Hrossey ferry

MV Hrossey 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 serves the mainland Scotland–Orkney–Shetland route Aberdeen–(Kirkwall)–Lerwick, with crossing times of 12.5 hours direct or 14.5 hours via Kirkwall.

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

Cabins

As a cruiseferry, Hrossey has 117 passenger cabins (Inside and Outside, maximum occupancy 4), all located on Deck 5. She also has 37 crew cabins (10 for officers and 27 for staff/crew).

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

Outside cabins feature bay windows, and some are wheelchair-accessible. Additional options include reclining Pullman seats (reserved lounge on Deck 6) and budget-friendly Sleeping Pods. Families with infants can reserve 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. Cabins must be vacated 30 minutes before arrival, and car drivers must check in at least 1 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 kids’ menu in ferry-shaped boxes. Children’s breakfasts: all-inclusive GBP 5, continental GBP 3.50. Up to two children under 16 eat breakfast free with each adult breakfast purchased.
• Magnus Lounge – snack bar/cafeteria offering sandwiches, pastries, fruit, yogurts, ice cream, and hot/cold drinks. Open 6–9 am in Aberdeen and 6:30–9 am in Lerwick. Entry requires a fee (children 0–4 free), including continental breakfast on arrival, complimentary drinks and snacks, two vouchers per person for beer or wine, newspapers, magazines, and charging points. Dinner service available at extra cost. Closes 1:30 am.
• Children’s Room (Viking’s Den) – indoor play area with TV, craft tables, toys, and games. Complimentary supervised activities are provided.
• Video Games Room – arcade machines, Xbox consoles, and a football table.
• Midship Bar – with live music. Additional venues include Longship Bar Lounge and an indoor Cinema.
• Reserved Seating Lounge (Deck 6) – Pullman seats/Sleeping Pods and large TVs.
• Shops – boutiques and a Mini Market selling alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics, jewelry, clothing, footwear, watches, handbags, sunglasses, toiletries, travel items, snacks, toys, books, magazines, electronics, gifts, and souvenirs.
• ATM next to Reception (Deck 5).
• Navigation Bridge (Deck 8) – crew only.
• Helideck for emergency use.
• Outdoor deck areas, infirmary with 24-hour nurse, and free WiFi.

Public facilities include restrooms, disabled toilets, baby changing rooms, and unisex showers (Deck 6). Shower tokens cost GBP 3 (towel rental GBP 2 or GBP 5 deposit). Hrossey has four public showers: one family (Deck 6) and three forward-starboard (one reserved for Sleeping Pod passengers).

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

Pets on board

Pets are welcome on all NorthLink Ferries. Dogs and cats are accommodated in onboard kennels, while small animals (rabbits, birds, hamsters, etc.) must travel in passenger-supplied carriers.

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

Hrossey provides 13 kennels in two sizes: four large (80 x 140 x 100 cm) and nine small (50 x 70 x 60 cm). Located in a heated, ventilated room with water supply, they must be booked in advance. Rubber mats are fitted, though blankets are recommended. Passengers must provide food and water.

Car decks

Hrossey 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). Freight includes semi-trailers, lorries (with or without drivers), cars, motorcycles (freight only), caravans, camper vans, containers, machinery, boats (on cradles), and industrial products. Bicycles travel free on all routes.

Car deck safety procedures:

• Passengers needing assistance should contact the Information Desk (open 24/7).
• Apply handbrake, leave vehicle in park/1st gear, switch off ignition, alarms, and lights. Gas cylinders must be off. Lock vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand baggage.
• Note vehicle location and deck/stairway before leaving.
• Access to vehicle decks is prohibited during voyages.
• 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 the Shetland Islands from mainland Scotland. The fleet includes the 2002-built Hrossey, Hjaltland, and Hamnavoe.