Getting to Orkney & Shetland

[Mjhb]

Hello all,

Has anyone travelled to Orkney & Shetland recently ?

I’m looking at the prices for Gills Bay to St Margaret’s Hope, Kirkwall - Lerwick on the way up, then Lerwick to Aberdeen on the way back down.

Using the first week in June it works out just shy of £500, with a two-berth cabin. This seems a bit steep to me (appreciate probably peak season).

Has anyone used the ‘pods’ on the ferries, or is it worth shelling out for the cabins ?

Many thanks !

Matt


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[bod]

Back when it was P&O Scottish Ferries I was advised not to book a cabin, but have a quiet word at the desk late in the evening.
I paid a tenner each way for a cabin.
I'm sure it was all above board, and a tenner is better than an empty cabin.

 

[glenn2926]

You could do worse than having a look at Steve Marsh on YouTube. He uses these ferries regularly, both cabin and pods. He has also recently used what he called a secret ferry. It’s the cargo ship plying the same routes but much slower and much cheaper.

 

[stever1]

Have a look at pentland ferries to go to Orkney.

 

[Mjhb]

Thanks all, much appreciated.

Will keep researching


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[bigtwin]

Have a look at pentland ferries to go to Orkney.

That is the Gills Bay crossing to St Margaret’s Hope that he’s already considering.

 

[Boxerboy55]

In 2022 we travelled from Scrabster to Orkney.

Then Orkney to Shetland. Then Shetland to Aberdeen.

One pleasant evening crossing then 2 overnight crossings.

Easy peasy.

 

[Micky]

Was there last month, always use the Pentland Ferries from Gills Bay to St Margarets Hope. Cheaper and a shorter crossing, and a lovely ride/drive north. Great staff, pleasant service and OK food

Lerwick - Aberdeen I'd have a cabin every time. The 'Pods' are OK for snoozing, but you'll not get any sleep ... don't ask me how I know

 

[bod]

Was there last month, always use the Pentland Ferries from Gills Bay to St Margarets Hope. Cheaper and a shorter crossing, and a lovely ride/drive north. Great staff, pleasant service and OK food

Lerwick - Aberdeen I'd have a cabin every time. The 'Pods' are OK for snoozing, but you'll not get any sleep ... don't ask me how I know

Aberdeen - Lerwick we sailed into a force 8 in December which took 16 hours instead of 14.
Loads of people in seats took a cabin so they could puke in private.

Coming home was a mill pool, and they had to wake me up as my motor was parked on the hydraulic deck lift and holding up the traffic.

 

[gerarddwatts]

Just booked Northlink Abdn to Lerwick return for 2 of us and car in May...with cabin...super plush class...700 quid!