And I think you are planning to come in June? Can't guarantee a millpond obviously. In addition to the MV Hamnavoe you can sail to Orkney from Aberdeen via the MV Hrossey and MV Hjaltland. Especially when you may have been blissfully asleep up to that point. Thank you . AND ONLY one other guy there. 10 years ago. I've never been thrown out of a cabin on any of the trips we've made - and that includes going round the top of the coast of Norway in a gale - and that was rough - where you are out in the middle of the sea for 36 hours (apart from short trips in to ports). Heading eastward delivers you to the bustling cities and charming towns of Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and Russia. Please update details and try again or contact customer service for further support to retreive new credentials. A passenger and crewman on a ferry to Shetland are taken to hospital after being hurt in rough seas. Both NorthLink passenger ferry sailings scheduled to depart on Monday evening have been cancelled. Who we are, what we do and organisational news. No problem in Force 6 gale yesterday. Which is exactly the most northerly pub in the Shetlands. St. Petersburg, Russia. The trip in May the sea was calm. Plan this trip in the summer for the best chance of favorable sea conditions. Direct Ferries Limited has its registered address at Direct Ferries Ltd, 2-3 Three Rivers Business Centre, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP10 0BF, United Kingdom. There's no place quite like it. When we arrived at the ports, I was first of the ship. Everything you need to know about the forecast, and making the most of the weather. The best time for a North Sea cruise is at the height of summer, during the months of July and August, for calmer waters and fantastic, sunny weather. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-91798875', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Iceland in the windy stakes. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 18:00 (UTC) on Wed 1 Mar 2023 NorthLink Ferries sail daily from Aberdeen to Shetland and from Shetland to Aberdeen, sailing every evening and arriving the following morning. Thousands of fjords carve the western coastline of Norway, with only a handful open to cruise passengers. Standing on the deck, heading into the 'sooth mooth' of Lerwick Harbour, you can taste the salty sea air on your lips, the freshness of the air on your skin, and you know you've arrived in Shetland. Go in the summer months for a smoother sailing experience in the Atlantic Ocean; you'll even be blessed with the midnight sun during visits to Norway's famed coastline. However by the time we sailed somewhat later than timetabled the wind had dropped and our crossing wasn't too bad. The MV Hamnavoe travels from Scrabster at the very north of Mainland Scotland to Stromness in the Orkney islands. Need to have at least one adult on each journey, Aged 60 +/ students / disabled passengers. Where do you go when the weather is so bad that you can't even leave the cabin? Culswick Circular Walk, West Mainland of Shetland, Jarlshof to Sumburgh Head & Grutness Circular, Hillswick - Heylor, North Roe and Isbister, Mid Yell - North Yell (Gutcher, Cullivoe and Gloup), Walls - Culswick, Westerwick and Easter Skeld, Perez trail: Scalloway, Trondra and Burra. Panic. The Northlink Ferries vessel was being rolled violently in a severe gale. Re: ferry crossing from Aberdeen to Lerwick. If you have any questions about my journeys or travel advice in general, please drop me a comment - I do my best to respond to every single one. Even though it is a large ship and has stabilizers you will feel it is rocking a bit. If you are getting off the ship in Russia, bring your passport with you. If you decide to go during this time, pack extra layers and be open to port changes. For those with accessibility requirements, there are cabins, lifts, toilets, and wheelchair access in public areas. We are still reluctant to do the boat from Kirkwall to Lerwick, and we are now thinking of taking the ferry from Gills Bay to Orkney but flying between Orkney and Shetland (leaving the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Consequently more expensive from airports further South in the country. Avoiding the direct route from the mainland to Lerwick would seem to avoid the worst of the weather. https://grouptours.northlinkferries.co.uk. Most cruises start in Amsterdam, with little time on the North Sea, and head to the countries bordering the Baltic Sea. It was several days I couldn't eat anything. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Both crossings were fine although it was a little choppy coming back between Lerwick and Kirkwall but we were in our cabin by then almost asleep so it wasn't an issue. North Sea to Russia: A cruise is one of the best ways to visit the Russian Federation without getting an individual visa. April was a very bad storm. You can also obtain an individual visa ahead of the cruise if you want to embark on non-ship affiliated outings. These ships call in at Orkney frequently, arriving in the late evening before sailing on to Aberdeen or Lerwick. Today, the southern part of the sea remains one of the busiest waterways in the world. Nature-lovers will adore the wildlife found on the Shetland Islands, located between mainland Scotland and Norway in the North Atlantic. Two attempts were made to dock at Aberdeen Harbour but. Relax on the 12-13 hour journey in the comfort of a cabin, sleeping pod or reclining chair and make use of facilities, like the restaurant, bar and cinema. Leaving the car at Inverness airport and flying the round trip (hiring a car and/or local tour operators once there) would seem to be an alternative. Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Currently there is just the 1 ferry company operating this ferry service, Northlink Ferries. Liverpool, England. Aside from the weather, something peculiar happens where two or more different currents converge in the North sea somewhere off the north eastern cape and it's extremely uncomfortable. As an alternative (mentioned in a previous post) you could get up to Orkney, then take the boat from Kirkwall to Lerwick. HI! Save. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-96393863', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruises in the Mediterranean when we took a cruise Ireland-Scotland-Island. As well as the assorted proprietary medicines, chewing crystallised ginger is supposed to be good for sea sickness. The (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? These three guys were the life of the bar, playing traditional Shetland music and letting us play the drums. The Met Office initiates warnings and prepares routine forecasts for dissemination on behalf of the MCA. These ships call in at Orkney frequently, arriving in the late evening before sailing on to Aberdeen or Lerwick. Olsen predominantly serve the U.K. market. Sea Harrier white metal model bag of 10 1200/1250 scale (#334611702043) i***a (1302) - Feedback left by buyer i***a (1302). Book you sailing and cabins as soon as you have dates. Both routes were a little bit bumpy. The crossing can get rough as it takes you into open sea. According to the crew on of those storms they only have once or twice each season. They take cruisers to the British Isles, Norwegian fjords, Scandinavian highlights and some even go as far as Russia. https://grouptours.northlinkferries.co.uk. Shetland Islands. The shipping forecast is issued four times a day at 2300, 0500, 1100, 1700 UTC and covers a period of 24 hours from 0000, 0600, 1200 and 1800 UTC respectively. Gale warnings are issued as required throughout the day (for winds of Gale Force 8 or more). The forecast contains details of gale warnings in force, a general synopsis and sea-area forecasts . If its a good evening - and mid-summer - then the run up can be glorious, you can stand on an outside deck, watch the coastline or seabirds - and if you choose an Aberdeen Lerwick sailing that comes through Orkney - then you get some great views of the islands as the boat sails into Kirkwall. Other cruise ports include Bergen, Stavanger (known for Pulpit Rock, popularized by Tom Cruise in "Mission Impossible"), Alesund (where you can cruise to Hjorundfjord) and Flam (for a lovely train ride in the heart of the Aurlandsfjord). The boat seems to roll, and so at worst you slip down the bed a bit! Enter your e-mail address and forename and an e-mail, with your NorthLink Ferries ID and a link to reset your password, will be sent to you. Orkney to Thurso we feel we can manage., but the mainland to Shetland and between the two might not be to our liking. The provided details are not correct. The forecast contains details of gale warnings in force, a general synopsis and sea-area forecasts containing wind direction and force, sea state, weather and visibility. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. You'll Love an Iceland Cruise, How to Get Over Jet Lag Before Your Cruise, if you want to embark on non-ship affiliated outings. I had booked sleeping pods which were very comfortable and I would recommend these or a cabin. more. BBC NEWS CHANNEL . The music started late and continued late. Homeward sailing early evening from Lerwick to Kirkwall and after a few days on Orkney we took the Pentland Firth sailing from St margaret Hope to Gills bay. Much to think about, but at least we have some time to plan, although I guess ferries and accommodation gets booked up pretty quick. Here are some port highlights you are likely to come across on a North Sea cruise. Compare ferries to Shetland on the following routes: Aberdeen to Lerwick; Kirkwall to Lerwick; Booking a ferry to the Shetland Isles is simple, easy and safe with AFerry, just use the booking form above to get a price. High winds aren't constant, and happen less in summer, but 30-40 kph is common enough to barely be noticed, and over 100 kph happens a few times a year. NorthLink Ferries connects Scotland with the Isles of Orkney and Shetland, operating 363 days per year and providing the lifeline service to the Northern Isles, with islanders and visitors all using the service. Keep in mind that if you do use pounds/euros/dollars, change will be given in local currency. Consider a combination of the two. Dont eat fatty food, have a pint , take a sleeping pill and go to bed early. I posted this on the Greenland forum for the same poster: https://earth.nullschool.net/#current/wind/surface/level/orthographic=-9.45,52.97,427/loc=-12.213,60.953. rod Stewart sailing The waters around the British Isles are divided into 31 sea areas shown on the map. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. For full details, prices and booking visit the Northlink Ferries website. Although cruises often set sail during the . Thank you, staff were also very helpful. 01595 745804. ferrybooking@shetland.gov.uk. I pay for my own travel and produce my own videos. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Top 10 Seasonal Cruises for British Cruisers, First Cruise to the Norwegian Fjords: Lessons Learned, First Cruise to the Baltic and Northern Europe: Lessons Learned, Like Alaska? Netsmith - the recent experience of visitors is always useful to hear. Just the gentle ocean rocking. Now operated by Serco, NorthLink Ferries fleet of magnificent ferries provides a very high standard of comfort while meeting and exceeding all the latest safety requirements. Bikers of all ages whiz by in the second-most bike-friendly city in the world, so be careful when crossing the streets. Embark in Amsterdam. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-53611550', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flights from Aberdeen to Shetland this morning are delayed - by fog! The ferry travels from Aberdeen to Kirkwall (and then from Kirkwall to Lerwick) on a Tuesday (not in winter), Thursday, Saturday and Sunday night. Northlink also have a connection between Orkney and Shetland, but I haven't had the pleasure yet so can't advise. There can be a rough patch where the ferry crosses approaches to the tidal race that becomes the Pentland Firth. Ulsta Booking Office. Monday - Saturday 0800 - 1700, Sunday - 0800 - 1300. Seemingly the clip abs is referring to is NOT one of the Shetland ferries, but P&O's Pacific Sun cruise liner caught in a big storm off new Zealand 2010. We have previously flown to Shetland several times but this trip was so much more of an experience. 17:25 (UTC) on Wed 1 Mar 2023. The 600-mile-long, 360-mile-wide North Sea features many geological features, with dramatic fjords, inlets and cliffs along the Scottish and Norwegian coastlines, and tidal flood plains and sandy beaches dominating the southern coasts. The ships also feature an on-board retail outlet, entertainment and comfortable cabin accommodation, as well as Sleeping Pods which offer a more affordable accommodation choice than cabins. Enjoy a journey like no other before arriving at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to begin your Orkney and Shetland island adventure. Not one to normally feel sea sick, I was in for a rough sailing, but how was it?Donate to future trip reports: https://paypal.me/stevemarshyoutube?locale.x=en_GBHi, Im Steve. Find the perfect shetland ferry rough sea stock photo, image, vector, illustration or 360 image. Open the email and follow the instructions to reset your password.If you don't get any email, please check your spam folder. It's a fine ferry. This is the trip we did this year in June. Northlink Ferries ships are designed with comfort in mind, with well-appointed lounges, bars and dining facilities with menus containing a selection of fine island, and local Scottish mainland, produce. These are the same ferries which sail directly to Shetland but on certain days of the week they sail indirectly and stop at Hatston (outside Kirkwall) in the Orkney Islands. Public transportation is top-notch and will help you navigate the city and visit the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum. Alfa, you clearly agree with Wendy. When you get on board, go to Reception - theres usually a notice there giving sea conditions for that nights sailing. The sight of 40,000 massive, interlocking basalt columns along the sea is so striking that you'll have to see it to believe it. The ferry is the most leisurely way to get to Shetland and the anticipation of going to sleep in one place and waking up in another is all part of the adventure. Find the best deals by comparing ferry companies. Plenty to see on both and they're quite different. This famous seastack is usually the first landmark visitors can tick off their bucket list. On board the ferry to Shetland and Orkney youll be able to enjoy many comforts before arriving at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to begin your island adventure. If you are looking to collaborate on any type of project, Id love to hear from you - email me your ideas and hopefully we can work together in the future.#SteveMarsh I am a travel reviewer and post my trip reports here on YouTube. The itinerary may include stops on the Norwegian coastline in Geiranger, Stavanger, Alesund, the Lofoten Islands or Olden, and then return to the North Sea for visits to the Shetland Islands, Orkney Islands and the eastern U.K. coastline. You have been added to the mailing list. We had a dog with us so wouldn't have considered the sailing from Aberdeen anyway. Your journey begins as you set sail with NorthLink Ferries. It is a perfectly walkable city if you choose to take a self-guided tour. Save. They're a pretty good deal that way cause you don't need a lot of miles and I believe most of them are exempt from APD too. Russia uses the ruble, but if you don't have time to exchange currency and still want to purchase some Russian dolls, there are shops by the cruise terminal that accept foreign currency or credit cards. This is my first ever posting - thanks for any advice! Come a day or two early to explore the "Venice of the North.". Home is Shetland, so I've had the joys of Northlink on many trips. The boat is filled with people starting their revelry a little early. Even better on way back. If you select an itinerary that mainly travels from the North Sea to the Baltic countries, you have the option of traveling during the shoulder months of May and September. Open the email and follow the instructions to reset your password.If you don't get any email, please check your spam folder. Yes, it can be very rough - north west Scotland, the Orkneys and Shetland Islands are notoriously windy. Purpose built for the routes, our NorthLink Ferries ships, MV Hamnavoe, MV Hjaltland and MV Hrossey, offer the highest standards of safety and comfort. Norwegian fjords. The waters around the British Isles are divided into 31 sea areas shown on the map. Verification, impacts and post-processing, Climate information for international development, Science for Impacts, Resilience and Adaptation (SIRA), Atmospheric processes and parametrizations, Regional model evaluation and development, Environmental Hazard and Resilience Services, National Meteorological Library & Archive. The sea connects with the English Channel in the south, the Norwegian Sea in the north and acts as a gateway to the Shetland and Faroe Islands. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-53586205', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Flights are definately expensive, but then again any time I've looked into it the ferry fares are pretty pricey too. The 4 berth cabins are inside cabins so experience less movement than outside cabins. If you do hire a car, Bolts car hire is a good choice, they will meet you at the plane and you just leave the car at the airport in your return. Hopefully the weather for flying in June should not be to bad, and if booked fairly soon, looks like the overall cost is some 200 cheaper assuming we would need a cabin both ways on the inter island ferry. Belongings were thrown off shelves but we never ended up on the floor. 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