The New Ferry: The MV Isle of Islay
Planning a trip to Islay this summer?
With Calmac launching the MV Isle of Islay to their fleet you are going to be in for a real treat!
You can imagine the excitement on the island. I think just about every one of us had the ‘Marine App’ downloaded onto our phone. As we sat poised, eagerly awaiting updates. Tracking the progress of that maiden voyage as the MV Isle of Islay sailed from Turkey to Scotland.
Did you read the news reports?
On her maiden voyage the crew became involved in an emergency situation rescuing and saving the life of a man found in Moroccan Waters. The exemplary training and fast action of the crew on board saved the day.
As the ferry entered Scottish waters
The island’s social media posts were brimming with photos capturing the moments she finally arrived at the Port of Greenock.
Sea trials began and we were excitedly tracking her progress
When word got out that she was heading across the sea towards Islay, an excited gathering of locals could be seen, a small welcoming party. Capturing the ships first voyage through the Sound of Islay.
Sighs of relief then, as she first docked smoothly into Port Askaig without a hitch on that practise voyage.
The photos above were kindly sent to me by John McCallum of Fly Fish Islay Now there’s an exciting activity to enjoy when you’re on the island . John provides tuition and guided fly fishing across Islay’s Lochs.
The MV Hebridean Isles
If time allows on your trip to Islay, do pop over to the Museum of Islay Life . You will get to see the ship’s bell off Calmac’s MV Hebridean Isles. The latest exhibit. The ferry went out of service last year and Calmac kindly donated the ship’s bell to the museum.
You can find out more about the museum and a whole host of additional exciting Things to See and Do on Islay, along with a calendar of events, on the Persabus website. Handy if you are on the ferry planning your ‘Islay time’, as you will find there is excellent wifi for the main part of the sailing to Islay. Just log into Calmac’s free wifi whilst onboard.
What to Expect on the Ferry Sailing
If you have never sailed with Calmac before you are in for a real treat.
Relax
Once you are onboard, you can enjoy exploring.
You will find a variety of comfortable lounge areas to relax in, as well as seating areas on deck outside, the perfect spot to soak up the sea air if the weather allows.
Feeling peckish after a long car journey?
Enjoy delicious hot meals from the restaurant onboard. A full team of chefs and staff will be ready to serve you, and there’s plenty of variety. Wines and beer can be savoured alongside soups and cold snacks too. There’s also barista coffee. and gifts on sale, so you will definitely find plenty to keep you occupied!
Out on Deck
Relax as the ferry sails on a scenic journey. Through west Loch Tarbert and onto the Sound of Jura, sailing on past the Isle of Gigha.
Look out for the Isle of Jura.
You will then either be sailing up the Sound of Islay, past McArthur’s Head Lighthouse and on into Port Asakig. Or along the southern tip of Islay, where you will be treated to fantastic views of the South Islay Distilleries, as you sail on into Port Ellen.
Either route, and you will be treated to spectacular scenery, getting to see three islands from the sea voyage, along with some exciting landmarks.
Do keep an eye out for sea birds and dolphins. They can often be seen bobbing and cartwheeling in the waves below.
Travelling with a young family?
No worries, Calmac have you covered. The ferries are well equipped for the younger clan. With a play area full of exciting toys there’s plenty to keep youngsters occupied as they enjoy making new ‘island friends’ in this specially thought out space. With designated feeding and changing areas it is also ideal for nursing mothers and babies.
Dog Friendly
There’s even a designated dog friendly area onboard. A space to sit comfortably with your dog and enjoy the journey.
Enjoy accessing the outside decks.
On sunny sailings it is definitely worth exploring the outside seating areas. Honestly on a hot day the ferry offers the most amazing cruising experience.
Although you can’t take your dog into the restaurant area, do send someone to collect food for you to enjoy in the lounge beside your furry friend. Just watch they don’t steal ‘the offerings’ on your plate!
Quiet Space
Needing some peace and quiet? Away from the chatter of excited children there is a quiet comfortable space. A lounge where you can enjoy truly enjoy zoning out, away from phones and noise. A space to relax, and catch a little ‘shut eye’, if you are tired after your car or bus journey to the ferry port.
The Start of the Holiday
Many of our visitors feel the holiday really begins when they ‘roll’ onto the car deck.
And in the summer months there’s always the option of hopping on the Calmac ferry again for a day trip across to the Isle of Colonsay.
The MV Isle of Islay is a very welcome addition to the Calmac fleet as they continue to serve the island communities through the sunshine and the storms.
