places Toilet. These can be found on Deck 6 on MV Hjaltland and MV Hrossey and, on MV Hamnavoe, the Changing Places Toilet is located on Deck 5.

Boarding assistance

Staff are on hand to assist passengers either through the terminal or from the car deck with a wheelchair if required. Walkways and lifts make it possible to use a motorised wheelchair from terminal to ship.

Lift Access

All of NorthLink Ferries ports and ships have lifts available. If you have a disability and intend to use the lift from the car deck, please notify us in advance so that a parking space next to the lift can be reserved for you. 

Premium Accessible Inside cabin with Hoist (sleeps 2)
Premium Accessible Inside cabin with Hoist (sleeps 2) photo © Copyright Stephen Mercer Productions
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Accessible cabins

    MV Hjaltland and MV Hrossey have 4 accessible cabins. 3 cabins (2 standard and 1 premium) sleep 2, whilst 1 is fitted with a hoist and sleeps 3.

    MV Hamnavoe has 2 accessible cabins – 1 standard accessible cabin which sleeps 3 and 1 accessible cabin which is fitted with a hoist and sleeps 2.

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Inside an accessible cabin

    Accessible cabins are designed to allow ease of access and have wide access electrically operated doors. All beds in accessible cabins (apart from the drop-down bed) are at normal height. Toilets are fitted with rails and handles and sinks are at the correct height. Each cabin has a waterproof seat which can be wheeled into the shower and toilet. If required, passengers can also take oxygen bottles on board.

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Let us know how we can assist you with the WelcoMe

Customers with specific accessibility needs can effortlessly improve their experience at NorthLink Ferries with WelcoMe, a disability aware customer service platform.

WelcoMe allows you to easily communicate the assistance you might require when travelling with NorthLink Ferries.

This helps NorthLink staff know how best to support you and ensures that we provide the best service possible, tailored to your individual needs.

Visit WelcoMe

Accessible Facilities in the NorthLink Ports and offices

NorthLink Ferries have detailed descriptions of the accessible facilities available in each of our ports and offices. Please visit these pages to find out more:

Header image: Boarding the ferry to Orkney and Shetland with a guide dog photo © Copyright Stephen Mercer Productions