NorthLink Ferries Reviews 

We had a great experience with Northlink ferries. Food was good staff were both courteous and friendly and our cabin was immaculate.

Once again after our annual sailing to Stromness on the Hamnavoe the staff on board were exceptionally polite and helpful making the crossing very pleasant. A massive praise for making sure we were parked by the lift because of my wife's arthritis and was no longer able to climb the stairs goes to Leona Gray and Maureen Firth from the Kirkwall office,above and beyond customer service by both ladies

My wife and I travelled overnight on the 17/6/26 on the MV Hjaltland we slept in the lie flat pods which were great somehow my wife managed lose her glasses down the slot where the table comes out we reported it to the Pursers office who said they would get a engineer to look when we docked
A engineer i think his name was Terry or Trevor arrived and started to take the side off the pod he couldn't see anything so we said to leave it as we had a 500 mile car journey home leave it with me he said I won't give up yet we went to the Pursers office and said they couldn't be found a lady there said give me your name and address and phone number if we find them we will contact you about 30 min into our journey the lady phoned to say the Engineer had found them they were packed up and would be posted to us we can't thank everyone enough they were all so polite and friendly a asset to the company well done if only all companies gave this sort of customer service
Glasses arrived today our thanks to all concerned

I recently travelled with NorthLink Ferries from Aberdeen to Shetland and back, accompanied by my one-year-old daughter, and I feel compelled to share how positive the experience was overall.
Travelling alone with a young child can be challenging at the best of times, and our journey came during a particularly difficult and unexpected situation. Despite this, the professionalism, care, and calm environment provided by the ferry staff made a real difference. From the moment we boarded, the crew were welcoming, attentive, and clearly experienced in supporting families.
The facilities on board were clean, comfortable, and well-suited for passengers with young children. Having access to quiet spaces and the ability to rest properly during the crossing helped me ensure my daughter remained settled and safe throughout the journey.
What stood out most was the sense of security and reassurance the staff created. In a time when I truly needed stability and support, the crew maintained a composed and respectful atmosphere that allowed me to focus on my child and our wellbeing.

I would like to mention Vicky and Alison and the catering team in particular for their extra efforts in making our experience extra special
Overall, I’m very grateful for the service provided. NorthLink Ferries offered a reliable, safe, and family-friendly journey during a time when that mattered more than ever, and I would not hesitate to travel with them again.

Scheduled a journey from Scrabster for June 4th but encountered car rental problems, leading to a cancellation. I was pleasantly surprised when they refunded my payment. I tried rescheduling for June 5th, but the car issue persisted, so I had to cancel again, and once more they refunded my money. It's rare to find companies that offer such service. I look forward to eventually traveling to Orkney and will certainly choose Northlink for my booking.

Recently crossed as a foot passenger as part of a tour group from Aberdeen to Lerwick, Lerwick to Kirkwall and Stromness to Scrabster. Had a cabin from Aberdeen which was comfortable and also did the B&B at Stromness which is a great idea. Reclining chairs from Lerwick which again were comfortable. Food on board was good although rough seas restricted the amount I ate! Overall an excellent way to visit Shetland and Orkney

Staff were very helpful, the loading process was slick. Departed Sat 19th, September and returned 25th September, the accommodation and food was good. It was very clean. I loved it. Thank you

Such great customer service on the phone. Helpful and cheerful. I wish this was the standard others would aspire to.

Thank you NorthLink

Just brilliant this summer. One of our party managed to break their ankle. In spite of cabins and ferries being fully booked they managed to find us one. Wheelchair assist was brilliant and efficient. They parked us right by the lift. Got the injured person to the cabin in the wheelchair and collected us the next morning. The staff were all lovely, from the initial phone call to change the booking to the service boarding and on board. Thank you

I love the routes, but it's too cold inside in winter months. They're not heating😥

We travelled to and from Lerwick to Aberdeen last week and, despite a choppy start to the return voyage, had comfortable journeys both ways. We really enjoyed the cheerful and friendly attitude of the crew in the restaurant, and particularly enjoyed the chilli- topped salmon. Unfortunately, I left my laptop in the pods after we left and, for a while, was seriously worried about the consequences of so serious a loss. However, Northlink Ferries could not have been more helpful and efficient in resolving this issue. Within 24 hours of losing the item, I had been informed that it had been found and that it could be returned to me within a few days. I now have it to write on! Thank you Northlink Ferries. You have exceeded our highest expectations.

Poor customer service attitude , good cabin but lost our good will due to petty charging over £5 for two mint tea bags in food hall.It might be a good idea to have a few tea/ infusions in the room.

Excellent service throughout. We travelled from Aberdeen to Lerwick returning the same night. Our car broke down on trying to exit the ship and despite holding the crew up they were absolutely brilliant, so helpful and no judgement during a very stressful situation. The crew loading and unloading the vehicles were so warm and welcoming with sensational banter I can’t thank them enough from making the best out of a horrible situation. Allan in the Magnus Lounge just topped our experience off he was so great and his customer service was second to none. I would recommend the journey to everyone.

We needed extra space behind the car for the dog ramp for our Newfoundland dog, and it could not have gone more smoothly. We rang the ticket office, and they sorted it out for us. All staff at check-in and on the boats knew about our requirement, and arranged it for us. Very impressed and grateful to the staff both at Scrabster (where we sailed from) and Stromness (for our return trip).

I used NorthLink Ferries on a trip to Shetland. The process of booking on their website was straightforward, clear and I had no problems.

Boarding the ship by car in Aberdeen and Lerwich was a smooth process, straight on and off the other end.

Food onboard was delicious, and staff were very friendly and helpful.

The only downside was the sleeping pods, I just couldn't get comfortable so didn't get a great night sleep on either trip, next time I will book a cabin.

Overall though I was very pleased with the service and definately using them again.

Booked a trip from Scrabster for 4th June but had issues with hired car so had to cancel.Was very surprised when my money was refunded.
Rebooked for the 5th June but once again had to cancel as car issue wasn't resolved.So canceled and once again money was refunded.Not many companies do this.Will hopefully get a trip to Orkney at a later date and would definately book via Northlink.

We recently travelled from Aberdeen to Lerwick and return on Northlink Ferries for a week's holiday, and were very impressed by the service offered. All staff were exceedingly helpful, friendly and polite. The ferries were clean, the food was of a good quality and reasonably priced and we were pleasantly surprised by the comfort of the cabins. Additionally, staff went the extra mile to find and return my lost earring. Thank you, Northlink!

Really helpful staff who ensured I got my car on to the ferry after missing my previous ferry due to my error with the booking. Thank you for your help and getting me home in time to get back to work.

Overbooked, noisy and nowhere to sleep. What a joke. Bring back P&O!!

Very friendly, helpful staff. Clean cabins and well equipped.
Magnus lounge great value for money.
With good quality snacks n drinks .