VisitShetland

By Ferry

Travel To Shetland By Ferry From Aberdeen

Shetland is now better served by ferries than ever before, with departures seven nights a week in both directions on the Aberdeen-Lerwick route all year round, with three calls a week at Kirkwall, Orkney, en route.  For full details and bookings visit the Northlink Ferries website.

The two new 'cruise ferries' on the route - the Hjaltland and the Hrossey - are much more comfortable than the old P&O boats with an extremely punctual service: you'll be in Lerwick at 7.30am on the dot (although you don't have to leave the ship until you've enjoyed a leisurely breakfast).

Advantages of travelling by sea:

• Because the 12-13 hour crossing is overnight, you gain two days on your Shetland holiday - days when you'd otherwise be travelling to airports, hanging around to check in - and typically spending more time on the ground than in the air.
• It's usually less expensive by ferry - especially for family groups.
• It's a more relaxed way to travel, with good food and entertainment available on board, wonderful views and the chance to meet new friends.
• You can take the car with you (and your dog!)
• There's a good change of seeing dolphins or porpoises from the ship, as well as myriads of seabirds.

Yes, flying can be more convenient, but old hands will tell you there's nothing like standing at the ship's rail on a summer's dawn, with the breeze in your face and the gulls crying in your wake, savouring that glorious view of the Shetland hills rising above the horizon. It's altogether more romantic...

Advertising Feature

2009 Wildlife Holidays In Shetland

Shetland offers the best wildlife-watching in Scotland - FACT.

Over a million breeding seabirds, the highest density of Otters in Europe, regular sightings of Killer Whales and superb displays of rare sub-arctic flora. Our award-winning holidays offer everything from fully guided wildlife weeks and long weekends, dedicated birdwatching holidays plus photographic, walking and insight holidays.

Visit our extensive website www.shetlandwildlife.co.uk or call Shetland Wildlife on 01950 422483 for a choice of over 30 holidays!

Feature

Focus on Wildlife - Winter

As we approach the darkest days of the year, it doesn’t mean they are the dimmest for viewing wildlife! One furry critter in particular becomes far less secretive and a lot easier to see...

Read more

Feature

The Travel Editor.com: Travel Diaries

The Travel Editor.com presents its all new Travel Diaries.  Travel Diaries follows intrepid explorers Jennifer, Katherine and Kirsten as they go to the ends of the earth to feed their passion for history and travel.

Read about their voyage to Shetland onboard a luxury cruise liner.

News

Fiddle Frenzy Nominated Best Event of the Year

Fiddle Frenzy 2008 has been nominated for Best Event of the Year in the Scottish Traditional Music Awards, and needs your vote to be successful!

Vote Here

View all news stories