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 a man in Moroccan waters.

As the ferry entered Scottish waters the island’s social media posts were brimming with photos capturing the moments when she finally arrived at the port of Greenock. Sea trials began and we were excitedly tracking her progress. Locals could be seen gathering, a small welcoming party, capturing her first voyage through the Sound of Islay. Sighs of relief as she first docked into Port Askaig without a hitch on a practise voyage.

Do pop over to the Museum of Islay Life if time allows during your trip. You will get to see the latest exhibit. The ship’s bell off Calmac’s MV Hebridean Isles, which went out of service last year. Calmac kindly donated it 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’.

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 too, so you will definitely find plenty to keep you occupied!

Out on Deck

Relax as the ferry sails on a scenic journey taking you through west Loch Tarbert onto the Sound of Jura where you will sail past the Isle of Gigha. Look out for the Isle of Jura and then you will either sails up the Sound of Islay, past MacArthur’s Head Lighthouse and onto Port Asakig, or along the southern tip of Islay where you will get a fantastic view of the south Islay Distilleries along the way to Port Ellen.

If you are lucky you will even get to see a variety of sea birds and dolphins along the way.

 Travelling with a young family?

No worries, Calmac have you covered. The ferries are well equipped for the younger clan too. With a play area full of exciting toys there’s plenty to keep youngsters occupied and making new island friends in this specially thought out area. 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. There’s also access to the outside decks too, so on sunny sailings it is definitely worth exploring the outside seating areas too. Honestly on a hot day the ferry offers the most amazing cruise experience, and although you can’t take your dog into the restaurant area you can send someone to collect food for you to eat in the lounge beside your furry friend, just watch they don’t steal what’s 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 of chatter, phones and people. 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 their car ‘rolls’ onto the deck.