Overview

A wheelchair accessible ferry trip from Aberdeen to Lerwick during storm Brian. Great facilities and excellent staff who were always willing to help and very friendly.

Transport & Parking

I'm not sure what the parking facilities are like as we were dropped off at the Aberdeen terminal building entrance. I believe the train station is close by though.

Access

We travelled from Aberdeen to Lerwick and both terminals were accessible with access to the ferry via a lift and gangway. There was a ramp connecting the gangway and the ferry which was completely enclosed so you won't be exposed to the elements while boarding. There was a friendly security guard at the entrance and although we didn't need any help, he would provide assistance if required. Access on-board was also very good and there was a lift available to reach the other deck. The lift was able to accommodate my power wheelchair and my mum, but I think there would be space for another person too. Our accessible cabin was located immediately as we boarded the ferry and it was very close to the lift and reception desk which is great if you require any help or have any questions for the crew. The ship's purser was friendly and showed us to our room. He explained how things worked including the rooms automatic door which is helpful for wheelchair users to allow them to enter and exit the room with ease. The accessible cabin had two twin beds, TV, tea & coffee making facilities, a ceiling hoist. The beds had removable safety rails which can be put on while in bed to prevent rolling out of bed especially if travelling in stormy weather (like us - thank you storm Brian). There was space between the beds for my wheelchair to manoeuvre although I wouldn't be able to do a full turning circle, it was spacious enough for myself and my Mum. The heating controls, the button for opening the door and the light switch was all at wheelchair height positioned just above the head of the bed. There was also a telephone for use if assistance is required from reception. The ceiling hoist track ran between the two beds, but it doesn't run into the bathroom from the bedroom. The sling is also provided so no need to bring your own. The ceiling hoist was going to come in really handy for myself as my mum was unable to manually transfer me to and from my wheelchair due to the stormy weather and my poor balance/lack of ability to weight bear for more than a minute. Unfortunately, the ceiling hoist didn't work when we tried to use it. The ship's purser replaced it with the only other hoist (there are two hoists), but that did not work either. This was a really unfortunate situation and the crew were very understanding of the consequence of the hoist not being in working order. This was a tricky situation, but thankfully after some perseverance, my Mum and I found a way to manage the toilet and getting into bed without the hoist, but some people may find this unmanageable. The staff were sympathetic and offered to help my Mum manually lift me, but this was not ideal due to the practicality of the situation. I very much appreciated the offer. The bathroom was accessible and had a small ramp over the door threshold as well as a wide sliding door. The toilet had a grab rail fixed to the wall as well as a pull-down rail. The roll in shower had a wall mounted shower seat but there was also a commode/shower wheelchair which is what I prefer to use when showering as it gives me more support. I was able to roll under the bathroom sink when I took my footplates off my wheelchair as it allowed me to get under easier. The sink was positioned next to the shower and there was a grab bar between them on the wall. The corridor was accessible as well as deck 6 which was where the shop, Magnus lounge, restaurant, cinema and bar was.

Toilets

There was also an accessible toilet and shower room on the deck above the cabins. I didn't use the shower room as I was able to use the shower in our cabin but its great for people who haven't booked a cabin and want to freshen up.

Staff

The staff were all amazing and super helpful. They were always more than happy to help and very friendly. The kitchen staff were also very accommodating and happy to make meals for my dietary requirements. I couldn't fault the service at all.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

The facilities are very good and the staff amazing. My only negative or concern is the fact both ceiling hoists didn't work during our journeys. This could be a real issue for people solely relying on the hoist for ticketing and getting to/from the bed. Overall it was an enjoyable trip, but prepare for stormy weather conditions as the water can get a bit rough.

Photos