Recently I visited Shetland and also had the opportunity to stay on Yell for a few days as well. I really could not believe the difference between our ferries and the one travelling to and from Yell - not quite like the Hamnavoe but most impressive anyway. Maybe we could learn from their experience and design the new ferries for the Northern Isles along the same lines? I thought the following article quite interesting: http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/yell/ferry/index.html. We don't need mini-cruiseliners, but a bit more comfort, especially on a choppy day, would be most welcome! And yes, reliable and intelligible timetables both for ferries AND buses would be an added bonus (ever tried to work out how to get from Kirkwall to Norseman Village by bus?). Beatrice -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Sian Thomas Sent: 13 September 2007 11:47 To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [ORCADIA] Ferries and quality I do agree that all customers deserve a quality service in all respects, and something that, to use the latest current phrase "is fit for purpose". However as a tourist travelling around on various ferries worldwide over the years - I require a reliable timetable on vessels with comfortable seats and decent coffee, but I would rather pay a little less and forgoe all the chrome and plushness. Unless I chose to go on a cruise then I would expect the vessel to be a floating 5 star hotel! <> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Charles Tait" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]>; <[email protected]>; "Samantha Hill" <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, September 13, 2007 11:24 AM Subject: [ORCADIA] Ferries and quality <> > The point is many people are apprehensive of ferries, get seasick etc. A quality > service experience is thus very important.. > > Of course the OIC is now discussing new ferries for the North Isles. > They will have to meet different regulations than the previous ones, and > will hopefully be designed from the deck up for passenger comfort. Of > course there is the utilitarian need for cheap transport, but to design > a ship from the point of view of its cargo should not be more expensive. > > Finally as chairman of Orkney Tourism Group I am very committed to > improving and maintaining the overall experience our visitors get whilst > in Orkney. These include people on holiday from outside Orkney and > those visiting other parts of the islands. > > The future wellbeing of Orkney depends fundamentally on having a > successful and thriving tourist industry. Whether you like it or not > the North Isles are part of that. You are never going to have a huge > influx of visitors, but instead of a few hardy and interested souls who > make it to your island you may get a few more, who in turn will spend > some money on the island. > > However the ferry experinece is not the only thing the isles need to > look at. Subtle things can make a big difference, such as rod signs, > parking places, opening times to suit ferry times, and maybe above all > information. > > I do not propose excessively fancy ships or services, but i do feel that > you are taking quite the wrong approach when you suggest "any old thing > will do". In fact the further out you get the MORE important is > assurance of quality. > > Sorry but I feel strongly about this.