has anyone used the ferries to Orkney/Shetland with a motorhome/camper and dog? I've been looking at the Northlink ferry brochure/website and am planning a trip. We went to the Hebrides last Sept and were impressed with the Calmac ferries and the facilities for dog owners.
Would appreciate first hand experience comments please,
Dogs are not allowed in the passenger areas of Northlink vessels.. You must leave them either in the kennel area or in your motorhome on the car deck which you cannot visit. I know the brochure says you can visit your dog and take them on the observation deck but this is only if a member of crew accompanies you to the kennel area and one is never available. There are no areas on the boats like the areas on the Calmacs to the Hebrides. I would not recomend the kennels they are very small and the trip to Shetland is 15 hours with check in time. We left our dog in the kennels the first time and he overturned his water and was on his own for over 15 hours since then we leave him in the Motorhome.
Shetland well worth the visit . My favourite place in the UK.
We crossed to Orkney last year, from Gills to St Margarets Hope with Pentland ferrries, was just over an hour. Dogs aren't allowed in passanger area , but we did see a lady with a very young puppy that thay'd made an exception for. You could then sail from Kirkwall to Shetland which wouldn't be a a long a crossing as from Aberdeen and is overnight about 8 hrs I think. The length of the ferry crossing put us off going to Shetland.
The Calmac ferries are great for dogs, even if the 'dogs allowed' section is drafty - at least they are with you. When we went to the Orkneys from Scrabster, doggie had to stay in the car the whole way, only just over an hour but she howled her head off the whole time. And no, we couldn't go and calm her down. Not so bad for an hour, but I wouldn't dream of going to Shetland with her, I'd put her in kennels! All depends on what type of dog you have and how calm they are capable of staying on their own. On the ferries, dog is below decks where the engine is, I think that was what panicked my dog. She did it all the way back as well, it was horrible standing on the bridge and listening to her distress.
On the Northlinks the kennels is a tiny room off the car deck and you are not allowed access unless accompanied by a crew member and I have never known one to be available so I leave my dog in the motorhome where he feels safe rather than in a small unattended room.
Can't comment on dogs and ferries, but I heartily agree with morrisbob that Shetland is well worth a visit. My big sis moved there 11 years ago and it really is totally unlike anywhere else in GB. Excellent for music, hospitality, and history.
We went to Shetland without the dog...Fetlar has nice beaches, but I wouldn`t go back again. Nice for a visit, people very friendly, but the ferry journey is too long for a dog.
Orkney is wonderful, each island has its peculiarities.
Years ago, dogs were allowed (under control) in the passenger lounge.
The last few times, we had to take the dog upstairs onto the open deck...very well in fine weather.
One thing about the local Shetland ferries is only passengers pay. It is deemed to be a necessary service.
Broke down with 2 punctures at the same time on one of the Shetland islands, on a Sunday...fixed with no problems.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Shetland/Orkney
