Overview

Friendly staff, wheelchair access via a lift from the car deck up to the main deck. Pet tickets available to use the pet lounge on this deck, a big improvement on MV Isle of Lewis where the pet lounge is up a flight of stairs.

Transport & Parking

I travelled with my family in a caravelle towing a trailer, which always makes parking complicated. On arrival at the ferry terminal we had to pull into the correct lane to board the ferry and wait there. Unfortunately this meant we had cars close by on either side, so I had no space to exit the vehicle with my wheelchair via the side door. I would advise arriving well before check in time in order to park elsewhere first and use the toilets.

Access

There was a lift up from the car deck to the main deck, big enough for my powerchair and possibly just big enough for a tiny travel scooter but it would be best to check measurements with them before travelling with a scooter. I was very happy prior to boarding to read that there was an outside area on the main deck, as on the previous ferry I could not get outside. However, I was disappointed to find that the door leading outside was too narrow for a wheelchair and had a big lip to step over. I can walk short distances, so left my wheelchair by the door and went outside. It was quite a small, covered area, surrounded by bars that made it feel like a prison, but I was glad to have found a way outside. There were rows of fixed plastic chairs to rest on, and stairs leading to the upper deck. After a rest, I struggled up the stairs. It is worth the effort in good weather if you can manage it, as there was a lovely view. There is plenty of plastic seats up there, and a covered area down the sides of the ship. A word of warning, the stairs are fairly deep, so I had to sit and shuffle back down! I had my dog with me, and a pet ticket, so I went to the pet lounge on the main deck. There are short rows of comfortable looking seats by a long window. As far as I recall there were no arm rests to help with getting up and down though. Also there was no designated wheelchair space- it would be nice to see a wheelchair space near the window, especially as outside access is so restricted. Fortunately the corridor was wide enough to allow for parking a wheelchair at the end of any of the rows. I did not access any other parts of the ferry as I had my dog, but I believe there is a wheelchair accessible cafe on the main deck. Assistance dogs are allowed access to all areas.

Toilets

Large changing places toilet, door operated by a big touch button, clearly marked. Very clean inside, loads of space for maneuvering and a carer if needed. Plenty of grab rails. Hoist, changing bed, and privacy screen. Best disabled toilet I saw during 2 weeks touring the Islands and Highlands.

Staff