Too old to travel now, not enough money after spouse died, so watching these videos are a comfort as it show places I visited and many I never got to visit.
As one who has travelled on this journey for over fifty years, this is as fair and accurate as it gets. Cabins are great - if you can get one. Many islanders have to travel at short notice, long after they're all booked. It's no fun sleeping on the floor in your late seventies. Steve's description of the pods is spot on.......although he forgot the spring loaded door which bangs shut every 10 minutes as the drinks from the bar are disposed of in the toilet. As he said, the pod designer obviously never tried sleeping in one. Top marks, Steve!
@@theherrdark4834 Those pods look a lot like first class commercial airliner seats on US airlines. Being of such size that coach accommodation on commercial airliners just won't work (it is actually a safety hazard and even at my greatly reduced 375 pounds I am not legally allowed to fly coach, years ago I weighed a hefty 550 pounds) I pay about $1500 round trip from Grand Rapids, MI; Detroit, MI or Chicago, IL to San Francisco/Oakland, CA or Los Angeles, CA whereas if I were 150 pounds lighter and a foot shorter I could get away with only paying about $300. I usually recline for a nap in my expensive first class seat as the flight is about four to five hours. Unfortunately we don't have the option for fish and chips at a bar on airline flights and the food is universally shitty although I usually ask for and receive some Biscoff cookies as food (including a meal) is included on first class flights, IIRC I was told that Biscoff cookies are about 50 cents per pack of two or three in coach although I haven't flown coach since deregulation in the late 1970's, I had to make a shorter flight in a plane without first class so they sold me a business class seat (IIRC the flight was to Ottawa, ON -- about a 10-12 hour drive from my house) -- never the hell again, I will have my driver take me to wherever in my car before I do THAT again considering sometimes she has to drive me to Chicago (about six hours from my home, Detroit is about five hours and Grand Rapids about an hour and a half) anyway!
I am 71 and, therefore, not a spring chicken. As a result of watching this video to the end i have decided what to do: I am flying from my retirement home in Sri Lanka and landing at Terminal 3, Heathrow. Instead of catching the train to Aberdeen and thence by ferry to Lerwick I am going to Terminal 1 and flying to one of the two airports in Shetland and the same route back to Heathrow. The ferry is not much cheaper once one adds up all the extras. No night in Aberdeen for starters. A few days in the Sinful City and thence back to my island retirement home. Thank you, Steve Marsh :)
Shetlander here. A cabin is a must for me on the boat - can't survive without it. The privacy, private bathroom and ability to switch on and off the lights at will are just added bonuses to having access to an actual bed.
20 years ago you could forget the privacy if you were travelling alone. As you had to share your cabin with another unknown passenger. Usually the kind of passenger who goes to bed at 8 pm and doesn't want to be disturbed by the light of my laptop.
@@flitsertheo You didn't have to share a cabin, they were just much cheaper! Northlink had shared cabins up until Covid but haven't reintroduced them yet, much to islanders disgust. I live on the mainland now but regularly travel back to home (Shetland), and I'm afraid despite having good sea legs, I can't do it without a private cabin.
There is no way I could do that without a cabin and a proper bed, too old and grumpy to go without sleep, I take my hat off to you for doing it and surviving, cheers and stay safe.
You are a glutton for punishment. Misery on no sleep! However, WE learn so much from you. I love traveling on the cheap - and WOW, you have so much in your videos!
I could sleep anywhere when I was younger. Probably not a safe option for a young woman, but I didn't think about it then. Thank you, Steve, for being so genuine. Please continue like this even as you get more and more followers. We get far too many sponsored videos. You might like Itchy Boots. She has not lost sight of her original idea even though she now has over a million subscribers.
My sister tells me the secret to traveling alone as a woman is to be a 350 pound woman and be able to bench press a large car engine. No one ever gave her trouble while traveling alone and she used to go to New York City and Los Angeles regularly. She went to places where even I as a similarly sized man wouldn't dare go in large cities and everyone I ran around with thought I was the brave one (she even walked around in Skid Row, Los Angeles at close to midnight, she definitely doesn't look like she belongs there but she didn't get hassled about it -- I make sure to have whomever is driving me avoid that area of town)!!!!!
...Welcome to one of the most Scottish videos ever. Delightful accents, wind, weather, parsimony, modest lodgings, and the sea... And I get a bit of my own local pride seeing your Filson hat!
Spent most of my Adult life in Aberdeen, now retired in Malta, and you made me a little homesick. I ended up in the Merchant Marine and sailed the World. I was never good with seasickness, and though my body adapted and I stopped becoming physically sick, I still got headaches. C'est La Vie, thank you so much for that. PS I did a few trips as a Marine Radio Officer back in the late 70s on the Shetland ferry back in the day. My cabin was at the rear of the Bridge, so not far to walk to work hi. The Radio Room and battery room were next door.
Discovered your channel yesterday, saw about 8-10 of your videos so far and they've been an absolute joy. Warm, personable presentation that's very relate-able. More importantly interesting content (because we all need to know about bars and food), seriously the travel stuff is informative too. Thank you, an absolute pleasure to watch!
I loved this trip with my private cabin . I take my own food & drink & relax enjoying the view. Sadly my darling husband died January 2022 so I travel on my own now
I made this journey regulalry in the late 80s and early 90s on the previous ships - P&O Ferries St Clair and St Sunniva - the days before I could afford the luxury of a cabin. I have never used the Northlink ships yet to compare, so this video was really useful. I remember a few trips being really pleasant, but one or two were experiences I would rather forget. One night it got so rough, it was deemed unsafe to put into port at Aberdeen harbour in the morning. We had to remain out at sea for five more hours until the sea state settled. I've never been back to Shetland since!
as someone not able to travel very far due to health issues i wanted to thank you for showing me Scotland, a place i always wanted to see. you are a good man,Steve...God bless....Kev
Interesting video, thanks! I've never done the Northlink trip to Shetland, but in July, 2015 I was a passenger (the only one) on a Polish cargo ship heading from Lithuania to the US. We passed between Shetland and Orkney at about 11 p.m. in a murky twilight. I was on the bridge with the watch officer and an A/B (the helm was on autopilot). On the AIS, we noticed that Hrossey was heading south on potential collision course. We altered course to starboard to avoid T-boning or being T-boned, and after a while Hrossey emerged from the murk and crossed our bow. I shot a few photos. Too bad I can't attach one here. Anyway, I've always been curious what the Northlink experience would have been like. Thanks again!
Great video thanks Steve. You've confirmed what I thought. For me, a cabin is a necessity! As you get older, sleep becomes an ever higher priority. Once in a 'recliner' from Dover to Zeebrugge directly after a night shift in the early 90s was enough to teach me that lesson. I ended up riding my motorbike 8 hours to Hamburg on no sleep for 36 hours. Never again. Cheers!
I recall back in the early 1980's, I travelled from Cherbourg to Southampton on the overnight ferry (about 9.5 hours) with the option of a cabin, a sleeper chair or standard lounge. I slept on the floor underneath the stairs, not a bad night's kip to be honest. That ferry looked a nice ship, the breakfast looked yummy!
As my Shetland friend told me "get a cabin if you want to sleep". So I did, and I LOVED it: slept like a baby til morning. Well, except for the seasick bit when it gets rough an hour of so south of Lerwick. Food great; beer service slow as molasses in January, internet spotty, but hey...
As a recent traveler to Shetland and Orkney we really enjoyed the cabins on the overnight crossings. Expensive, yes, but reasonable when you factor in not needing hotel accomodation on them nights, and most of the travelling happens in your sleep which is an extra bonus.
I used to find a bit of quiet floorspace - lying down my only way to sleep and not to get seasick, these days it would have to be a cabin. Well done, Mentour Pilot the best aviation videos.
Great video Steve, as always. I think they need to remove a row of seats to allow the extra leg room, this would make the pod a good half way option. They could add a tenner onto the current pod cost and probably get some better reviews.
They'll never do it unless they change the seats altogether. Think of all the work it would require. The fixtures of how the seats attach to the floor would have to be redone, lighting redone, other electrics etc.
Absolutely agree! I used the pod lounge on the seven hour journey from Kirkwall to Lerwick and it convinced me to get a cabin for the return journey to Aberdeen. A huge difference in comfort and worth the extra for a good night's sleep.
If I had to spend the coin for a cabin, I would do so on the return leg so I could drive home safely after a lengthy period without sleep. Stay safe Steve. I'm looking forward to the next trip, as always.
I wish he had shown what a cabin looks like but if it is like Amtrak (America's passenger train service) in the US 150 pounds for a cabin would be well worth it. Trust me, it would cost much more for a cabin on Amtrak on even a shorter trip. They don't have the equivalent of business or first class on trains here but even coach class (a lot like the coach class seating shown here) would cost that much or more! The only time I ride Amtrak anymore is if I need to go from San Francisco (Oakland) to Sacramento, that is about a three or four hour train ride and since seat belts aren't required on trains here they will let me ride that class (and I spend half of it in the restaurant car anyway). From what I have seen it is about equivalent to business class on an airline flight in the US.
Hi Steve. Another great video! You’re a glutton for punishment! Looking forward to your next “adventure “. Was a bit surprised that the ferry wasn’t too busy, especially going up north to Lerwick and it being summer. Kind regards asa always. Blair
Wonderful video Steve; I especially appreciate the extra effort you went to so we could have the seasick experience. I visited the Shetlands & Orkneys in June & caught a glimpse of these beautiful ferries: I had no idea they’re so spacious! But the Viking pointing at the lifeboat is really pretty funny. 😂 I hope we get to see your trip to the Fair Isle!
Theirs a big lack of cabins right now as well, Us Shetlanders have a Facebook group where we informally share cabins because the share scheme was removed for covid
Times have changed. I wouldn’t have been able to recommend the sleeping accommodation on any Scottish ferry in the past as they used to be a cross between low-end backpacker hostel dormitory and WW2 mini -sub. 😬😡, cramped, hot, nasty…..and with an overwhelming feeling that if there was an issue in the night nobody would make it out alive. Times have changed, thank god for that!!!
Steve, if you get the chance you should try the Scillonian ferry from Penzance to St. Mary's. It's a short crossing, but is affectionally known by us locals as the Vomit Comet. The meeting of the Atlantic and the Celtic sea particularly in winter is rough! But you're greeted with one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world.
I was ok on that boat when a group of us took our sea kayaks over for two weeks a few years ago. Several people were sick...it does roll quite a bit. It is shallow draft to get in to St Marys.
I have done too many long distance flights during my life, so absolutely loved my tiny cabin- to myself. Loved the ship too, especially the option of having small (senior)portions for dinner. The last trip to Shetland was lovely, and although long was a better option than trying to fly from London (via Aberdeen) to Sumburgh in present circumstances.
Shetland via Northlink ferry has been on my bucket list ever since watching "It's Nice Up North" (!) and this video only increased my desire to tick that one off the list. Really informative and compelling, this; I literally watched every second. Lots of detail but not too much. Thanks for going to so much effort. On the cabin vs pod vs seat question, I think it's a question of age as much as anything. I could probably have tolerated the pod 20 years ago but I think I'd suffer for it now, although if I was doing the trip on my own, I'd probably rough it one way, just for the experience. On a side note, I love the whole other-worldly atmosphere of a ferry, particularly late at night. That section where you did a tour of the ship around midnight was just awesome.
Thank you Steve. Our weather here makes us feel like we’re in the boat with you. As usual we follow your decision about choice. It is wonderful watching you very early in the morning. Thanks again.
Good stuff Steve. You are such a good narrator. Definitely, a cabin, need to get away from drunks and rowdiness. It's the only way, so you sleep and are more refreshed in the morning.
Thanks Steve for the wonderful Shetland videos. Brings back great memories from 2019 when my wife booked a surprise trip. It’s a magical place, very hospitable people and some of the best wildlife photography opportunities. Would recommend this trip to anyone, but do get a cabin, it’s so worth the extra! Keep up the good work, looking forward to the next video.
A very fair and accurate video.👍 My first trip out of Shetland was 63 years ago and I was 4 years old at the time, I do not recall how many round trips I have made since then, but I preferred the older styles of ferries, they were not so fancy but in my opinion, they were better designed for the North Sea.
@knobjockey76 Cost is always a factor, but those vessels may not be suitable because the voyage from Aberdeen to Shetland takes at least 12 hours in good weather and longer if the ferry also has to dock in Orkney, so it's much further than the route which you mentioned, the North Sea is a relatively shallow sea so the wind soon makes it very active and dangerous and there are areas where the Atlantic ocean meets the North sea and the currents there can be treacherous.
1:43 I never sleep on overnight coaches from Manchester (change at Birmingham for Holyhead), trains (change at Chester for Holyhead) nor on the ferry to Dublin - on arrival, I spend the whole following day catching up on sleep and it’s the same with the return overnight journey, but it’s still way better than flying and air travel, which is so annoying
I've got to admit that I wouldn't do this trip without a cabin.I might have done 30 years ago but not now. On the plus side, the restaurant on this boat is one of my favourites and the beer is cheap as well.
A cabin of your own what luxury ! That brought back memories Steve of my trip from Lerwick in 1962 on the St.Clair had to share a large cabin with 12 Norwegian Whalers who had a dozen cases of Tennants (lager) I did not manage to get any sleep!
In 1962 I would have bought a couple more cases of lager for the guys, a couple of quarts of whiskey or vodka for me and had one hell of a good time! Back then I would have slept at my destination but I was only 16 years old at the time (at least in the States most areas didn't have a drinking age back then, if you could climb up onto the bar stool or see over the liquor store counter you could have your alcoholic beverage) and just starting university so I wouldn't have cared if I slept or not.
At my age I would need a cabin. Really nothing like a bed to crawl into at night on any form of transportation. No need for luxury at all, just a clean place to sleep.
That was really interesting Steve. I've never done a ferry journey that long so thanks for showing us around. The food looked decent and they didn't take your eyes out price wise. It didn't look like that with the pod seats though!
Steve - I see less face mask wearing. What is Europe's current concern on the COVID B4 and B5 variants? Seems very transmittable and reports are saying the current vaccines aren't blocking it. I'm planning an early December trip to Munich and remain vigilant.
I barely see a mask anywhere now, to me it looks like it's being treated more like a flu now. Certainly though unless 99% of people are wearing masks, it won't make much difference anyway. Interested to see how it develops
I can't believe how dark it got ,so far north , I was camping in Sandwood bay(north west Scotland) 3 weeks ago and the sun finally set at 1.45 and was rising again at 2.45 . What a difference in 3 weeks !
Yes, because we have such an extreme difference between mid-summer and mid-winter the difference is noticed every 2-3 weeks. Sadly, we've had a dreadful summer with little clear sky so we haven't been able to enjoy the 24hr light.
Excellent video Steve - I made the mistake of taking the high speed ferry between Guernsey and Weymouth in winter - nearest thing to hell on earth I have endured. So the idea of being in that pod in bad weather will give me nightmares !
Hi Steve, great video as always, thank goodness for you always taking one for the team, you have helped me decide the best way to travel on Northlink thank you.
Whenever I see something about Aberdeen Harbour, I'm minded of a video from years ago of a supply ship entering in heavy weather. An American girl was most insistent that there was no harbour in Aberdeen - she'd lived there all her life!!
I’ve used ferries since childhood and I’ve laid outside on the deck, between seats, inside, cabins, suites, even thought about sneaking under the tarpaulin on the lifeboat, I’ve laid down on bench seats, pushed 2 seats together, recliners, quiet rooms, the only sleep I’ve managed is a few hours in a cabin, never been seasick but what using ferries has taught me is to avoid going on a cruise, ps I always book a cabin now even on a 2 and a half hour journey, quietness and a place to stretch out are my priorities now
John I bow to your superior knowledge and will also be booking a cabin from now on! I wouldn't do it on the shorter crossings though as I need to be outside filming. Hey, great idea about getting some kip out on deck! Cheers :)
Iv done the overnight English Channel and a cruise of the Dalmatian coast and slept like a baby in the cabin. Iv done lots of trains two/three days in my youth when money was tight no cabins and it’s tough so I’d never do a boat without a cabin.
12:25 The Scottish Islands in particular, as is Scotland generally, are so important in terms of our cultural heritage on these islands, being Irish myself - and it is something that I hugely respect, admire and appreciate - in fact, they are even more important culturally than even our historical and cultural connections with Wales and the Welsh people and the people of Northern Ireland, of which there are very close ties with Scotland 🇮🇪☘️🏴❤️
I did look at going on the ferry to Kirkwall but once I added up the cost for a return in a cabin I thought I’d be better off flying. A higher cost but 40 minutes instead of 6hrs on the ferry. Another great video and loved the wee bus stop. A bus stop fit for a king!
Two nights with no proper sleep, and IIRC you left the Shetland B&B before the breakfast - that is a really tough round trip. I'm very grateful for the content, and it gives me a good idea of how I'll want to be travelling if I do the Northlink Ferry (almost certainly in a cabin). But perhaps treat yourself next time!
I remember sailing Portsmouth - LeHarve in a pod type thing, absolutely awful. Not the pod but the two Gents who snored from the start to finish. I ended up on the deck to get away from them but the other half endured it. She said when one woke up he stretched and exclaimed he’d had the best sleep in ages. Surprised he wasn’t lynched…!
I did that journey as a kid and didn't get one hour of sleep. The seat reclined only about 45 degrees, the lights didn't fully turn off and that combined with being surrounded by a bunch of strangers completely out in the open just made the whole thing feel very on edge. Don't think I would ever do any sort of overnight journey again without a cabin, bar flights of course.
You just got a new subscriber...love the way you present your video... and you just happened to be going to shetland...which is on my 🪣 list. Can't wait to watch more of your videos from here in Canada...
Great video, as always Steve! I’m afraid I’d be one of those splurging for the cabin. I value the ability to truly stretch out AND have a darkened place to sleep. Plus, these old bones need to lie flat is I’m expected to move the next day! ATB, Erin
Well done Steve, another epic. Lovely tour as usual covering various areas 'without sleep as well'. Kudos to you. More expensive options are not always rewarding. As you experienced, comfort is paramount. Again, thanks for the interesting coverage. I agree with you, 'fish and chips ' can't be beat 😛👍
Brilliant vlog as always Steve!! The food looked great, think I'd choose a cabin over the pods though. Think I've learned that after the amount of ferry crossings across the Irish sea from Fishguard and Pembroke to Rosslare
@@steve-marsh totally, know it is different with a 3-4 hour crossing going to Ireland against 12 hours going to Shetland, have tried to sleep in Stena plus lounge but always someone talking or bright lights on. Also can never sleep on aircraft even in business class
@@peterdnreynolds777 If you want some sleep or at least rest try the Stena Hygge seats, they are fixed recliners with acres of space unlike those rubbish "pods", no food and drink like the + lounges though. Obviously a cabin is better but I find it hard to justify the price on the short crossings for little more than 3 hours rest.
Last May, flew into Aberdeen and then onto the ferry with my son. We had pre booked an inside cabin. I had not anticipated three factors: 1: snoring, 2: farts and poor air circulation, and 3: the confined cabin space excerbates the effects of a rough sea. I had to leave the cabin and walk the deserted lounges for part of the night. When we went from Lerwick to Orkney, we just had recliners, and I much preferred it to be honest. So in my opinion, you may not need a cabin as badly sa you think given that you can still get a nice shower with just a token. Heck, get 2 tokens and have a nice long shower.
Agreed, £120 for a standard cabin is frankly taking the pee... That is a price you could still get for a decent London hotel room off-peak, so I can't see as an additional charge over the ferry ticket price that is justified. But I guess they know some people are not prepared to rough it, and with no competition they have to pay it. Although I did a 23hr London to Turin trip on a bus and I nearly lost my legs, nevermind my mind such was the discomfort - so I do understand the desire for comfort. I was young and brave and cheap, but never ever again!
'Never again' is what I'm saying too! Problem is, even WITH the cabin, I wouldn't say I get a great sleep, you're still knackered when you leave the ferry - so much creaking throughout the night, difficult to get to sleep, although maybe that's just me!
Although it sounds insanely cheap I thought I heard him say the base fare was three pound fifty pence, not hundreds of pounds. For an 18 hour ride I would gladly pay the 120 pounds for a cabin. In my younger years where I would have spent half of the trip in the bar I might not have done so but at 76 years old it would be well worth the price of admission.
You have a very understanding Mrs Steve with the solo travel, lol .... the filming thing is crazy, I really don't understand that issue as what's to hide from these companies. I guess perhaps (on back of a negative review eg the Eastern Airways flight review you did) maybe they saw you coming and thought they would make it awkward, who knows?? I'm just playing devil's advocate, the more well known you become the more influence you carry. We all really enjoy these honest personal reviews, thanks Steve.
Oh Steve, the things that you do for us. Great information. Like you, I don't sleep well when I travel and sitting upright just doesn't do it. I think I'd better save up a bit and splurge on a cabin when I finally/hopefully get to head to Shetland to check out Jimmy Perez's digs😉 Another brilliant video. Thanks from V in MD.
Thanks mate! I think you'd make the best decision, I'd be in the cabin too next time - especially for the outbound journey, otherwise you're just walking around Shetland like a zombie! :)
Another great video! We're on that ferry a bit to and from Orkney. Obviously never get a cabin on the way up, but always on the way back! It's not cheap, but getting a private space, a bed, a shower - priceless. When we've gone to Shetland, we get a cabin in both directions.
We went the pod route when we headed to a wedding on Yell. Boarded the ferry, had a quick look round and then went for a pint and evening meal. Thought all was great. No sooner had we got out the harbour mouth and turned north, it started! We had a strong south westerly wind and a south easterly swell. This caused the rear of the ferry to lift, push the bow into the sea, and then sort of swing from left to right then right to left, before the bow lifted. It was horrible! It got so bad the bar was shut because even the staff were throwing up. The toilet was awash with vomit and sick bags. We headed to the pod lounge and tried to settle down. Not great! However, on the return trip the sea was flat, and a gentle wind made it pleasant up on the top deck. It was a great sail back and the only time I woke up was as we passed some oil rigs all lit up, and it was amazing. We really could not have more different trips! The pods were pretty good really, and actually really quiet. However, I won’t ever step foot on that ferry again. 😂😂
I book these journeys regularly for my Teams and will always try to get them cabins because like you the pods are not good for sleeping and they need to be fresh and ready to work in the morning. Great to see the journey 😊
As a new subscriber I’m really enjoying your vlogs Steve, Ireland and Scottish Isles are places I really want to visit a lot more very interesting to see you cover these places.
I done Aberdeen to Kirkwall and back in April in a sleeping pod, going up was perfectly calm. Coming back was horrendous. 6 hours of the roughest seas I’ve ever encountered. I do love NorthLink ferries though, there ferries are alway immaculate and never had an issue. Thanks again Steve.
@@steve-marsh yeah definitely! I’m 6ft 3 and it’s wasn’t all that comfortable. I attempt to get comfy in the forward “observation lounge”, lasted for all of 5minutes, for the same reason as you 🤢😂. Ended up in a recliner..Never realise you paid for it though.. 😬 On another note I can confirm, I walked from the ferry to Kirkwall at midnight after missing the bus, it takes nearly an hour and isn’t the best road!
Really enjoyed the video. Greetings from Tamworth, Staffordshire! The channel you was watching, was the one and only Mentour Pilot. Another great channel like your own.
I went on the Hrossey in 2019, had a cabin all to myself (both ways). (id recommend that if you have expensive electronics being carried with you as you can lock them away safely. However borrow a tray from the restaurant to put your laptop on so the duvet doesnt choke off the vents )
My mother had a tray with a little USB powered fan that she used for her laptop on trips. They date back to when the old Pentium 4 laptops needed the fan but they folded flat for placement in her laptop case and they kept the computer from choking on the comforter even though by that time the fan was no longer necessary. I bought one for one of my nephews about five or six years ago (ironically identical to the one my mother had), my mother got about 6-7 years out of hers before the legs broke, the fan was quite noisy by that time as well. For traveling they were well worth the $20 I paid.
Lovely video and hope they bring back the shared cabins!. Only done one return journey, but I found being the first on I could get the recliner seat on the right hand side right up at the bow. It has enough space to even put my sleep mat and sleeping bag in front of it, never had an issue with leaving my bags there, mainly because the partition wall gives some privacy. The crew were very friendly, even asking about everyone's welfare on quite a rough crossing but I found lying down really helped and it only lasted a few hours. The banging of the waves could be quite disconcerting though. Also had the fish 'n' chips which were delicious and a shower in the morning, no better way to finish a ferry journey and all for £23.60 each way :)
Hey Michelle I had my eye on that VERY spot, but unfortunately I was too late! I always love the crew on the Northlink - super friendly and professional :)
As i found your Channel the other day i was waiting for one with bad weather but looked a bit calm 😂😂,they are great vlogs you do Steve so easy well explained a joy to watch ,Pity some places dont like free advertising
I did this journey a few years back. I found the pods pretty easy to sleep in, to be fair, although they would have been better sited amidships, where motion is minimised, rather than in the bow, where you're going to feel it the most. My advice is to invest in sea-sickness tablets, if you suspect the crossing will rough.
As for the sea sickness tablets, in the States, meclizine tablets are sold as generics and they are usually quite cheap. Your doctor can prescribe patches worn behind each ear but my mother found that the cheap meclizine tablets worked well enough for her and her sea sickness was legendary (she even got "sea sick" riding in the back seat of a car). My parents and I had the same doctor at one time and the doctor messed up on prescribing the patches for sea sickness, prescribing them to me instead of her (even though we lived at different addresses and had different medical insurers) once. When I had to switch doctors at one point my then new doctor had one hell of a time figuring out why I had the sea sickness patches prescribed to me. We finally figured out what happened but it took a few minutes.
Steve, a position about 2/3rds of the distance from the bow to the stern and on a mid deck is often the point of minimum movement. In a seaway, there is less up and down and side to side movement. Maybe like being on the fulcrum of a see-saw 😀
Sounds good. I remember one daytime ferry crossing in a gale - at one point I heard a big crash from the deck above and realised it was probably a vending machine or something similar tipping over. I was very glad to see the harbour wall of our destination gliding past.
Brave man, Steve! I would consider a cabin a necessity. Have always had a cabin on three generations of north boats: the North Company's old St Clair (lift on lift off); P & O Ferries St Clair (RoRo); and one of the Northlink boats (don't remember which one). The old St Clair had cabin stewards and offered a very greasy and unappetising canteen breakfast. The P & O Ferries boat (transferred from the Plymouth-Santander run, I think, and had a sun deck with deck chairs on its early runs from Aberdeen!) was the favourite and one we used more than any of the others. Only used the Northlink boat on a return visit to Shetland in 2003.
@@steve-marshI was on the old St Clair a few times. There were green plastic couchette style bunks in sort of open cabins, & the steward gave you a tartan rug. Was fine, far far far better than stupid Serco money grubbing pods. Mind you, smaller boat & no stabilisers ! Then when they hoisted your car out & put it on the quay a docker drove it clear. They did in my mum's accelorator pedal.
Only issue is when you throw in the cabin factor it simply makes no sense and better getting a flight instead (as most do these days to/from shetland) they need to try and get the prices down to £50-60 each way inc some form of horizontal bedding badly! Absolutely no doubt it would net pay them to do so long term possibly even near enough immediate!
It's great watching this channel as 40degree temperature on a holiday would not help my ginger ,, White going to pink and red equal to pain ,, and plenty to see on these islands and my goodness that is a long journey on the ship,,, north sea rough sailing ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ from northern Ireland
Long gone are the days of P&O and going to reception to see if there’s a spare bed for a £10. But damn it, not only is it impossible to get a cabin since they got rid of shared rooms, they actively try and make it impossible to find a quiet spot to lie down! Btw Serco runs Nortlink and Caledonian Sleeper… yeah 😢
My partner and I managed to get a cabin together for £10 when onboard in 1993 we just asked the purser, done deal, not sure if in 1993 it was P&O M.V St. Sunniva bitch or The 1st Northlink ferry but dem wir the days sure. 😅
@ definitely the P&O, Northlink didn’t start until 2002, I remember getting all excited seeing the price reduction of foot passengers fares compared to P&O (it was a lot cheaper) but didn’t think of quality of service.
I was thinking that... in the same space, I'm sure they could stack bunks in 3 high, but still low. Just something with a half curtain and long enough to stretch out.
Too old to travel now, not enough money after spouse died, so watching these videos are a comfort as it show places I visited and many I never got to visit.
Im too old too.im 68.in my 7 th month of travelling south east asia
if you want to travel let me know, i'll sponsor yours.
As one who has travelled on this journey for over fifty years, this is as fair and accurate as it gets. Cabins are great - if you can get one. Many islanders have to travel at short notice, long after they're all booked. It's no fun sleeping on the floor in your late seventies. Steve's description of the pods is spot on.......although he forgot the spring loaded door which bangs shut every 10 minutes as the drinks from the bar are disposed of in the toilet. As he said, the pod designer obviously never tried sleeping in one. Top marks, Steve!
The designers should be required to sleep on one for two weeks, and then see how well designed they become.
@@theherrdark4834 Those pods look a lot like first class commercial airliner seats on US airlines. Being of such size that coach accommodation on commercial airliners just won't work (it is actually a safety hazard and even at my greatly reduced 375 pounds I am not legally allowed to fly coach, years ago I weighed a hefty 550 pounds) I pay about $1500 round trip from Grand Rapids, MI; Detroit, MI or Chicago, IL to San Francisco/Oakland, CA or Los Angeles, CA whereas if I were 150 pounds lighter and a foot shorter I could get away with only paying about $300. I usually recline for a nap in my expensive first class seat as the flight is about four to five hours. Unfortunately we don't have the option for fish and chips at a bar on airline flights and the food is universally shitty although I usually ask for and receive some Biscoff cookies as food (including a meal) is included on first class flights, IIRC I was told that Biscoff cookies are about 50 cents per pack of two or three in coach although I haven't flown coach since deregulation in the late 1970's, I had to make a shorter flight in a plane without first class so they sold me a business class seat (IIRC the flight was to Ottawa, ON -- about a 10-12 hour drive from my house) -- never the hell again, I will have my driver take me to wherever in my car before I do THAT again considering sometimes she has to drive me to Chicago (about six hours from my home, Detroit is about five hours and Grand Rapids about an hour and a half) anyway!
TV
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I am 70 and plan on a cabin. Visiting Scotland for the first time next September ❤
I am 71 and, therefore, not a spring chicken. As a result of watching this video to the end i have decided what to do: I am flying from my retirement home in Sri Lanka and landing at Terminal 3, Heathrow. Instead of catching the train to Aberdeen and thence by ferry to Lerwick I am going to Terminal 1 and flying to one of the two airports in Shetland and the same route back to Heathrow. The ferry is not much cheaper once one adds up all the extras. No night in Aberdeen for starters. A few days in the Sinful City and thence back to my island retirement home. Thank you, Steve Marsh :)
Shetlander here. A cabin is a must for me on the boat - can't survive without it. The privacy, private bathroom and ability to switch on and off the lights at will are just added bonuses to having access to an actual bed.
Add a lot too the cost, too much for my pay.
20 years ago you could forget the privacy if you were travelling alone. As you had to share your cabin with another unknown passenger. Usually the kind of passenger who goes to bed at 8 pm and doesn't want to be disturbed by the light of my laptop.
@@flitsertheo You didn't have to share a cabin, they were just much cheaper! Northlink had shared cabins up until Covid but haven't reintroduced them yet, much to islanders disgust. I live on the mainland now but regularly travel back to home (Shetland), and I'm afraid despite having good sea legs, I can't do it without a private cabin.
There is no way I could do that without a cabin and a proper bed, too old and grumpy to go without sleep, I take my hat off to you for doing it and surviving, cheers and stay safe.
I totally agree (now!) I only did this for the video, never again :D
You are a glutton for punishment. Misery on no sleep! However, WE learn so much from you. I love traveling on the cheap - and WOW, you have so much in your videos!
I could sleep anywhere when I was younger. Probably not a safe option for a young woman, but I didn't think about it then. Thank you, Steve, for being so genuine. Please continue like this even as you get more and more followers. We get far too many sponsored videos. You might like Itchy Boots. She has not lost sight of her original idea even though she now has over a million subscribers.
Endorse the Itchy Boots recommendation, she is an inspiration.
My sister tells me the secret to traveling alone as a woman is to be a 350 pound woman and be able to bench press a large car engine. No one ever gave her trouble while traveling alone and she used to go to New York City and Los Angeles regularly. She went to places where even I as a similarly sized man wouldn't dare go in large cities and everyone I ran around with thought I was the brave one (she even walked around in Skid Row, Los Angeles at close to midnight, she definitely doesn't look like she belongs there but she didn't get hassled about it -- I make sure to have whomever is driving me avoid that area of town)!!!!!
The country wasn’t overrun with mystery meat back then.
...Welcome to one of the most Scottish videos ever. Delightful accents, wind, weather, parsimony, modest lodgings, and the sea...
And I get a bit of my own local pride seeing your Filson hat!
Spent most of my Adult life in Aberdeen, now retired in Malta, and you made me a little homesick. I ended up in the Merchant Marine and sailed the World. I was never good with seasickness, and though my body adapted and I stopped becoming physically sick, I still got headaches. C'est La Vie, thank you so much for that. PS I did a few trips as a Marine Radio Officer back in the late 70s on the Shetland ferry back in the day. My cabin was at the rear of the Bridge, so not far to walk to work hi. The Radio Room and battery room were next door.
Homesick for furry boot city ? Get yourself some professional therapy before it's to late ! 😂 Malta warm , Aberdeen Baltic
Discovered your channel yesterday, saw about 8-10 of your videos so far and they've been an absolute joy. Warm, personable presentation that's very relate-able. More importantly interesting content (because we all need to know about bars and food), seriously the travel stuff is informative too. Thank you, an absolute pleasure to watch!
I loved this trip with my private cabin . I take my own food & drink & relax enjoying the view. Sadly my darling husband died January 2022 so I travel on my own now
I made this journey regulalry in the late 80s and early 90s on the previous ships - P&O Ferries St Clair and St Sunniva - the days before I could afford the luxury of a cabin. I have never used the Northlink ships yet to compare, so this video was really useful. I remember a few trips being really pleasant, but one or two were experiences I would rather forget. One night it got so rough, it was deemed unsafe to put into port at Aberdeen harbour in the morning. We had to remain out at sea for five more hours until the sea state settled. I've never been back to Shetland since!
as someone not able to travel very far due to health issues i wanted to thank you for showing me Scotland, a place i always wanted to see. you are a good man,Steve...God bless....Kev
Interesting video, thanks! I've never done the Northlink trip to Shetland, but in July, 2015 I was a passenger (the only one) on a Polish cargo ship heading from Lithuania to the US. We passed between Shetland and Orkney at about 11 p.m. in a murky twilight. I was on the bridge with the watch officer and an A/B (the helm was on autopilot). On the AIS, we noticed that Hrossey was heading south on potential collision course. We altered course to starboard to avoid T-boning or being T-boned, and after a while Hrossey emerged from the murk and crossed our bow. I shot a few photos. Too bad I can't attach one here. Anyway, I've always been curious what the Northlink experience would have been like. Thanks again!
That is Wowww story!
Great video thanks Steve. You've confirmed what I thought. For me, a cabin is a necessity! As you get older, sleep becomes an ever higher priority. Once in a 'recliner' from Dover to Zeebrugge directly after a night shift in the early 90s was enough to teach me that lesson. I ended up riding my motorbike 8 hours to Hamburg on no sleep for 36 hours. Never again. Cheers!
Wow that sounds fascinating.
Hello Andrew! I think I agree. My sleep is important.
Oof there's a challenge! Aye, I totally agree with you now mate!
Sleep and a cabin is very important
I recall back in the early 1980's, I travelled from Cherbourg to Southampton on the overnight ferry (about 9.5 hours) with the option of a cabin, a sleeper chair or standard lounge. I slept on the floor underneath the stairs, not a bad night's kip to be honest. That ferry looked a nice ship, the breakfast looked yummy!
Very beautiful ocean waves near Fair Isle. Thank you.
As my Shetland friend told me "get a cabin if you want to sleep". So I did, and I LOVED it: slept like a baby til morning. Well, except for the seasick bit when it gets rough an hour of so south of Lerwick. Food great; beer service slow as molasses in January, internet spotty, but hey...
As a recent traveler to Shetland and Orkney we really enjoyed the cabins on the overnight crossings. Expensive, yes, but reasonable when you factor in not needing hotel accomodation on them nights, and most of the travelling happens in your sleep which is an extra bonus.
I used to find a bit of quiet floorspace - lying down my only way to sleep and not to get seasick, these days it would have to be a cabin.
Well done, Mentour Pilot the best aviation videos.
Great video Steve, as always. I think they need to remove a row of seats to allow the extra leg room, this would make the pod a good half way option. They could add a tenner onto the current pod cost and probably get some better reviews.
Dave, you are absolutely spot on!
Just what I tought!
Good idea. Better design all round could make it great.
They'll never do it unless they change the seats altogether. Think of all the work it would require.
The fixtures of how the seats attach to the floor would have to be redone, lighting redone, other electrics etc.
The best travel reviews on U-Tube and give a real sense of being there with you. Your comments are constructive and well balanced keep it up.
Absolutely agree! I used the pod lounge on the seven hour journey from Kirkwall to Lerwick and it convinced me to get a cabin for the return journey to Aberdeen. A huge difference in comfort and worth the extra for a good night's sleep.
If I had to spend the coin for a cabin, I would do so on the return leg so I could drive home safely after a lengthy period without sleep. Stay safe Steve. I'm looking forward to the next trip, as always.
I wish he had shown what a cabin looks like but if it is like Amtrak (America's passenger train service) in the US 150 pounds for a cabin would be well worth it. Trust me, it would cost much more for a cabin on Amtrak on even a shorter trip. They don't have the equivalent of business or first class on trains here but even coach class (a lot like the coach class seating shown here) would cost that much or more! The only time I ride Amtrak anymore is if I need to go from San Francisco (Oakland) to Sacramento, that is about a three or four hour train ride and since seat belts aren't required on trains here they will let me ride that class (and I spend half of it in the restaurant car anyway). From what I have seen it is about equivalent to business class on an airline flight in the US.
Hi Steve. Another great video! You’re a glutton for punishment! Looking forward to your next “adventure “. Was a bit surprised that the ferry wasn’t too busy, especially going up north to Lerwick and it being summer. Kind regards asa always. Blair
Aye good point Blair - VERY quiet on the outbound leg!
Wonderful video Steve; I especially appreciate the extra effort you went to so we could have the seasick experience.
I visited the Shetlands & Orkneys in June & caught a glimpse of these beautiful ferries: I had no idea they’re so spacious! But the Viking pointing at the lifeboat is really pretty funny. 😂
I hope we get to see your trip to the Fair Isle!
Theirs a big lack of cabins right now as well, Us Shetlanders have a Facebook group where we informally share cabins because the share scheme was removed for covid
Times have changed. I wouldn’t have been able to recommend the sleeping accommodation on any Scottish ferry in the past as they used to be a cross between low-end backpacker hostel dormitory and WW2 mini -sub. 😬😡, cramped, hot, nasty…..and with an overwhelming feeling that if there was an issue in the night nobody would make it out alive. Times have changed, thank god for that!!!
Great video as ways. Cheeky wee bit Mentour Pilot on to watch! I watch that too. Love your trips. Keep them coming 😁
Steve, if you get the chance you should try the Scillonian ferry from Penzance to St. Mary's. It's a short crossing, but is affectionally known by us locals as the Vomit Comet. The meeting of the Atlantic and the Celtic sea particularly in winter is rough! But you're greeted with one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world.
Oh it's SO high on the list!
I was ok on that boat when a group of us took our sea kayaks over for two weeks a few years ago. Several people were sick...it does roll quite a bit. It is shallow draft to get in to St Marys.
A friend of mine did that crossing a few years ago. He was so seasick that he was hospitalised and came back to the mainland on a helicopter.
I have done too many long distance flights during my life, so absolutely loved my tiny cabin- to myself. Loved the ship too, especially the option of having small (senior)portions for dinner. The last trip to Shetland was lovely, and although long was a better option than trying to fly from London (via Aberdeen) to Sumburgh in present circumstances.
Shetland via Northlink ferry has been on my bucket list ever since watching "It's Nice Up North" (!) and this video only increased my desire to tick that one off the list. Really informative and compelling, this; I literally watched every second. Lots of detail but not too much. Thanks for going to so much effort.
On the cabin vs pod vs seat question, I think it's a question of age as much as anything. I could probably have tolerated the pod 20 years ago but I think I'd suffer for it now, although if I was doing the trip on my own, I'd probably rough it one way, just for the experience.
On a side note, I love the whole other-worldly atmosphere of a ferry, particularly late at night. That section where you did a tour of the ship around midnight was just awesome.
Love how you're so keen on your food! It looked pretty good for captive audience prices!
Thank you Steve. Our weather here makes us feel like we’re in the boat with you. As usual we follow your decision about choice. It is wonderful watching you very early in the morning. Thanks again.
Thanks so much guys! Haha enjoying some pleasant weather eh?! :)
Even though you had a bit of a rough journey, I’m still so jealous.
You sure get to visit some amazing places.
Cheers Monica! Thankfully the pain of these trips fades and leaves only the good bits to remember :)
Good stuff Steve. You are such a good narrator. Definitely, a cabin, need to get away from drunks and rowdiness. It's the only way, so you sleep and are more refreshed in the morning.
Thanks Steve enjoyed only been on this route long time ago too Orkney when it was p+o that was 70s 80s
Thanks Steve for the wonderful Shetland videos. Brings back great memories from 2019 when my wife booked a surprise trip. It’s a magical place, very hospitable people and some of the best wildlife photography opportunities. Would recommend this trip to anyone, but do get a cabin, it’s so worth the extra! Keep up the good work, looking forward to the next video.
That's amazing to see, thank you for your due dilligence.
A very fair and accurate video.👍 My first trip out of Shetland was 63 years ago and I was 4 years old at the time, I do not recall how many round trips I have made since then, but I preferred the older styles of ferries, they were not so fancy but in my opinion, they were better designed for the North Sea.
@knobjockey76 Cost is always a factor, but those vessels may not be suitable because the voyage from Aberdeen to Shetland takes at least 12 hours in good weather and longer if the ferry also has to dock in Orkney, so it's much further than the route which you mentioned, the North Sea is a relatively shallow sea so the wind soon makes it very active and dangerous and there are areas where the Atlantic ocean meets the North sea and the currents there can be treacherous.
1:43 I never sleep on overnight coaches from Manchester (change at Birmingham for Holyhead), trains (change at Chester for Holyhead) nor on the ferry to Dublin - on arrival, I spend the whole following day catching up on sleep and it’s the same with the return overnight journey, but it’s still way better than flying and air travel, which is so annoying
I've got to admit that I wouldn't do this trip without a cabin.I might have done 30 years ago but not now.
On the plus side, the restaurant on this boat is one of my favourites and the beer is cheap as well.
The person perched up at 7:06 is brilliant, I'd never fit in there, wouldn't even occur to me to try!!
A cabin of your own what luxury ! That brought back memories Steve of my trip from Lerwick in 1962 on the St.Clair had to share a large cabin with 12 Norwegian Whalers who had a dozen cases of Tennants (lager) I did not manage to get any sleep!
In 1962 I would have bought a couple more cases of lager for the guys, a couple of quarts of whiskey or vodka for me and had one hell of a good time! Back then I would have slept at my destination but I was only 16 years old at the time (at least in the States most areas didn't have a drinking age back then, if you could climb up onto the bar stool or see over the liquor store counter you could have your alcoholic beverage) and just starting university so I wouldn't have cared if I slept or not.
At my age I would need a cabin. Really nothing like a bed to crawl into at night on any form of transportation. No need for luxury at all, just a clean place to sleep.
Thank you for all the extra detail in the video description 👍🏻
Cheers Paul, I'm getting better these days at adding the extra info! :)
Haha that lass at 7:07 managed to squeeze herself into a spot with a nice view to do her writing, fair play!
That was really interesting Steve. I've never done a ferry journey that long so thanks for showing us around. The food looked decent and they didn't take your eyes out price wise. It didn't look like that with the pod seats though!
Steve - I see less face mask wearing. What is Europe's current concern on the COVID B4 and B5 variants? Seems very transmittable and reports are saying the current vaccines aren't blocking it. I'm planning an early December trip to Munich and remain vigilant.
Cheers Davey! A pleasure to show you the trip, although 'pleasure' might not be the right word :)
I barely see a mask anywhere now, to me it looks like it's being treated more like a flu now. Certainly though unless 99% of people are wearing masks, it won't make much difference anyway. Interested to see how it develops
@@mstrdiver they are not vx cines at all; theyre something farr worse
I can't believe how dark it got ,so far north , I was camping in Sandwood bay(north west Scotland) 3 weeks ago and the sun finally set at 1.45 and was rising again at 2.45 . What a difference in 3 weeks !
Yes, because we have such an extreme difference between mid-summer and mid-winter the difference is noticed every 2-3 weeks. Sadly, we've had a dreadful summer with little clear sky so we haven't been able to enjoy the 24hr light.
Try Alaska or Nunavut in the middle of June or July sometime. The sun never sets. However, the sun also never rises in the middle of January!
Excellent video Steve - I made the mistake of taking the high speed ferry between Guernsey and Weymouth in winter - nearest thing to hell on earth I have endured. So the idea of being in that pod in bad weather will give me nightmares !
Oof! That would have been a great video though! :D
One of the best channels on TH-cam. Recommended!
Thanks so much Michael!!!!
Hi Steve, great video as always, thank goodness for you always taking one for the team, you have helped me decide the best way to travel on Northlink thank you.
You're very welcome Brian! I couldn't do it this way again! :)
Whenever I see something about Aberdeen Harbour, I'm minded of a video from years ago of a supply ship entering in heavy weather. An American girl was most insistent that there was no harbour in Aberdeen - she'd lived there all her life!!
I’ve used ferries since childhood and I’ve laid outside on the deck, between seats, inside, cabins, suites, even thought about sneaking under the tarpaulin on the lifeboat, I’ve laid down on bench seats, pushed 2 seats together, recliners, quiet rooms, the only sleep I’ve managed is a few hours in a cabin, never been seasick but what using ferries has taught me is to avoid going on a cruise, ps I always book a cabin now even on a 2 and a half hour journey, quietness and a place to stretch out are my priorities now
John I bow to your superior knowledge and will also be booking a cabin from now on! I wouldn't do it on the shorter crossings though as I need to be outside filming. Hey, great idea about getting some kip out on deck! Cheers :)
Iv done the overnight English Channel and a cruise of the Dalmatian coast and slept like a baby in the cabin.
Iv done lots of trains two/three days in my youth when money was tight no cabins and it’s tough so I’d never do a boat without a cabin.
12:25 The Scottish Islands in particular, as is Scotland generally, are so important in terms of our cultural heritage on these islands, being Irish myself - and it is something that I hugely respect, admire and appreciate - in fact, they are even more important culturally than even our historical and cultural connections with Wales and the Welsh people and the people of Northern Ireland, of which there are very close ties with Scotland 🇮🇪☘️🏴❤️
I did look at going on the ferry to Kirkwall but once I added up the cost for a return in a cabin I thought I’d be better off flying. A higher cost but 40 minutes instead of 6hrs on the ferry. Another great video and loved the wee bus stop. A bus stop fit for a king!
Cheers Christopher! I think you make a good call. I do prefer a wee flight, especially if the weather is decent, views can be incredible :)
Two nights with no proper sleep, and IIRC you left the Shetland B&B before the breakfast - that is a really tough round trip.
I'm very grateful for the content, and it gives me a good idea of how I'll want to be travelling if I do the Northlink Ferry (almost certainly in a cabin). But perhaps treat yourself next time!
I remember sailing Portsmouth - LeHarve in a pod type thing, absolutely awful. Not the pod but the two Gents who snored from the start to finish. I ended up on the deck to get away from them but the other half endured it. She said when one woke up he stretched and exclaimed he’d had the best sleep in ages. Surprised he wasn’t lynched…!
I did that journey as a kid and didn't get one hour of sleep. The seat reclined only about 45 degrees, the lights didn't fully turn off and that combined with being surrounded by a bunch of strangers completely out in the open just made the whole thing feel very on edge. Don't think I would ever do any sort of overnight journey again without a cabin, bar flights of course.
You just got a new subscriber...love the way you present your video... and you just happened to be going to shetland...which is on my 🪣 list. Can't wait to watch more of your videos from here in Canada...
Hey Yvonne, thanks so much, welcome aboard! Really appreciate the support, and I hope to get back to Shetland at some time through the winter :)
Great video, as always Steve! I’m afraid I’d be one of those splurging for the cabin. I value the ability to truly stretch out AND have a darkened place to sleep. Plus, these old bones need to lie flat is I’m expected to move the next day!
ATB, Erin
Yeah, I will NOT be doing it this way again Erin, I'm with you 100% on that one! Cheers for everything by the way :)
Thank you, enjoyed watching.
Well done Steve, another epic.
Lovely tour as usual covering various areas 'without sleep as well'.
Kudos to you.
More expensive options are not always rewarding.
As you experienced, comfort is paramount.
Again, thanks for the interesting coverage.
I agree with you, 'fish and chips ' can't be beat 😛👍
Cheers Stasek! Aye very true - I remember having a cabin once and STILL didn't get much sleep :D
Scotland is at the top of my bucket list. It's so beautiful and mysterious. I've been traveling there in my dreams since I was a child ❤
Brilliant vlog as always Steve!! The food looked great, think I'd choose a cabin over the pods though. Think I've learned that after the amount of ferry crossings across the Irish sea from Fishguard and Pembroke to Rosslare
Totally agree Peter, never again will I put myself through this, not for both directions anyway :D
@@steve-marsh totally, know it is different with a 3-4 hour crossing going to Ireland against 12 hours going to Shetland, have tried to sleep in Stena plus lounge but always someone talking or bright lights on. Also can never sleep on aircraft even in business class
@@peterdnreynolds777 If you want some sleep or at least rest try the Stena Hygge seats, they are fixed recliners with acres of space unlike those rubbish "pods", no food and drink like the + lounges though.
Obviously a cabin is better but I find it hard to justify the price on the short crossings for little more than 3 hours rest.
First of your vids I have really enjoyed it can't wait 2 see anothe hector in Hartlepool
Cheers Hector!
Last May, flew into Aberdeen and then onto the ferry with my son. We had pre booked an inside cabin. I had not anticipated three factors: 1: snoring, 2: farts and poor air circulation, and 3: the confined cabin space excerbates the effects of a rough sea. I had to leave the cabin and walk the deserted lounges for part of the night. When we went from Lerwick to Orkney, we just had recliners, and I much preferred it to be honest. So in my opinion, you may not need a cabin as badly sa you think given that you can still get a nice shower with just a token. Heck, get 2 tokens and have a nice long shower.
...that was a lovely watch... very soothing... almost as if I were on the boat... just without the swaying of the ground and lack of bed... :)
Agreed, £120 for a standard cabin is frankly taking the pee... That is a price you could still get for a decent London hotel room off-peak, so I can't see as an additional charge over the ferry ticket price that is justified. But I guess they know some people are not prepared to rough it, and with no competition they have to pay it. Although I did a 23hr London to Turin trip on a bus and I nearly lost my legs, nevermind my mind such was the discomfort - so I do understand the desire for comfort. I was young and brave and cheap, but never ever again!
'Never again' is what I'm saying too! Problem is, even WITH the cabin, I wouldn't say I get a great sleep, you're still knackered when you leave the ferry - so much creaking throughout the night, difficult to get to sleep, although maybe that's just me!
Although it sounds insanely cheap I thought I heard him say the base fare was three pound fifty pence, not hundreds of pounds. For an 18 hour ride I would gladly pay the 120 pounds for a cabin. In my younger years where I would have spent half of the trip in the bar I might not have done so but at 76 years old it would be well worth the price of admission.
You have a very understanding Mrs Steve with the solo travel, lol .... the filming thing is crazy, I really don't understand that issue as what's to hide from these companies. I guess perhaps (on back of a negative review eg the Eastern Airways flight review you did) maybe they saw you coming and thought they would make it awkward, who knows?? I'm just playing devil's advocate, the more well known you become the more influence you carry. We all really enjoy these honest personal reviews, thanks Steve.
Cheers Alan! Aye, even though I didn't enjoy the pods, any publicity is a good thing and I'm sure it'd help them sell more cabins :)
Oh Steve, the things that you do for us.
Great information. Like you, I don't sleep well when I travel and sitting upright just doesn't do it.
I think I'd better save up a bit and splurge on a cabin when I finally/hopefully get to head to Shetland to check out Jimmy Perez's digs😉
Another brilliant video.
Thanks from V in MD.
Thanks mate! I think you'd make the best decision, I'd be in the cabin too next time - especially for the outbound journey, otherwise you're just walking around Shetland like a zombie! :)
Another great video!
We're on that ferry a bit to and from Orkney.
Obviously never get a cabin on the way up, but always on the way back! It's not cheap, but getting a private space, a bed, a shower - priceless.
When we've gone to Shetland, we get a cabin in both directions.
We went the pod route when we headed to a wedding on Yell.
Boarded the ferry, had a quick look round and then went for a pint and evening meal. Thought all was great.
No sooner had we got out the harbour mouth and turned north, it started!
We had a strong south westerly wind and a south easterly swell. This caused the rear of the ferry to lift, push the bow into the sea, and then sort of swing from left to right then right to left, before the bow lifted.
It was horrible! It got so bad the bar was shut because even the staff were throwing up. The toilet was awash with vomit and sick bags.
We headed to the pod lounge and tried to settle down. Not great!
However, on the return trip the sea was flat, and a gentle wind made it pleasant up on the top deck. It was a great sail back and the only time I woke up was as we passed some oil rigs all lit up, and it was amazing.
We really could not have more different trips! The pods were pretty good really, and actually really quiet.
However, I won’t ever step foot on that ferry again. 😂😂
When I think of pods, I think of the kind you find on Japanese ferries and in Japanese pod hotels. This was just a more expensive seat.
I book these journeys regularly for my Teams and will always try to get them cabins because like you the pods are not good for sleeping and they need to be fresh and ready to work in the morning. Great to see the journey 😊
Cheers Wendy! Aye, there wouldn't be much productive work done after a night in the pods, a good investment!
As a new subscriber I’m really enjoying your vlogs Steve, Ireland and Scottish Isles are places I really want to visit a lot more very interesting to see you cover these places.
Thanks so much, welcome aboard! :)
Wahey!!!! Its Peter from Mentour Pilot on your screen...... great content, great channel and an all round top bloke!!!
I done Aberdeen to Kirkwall and back in April in a sleeping pod, going up was perfectly calm. Coming back was horrendous. 6 hours of the roughest seas I’ve ever encountered. I do love NorthLink ferries though, there ferries are alway immaculate and never had an issue. Thanks again Steve.
Totally agree - the Northlink is awesome, I just think they could design the space available in the pod lounges SOOOO much better!
@@steve-marsh yeah definitely! I’m 6ft 3 and it’s wasn’t all that comfortable. I attempt to get comfy in the forward “observation lounge”, lasted for all of 5minutes, for the same reason as you 🤢😂. Ended up in a recliner..Never realise you paid for it though.. 😬
On another note I can confirm, I walked from the ferry to Kirkwall at midnight after missing the bus, it takes nearly an hour and isn’t the best road!
Really enjoyed the video. Greetings from Tamworth, Staffordshire! The channel you was watching, was the one and only Mentour Pilot. Another great channel like your own.
I went on the Hrossey in 2019, had a cabin all to myself (both ways). (id recommend that if you have expensive electronics being carried with you as you can lock them away safely. However borrow a tray from the restaurant to put your laptop on so the duvet doesnt choke off the vents )
My mother had a tray with a little USB powered fan that she used for her laptop on trips. They date back to when the old Pentium 4 laptops needed the fan but they folded flat for placement in her laptop case and they kept the computer from choking on the comforter even though by that time the fan was no longer necessary. I bought one for one of my nephews about five or six years ago (ironically identical to the one my mother had), my mother got about 6-7 years out of hers before the legs broke, the fan was quite noisy by that time as well. For traveling they were well worth the $20 I paid.
Enjoyed that video. It has given me ideas for next summer.
Yes, Steve, we did enjoy the video and found it interesting!
4:50 - Deliberate mistake?!
7:05 - How slim is she???!
7:17 - Mentor Pilot! 😁
Great video travel blog Steve - Love the Sick Bag Heckler at 16:39 had me in stiches on the floor - every time I play your clip around this time mark.
Haha cheers mate :D
Lovely video and hope they bring back the shared cabins!.
Only done one return journey, but I found being the first on I could get the recliner seat on the right hand side right up at the bow.
It has enough space to even put my sleep mat and sleeping bag in front of it, never had an issue with leaving my bags there, mainly because the partition wall gives some privacy.
The crew were very friendly, even asking about everyone's welfare on quite a rough crossing but I found lying down really helped and it only lasted a few hours. The banging of the waves could be quite disconcerting though.
Also had the fish 'n' chips which were delicious and a shower in the morning, no better way to finish a ferry journey and all for £23.60 each way :)
Hey Michelle I had my eye on that VERY spot, but unfortunately I was too late! I always love the crew on the Northlink - super friendly and professional :)
14:04 I see Jimmy's house!
Hey Steve. I love your travels, good or bad. Hope to bump into you one day, and hope you're well.
Much love, Rossco x
Cheers mate! Likewise! :)
As i found your Channel the other day i was waiting for one with bad weather but looked a bit calm 😂😂,they are great vlogs you do Steve so easy well explained a joy to watch ,Pity some places dont like free advertising
I did this journey a few years back. I found the pods pretty easy to sleep in, to be fair, although they would have been better sited amidships, where motion is minimised, rather than in the bow, where you're going to feel it the most. My advice is to invest in sea-sickness tablets, if you suspect the crossing will rough.
Glad to hear you fared better than me Tom!
@@steve-marsh I've been told that I could sleep on a chicken's lip!
As for the sea sickness tablets, in the States, meclizine tablets are sold as generics and they are usually quite cheap. Your doctor can prescribe patches worn behind each ear but my mother found that the cheap meclizine tablets worked well enough for her and her sea sickness was legendary (she even got "sea sick" riding in the back seat of a car). My parents and I had the same doctor at one time and the doctor messed up on prescribing the patches for sea sickness, prescribing them to me instead of her (even though we lived at different addresses and had different medical insurers) once. When I had to switch doctors at one point my then new doctor had one hell of a time figuring out why I had the sea sickness patches prescribed to me. We finally figured out what happened but it took a few minutes.
Another great Steve-venture! I’m fascinated by theses ferry journeys and really want be aboard someday.
Steve, a position about 2/3rds of the distance from the bow to the stern and on a mid deck is often the point of minimum movement. In a seaway, there is less up and down and side to side movement. Maybe like being on the fulcrum of a see-saw 😀
Sounds good. I remember one daytime ferry crossing in a gale - at one point I heard a big crash from the deck above and realised it was probably a vending machine or something similar tipping over. I was very glad to see the harbour wall of our destination gliding past.
Cheers for the info! I'll be there next time (even if in a cabin!) and I'll stay away from flying vending machines :)
I’m surprised how nicely fitted out this ship is might be tempted to try a trip , thank you for the video !
Brave man, Steve! I would consider a cabin a necessity. Have always had a cabin on three generations of north boats: the North Company's old St Clair (lift on lift off); P & O Ferries St Clair (RoRo); and one of the Northlink boats (don't remember which one). The old St Clair had cabin stewards and offered a very greasy and unappetising canteen breakfast. The P & O Ferries boat (transferred from the Plymouth-Santander run, I think, and had a sun deck with deck chairs on its early runs from Aberdeen!) was the favourite and one we used more than any of the others. Only used the Northlink boat on a return visit to Shetland in 2003.
Barney, I would have loved to see the old St Clair, the lift on lift off one! Wow!
Boats??? WTF
@@steve-marshI was on the old St Clair a few times. There were green plastic couchette style bunks in sort of open cabins, & the steward gave you a tartan rug. Was fine, far far far better than stupid Serco money grubbing pods. Mind you, smaller boat & no stabilisers ! Then when they hoisted your car out & put it on the quay a docker drove it clear. They did in my mum's accelorator pedal.
Thank you very much for this. I’m heading to Scotland and the Fair Isles in 2024. At 76, a bed is not a luxury.
Only issue is when you throw in the cabin factor it simply makes no sense and better getting a flight instead (as most do these days to/from shetland) they need to try and get the prices down to £50-60 each way inc some form of horizontal bedding badly! Absolutely no doubt it would net pay them to do so long term possibly even near enough immediate!
Totally agree with you mate!
Thanks!
I was like..Steve...you've got a big hair on your fried egg....oh..wait..no it's an eyelash on my phone screen...🤣..keep up the great vids mucker 👍
Haha you had me worried for a minute there :D
7:21 I like Peter's content too. Very common sense and down to earth.
Bit more relaxing watching Mentour Pilot on a Ferry than on a flight!
Haha good point David! :D
It's great watching this channel as 40degree temperature on a holiday would not help my ginger ,, White going to pink and red equal to pain ,, and plenty to see on these islands and my goodness that is a long journey on the ship,,, north sea rough sailing ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ from northern Ireland
Long gone are the days of P&O and going to reception to see if there’s a spare bed for a £10. But damn it, not only is it impossible to get a cabin since they got rid of shared rooms, they actively try and make it impossible to find a quiet spot to lie down! Btw Serco runs Nortlink and Caledonian Sleeper… yeah 😢
My partner and I managed to get a cabin together for £10 when onboard in 1993 we just asked the purser, done deal, not sure if in 1993 it was P&O M.V St. Sunniva bitch or The 1st Northlink ferry but dem wir the days sure. 😅
@ definitely the P&O, Northlink didn’t start until 2002, I remember getting all excited seeing the price reduction of foot passengers fares compared to P&O (it was a lot cheaper) but didn’t think of quality of service.
I absolutely love your travel vlogs... This has given me inspiration to maybe try this ferry link across to the Shetland Islands.
Great review Steve.. have you seen the videos on the Japanese ferry that’s has sleep bed pods. Maybe this may be an alternative option?
Would love to give those a try - make so much more sense than these pods!
I was thinking that... in the same space, I'm sure they could stack bunks in 3 high, but still low. Just something with a half curtain and long enough to stretch out.