Overview

We did a return crossing on MV Finlaggan in order to spend a couple of nights on Islay. We sailed from Kennacraig to Port Askaig on her and had a very pleasant crossing indeed.

Transport & Parking

For the Islay crossing, if you are taking a vehicle, you need to check in 30 mins before sailing. However, we were travelling by motorhome and needed wheelchair access, which complicates it a little for the staff, so we always try to check in much earlier, a good hour early. On our outbound crossing, they had a lot of lorries and some standby vehicles and they were trying to get everyone onboard. It was going to be tricky getting the motorhome on deck with enough space for us to unload me, my assistance dog and my wheelchair and then get us safely to a lift, so they suggested me boarding first as a foot passenger and my husband loading the motorhome last. I was a bit nervous but a member of staff helped me and it went really well.

Access

There is a lift from the car deck to the passenger decks. At the car deck level, it has quite a ramp over the threshold and I needed some help with getting in. Up on the deck though, it was level and I could manage easily. We headed for the Mariners Cafe and chose a place to settle for the crossing. The cafe area is well laid out with plenty of space and it was spotlessly clean. There is a dogs area at one end of the ferry but assistance dogs are allowed everywhere so we had more choice.

Toilets

There is an accessible toilet just outside the cafe and it has a wide door. It is a good size and has all the right grab rails and other stuff. It was very clean... possibly the best I've ever experienced on a ferry.

Staff

Calmac staff are their biggest asset! They are always so helpful and friendly, even when they are clearly working under pressure. Not one member of staff distracted my assistance dog and they were respectful of when I wanted help and when I didn't. Because of me boarding as a foot passenger, they came and checked on us periodically throughout the crossing and kept me updated about how we would unload on arrival. They couldn't have done more to help!

Anything else you wish to tell us?

Calmac ferries often experience disruption due to bad weather. It is worth downloading their app and keeping an eye on updates there.

Photos