Northlink Ferries from Aberdeen to Lerwick – a review

Northlink Ferries from Aberdeen to Lerwick – a review. There was an almost imperceptible ripple on the water’s surface. It was like I was willing the creatures out of the sea, and there suddenly the dorsal fin and crescent shaped back of wild dolphins appeared. We had only just departed the granite-grey streets of Aberdeen on Northlink Ferries to Lerwick, Shetland when my dream to see dolphins on our journey had already come true. It was the start of a fantastic family trip to Shetland, to the top of the British Isles across the waters of the North Sea in comfort.

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We had joined the ferry as foot passengers in Aberdeen, with the terminal a couple of minutes walk from the train station. Aberdeen was an impressive city centre where we had enjoyed a few spare hours ahead of the sailing exploring the local shops, picking up essentials for our family adventures on Shetland and generally soaking up the atmosphere and colour of the city.

Getting on board – Northlink Ferries from Aberdeen to Lerwick – a review

Northlink Ferries run two ships on its route from Aberdeen to Lerwick and back again. The MV Hjaltland and MV Hrossey set off ahead of nightfall and arriving the next morning.

There’s a rather unhurried air with a hot breakfast awaiting you in the ship’s restaurants as you rise, with no real urgency to disembark.

We found the ferries to be so welcoming we really didn’t want to dash off, and instead savoured every moment.

Stepping on board as foot passengers you find yourself on the accommodation deck. Here there’s a variety of modern and well equipped cabins, as well as sleeping pods and reclining chairs as overnight options.

Cabins

We had a busy day ahead of us when we arrived in Lerwick so we knew that a cabin would be the best choice for us and would mean that we and our kids would get the best night’s sleep.

I was really impressed with the cabins which were a good size and easily catered for us. As a family of five we took two four-berth inner cabins which came equipped with Satellite TV, and plenty of space for us to relax.

Northlink Ferries – The facilities

The Magnus Lounge

We couldn’t wait to explore the ship and get up on deck to wave farewell to the Scottish mainland. So we dropped our luggage and quickly found some comfortable seats in the Magnus lounge. This an optional extra, where there are complimentary hot drinks and snacks (and some delicious Orkney fudge) as well as a good range of magazines and newspapers.

My kids loved playing the board games and dominoes, including inventing their own games when the traditional version had run out of interest for them.

It was good to be able to use the Magnus lounge as our base while some of the family went exploring and looking out for sea life.

The decks – Getting on board – Northlink Ferries from Aberdeen to Lerwick – a review

It was easy to step out onto the decks and as there are a number of different external deck levels which you can access, you can just peacefully enjoy watching the sea waters passing by, undisturbed by other passengers.

Spotting wild dolphins early into our crossing was such a wonderful moment and got us really excited for the adventures ahead.

We found plenty to do on board to keep us all entertained, there’s even a cinema with family-friendly films on offer to help pass the time.

Dining

I loved seeing how light the evening was here, so far north and heading for islands on virtually the same latitude as Bergen and Oslo in Norway.

It made for a very pleasant and long evening as we tucked into our delicious meal in the small restaurant adjoining the Magnus lounge.

The meal was fantastic quality and so delicious.

I was impressed with the fact that many of the ingredients were sourced from local suppliers on and around the islands of Shetland and Orkney.

With dishes including Macaroni with Orkney smoked cheese and other tasty veggie options such as roasted spiced sweet potato and mixed bean chilli it was easy to enjoy the on board offering. Our kids happily tucked into fresh battered haddock and Orkney fudge cheesecake.

Kid’s area – Northlink Ferries from Aberdeen to Lerwick – a review

The ferries are well equipped with generous seating areas, a bar and a good sized kids play area which came with a range of activities which my little ones enjoyed, as well as films being shown in the play area too.

They were happy enough to disappear off to enjoy this space after dinner while we relaxed and watched the waves.

The shop

We had a lovely calm crossing to Lerwick making it easy for us to enjoy the best that that ship had to offer. This included having a browse in the well stocked onboard shop which again was packed full of local products. The jewellery from the islands was beautiful and I loved the selection of books.

Sleeping

Each of our bunks in the cabin were a good size, meaning we all got a peaceful night’s sleep and woke to see Shetland coming into view.

My children were so excited to get their first sight of Lerwick that we quickly dressed and dashed up onto the decks to take it all in, and breathe in the clean fresh sea air.

We watched as the ship was tied up in the port and we took in the scene of the town ahead of us. With trawlers gently bobbing in the harbour and townsfolk going about their days as bunting fluttered in the streets of stone built houses.

Over a tasty hot breakfast in the ship’s main restaurant we talked about what we had seen and our plans for the days ahead.

It was wonderful and thrilling to arrive so refreshed ahead of our tour of the Shetland Islands. I cannot think of a better way to arrive in Lerwick than on Northlink Ferries.

You can find out more about Northlink Ferries at their website. And check out our guide to Shetland with kids for lots more ideas.

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