@@adema1978 well after getting back last night from a mini three day cycle tour in Scotland that's exactly what I had(dock) .. Sorry, I'm doing it again 🙄
I love how you take the mundane every day situations and make them interesting. Liked the fish dinner and the pub hunt too. You do good work! Annoying people on the overnight trip. Such inconsiderate behavior.
Theres no need and Ferry staff should be telling them to quieten down. Playing music at that time. They should get a set of headphones. Steves got a big heart doing all that travelling on his own. Id get lost 😂🤪 not a good single traveller. Doesnt appeal to me, not nowadays anyway, I used to just go away fishing and golfing when i was younger.
Yeah - I was shocked that the crew just ignored the folk lying about like that. Given a seat reservation was mandatory - they should have been "somewhere" - not blocking the corridors.
The reason the ferry slowed down was so it didn’t arrive into Aberdeen too early, NorthLink would have to pay the harbour extra for an early arrival. Another great video, thanks Steve
I love that you show us these really low-cost trips....but I'm getting concerned about your diet and sleep!!! Thanks for showing all the wonderful places I couldn't hope to visit!
yes he eats crap worse now we know all the food has cancer causing chems. he need throw some organic nut and organic broccoli, in his bag.............. taste great when your hungry...............
Cheers! I hadn't expected to be outside to capture it :D Out of season wins for me, shame about the lack of daylight, but I'd take a chilled ferry any day!
Fish and chips for lunch and dinner sounds good to me, you are such a trouper Steve taking us to each deck on your sea journey to Kirkwall, you make sure we see all the places of intrest in all your travels, so enjoy coming along.
@@steve-marsh I loved the water with the moon behind it. So beautiful! But poor Steve. You looked absolutely nackered at 4am. I do hope you got some sleep once you got home. Onto the next adventure. Thank you
Боже ж мій, Стіве, як ви витримали таку складну подорож? Дякую вам за це дивовижне відео! Я захоплююсь вашою витримкою на великих піших переходах, але цілий день і ніч без відпочинку- ви себе не бережете, шановний Стіве. 💕💕💕💕 Бажаю вам все ж таки більш комфортних подорожей
As a kiwi (and a ginger 🤭) I had no idea what to expect when when I visited Scotland what I found was a strong sense of home and belonging Steve really love that part of the world and every time I watch a video of the hebrides I drop a tear and yearn for a vist to a place where my ancestors come from i can't wait to return ❤
Brilliant video as always!! Hate when ferries are packed out. Amazed that the deck was open all night long. Hope youbgot some rest when you got home. Hope all is well and hope you have a great weekend. Take care
We appreciate your sacrificing your sleep and body to give us some video of your journey. A good lesson for anyone who takes this ferry. Not all travel is great, you just hope it balances out - and it usually does - with the good stuff, the unexpected, the joy of discovery.
We’ve always gone to Orkney from Scrabster, which is a much shorter crossing and you see the Old Man of Hoy! That night crossing looked terrible. Once again you’ve done a trip so we don’t have to! Thanks Steve.
I live in Orkney and there are plusses and minuses to both, depending on where your eventual destination is, how much you like driving/being on a bus/train, if you can sleep on the overnight ferry, how rough the sea is, how good a sailor you are, if you can get space on the boat (Steve's route here can be really busy and there are not enough cabins most of the time). Shetland folk only have the Aberdeen option, Orkney folk have more options overall.
@@maryreid4273 The rest of humanity tend to forget that some folks live on islands & have problematic travel to go anywhere else - makes me thankful I am on a very large piece of land & don't have that particular problem, but life anywhere has it's issues to overcome, and these folks have the sea breezes & the ozone in the air so hmm - what am I missing ?
I really admire your stamina Steve it is more than I could put up with at my age and I always look for a cabin, thanks for taking me along it was an insight into what was on offer. Till next time stay safe and cheers.
@@steve-marsh Cabins are often booked up ahead of time, but you can sometimes find them at short notice if someone has had to cancel - we've had that a couple of times and have promptly booked them, because they disappear quickly! It's always worth checking the website if you are keen to get a cabin. You can also ask to be put on the cabin waiting list, though not sure if they only go through that on the day of sailing.
Another great video Steve, Nothing wrong with having Fish and Chips twice in one day. Glad you managed to get a beer. I don't know how you managed to stay awake. You must have been knackered when you got home. Thanks again. Look forward to the next one.
Steve's videos are always highly enjoyable. He shows the total travelling experience (both the good and bad) in a style that creates the feeling that you are on the ship beside him! Excellent as always!
Looks like a very nice ferry and a lovely evening. Your room was tiny. Your fish and chips looks good. People sleeping on the floor reminds me of the ferries to Newfoundland where people sleep wherever they can find a spot! Nice sunrise! Bet you’re glad to be disembarking! Enjoy your sleep .
I am definitely with you Steve, as a solo traveller most of the time , always much more enjoyable in Winter with quietness and calmness, LOVE all of your videos, icing on the cake to me is your charming Scottish accent ;)
Yes, winter travel is the best. Late October through March. Few crowds, local folks less stressed, accommodations reasonably priced, and holiday markets/processions/festivals are everywhere. 😊
@@EMB238 April, October and January are my least favourite months to leave the island - higher/choppier seas and more chances of storms - although we can get choppy seas any time it's more likely in the winter I'd say!
Wow, another interesting video. I am shocked they let people just camp out in all the public spaces on the ship, that doesn't seem very safe. You were a trooper for staying up and filming this for us. That loud music at 3 am was certainly extra. You will need to sleep for a couple of days after that. Amazing filming as always. Great job Steve. 😃
There are not enough cabins on the boats unfortunately. There are pod lounges, but the pods are glorified seats and apparently not comfortable to sleep in. There are also recliner seats, again not that comfortable to sleep in. If you have to travel but cannot get a cabin (quite common as they are often booked in advance) then the only other option is to lie down somewhere.
@@maryreid4273 Maybe I am weird (My wife would say no maybe about it lol), but I can sleep well enough in a recliner seat. I would be more comfy in a recliner seat, than lying on the floor. Lucky for me that there seemed to be an abundance of spare seats 😂
@@duncanmcewan1049 I have slept in the recliner chairs a long time ago, but I wouldn't want to do it again unless I really had to. We try to only go if we can get a cabin but sometimes people need to travel at short notice and all the cabins are booked! I am glad you find the recliners ok though.
Slighty out of the area but the Alaska State ferries from Bellingham to Haines about 4days they do allow passengers to actually pitch tents in public areas and sheltered deck areas
Nicely highlighting the grim realities of our "lifeline" service there. Onboard accommodation has become ridiculously hard to book unless you're booking three months in advance. And nobody can tell why.
@@steve-marsh There's always been bottlenecks during school holidays...but this past year or so it's been grim. Your Southbound journey was probably a bit extreme, given the exodus after the Tall Ships started leaving on the Saturday. Incidentally, the boat slows in the lee of the mainland for the timing of its arrival at 7am. It'll never be early. The same happens coming North, once you're off Shetland it'll slow for arrival in Lerwick at half seven...
It's why no one locks their cars in Shetland. Stealing the car is the easy bit, getting it off the island involves at least a 3 week lead time! The reality is we need bigger ferries, but these ships are only half way through their lifespan and given the Scottish Government's inability to build ferries for the west coast, I don't see them getting new ferries for Shetland any time soon. There has been talk over the years of new 'ropax' freight ships that would have space for 200 passengers, to eliviate some of the pain on busy crossings but so far nothing has come to light. There's also the bottle neck of Aberdeen which can't take ferries any bigger than the current Northlink twins and despite building a whole new larger harbour, didn't put a ramp in it. And despite some Shetlanders suggesting sailing to a different port, Aberdeen is and always will be the logical place for the lifeline ferry service to sail to. I think one solution is to try and have a dedicated Kirkwall > Aberdeen link with additional tonnage. Half the problem is Orcadian's and Shetlander's are fighting for the same cabin and car deck space. There's not a huge amount of interest in the Kirkwall > Lerwick leg of the journey, perhaps keep it in at the weekend like the olden days. Doesn't need to be their every other night!
Since the pandemic you can no longer book a bunk in a shared cabin. The ability to book a whole cabin to yourself did always restrict the availability of sleeping accommodation, but now that it is the only option it is much worse.
Great video Steve. The difference in duration in the crossing has to do with HGV-drivers. By making the nighttime crossing take longer they get their uninterrupted rest (as required by law). It is this way for all the ferries with nighttime crossings. If you'd be able to see the occupation for the sleepers in the inside cabins (you can't btw), you'd probably find those matching the number of HGV's on board.
Awe the memories of the Harbour Fry and a good fish supper. Love Orkney so much so Thanks Steve for all you put yersel through to bring us all you do. Legend 🙏💜
Such a contrast, with the heavenly scenery, and the hellish atmosphere on the ship. Good you were sleeping the next day, because you had panda eyes at the end. Only for essential trips, but much better in winter. 😊
I've only been to Orkney once. The ferry from John o' Groats to Burwick took about 45 minutes, the bus to Kirkwall quite a bit longer as it stopped to let passengers visit the church on Lamb Holm built by Italian prisoners of war. The funniest thing about my stay was realising that when Orcadians talk about going 'down south' they mean Thurso or Wick.
There's also a running joke that sometimes they 'go south' to Shetland too! I moved here nearly 20 years ago, vowed I'd never say 'going south' and now say it all the time! Kirkwall to Aberdeen is handy for getting right into a city, but the Stromness - Scrabster (Northlink) and St Margaret's Hope to Gills Bay (Pentland) are both popular too.
Hi Steve did exactly the same trip last year in May . My reasons were to research my dads posting on the Orkneys during WW2 . Took a bus to the other port then did a couple of tours in the day . Realy enjoyable trip . Keep up the excellent work .
As Captain Hamish Blair said when stationed in the Orneys during the war: "This bloody town's a bloody cuss no bloody trains no bloody bus and no one cares for bloody us in bloody Orkneys etc...
Another great and informative video Steve. It's nce to see that I'm not the only one that dashes about a "new" ship like a gleeful 12 year old school boy - exploring every corridor and deck, opening every door I can find. 😄
Thank you for another entertaining video , your give me "itchy feet" - been inspired to go explore less traveled parts of my own corner of the world more
Another fantastic video. I didn't want it to end. The sunrise scenes were spectacular. I would love to do that journey and have always wanted to go to Orkney. Thank you
Oe of your best Steve. Photography was fantastic and some emotive scenes. Fish and chips looked good. When I was living in Machrihanish my favourite night time meal in the town was deep fried Haggis and very brown chips. Your return journey looked dreadful. Not to be repeated i high season. Thanks Steve.
Cheers Keith! I was actually tempted by haggis at the chippy in Kirkwall, but they only served really small slices of haggis there and I was hungry! Aye, one to be avoided in high season for me!
I take your point on busy overnight ferries and sleepers in corridors, but compared to the overnight train or coach, a ferry is so much better, more space to have a beer, and a chance of a good breakfast, plenty areas to move about it. Time would be too short to get a cabin unless you are doing the full journey, very enjoyable though. Thanks Steve
You are spot on mate! Even with limited nighttime deck access, it's a treat to be able to stand outside in the fresh air (and believe me the air inside was anything but fresh!)
5:04 in 2019 i travelled up saturday to catch the ferry sunday, slept by the cenotaph in my car. After boarding and getting my meal I went on to the upper observation deck
Great video mate! I don’t think I’d fancy that party boat for 6 hours back with no cabin. Totally agree on the noise curfew although you’d expect people to use their common courtesy and intuition not to play music off their phone at 3am!!!
Wow - the timing on this could not have been better. We are taking the same ferry Sunday next - Aberdeen to Kirkwall. We are taking the shorter ferry to Scrabster on the return so we can drive back down. Thanks for taking us along on your adventures.
In mid-September we’re doing that trip in reverse: from Scrabster to Stromness, Orkney for a couple days, then the overnight route (but with a cabin) from Kirkwall to Aberdeen. We’re bringing our rental car on this trip.
@@MarkJohnson-hw2xo Just finished our tour. Loved Orkney - very different than I had imagined - much more going on but still tranquil. The ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall got a little old - after dinner we didn't have much to do, but it was all still pretty good. The ferry from Stomness to Scrabster was quick, quiet, and peaceful - different ship layout and we were able to find a quiet place to relax. We then made the drive along the North Shore and then from Laxford Bridge down to Lairg - not what I was expecting. The scenery is spectacular, but the driving was like some sort of warped video game. Now in Edinburgh for the Tattoo and then to London and then home. Hope you enjoy your trip - we really had a good time.
What a great trip! Thank you for all the trials and tribulation should go through to bring these to us. And as for me I don't think I could have had too many meals that were fish and chips when I was there. I'm sure the friends that I was visiting got really tired of it but not me. Say hi to Alicja for me. Be well, stay safe, love from Texas.
Thank you for making this video Steve. It's clear from the excellent quality and attention to detail that a lot of time and effort went into it. I feel like I made that journey with you!
Another fun video. Thanks for all your work. My son watched it also said when we go back to Scotland , and properly do Orkney and Shetland, we have to take a ferry. I think you are a grea advert for the Northlink. Cheers
The mv Hrossy (the horsy as we knew it working on the sister ship mv Hjaltland) there was a lot of rivalry between the two! I remember once during a period of bad weather we sailed as usually whilst the Horsy never sailed with the unusual outcome of the two ships being side by side in Aberdeen harbour… you should have heard the abuse being shouted between crew members on both vessel in Aberdeen Harbour! Lol
Mornin Steve nice ocean view leaving Aberdeen weather accommodating great chippy return don’t sleep in hallway someone might step on your head up all night with a beer 🍺 Stay safe see ya around 😘🌸🌺
Wow Steve.. what a rough return...thanks for all your videos and your limited sleep....we have family that stay outside aberdeen...always fancied a trip out of harbour so thanks for info.😊
The joy of these ferry videos is that I can watch them again & it's like the first time! SO Steve.... when are you taking us to Fair isle & when are we trying the shortest flight again? 😉
If you do go to Svalbard, you could get in touch with the resident RUclipsr Cecilia and her partner Christoffer, I‘m sure they‘d be happy to see a fellow RUclipsr.
Reminds me of the Alaska Marine Highway ferries in the summer....bedlam! But, oh, the lighthouses on your journey! Especially the one in Footdee. You didn't go to Lerwick to see Jimmy Perez? Oh, I forgot...he's not there anymore. Is the "new" Shetland been broadcast yet? Your videography of the sunrise is beautiful!
Another trip Steve Fish n chips yum great sunset that’s a wow the room looks ok swift trip to the pub looks busy round the pub area interesting stuff Steve
Very reasoned delivery with a great sense of what you’re saying and to whom. Love the banter and personal take. Great accent too. Strong Scottish heritage, lived there five years. Would love to be there, but don’t know when
Thanks Steve, good information in this entertaining video. Most folks would be moaning about certain challenges you always seem to find a silver lining😊. On another note, my one connection with Aberdeen was my late and very dear uncle Hans who was the Harbor Master.
A few years ago I got decidedly inhibited through drink and fell asleep on this crossing, luckily a nice young Dutch man who I’d got talking to woke be up but I did hold the boat up and had to be escorted through the vehicle deck 😬
Bern watching your very usefull content for a while now. We have been wanting to visit Bonnie Scotland for a while now. Finally in 3 weeks we set of for a 2 week adventure with our base near Melfort. Naturally there is to much to see and do. So your clips with your polish partner have been a massive help and we (yes Polish wife as well) have enjoyed them very much. We have 2 trips pre booked already. The Jacobite and a trip to Staffa. So loads of exploring to do. Thank you for your content.
@@steve-marsh certainly will. Just out of curiosity where in Poland does your partner come from? My wife is from wroclaw. And, I love our travels there.
why haven't I found this channel until now . But now its a nice sunday to watch all of your down to earth video . Made for the normal person , and not all luxury trips what a normal person never could go on 😊😊
Cracking journey out to Kirkwall Steve but that return journey looked like hell on earth! You can always tell a hardy Scot out on deck in a kilt and short sleeved t shirt and everyone else wrapped up to the nines😂
Than-you Steve, was beautiful seeing that light house l think almost in time for International Lighthouse week celebrated worldwide this month......very enjoyable regards Doc from Down Under
I did Aberdeen to Shetland in June 2022. I had a pod each way had a great crossing both ways with a solid 6 hours sleep. Im 6 foot 3 and stocky built and i was really comfortable in the pods. Another great video Steve
Great video Steve pity about folk sleeping on floors on the upside its good the service is busy the food was great deal and the sunrise shots etc were brilliant
Many thanks for a super video, I used various ferrylink sailings earlier this year, Aberdeen to Lerwick is the next one. Thanks again for all the info and tge fantastic photography
Demanding viewers wanted more Ocean Ferry and Steve delivered. I'd be ok too, not getting a state room on the ferry - either way. Instead, just hang out, catch some zzz's in a quiet place. Even sleep outside if they would allow it. I'm sold on that trip from Aberdeen to Kirkwall. Your local viewers are lucky!
A busy chip shop is always a good sign... If the locals are supporting the place, Its worth it.
So true!
... or supporting the plaice 🐟 ...
Sorry, I'll get my coat 🙄😏
Now I want fish and chips...
@@adema1978 well after getting back last night from a mini three day cycle tour in Scotland that's exactly what I had(dock) ..
Sorry, I'm doing it again 🙄
@@tonypaddler When I went to the Chippie in Wexford once I cod my chance in exclaiming there's the catch of the day.
I love how you take the mundane every day situations and make them interesting. Liked the fish dinner and the pub hunt too. You do good work! Annoying people on the overnight trip. Such inconsiderate behavior.
It was an experience for sure! Learning to just keep that camera rolling! :)
Theres no need and Ferry staff should be telling them to quieten down. Playing music at that time. They should get a set of headphones. Steves got a big heart doing all that travelling on his own. Id get lost 😂🤪 not a good single traveller. Doesnt appeal to me, not nowadays anyway, I used to just go away fishing and golfing when i was younger.
Fish and chips reviews are a highlight for me!
Yeah - I was shocked that the crew just ignored the folk lying about like that. Given a seat reservation was mandatory - they should have been "somewhere" - not blocking the corridors.
@@steve-marsh you done great Stevie. Great videos 👍
The reason the ferry slowed down was so it didn’t arrive into Aberdeen too early, NorthLink would have to pay the harbour extra for an early arrival. Another great video, thanks Steve
I love that you show us these really low-cost trips....but I'm getting concerned about your diet and sleep!!! Thanks for showing all the wonderful places I couldn't hope to visit!
yes he eats crap worse now we know all the food has cancer causing chems. he need throw some organic nut and organic broccoli, in his bag.............. taste great when your hungry...............
Amazing capture of the sunrise Steve. Too right, far too peopley for me, definitely an out of season trip.
Cheers! I hadn't expected to be outside to capture it :D Out of season wins for me, shame about the lack of daylight, but I'd take a chilled ferry any day!
What a lovely video Steve! Delighted for you and your 200,000 followers; I remember the excitement when you hit 50,000 ❤
Fish and chips for lunch and dinner sounds good to me, you are such a trouper Steve taking us to each deck on your sea journey to Kirkwall, you make sure we see all the places of intrest in all your travels, so enjoy coming along.
Steve time! Can’t wait. Here we go….
Haha cheers :)
@@steve-marsh I loved the water with the moon behind it. So beautiful! But poor Steve. You looked absolutely nackered at 4am. I do hope you got some sleep once you got home. Onto the next adventure. Thank you
Боже ж мій, Стіве, як ви витримали таку складну подорож? Дякую вам за це дивовижне відео! Я захоплююсь вашою витримкою на великих піших переходах, але цілий день і ніч без відпочинку- ви себе не бережете, шановний Стіве. 💕💕💕💕
Бажаю вам все ж таки більш комфортних подорожей
As a kiwi (and a ginger 🤭) I had no idea what to expect when when I visited Scotland what I found was a strong sense of home and belonging Steve really love that part of the world and every time I watch a video of the hebrides I drop a tear and yearn for a vist to a place where my ancestors come from i can't wait to return ❤
We both yearn for the other side of the world - house swap? :)
Brilliant video as always!! Hate when ferries are packed out. Amazed that the deck was open all night long. Hope youbgot some rest when you got home. Hope all is well and hope you have a great weekend. Take care
Cheers Peter you too! Aye slept all day when I got back :) Yeah, the wee deck at the stern is open all night, mainly for smokers I think!
Smoking is not allowed in inside areas on board, so at least one deck will always be open - normally the one right behind the food area.
We appreciate your sacrificing your sleep and body to give us some video of your journey. A good lesson for anyone who takes this ferry.
Not all travel is great, you just hope it balances out - and it usually does - with the good stuff, the unexpected, the joy of discovery.
Well said! I have just booked some more 'challenging trips' ;)
We’ve always gone to Orkney from Scrabster, which is a much shorter crossing and you see the Old Man of Hoy! That night crossing looked terrible. Once again you’ve done a trip so we don’t have to! Thanks Steve.
Much prefer that crossing too, but it's a long trip to just get to the ferry eh?
I live in Orkney and there are plusses and minuses to both, depending on where your eventual destination is, how much you like driving/being on a bus/train, if you can sleep on the overnight ferry, how rough the sea is, how good a sailor you are, if you can get space on the boat (Steve's route here can be really busy and there are not enough cabins most of the time). Shetland folk only have the Aberdeen option, Orkney folk have more options overall.
@@maryreid4273 The rest of humanity tend to forget that some folks live on islands & have problematic travel to go anywhere else - makes me thankful I am on a very large piece of land & don't have that particular problem, but life anywhere has it's issues to overcome, and these folks have the sea breezes & the ozone in the air so hmm - what am I missing ?
I really admire your stamina Steve it is more than I could put up with at my age and I always look for a cabin, thanks for taking me along it was an insight into what was on offer. Till next time stay safe and cheers.
Cheers Simon! I got caught out a bit on the return, expecting it to be faster, a cabin is always the best shout, but they are booked solid all summer
@@steve-marsh Cabins are often booked up ahead of time, but you can sometimes find them at short notice if someone has had to cancel - we've had that a couple of times and have promptly booked them, because they disappear quickly! It's always worth checking the website if you are keen to get a cabin. You can also ask to be put on the cabin waiting list, though not sure if they only go through that on the day of sailing.
Another Good Adventure. Thanks for sharing Steve, good editing. Hope you get some sleep.
B. McClure
Thanks Brian! I slept all day when I got home!
I love ferries around the Scottish isles, even as an old bloke I still get excited like a little kid.
Ahhh I'm the same!
Another great video Steve,
Nothing wrong with having Fish and Chips twice in one day.
Glad you managed to get a beer.
I don't know how you managed to stay awake.
You must have been knackered when you got home.
Thanks again.
Look forward to the next one.
I slept all day long when I got back and it was a comfy sleep !
wow what a sunrise, that bit at 22:12 with the seagull flying across the sunrise would make a beautiful piece of wall art
Steve's videos are always highly enjoyable. He shows the total travelling experience (both the good and bad) in a style that creates the feeling that you are on the ship beside him! Excellent as always!
Exactly how I like to show it, so very appreciated!
Looks like a very nice ferry and a lovely evening. Your room was tiny. Your fish and chips looks good. People sleeping on the floor reminds me of the ferries to Newfoundland where people sleep wherever they can find a spot! Nice sunrise! Bet you’re glad to be disembarking! Enjoy your sleep .
Thanks Patricia! I slept all day and it was the best ever! :D
I am definitely with you Steve, as a solo traveller most of the time , always much more enjoyable in Winter with quietness and calmness, LOVE all of your videos, icing on the cake to me is your charming Scottish accent ;)
Hey thanks very much! :)
Yes, winter travel is the best. Late October through March. Few crowds, local folks less stressed, accommodations reasonably priced, and holiday markets/processions/festivals are everywhere. 😊
@@EMB238 April, October and January are my least favourite months to leave the island - higher/choppier seas and more chances of storms - although we can get choppy seas any time it's more likely in the winter I'd say!
Much appreciate that you showed us the wonderful moment of the rising sun from the horizon 22:07.
A pleasure! Not much else I could do on the ferry at that time :D
Wow, another interesting video. I am shocked they let people just camp out in all the public spaces on the ship, that doesn't seem very safe. You were a trooper for staying up and filming this for us. That loud music at 3 am was certainly extra. You will need to sleep for a couple of days after that. Amazing filming as always. Great job Steve. 😃
Cheers Wanda! Oh my own bed was comfy after this! :)
There are not enough cabins on the boats unfortunately. There are pod lounges, but the pods are glorified seats and apparently not comfortable to sleep in. There are also recliner seats, again not that comfortable to sleep in. If you have to travel but cannot get a cabin (quite common as they are often booked in advance) then the only other option is to lie down somewhere.
@@maryreid4273 Maybe I am weird (My wife would say no maybe about it lol), but I can sleep well enough in a recliner seat. I would be more comfy in a recliner seat, than lying on the floor. Lucky for me that there seemed to be an abundance of spare seats 😂
@@duncanmcewan1049 I have slept in the recliner chairs a long time ago, but I wouldn't want to do it again unless I really had to. We try to only go if we can get a cabin but sometimes people need to travel at short notice and all the cabins are booked! I am glad you find the recliners ok though.
Slighty out of the area but the Alaska State ferries from Bellingham to Haines about 4days they do allow passengers to actually pitch tents in public areas and sheltered deck areas
Nicely highlighting the grim realities of our "lifeline" service there. Onboard accommodation has become ridiculously hard to book unless you're booking three months in advance. And nobody can tell why.
Yeah, totally noticed that when I was researching dates, every single one was like 'no cabins available'
@@steve-marsh There's always been bottlenecks during school holidays...but this past year or so it's been grim.
Your Southbound journey was probably a bit extreme, given the exodus after the Tall Ships started leaving on the Saturday.
Incidentally, the boat slows in the lee of the mainland for the timing of its arrival at 7am. It'll never be early.
The same happens coming North, once you're off Shetland it'll slow for arrival in Lerwick at half seven...
It's why no one locks their cars in Shetland. Stealing the car is the easy bit, getting it off the island involves at least a 3 week lead time!
The reality is we need bigger ferries, but these ships are only half way through their lifespan and given the Scottish Government's inability to build ferries for the west coast, I don't see them getting new ferries for Shetland any time soon. There has been talk over the years of new 'ropax' freight ships that would have space for 200 passengers, to eliviate some of the pain on busy crossings but so far nothing has come to light. There's also the bottle neck of Aberdeen which can't take ferries any bigger than the current Northlink twins and despite building a whole new larger harbour, didn't put a ramp in it. And despite some Shetlanders suggesting sailing to a different port, Aberdeen is and always will be the logical place for the lifeline ferry service to sail to.
I think one solution is to try and have a dedicated Kirkwall > Aberdeen link with additional tonnage. Half the problem is Orcadian's and Shetlander's are fighting for the same cabin and car deck space. There's not a huge amount of interest in the Kirkwall > Lerwick leg of the journey, perhaps keep it in at the weekend like the olden days. Doesn't need to be their every other night!
Since the pandemic you can no longer book a bunk in a shared cabin. The ability to book a whole cabin to yourself did always restrict the availability of sleeping accommodation, but now that it is the only option it is much worse.
Great video Steve. The difference in duration in the crossing has to do with HGV-drivers. By making the nighttime crossing take longer they get their uninterrupted rest (as required by law). It is this way for all the ferries with nighttime crossings. If you'd be able to see the occupation for the sleepers in the inside cabins (you can't btw), you'd probably find those matching the number of HGV's on board.
Thanks Steve for showing me around the ferry ⛴ round the shops and nice weather and early sunshine Thanks
Thanks once again for coming along Elaine!
Awe the memories of the Harbour Fry and a good fish supper. Love Orkney so much so Thanks Steve for all you put yersel through to bring us all you do. Legend 🙏💜
Cheers mate :)
Such a contrast, with the heavenly scenery, and the hellish atmosphere on the ship.
Good you were sleeping the next day, because you had panda eyes at the end. Only for essential trips, but much better in winter. 😊
Spot on Mike! Out on that wee deck was the only place to be on the way back (I'm glad not to share the smell onboard as well!)
I've only been to Orkney once. The ferry from John o' Groats to Burwick took about 45 minutes, the bus to Kirkwall quite a bit longer as it stopped to let passengers visit the church on Lamb Holm built by Italian prisoners of war. The funniest thing about my stay was realising that when Orcadians talk about going 'down south' they mean Thurso or Wick.
Haha brilliant! Nice route that past (over) the causeways!
There's also a running joke that sometimes they 'go south' to Shetland too! I moved here nearly 20 years ago, vowed I'd never say 'going south' and now say it all the time! Kirkwall to Aberdeen is handy for getting right into a city, but the Stromness - Scrabster (Northlink) and St Margaret's Hope to Gills Bay (Pentland) are both popular too.
Thanks so much Steve! The times to & from Kirkwall always put me off. Thanks for showing me why! 😉
Wonderful and charming, as always, Steve. I so want to visit beautiful Scotland.
Thanks so much Tom!
Hi Steve did exactly the same trip last year in May . My reasons were to research my dads posting on the Orkneys during WW2 . Took a bus to the other port then did a couple of tours in the day . Realy enjoyable trip . Keep up the excellent work .
Nice trip! I like the sound of that one!
As Captain Hamish Blair said when stationed in the Orneys during the war: "This bloody town's a bloody cuss no bloody trains no bloody bus and no one cares for bloody us in bloody Orkneys etc...
Another great and informative video Steve.
It's nce to see that I'm not the only one that dashes about a "new" ship like a gleeful 12 year old school boy - exploring every corridor and deck, opening every door I can find. 😄
Haha every time mate :)
Brilliant video as always, love the kilts btw
Cheers, aye loving that too!
Your videos are better than any TV shows I'm amazed you haven't been snapped up by the big media channels... but watch this space!
That was an eye opener…thank for all you put yourself through! Love the sea shots especially. Thanks a lot
Hey you're very welcome!
I like the sea even if there isn't any scenery, lovely weather too and a sunset!!😊😊!
It's always made me fancy a cargo ship voyage too!
Thank you for another entertaining video , your give me "itchy feet" - been inspired to go explore less traveled parts of my own corner of the world more
Go for it! :)
Another fantastic video. I didn't want it to end. The sunrise scenes were spectacular. I would love to do that journey and have always wanted to go to Orkney. Thank you
The weather was SO CALM that morning spectacular sight!
I think Steve wanted it to end and get to bed! Thanks for another great video.
Another excellent video and well stamina is needed me thinks for the night ferry x
It sure was a challenge! Thanks :)
Oe of your best Steve. Photography was fantastic and some emotive scenes. Fish and chips looked good. When I was living in Machrihanish my favourite night time meal in the town was deep fried Haggis and very brown chips. Your return journey looked dreadful. Not to be repeated i high season. Thanks Steve.
Cheers Keith! I was actually tempted by haggis at the chippy in Kirkwall, but they only served really small slices of haggis there and I was hungry! Aye, one to be avoided in high season for me!
Ferry's are always busy in summer. We're travelling from Hull to Rotterdam next week on a busy crossing. Thanks for taking us along
Enjoy the trip! :)
My husband and I really enjoy your videos. Looking forward to watching!
I really appreciate it! Hope you both have a lovely weekend!
@@steve-marsh same to you! :)
I take your point on busy overnight ferries and sleepers in corridors, but compared to the overnight train or coach, a ferry is so much better, more space to have a beer, and a chance of a good breakfast, plenty areas to move about it. Time would be too short to get a cabin unless you are doing the full journey, very enjoyable though. Thanks Steve
You are spot on mate! Even with limited nighttime deck access, it's a treat to be able to stand outside in the fresh air (and believe me the air inside was anything but fresh!)
I always like watching your videos sitting here in Dublin. Your videos give me an idea of what to expect on ships.
great video🙂 Thanks for posting.
An absolute pleasure! Well, the outbound trip was a pleasure anyway...🤣
5:04 in 2019 i travelled up saturday to catch the ferry sunday, slept by the cenotaph in my car. After boarding and getting my meal I went on to the upper observation deck
Nice!!!
Great video mate! I don’t think I’d fancy that party boat for 6 hours back with no cabin. Totally agree on the noise curfew although you’d expect people to use their common courtesy and intuition not to play music off their phone at 3am!!!
It's sad that you need to introduce these things at ALL, but that's the world we live in eh!
You really do produce some bloody good content mate, very enjoyable and entertaining - cheers!
Thanks Steve! Your ferry trips give me insight into how ancient people must have traveled around the North Sea. Great geography lesson! 🗺️🗺️🗺️
Cheers Ellen! Thanks for coming along :)
Wow - the timing on this could not have been better. We are taking the same ferry Sunday next - Aberdeen to Kirkwall. We are taking the shorter ferry to Scrabster on the return so we can drive back down. Thanks for taking us along on your adventures.
That is ABSOLUTELY the way to go! Enjoy it!
Look out for the spectacular Old Man of Hoy on your crossing from Stromness to Scrabster.
In mid-September we’re doing that trip in reverse: from Scrabster to Stromness, Orkney for a couple days, then the overnight route (but with a cabin) from Kirkwall to Aberdeen. We’re bringing our rental car on this trip.
@@MarkJohnson-hw2xo Just finished our tour. Loved Orkney - very different than I had imagined - much more going on but still tranquil. The ferry from Aberdeen to Kirkwall got a little old - after dinner we didn't have much to do, but it was all still pretty good. The ferry from Stomness to Scrabster was quick, quiet, and peaceful - different ship layout and we were able to find a quiet place to relax. We then made the drive along the North Shore and then from Laxford Bridge down to Lairg - not what I was expecting. The scenery is spectacular, but the driving was like some sort of warped video game. Now in Edinburgh for the Tattoo and then to London and then home. Hope you enjoy your trip - we really had a good time.
What a great trip! Thank you for all the trials and tribulation should go through to bring these to us. And as for me I don't think I could have had too many meals that were fish and chips when I was there. I'm sure the friends that I was visiting got really tired of it but not me. Say hi to Alicja for me. Be well, stay safe, love from Texas.
Thanks Kate! Have a great weekend! Best wishes from us both :)
Thanks for sharing your journey, Steve. Greetings from Australia .
Cheers Richard!
Love the insight to these North Sea ferries. Thanks Steve.
Cheers Nathan!
Thank you for making this video Steve. It's clear from the excellent quality and attention to detail that a lot of time and effort went into it. I feel like I made that journey with you!
Another fun video. Thanks for all your work. My son watched it also said when we go back to Scotland , and properly do Orkney and Shetland, we have to take a ferry. I think you are a grea advert for the Northlink. Cheers
Oh I hope you get a cabin though :) Hi to your boy!
The mv Hrossy (the horsy as we knew it working on the sister ship mv Hjaltland) there was a lot of rivalry between the two! I remember once during a period of bad weather we sailed as usually whilst the Horsy never sailed with the unusual outcome of the two ships being side by side in Aberdeen harbour… you should have heard the abuse being shouted between crew members on both vessel in Aberdeen Harbour! Lol
Haha I can believe it! Superb! Any would love to have seen the 2 ships docked next to each other!
@@steve-marshhappened every other day during Covid however Aberdeen harbour is real difficult to find anywhere to take a decent photo.
That must have been a rare occurrence 😂. Its usually the Hjatland that now doesn't sail. Must have the Old Hrossey captain on it now 😉
I won't be asking which of the vessels is the better one, but are they very different?
@@barvdw both identical. The Hamnavoe is the 3rd 1 and that's different.
There's cargo ships also.
I'm sure Shetlanders will be very pleased to hear you say that inadvertently travelling to Shetland would be a nightmare!
Haha it would be if your accommodation is in Orkney!
A planned trip to Shetland would never be a nightmare, an accidental one might, especially on a rough crossing!
@@maryreid4273Maybe if you’re good at planning 😂
STEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEVE! awesome. always just awesome.
Haha cheers!
Mornin Steve nice ocean view leaving Aberdeen weather accommodating great chippy return don’t sleep in hallway someone might step on your head up all night with a beer 🍺 Stay safe see ya around 😘🌸🌺
Likely it would be me while focussed on the camera screen :D
Wow Steve.. what a rough return...thanks for all your videos and your limited sleep....we have family that stay outside aberdeen...always fancied a trip out of harbour so thanks for info.😊
It's a fun voyage, but definitely out-of-season is the nicer experience :)
Oh Steve, what a trooper you are for all your fan's ! Great video. Beautiful sunset.. soothing music..loved it!..Keep 'em coming..Thank you..
Thank you! Will do! :)
The joy of these ferry videos is that I can watch them again & it's like the first time! SO Steve.... when are you taking us to Fair isle & when are we trying the shortest flight again? 😉
Enjoyed your trip on cruise, hope you show svalbard, northern most part of the world some day.
Thanks, cheers
I am still trying to re-book it at a similar price to what I had to cancel, will get there one day!
It's very exotic and beautiful 😍 but probably not for Nordic winter , thanks so much 😊
If you do go to Svalbard, you could get in touch with the resident RUclipsr Cecilia and her partner Christoffer, I‘m sure they‘d be happy to see a fellow RUclipsr.
I consider you as one of the great philosophers of our time.
Hope you’re doing well and are keeping safe in the weather and that the family are safe too!
22:08
Spectacular!
That sunrise alone makes the journey worthwhile!
It's as if you're in the tropics!
Great video too, enjoyable and informative.
Cheers! Aye, the skies are so often beautiful on this route!
Another great video Steve, beautifully shot.
One of my favourite videos. Was surprised to see Orkney’s version of Ibiza’s west end! Keep the videos coming Steve!! Thank you.
Good video Steve 👍 The ships security should have dealt with the grubs playing music at 3am, a clump or moving them to the kennels would do the trick.
Haha beautiful! :D
Quite the ferry ride! But it's amazingly calm water. I agree - the best place is on deck! Thanks so much for this very entertaining trip.
Yeah that calm water was beautiful in the morning!
Brilliant video Steve, the ferry to Shetland is on the bucket list.
A great crossing but for that one PLEASE get a cabin!!!
Reminds me of the Alaska Marine Highway ferries in the summer....bedlam! But, oh, the lighthouses on your journey! Especially the one in Footdee. You didn't go to Lerwick to see Jimmy Perez? Oh, I forgot...he's not there anymore. Is the "new" Shetland been broadcast yet? Your videography of the sunrise is beautiful!
Haha the new one will be out soon, I'm just not sure about it without Jimmy you know!!!
Another trip Steve Fish n chips yum great sunset that’s a wow the room looks ok swift trip to the pub looks busy round the pub area interesting stuff Steve
I was really looking forward to a quiet pint! Nae such luck! :D
Cant believe how calm it is especially as was breezy when set off!
Same! It almost didn't look real!
Very reasoned delivery with a great sense of what you’re saying and to whom.
Love the banter and personal take.
Great accent too.
Strong Scottish heritage, lived there five years. Would love to be there, but don’t know when
Thanks Steve, good information in this entertaining video. Most folks would be moaning about certain challenges you always seem to find a silver lining😊. On another note, my one connection with Aberdeen was my late and very dear uncle Hans who was the Harbor Master.
Thanks so much :) Hans had some job eh? Busy harbour!
A few years ago I got decidedly inhibited through drink and fell asleep on this crossing, luckily a nice young Dutch man who I’d got talking to woke be up but I did hold the boat up and had to be escorted through the vehicle deck 😬
Haha that's hilarious :D
Bern watching your very usefull content for a while now. We have been wanting to visit Bonnie Scotland for a while now. Finally in 3 weeks we set of for a 2 week adventure with our base near Melfort. Naturally there is to much to see and do. So your clips with your polish partner have been a massive help and we (yes Polish wife as well) have enjoyed them very much. We have 2 trips pre booked already. The Jacobite and a trip to Staffa. So loads of exploring to do. Thank you for your content.
Sounds fantastic guys! Have an amazing time and be sure to let us know how it goes!
@@steve-marsh certainly will. Just out of curiosity where in Poland does your partner come from? My wife is from wroclaw. And, I love our travels there.
You deserve a medal for that one mate, what you put yourself through for others benefit is admirable well done Steve, and what's happened to Alisha ?
Ah she's busy at her proper job, I don't think she'd thank me for these kind of trips anyway :D
Great vlog as always Steve. Really enjoy the films you put out.
Thank you ❤❤.
Great video 📸 my friend, what a great vlog.
Loved every bit of it even the stair 😂 where small.
why haven't I found this channel until now . But now its a nice sunday to watch all of your down to earth video . Made for the normal person , and not all luxury trips what a normal person never could go on 😊😊
Hey really appreciate it mate!
Love seeing our van at the start. Daisy’s on it :-). Good films well made and informative
Cracking journey out to Kirkwall Steve but that return journey looked like hell on earth! You can always tell a hardy Scot out on deck in a kilt and short sleeved t shirt and everyone else wrapped up to the nines😂
Haha so true! Aye, hell on earth is a good description!
Steve can we have more ferry journeys please - they are great David & Joy
Nice video Steve. Beautiful sunrise but from another aviation geek where is the aviation surprise you alluded too. Thanks Steve
Cheers Michael, oh that's all for another day! With a weekly upload schedule I can't be putting everything into the one video :)
Thanks Steve I will eagerly await that viseo, sounds like something special to look forward to😀
Than-you Steve, was beautiful seeing that light house l think almost in time for International Lighthouse week celebrated worldwide this month......very enjoyable regards Doc from Down Under
I did Aberdeen to Shetland in June 2022. I had a pod each way had a great crossing both ways with a solid 6 hours sleep. Im 6 foot 3 and stocky built and i was really comfortable in the pods. Another great video Steve
The videos from home always the best mate 😎🏴
Great video Steve pity about folk sleeping on floors on the upside its good the service is busy the food was great deal and the sunrise shots etc were brilliant
great video Steve
Many thanks for a super video, I used various ferrylink sailings earlier this year, Aberdeen to Lerwick is the next one. Thanks again for all the info and tge fantastic photography
Reminds me of when I slept under the stairs on an Esbjerg to Harwich ferry. Nice views of the oil rigs!
Had a great haddock & chips when I stayed at the Orkney Hotel in Kirkwall. Also, had great coffee at the Sunbeam coffee house.
Oh I've never tried either, will need to put that right!
It should be Sunbean coffee. Still great though.
Thanks Steve for your journey to the orkneys on the ferry brilliant 👏 👍
Wow, what a contrast in journeys!
You know the route well :)
Demanding viewers wanted more Ocean Ferry and Steve delivered. I'd be ok too, not getting a state room on the ferry - either way. Instead, just hang out, catch some zzz's in a quiet place. Even sleep outside if they would allow it. I'm sold on that trip from Aberdeen to Kirkwall. Your local viewers are lucky!
It was a challenge, but I ALWAYS end up back on the Northlink because it's a great route - maybe in winter next time though !
Hello Steve mick from Hull really enjoyed this episode hope you are very well and I will look forward to your next episode 😊😊
Cheers mate!
You are very welcome mate 😀
Well done. I spent quite a bit of sailing out of Aberdeen. Loved it,love the u.k.