Our Inter-Island ferries operate between Orkney's mainland and thirteen beautiful island destinations.

We would like to advise passengers that the 13:30 Nordic Sea departure has been cancelled

This is due to forecasted adverse weather conditions.

We would like to advise passengers that this afternoon’s Westray sailing will be operating at the following times:

Depart Kirkwall - 14:00

Arrive Westray - 15:25

Depart Westray - 15:35

Arrive Kirkwall - 17:00

This is due to the forecasted weather conditions.

For more information, please visit our website and social media channels.

We regret to advise passengers that all afternoon departures between Pierowall and Papa Westray are now cancelled.

This is due to forecasted weather and tidal conditions.

For more information, please visit our website and social media channels.

We regret to advise customers that today’s cargo sailing to Papa Westray has been cancelled.

This is due to forecasted weather conditions.

If weather conditions allow, a replacement Papa Westray cargo service will be scheduled for Saturday 20^th December at the following times:

Depart Kirkwall – 10:50

Arrive Papa Westray – 12:45

Depart Papa Westray – 13:25

Arrive Kirkwall – 15:20

We would like to advise customers that tomorrow afternoon’s 16:40 sailing to and from Sanday is under review.

This is due to forecasted weather conditions.

An update will be provided when available.

For the latest updates, head to our website or social media feeds.

We regret to advise customers that after further investigation of the reported engine issues on the Hoy Head, repairs are now anticipated to take an additional week with an expected return to service by the 22nd December.

This means that the Thorsvoe will be in service for an additional week and capacity will be reduced.

We have contacted all passengers whose bookings have been affected by the change in vessel.

Bookings for the week commencing 15^th December are open for online and over the phone bookings and we recommend those travelling with a vehicle to book in advance.

We would like to advise that the Nordic Sea will be providing a foot passenger service to Eday Sanday and Stronsay over the winter months.

The timetable is available here or in our Kirkwall Office, and can be booked online or over the phone.

This service will run from Monday 20th October to Saturday 28th December.

Over the festive period our offices will be open for bookings and assistance, however hours of operation will change.

KIRKWALL OFFICE

• Monday 22nd December: 07:00 – 17:00
• Tuesday 23rd December: 07:00 - 17:00
• Wednesday 24th December: 07:00 - 15:00*
• Thursday 25th & Friday 26th December: Closed
• Saturday 27th December: 09:00 – 12:00 / 13:00 – 15:00
• Sunday 28th December: 09:00 - 15:00
• Monday 29th December: 09:00 – 13:00 / 14:00 - 17:00*
• Tuesday 30th December: 09:00 – 13:00 / 14:00 - 17:00*
• Wednesday 31st December: 09:00 – 13:00 / 14:00 - 17:00*
• Thursday 1st & Friday 2nd January: Closed
• Saturday 3rd January: 09:00 – 12:00 / 13:00 – 15:00*
• Sunday 4th January: 09:00 - 15:00

HOUTON OFFICE

• Monday 22nd December: 07:30 - 15:30
• Tuesday 23rd December: 07:30 - 12:00
• Wednesday 24th - Sunday 28th December: Closed
• Monday 29th December: 09:00 - 17:00
• Tuesday 30th December: 09:00 - 17:00
• Wednesday 31st December: 09:00 - 17:00
• Thursday 1st - Sunday 4th January: Closed

TINGWALL OFFICE

• Monday 22nd December: 08:00 - 17:00
• Tuesday 23rd December: 08:00 - 17:00
• Wednesday 24th December: 08:00 - 15:00*
• Thursday 25th - Sunday 28th December: Closed
• Monday 29th December: 09:00 – 13:00 / 14:00 - 17:00
• Tuesday 30th December: 09:00 – 13:00 / 14:00 - 17:00
• Wednesday 31st December: 09:00 – 13:00 / 14:00 - 17:00
• Thursday 1st - Sunday 4th January: Closed

* - Opening hours may be extended in the event of disruptions

All offices will be open as per normal opening hours from Monday 5th January 2026.

Schedule for Christmas Period as below:

North Ronaldsay

Over the Christmas period Tuesday flights will go as scheduled on the 23^rd & 30^th December, and the 6^th January. The gather for flights will remain as normal.

Our vessels will sail as scheduled (weather permitting) on Saturday 27^th December and Saturday 3^rd January.

Due to the bank holidays, the gather for these sailings will now be on Wednesday 24^th and Wednesday 31^st December between 08:00 and 12:00.

Papa Westray

There will be no sailings to Papa Westray on the 26^th December and 2^nd January due to the bank holiday.

Sailings will go ahead as scheduled (weather permitting) on the 23^rd & 30^th December and 6^th January. The gather for these sailings will remain as normal.