GETTING TO ORKNEY

You can get to Orkney by ferry or plane.

BY FERRY:

Northlink operates the ferry from Scrabster to Stromness (1.5 hours). Scrabster is the port with Thurso the main town just a mile away. Many divers like to bring their cars over with them so they can sight see. If you would rather save the car fare you can pre book free dive trolleys with the ferry company to drive your bags on and off the ferry for you. You can then come as a foot passenger. Everything in Stromness is walking distance. There is a long stay car park in Scrabster - just down the road opposite the Ferry Inn – approx. £25 per vehicle per week. When you arrive in Stromness you will need to collect your trolley from the ferry terminal and wheel it round to the boat (approx. 100 metres)

They also operate a run from Aberdeen to Kirkwall (25 minute drive to Stromness).

www.northlinkferries.co.uk

Pentland Ferries operate from Gill’s Bay to St Margaret’s Hope. The ferry crossing is just 1 hour and often cheaper but it’s a 45 minute drive to Stromness so you will need to bring your cars.

www.pentlandferries.co.uk

BY PLANE:

The airport in Orkney is Kirkwall Airport. Taxis cost approximately £40 to Stromness. We can book these for you if needed.

YOUR CRUISE

Boarding is between 13.30 – 16.00 on your arrival day. The crew will be there to welcome you and get you settled in.

Your cruise will depart from either Stromness or Kirkwall – please check your itinerary.

Huskyan will be berthed in the harbour and should be clearly visible – we will confirm her exact location in the harbour before your arrival but if, upon arrival, you can’t find us just call Emily 07974178612.

Parking in Stromness & Kirkwall – There is a free long stay car park just a couple of minutes’ walk away from both harbours.

We aim to make access to the boat as easy as possible but this is often via a pier ladder.

Trips ashore are often from our tender. Access to the tender is via a platform on deck, lifejackets will be worn in the tender.

A certain degree of agility is required but members of the crew are always on hand to assist

We will always aim to follow our cruise itinerary. Cruise routes, stop over and anchorages will be decided according to weather, tides and guest preferences. The final decision on cruise itinerary rests with the skipper.

MV HUSKYAN

MV Huskyan is a purpose built and designed with your comfort in mind.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR CRUISE?

All meals, bottled water and hot beverages

Bed linen, bath towels & head towels

All entrance fees on guided itineraries

Boat hair dryers – no need to bring yours

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Travel to and from Orkney

Drinks from our bar

WHAT TO BRING

Baggage: Soft bags for luggage is preferable although we do have some hard suitcase storage.

  We can securely store excess baggage not needed for your cruise ashore.

Clothing: Casual dress is most appropriate for our cruises. Layers are always good in our Scottish climate.

  Warm waterproof jackets are recommended when on deck while we are sailing.

  Waterproof jackets and trousers are essential for tender trips ashore.

Footwear: Soft shoes or slippers are best for indoors.

 Non slip sensible footwear for on deck and good waterproof walking boots are best for going ashore.

Toiletries: Guests are provided with shower gel, shampoo and conditioner.

Medication: Please bring all necessary medication with you. We ask that you alert the skipper to any medical conditions.

Binoculars: Do bring binoculars with you – the wildlife spotting opportunities are numerous.

Cameras: Huskyan is camera friendly – there is plenty of storage and charging points.

SAFETY ONBOARD

Your safety is our priority. You will be given a full safety briefing on arrival and ultimate decisions regarding the safety of passengers and the vessel rest with the skipper.

Lifejackets are carried for every person on board. We require you to wear them while in our tender.

Trips ashore are often via tender. The crew will be there to assist and boarding is via a platform on deck.

Guests should ensure they are fit to undertake a holiday where professional medical assistance is not immediately on hand.

WEATHER

Orkney enjoys a temperate maritime climate with few extremes. We often experience several localised changes of weather in one day which adds to the beautiful and dramatic scenery. Our cruise itineraries are flexible to allow for any changes in weather.

FOOD

We eat together aboard and our meals follow a set daily menu. Special dietary requirements can be catered for but only if arranged prior to departure. Do let us know if there is a special occasion during your cruise that might need a special cake!

DRINKS

We have a good stock of wines, beers and soft drinks available to purchase aboard.

COMMUNICATIONS

There is good mobile coverage in Orkney and the 3G network is improving. There is no Wi-Fi aboard. Number 15 has unlimited WIFI.

GRATUITIES

This is completely at your discretion. However, should you want to leave a tip please give this to the skipper who will ensure it is shared equally amongst all crew members.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES & MEDICAL CARE

We work very hard to be prepared for any emergency or first aid requirement. We carry all necessary emergency equipment for both the vessel and for diving and Emily is trained in both Firefighting and Medical First Aid. There are several GP surgeries throughout Orkney. There is a hospital in Kirkwall and there are diving doctors and a hyperbaric chamber in Stromness. Orkney is covered by 3 lifeboats; our nearest rescue helicopter is stationed in Shetland.

AT THE END OF YOUR CRUISE…

Departure is after breakfast on the last day of your cruise. The crew will be there to unload you gear and help you with your onward journey.

NUMBER 15

SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION OPTION FOR OUR “TAILORED TO SUIT” HOLIDAYS

Number 15 is only 60 metres from Stromness Harbour

• 6 bedrooms including “snorers” room – just in case!
• Fully equipped kitchen diner for 12 with an extra-large oven, dishwasher, microwave, larder fridge and freezer. We include cleaning products, kitchen roll and tea towels
• Large living room, leather sofas, 42” Plasma Screen TV, DVD & Freeview, mp3 player docking station (we have a few dvd’s but please bring your own)
• Washing machine & tumble dryer – we provide washing powder
• Unlimited wireless internet access – please bring your own laptops/devices
• Luxury bed linen and towels – 2 x large bath towels per person plus head towels on request
• Toilet rolls

Number 15 is a shoes off house. Please bring slippers if you get cold feet.