The ferry is the most leisurely way to get to Shetland and the anticipation of going to sleep in one place and waking up in another is all part of the adventure.
Ferries depart all year round, seven nights a week in both directions on the Aberdeen-Lerwick route. Crossings take 12 hours direct, or 14 hours if your ferry stops off in Kirkwall, Orkney, on route.
Timetables may be subject to weather-related or technical delays. See the NorthLink website for current sailing information. Passengers travelling should also be aware that changes may be introduced at short notice. Those who are booked on affected sailings will be contacted.
Onboard the ferry, relax on the journey in the comfort of a cabin, sleeping pod or reclining chair and use facilities like the restaurant, bar and cinema.
You can take your own car, motorhome or bike and there are pet-friendly cabins and kennels for your four-legged friends. For those with accessibility requirements, there are cabins, lifts, toilets, and wheelchair access in public areas.
The NorthLink ferry is the only commercial passenger ferry which travels to Shetland. All other ferry connections to the UK from mainland Europe must be made via England.
For full details, prices and booking visit the Northlink Ferries website.
Standing on the deck, heading into the 'sooth mooth' of Lerwick Harbour, you can taste the salty sea air on your lips, the freshness of the air on your skin, and you know you've arrived in Shetland. There's no place quite like it.