Three or four times a year I usually drive all the way to Scrabster then take the Northlink ferry to Stromness or the Pentland ferry Gills Bay to St Margaret’s Hope on Orkney . However with a dreadful December weather forecast I chose to return on the Northlink Ferries’ Kirkwall to Aberdeen (twice weekly) overnight ferry. I had my dog with me so I treated myself to a ‘Premium’ dog friendly outside cabin. Driving on was simple and well organised .The ferry was clean and the cabin had two single beds. For the dog there was a doggie treat and bowel. For me there was a generous selection of tea/coffee/hot chocolate etc and two nice chocolates. The cabin had a TV, en-suite shower and toilet. The journey takes seven hours arriving in Aberdeen at a convenient 7am. A substantial continental breakfast was included in the premier cabin fare, although I could have upgraded to a cooked one for £9.50. All in all I slept well even though the shipping forecast said it was going to be a rough sea with force 6-8 winds. My only negative comment is that the duvets were very thin and I ended up using both of them to be warm in bed. In conclusion any extra cost in using this service is more than offset by the savings in fuel, time, tiredness and 175 miles of extra driving to reach the north coast of Scotland on stressful inferior roads compared to the duel carriageways to Aberdeen I shall always use this route from now on. Highly recommended.

Thank you to all the staff at Lerwick terminal for their help getting my car booked onto the ferry earlier this week. I appreciate that with one ferry in dry dock and Delting Up Helly Aa things were busier than usual. I have travelled numerous times with Northlink and it is never a problem to alter your booking, adding or removing services. The Feast restaurant is reasonably priced and the food freshly cooked. Enjoyed both dinner and breakfast on our latest journey. Cabins are clean and comfortable and the perfect hideaway when travelling with children. Fragrance prices onboard are comparable with store on mainland. Onboard staff are very professional and helpful. Thank you very much for all your help on my latest trip.

Caught 23:45 from Kirkwall to Aberdeen. Moderate weather, but just being able to recline was worth every penny. I was not expecting them to be that good … better than some premium economy planes. I am 6 foot 2 and managed a lovely 5 hours and reduced sea sickness risk

Three colleagues and I sailed on the MV Hamnavoe to Orkney for work in May 2023. The whole experience was excellent from the word go. A helpful lady checked our van in, the change of registration was not a problem. Staff were very friendly and upbeat, happy to chat and offer advice. The food was FAR better than expected, we had delicious lamb rogan josh. The ferry was not crowded at all, we easily found places to sit or snooze. Upon arrival departure was swift and easy. Overall, top notch.

We took MV Hamnavoe to get from the Mainland to Orkney. It was a very busy afternoon. Nevertheless all staff stayed very friendly and helpful - a really professional team. We enjoyed a wonderful, but - due to the sea - bumpy time on board. On our way to Stromness we saw the amazing Cliffs of Hoy with the Old Man of Hoy greeting the ferry. This ferry connection is not only a mean of transport, but a little adventure itself.

We took the evening ferry from Scabster to to Stromness as walk ons. It was a bit rowdy with footballers, so we were very pleased to find the lovely Magnus Lounge that was quiet, clean, comfortable and well stocked. The views of the Orkneys on the way up were fantastic, we wished we had taken the ferry back too instead of flying!

One of the highlights of our European trip was the overnight ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick on the Shetlands. It was absolutely fantastic: the cabin was outstanding - extremely well designed with two single beds and superb ensuite. Service was first class and the meals on board really good. If you are ever travelling to the Shetlands then this trip must be considered. Loved it!

Really pleased to see that, on the Orkney/Caithness run, for once, Northlink provided gluten free choices for a coeliac passenger. Restaurant Manager needs praise for her help and conscientiousness. Cabins are comfortable and clean and the bed was perfect. Beautiful scenery but the crossing is far too short. Great crew. Thank you.

We chose NorthLink Ferries over Pentland Ferries this year after a Dog Lounge was fitted aboard HAMNAVOE, and we were very impressed with the facility. Our dog was given a complimentary dog biscuit on the outward trip. Previously, I would not use NorthLink as it would mean either leaving our dog in the car, with lots of car alarms going off, or risk the weather on the open deck. Thanks, Northlink.

Excellent service with very friendly crew and shore team. Food good value for money and excellent, comfortable facilities. And all on time both ways (Scrabster to Stress return) with a very slick check in process. Thanks to all involved.