CalMac Ferries of Scotland - Trip Report from MV Clansman
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 พ.ค. 2024
- CORRECTION: The Observation Lounge is at the Forward End of Deck 5, not Deck 4 as per the narration.
MAY 2023: Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries of Scotland, more commonly known as CalMac Ferries, has had more than its share of bad press recently. Struggling to maintain lifeline island connections with an aging and partly life-expired fleet, the West of Scotland's Ferry Operator has suffered multiple breakdowns as it waits for mis-procured new tonnage, some of which is now FIVE YEARS behind schedule.
But is it all that bad? As an Islander myself who lives in North Uist, I've had my fair share of cancelled, re-routed, retimed, and unavailable ferries. But I also travel with other ferry operators throughout the UK, and compared to some of the big names, there is a LOT to love about CalMac. In this video I take a trip aboard the MV Clansman from Lochmaddy in North Uist to Uig in the Isle of Skye.
Normally this route is served by the CalMac Ferries MV Hebrides, sister ship to the Clansman, but she was on her annual overhaul at the time of sailing.
The Clansman normally plies the routes between Oban, Coll, Tiree, and Colonsay, and on Summer Wednesdays her Coll and Tiree sailings are extended to Castlebay in the Isle of Barra to maintain a direct connection between the Inner and Outer Hebrides.
00:00 - Introduction
00:53 - Fares and ticket flexibility
01:15 - CalMac's new ticketing and reservation system
01:58 - Vehicle marshalling area at Lochmaddy
02:06 - About the MV Clansman, and driving aboard with a vehicle
03:43 - A tour of the passenger facilities aboard the MV Clansman
04:45 - Travelling with a dog with CalMac
05:17 - Continuing the tour of the passenger facilities aboard the MV Clansman
08:28 - Arrival in Uig, and the drive to Uig Bay Campsite
09:00 - Outtakes
09:22 - Outro
Please also check out my Ferry Playlist: • Ferries
To see my video from 2016 about the Clansman's Sister ship the MV Hebrides, please see: • Onboard CalMac Ferry '...
If you like Ferry Reviews, check out Steve Marsh's Channel @steve-marsh
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OPERATOR WEBSITE
CalMac Ferries: calmac.co.uk/
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GEEKY TECH STUFF
This video was filmed mostly on a DJI Action 3 and an iPhone 11 Pro Max. Outro on a Sony A7C.
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Ferries are so Romantic, it’s a Proper start to a holiday.
There’s nothing quite as magical as boarding a CalMac ferry with its promise of far flung islands. I know there has been controversy but I LOVE CalMac and I love the fact that you made this video showing what a great experience people can expect on board. Can’t wait to sail to Barra in a couple of months. 😊
Totally agree!
That run to Barra, I honestly thought I would be the first person to die of sea sickness. Good luck!
Oh my I've been brought up using calmac Ferries based in gourock west coast of Scotland.
I've travelled to millport island and Rothesay islands and island of Arran.
Oh my god it's great to sail out on these beautiful ferries.
The crew are professional and friendly and helpful at all times.
Used Calmac a few times Oban to Mull never had any issues and lads who work on them are spot on.
Just love travelling on Calmac ferries as I know that I'm going to somewhere very special👍👍
I have to say I also think there is a lot of love about Calmac. I do think the staff are great and I have found them very helpful throughout the trips I have done. SO looking forward to my next adventure to the Isles.
How on earth did you make a ferry review absolutely so enjoyable and relaxing to watch? Brilliant. As a native Welsh speaker, I enjoyed seeing the Scottish Gaelic signage and hearing the announcement on the ferry. You must have been very tired after your long drive from the ferry to the campsite 😜! Seriously though, that is very, very convenient for holiday makers and how wonderful it would be if every port had something similar. The services on the ferry are pragmatic and just what one wants when travelling. CalMac seem to be getting a lot of things right and when they do get their new ships, I hope they keep the best of what they have now and if they do, their reputation is likely to get even better!
Calmac ferries, and their staff are simply superb. Our favourite vessel is MV Hebrides, the first Calmac ferry we travelled on during our first trip to the Outer Hebrides! Each time when embarking or disembarking the crew have kindly taken great care to ensure the car and caravan doesn't ground out. Unlike many business, they go above and beyond. Andrew, you've have me pining to return!
I have been fortunate to have ridden the CalMac from Ullapool to Stornaway in 2019 headed for a visit to Lewis and Harris. Wonderful trip! Very well run service by my experience at least.
We'll be on Calmac very soon, can't wait, always a good experience, might just catch you on Uist Andrew..
Find the staff on the CalMac ferries so friendly and helpful. Disagree about the Macaroni Cheese though. Had it on the Oban to Lochboisdale crossing. Even the dog turned his nose up at it 😂
Thks for that video. Even me managed to make a booking. The stuff is very friendly and helpful. We have no negativ experience … go on with your great work
Hi Andrew! They are beautiful ships and having free access for the babies is fantastic plus the fact you can take them into the lounge with you! The food offerings look really good, you're happy anyway! Great vlog, thank you for all your hard work showing us these wonderful videos! I haven't used the ferries as when I go I'll be flying but I wouldn't hesitate to use them otherwise. Another couple of new ships hopefully soon?!! My Holly growls like that! I just growl back at her! Bless!! Take care, see you soon. Love and hugs xxx 😘🥰🐶🐕
Iconic ship to me… lots of childhood memories travelling to Dunoon on the Clyde.
We have always had a good experience when we’ve used Calmac - it must be a nightmare if a lot of the fleet are past end of life. Nice when they are quiet. The food has always been impressive for a ferry.
The ferry looked like a nice one, great tour and excellent that there’s not lots of extra charges.
Thanks for making the video as interesting,
Have a lovely weekend, All the best, David & Rachel 👍
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching, Andrew.
Howdy from Texas! Beautiful video, thanks for sharing! ❤
Clansman is my favourite ship and the first one I sailed on. I accidentally discovered that if you go for breakfast one hour and fifty minutes after departing Oban for Coll and Tiree, and sit facing forward on the port side of the cafeteria you can watch Tobermory glide by while abusing a tattie scone. I can also confirm that the coffee from the cabin is good although I don't take milk. They did stop using those pots of UHT milk a few years ago and I always quote from an episode of Father Ted on the subject of that particular type of milk.
LOTI covered us in Oban during the time you filmed this,Andrew - I and many others were on whilst going to Tiree for the 10K/half marathon run events at the end of April. Will be back on the Clansman in August though for the run events on Coll.
Thank you Andrew 🎉
I purchased the Calmac Hopscotch 8 ticket in November 2021 and I simply enjoyed the experience of hopping from Ullapool to Stornaway and through all the crossings as south as Barra Island. The staff are so well rehearsed in their roles that the whole process is as slick as ever. The staff are also the friendliest I have ever come across in my travels. One staff member already was looking out for me as I boarded because I happened to be staying on his campsite in my camper van and he wanted to make sure I knew the directions. The livery/colour scheme of their vessels is exciting too! You just cant beat the overall experience. I'll be back and I simply cant wait to travel via Calmac. Amazing video as always and thank you x
Hello Andrew, thank you for that. My experiences of Calmac have all been good. They are very helpful regarding change of plan and the need to swap ferry sailings. ilona
Fabulous, Andrew, thank you so much. We can't wait to travel on Calmac Ferries as we explore the Scottish islands. Lot's of love to Dougal and Ted. Happy Bank Holiday Monday ❤🎉
I'm up that way in 2 weeks.. can't fault the calmac service!! Always stunning scenery, always helpful friendly folk and reasonable pricing!! Can't wait for our return trip. a happy reminder of what we've got coming. Can't wait for the next vid!
Hari OM
Aye, they get a hard time of it from some quarters, but they are such an essential service! I pass the Ferguson yards on a regular basis and it breaks the heart to see those ferries pretty much rusting unsailed... YAM xx
I have a deep affection for CalMac after many journeys. I know how frustrating the service difficulties have been for both islanders and tourists have sympathy for all affected and for CalMac who need those new ships urgently. Have just been to Shetland with a different ferry company and definitely prefer CalMac so thanks for making this video which highlights some of the positives of the CalMac ferries. Just wish they still served the home made soups of years ago.
If you're on any of the smaller Calmac ferries and sit near the crew's mess, I can almost guarantee you if you comment that the soup smells good, they'll offer you some. They've always got a pot bubbling away
We’re booked on a Calmac journey in two weeks time… Wemyss Bay to Rothesay and I cannot wait! My west coast soul feels at peace whenever I’m in sight of those red and yellow funnels! 😂
Always love a Calmac Video my last journey from Arran last September the only flaw we were held back to exit via the Car deck after the Cars had left being a foot passenger as the gangway was waiting for repairs no problem as managed to catch my Train to Glasgow
I love travelling by Calmac Ferries. I always regard the travel day as part of the holiday which is very different to air travel.
I totally agree!
Hi Andrew, thanks for the info about pets in the passenger lounge’s. We are coming to Harris & Lewis for the first time this summer. I didn’t realise you had to book pet ticket for the lounges when I booked our tickets. I contacted CalMac this morning to add our dog to our booking, CalMac customer services was excellent helping with our error and updated our tickets without any fuss. Roll on 7 weeks time.
Have a great trip!
I love the Isles and take my motorbike up as often as possible, Calmac are great, the only negative is on some ferries they let you on first and then point you to the back so when your disembarking your at the back breathing all the engine fumes, but still ...😊
Hope to be on one soon, when we take delivery of our campervan. It’s been a long wait.
These last few years travelled on Cal Mac ferries several times and found all staff exceptional . A rare occurrence with most companies.
CalMac ist sehr gut! Absolut unkompliziert und sehr hilfsbereit. Wir träumen noch immer von unserem letzten Schottlandurlaub auf Lewis und Harris. Einmal wollen wir nochmal hin für einen längeren Törn .. 😊
Looks great Andrew. Stress free. Not busy. Hope you didn't down all those chips.
What did D&T think? 😊😊😊
Good report Andrew.
THank you.
Very interesting. Thanks!
Thanks for the video Andrew looking forward to going to Lewis 😎
Have a great time!
Yeah love the food onboard. Xx
I was wondering why you were posting when its not a Sunday...... then I realised its yet another BH weekend lol
I love CalMac ferries. Great prices, spotless boats, great food and friendly staff.
We tend to leave the dogs in the car for the longer crossings like Ullapool to Stornaway and Castlebay to Oban. It allows us to have a civilised meal and explore the facilities. The dogs seem happy enough to sleep though the journey and enkoy a couple of treats when we get back to the car.
The Scottish government brought in the road equivalent tariff at a cost of about £25 million per year that makes traveling by ferry a lot cheaper.
Even though inflation is high the Scottish government has also frozen the ferry ticket prices until march 2024.
There are six ferries on order and four of the ferries are on time and on budget so far.
Dougal and Ted were perfect 👌 gentlemen during the cruise 🐶🐶
All-in-all Andrew they seem like the real deal, which these days is somewhat strange. Well done CalMac.
Just love your videos Andrew, it’s great to see Dougal and Ted getting on so well! Thanks 👍👍enjoy your coffee, I forgot to fill in my details when I sent it 🤭
Thank you! Will do! Much appreciated :)
CalMac ferries mean great excitement - the Islands, the Islands. Colonsay every year (usually on Clansman), and many of the others, including your North Uist. I have never had anything to complain about, in fact have found the crew most helpful and kindly. My beloved dog had her first voyage to the islands aboard Loch Nevis to Canna, and had many sailings after that. As she was a bigger dog than your's Andrew, the crew were always ready to help me with her on the stairs. As you say, the food is excellent too. Long live CalMac
This ferry has a lot of similarities to the ferries that travel to and from Vancouver Island in British Columbia. But sadly, the BC ferries don't allow dogs above the car decks. 🐕
I been watching your videos on and off over the years.
I got to say i really like how they come on and how this one is! Its very very professional.
Also as a person who is half hebridean and used to spend a lot of my childhood holidays in these islands, which i think were largely unknown then, its nice to see someone promote the lovely charming side they offer. You are a great ambassador for the region 😁
Many thanks, that's much appreciated :)
Off to Arran in September so I'll see first hand how good Calmac are.
Just wanted to add our dog is not in pain with her condition ( at the moment) just wobbly so for now is still able to get around , just incase anyone thought it was cruel 😢
5 mins in and I am already desperate to make the trip again, hopefully later this year in our new Vantage :) On the whole I have no complaints at all about Calmac and what they offer, we have always found everyone kind and helpful and cheery, I cant see how it could be a lot better and remain so cost effective.
THESE ARE MY REGULAR SHIPS I GO ON FROM STORNOWAY
Staff are great but the boats are crap. nearing the end of their service life. It was the Clansman that had to be plated up this last year, I won't be going on that again
Hi Andrew was just wondering if they have a lift upto the lounge area ( when I booked they said they had but can never remember seeing one ) on the Uig to Tarbert ( Harris ) ferry . Not been for a while ( 3 cancellations due to covid twice and other problems 😭) and unfortunately we have a young dog that not long after getting her discovered she has Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration 😢and cannot negotiate steps easily and various other problems. It is quite depressing but for now she still likes to trot around in her own way and we have decided after much thought we would like her to see the Isle of Harris as our other dog we lost not long ago loved it there ! Just like to say shame about the breakdowns etc lately on calmac ferries but we love going on the ferry , it’s part of the holiday with scenery etc and we have found that the staff are excellent and always very cheerful and helpful. Thanks for another great vlog x
There's a lift from the car deck to deck 4, which is where the pet area/lounge is
@@witterquickly thank you 😊
Yes, I am an islander who lives in the islands and has put up with the recent disruption, and little of this is CalMac's fault. But I also travel with other ferry operators... ;p
Hi another great video how do wheelchair passengers get access from car deck to rest off ferry take care andy
Hi Andy, there is a lift up from the car deck. You need to request this when checking in, as well as declare the need for assistance in an evacuation when booking. It's all very straightforward. I have not checked out the wheelchair facilities on board but obviously CalMac would need to comply with current legislation. Thanks for watching, Andrew.
Try booking a 2 1/2hr irish sea crossing for those prices!
Exactly!
The calmac controversy has been fanned far beyond reality. It was never a massive deal but in their desperation to find anything to tar the Scottish government with the BBC and other political parties have truly made a mountain out of a molehill.
They get a hard time, but the blame for the current mess should be shared widely as there are plenty of guilty parties. Not all of them are political. Just saying. The view from Pairc Niseabost.
None of the blame should go to Calmac. I suspect if Calmac had specified and purchased the ships rather than CMAL and the Scottish Government the ships would be sailing by now.
Brasil.
🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🦮🦮🦮🦮
They are not called 'The Pirates of the Western Isles' for nothing.
The Clansman is the best ship in the fleet by far, with a good crew. If you travel on her, you can be forgiven for thinking it reflects Calmac as a whole. Calmac are taking a pounding in the media because they rightly deserve it; they are failing the locals in a big way. I say this as a regular user of their short and long haul routes.
In what way are Calmac failing the islanders?
Over the years Andrew, your videos have helped us no end. We live on mainland Scotland and aspire to visit the islands in our 7.4m Motorhome. Thank you.
I was enjoying my crossing on MV CLANSMAN from Oban to Coll when I was told that the cafeteria had run out of beans,of course this was of little concern and not important ,however I did mention it to a passing crew member who was wearing ear defenders and a boiler suit he promptly told me in a very broad Liverpudlian accent to “Get a Fckn life” then carried on walking.Ofcourse I was shocked and upset by this totally unnecessary,unexpected and shocking response so I reported it to the information desk who apologised and would try to have the complaint looked into.However even as the voyage ended I’d heared nothing about my complaint so I left the ferry very uncomfortable about the whole experience.This was my first trip with Calmac,but I won’t hold that against them.
Wow, that was totally unnecessary no matter how bad a day anyone was having.