The Orkney Nature Festival Cruise on MV Hamnavoe took place on Sunday 12th May 2024, between 13:15 to 16:15 and saw 400 passengers board the ship to circumnavigate the island of Hoy.
In previous years, the cruise has marked the end of the Orkney Nature Festival. However, in 2024, the cruise was used to kick off the festival and promote the other great Orkney Nature Festival events. Running for the first time since 2019, it was a great day out with a fantastic atmosphere onboard, and passengers were treated to a delicious buffet, tastings of Kirkjuvagr Orkney Gin, a wildlife and history commentary, and some spectacular sights.
The Hamnavoe sailed clockwise around Hoy, taking in Graemsay, Cava, Fara, Flotta, Switha, Cantick Head, The Berry, Little Rackwick, The Old Man of Hoy and St John’s Head. There was even time to enjoy a brief stop in Rackwick bay! Plenty of seabirds flew past the ferry, and a minke whale was briefly spotted.
Keep scrolling down for photos of the day – and thank you to everyone who joined and made the cruise so special!
In June 2024, we welcome over 120 motorbikes travelling north to Shetland for the Simmer Dim Rally, and also celebrated the crew of the MV Hjaltland who have raised £5,000 for charity.
This month, we were delighted to host the Orkney Nature Cruise to kickstart the Orkney Nature Festival, announced our latest competition winners, and showed our support for Orkney and Shetland's folk music scene. Keep reading below to find out more!
In April 2024, we were proud to announce that NorthLink Ferries has achieved the Green Tourism award. Additionally, we updated our artwork in our onboard children's play areas, and we were thrilled to announce our much-anticipated Hamnavoe Nature Cruise.
