Hjaltland ferry

MV Hjaltland is a Ro-Pax passenger ferry operated by the Scotland-based company Serco NORTHLINK FERRIES. She has a maximum capacity of 600 passengers and 140 cars (or 40 trucks/trailers). Launched in 2002, the vessel currently serves the mainland Scotland–Orkney–Shetland route Aberdeen–(Kirkwall)–Lerwick, with a crossing time of 12.5 hours direct or 14.5 hours with a stop at Kirkwall.

Serco NorthLink Ferries operates the Aberdeen–Lerwick route with two sister ships, Hjaltland and Hrossey, both sailing overnight. Each night, one ship departs Aberdeen for Lerwick, while the other sails in the opposite direction. One ship sails direct, while the other calls at Hatston Pier (Kirkwall, Orkney).

Cabins

As a cruiseferry, Hjaltland offers 117 passenger cabins (Inside and Outside, maximum occupancy 4), all located on Deck 5. In addition, she has 37 crew cabins (10 for officers and 27 for staff/crew).

All staterooms are air-conditioned and soundproof, featuring en-suite bathrooms (toilet, shower, washbasin, hairdryer, shaving point), lower and upper wall-mounted bunk beds (all with safety rails), bedside cabinets, a small mirrored vanity with stool, and ceiling LED lights. The company provides linens, towels, and toiletries.

Outside cabins feature bay windows, and some are wheelchair-accessible. Additional accommodation includes reclining Pullman seats (reserved seating lounge on Deck 6) and budget-friendly Sleeping Pods. Families with small children can request carrycots or baby cot beds free of charge.

Check-in opens 165 minutes before departure from Kirkwall, 120 minutes from Aberdeen and Lerwick, and 90 minutes from Stromness and Scrabster. Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure at all ports. Passengers must vacate cabins 30 minutes prior to arrival, and car drivers must check in at least one hour before departure.

Shipboard dining and entertainment

Facilities, most located on Deck 6, include:

• The Feast Restaurant (main dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows), serving breakfast and dinner with a special kids’ menu in ferry-shaped boxes. All-inclusive children’s breakfast costs GBP 5, or GBP 3.50 for continental. Up to two children under 16 eat breakfast free with each adult meal purchased.
• Magnus Lounge (snack bar/cafeteria) offers sandwiches, pastries, fruit salads, yogurts, ice cream, and hot/cold drinks. Open 6–9 am in Aberdeen and 6:30–9 am in Lerwick, entry is charged per person (children 0–4 free). Entry includes continental breakfast on arrival, complimentary drinks, snacks, two vouchers for wine or beer, newspapers, magazines, and device charging points. Dinner service is available at extra cost. The lounge closes at 1:30 am.
• Children’s Room (Viking’s Den), an indoor play area with a large TV, craft tables, toys, and games, offering free supervised activities.
• Video Games Room with arcade machines, Xbox consoles, and a football table.
• Midship Bar with live music, plus Longship Bar Lounge and a Cinema (indoor theater).
• Reserved Seating Lounge (Deck 6) with Pullman seats, Sleeping Pods, and large TVs.
• Shops selling alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics, jewelry, fashion, accessories, watches, handbags, sunglasses, hygiene products, essentials, snacks, toys, books, electronics, and souvenirs at discounted prices.
• ATM next to Reception (Deck 5).
• Navigation Bridge (Deck 8) – restricted to crew only.
• Helideck (top deck) for emergency use.
• Outdoor deck spaces, infirmary with 24-hour nurse service, and free WiFi.

Public restrooms, showers, disabled toilets/showers, and baby changing rooms are available. Unisex showers (Deck 6) require tokens (GBP 3; towels GBP 2). Towel rental requires a GBP 5 deposit. Hjaltland has four public showers: one family and three forward-starboard (one reserved for Sleeping Pod passengers).

Emergency instructions are displayed in cabins, on TVs, and at muster stations. Lifejackets are issued at muster stations. Elevators may not be used during emergencies.

Pets on board

Pets are welcome on all NorthLink Ferries. Dogs and cats have dedicated onboard kennels, while small animals (rabbits, birds, hamsters) must travel in carriers provided by passengers.

• Animals are not permitted in cabins, lounges, bars, or public rooms. Access to kennels is generally allowed, weather permitting.
• Owners must care for and clean up after their pets. Pets are allowed only on outside decks and must be escorted by crew. Dogs should be leashed and muzzled at all times.
• Pets may remain in vehicles during crossings but cannot be exercised there.
• Car passengers with kennels must take animals directly to kennels or designated deck areas after boarding.
• Foot passengers must report to Reception (Deck 5) to be escorted to kennels.
• Passengers are responsible for delivering and collecting their pets from kennels.
• Guide dogs travel free, may stay in cabins, and are permitted for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility.

Hjaltland provides 13 kennels in two sizes: four large (80x140x100 cm) and nine small (50x70x60 cm). Located on Deck 7, the kennels are in a heated, ventilated room with water supply. Passengers must bring food and water. Rubber mats are fitted, though blankets are recommended.

Car decks

Hjaltland has a cargo capacity of 650 lane meters, accommodating 140 cars or 40 trucks/trailers. Vehicles are stored on Deck 2 (Lower Car Deck) and Deck 3 (Upper Car Deck). NorthLink ships also transport semi-trailers, lorries, motorcycles (freight only), caravans, camper vans, containers, machinery, boats, and other cargo. Bicycles are carried free of charge.

Vehicle deck safety procedures:

• Disabled passengers or those needing assistance should contact the Information Desk (24/7).
• Apply handbrake, leave vehicle in park/1st gear, switch off ignition, alarms, electrical equipment, and lights. Gas cylinders must be turned off. Lock vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand baggage.
• Note vehicle’s location and deck/stairway before leaving.
• Access to vehicle decks is prohibited during sailing.
• Smoking is forbidden on vehicle decks, in cabins, and lounges.
• Wait for announcements before returning to vehicles.
• Do not start engines until instructed to avoid air pollution.

The shipowner, Serco NorthLink Ferries (founded in 2002, headquartered in Stromness, Orkney), is a Scottish ferry operator serving Shetland and Orkney from mainland Scotland. The fleet consists of the 2002-built Hjaltland, Hrossey, and Hamnavoe.