More CalMac issues

What a mess ! I am so sorry.

Mardee,

Join the club, look at their facebook page which is chock full of all manner of complaints including apparently 6 day weeks on their booking calendar (I imagine the wee frees on Harris will be ecstatic at that one!). CalMac are now asking people to PM them individually with account issues.
Although that will not help you as you are on your last ferry with them tomorrow.
Lots of other people are in the same boat (so to speak)- one I've seen has been booked on a mythical ferry from Arran to Islay by the new system!

I can't get in at all to open a new account as even foot pax are now meant to book ahead, for the first time ever. I have now tried at least a dozen times in 3 days to open an account I never expected to need.

This has been an unmitigated disaster.

Oh my gosh, I had no idea it was that bad! I know I was having problems, but it sounds horrible. I really hope you’re able to book your ticket, Stuart. I’ll keep you posted as to what happens tomorrow. Now I’m off to check their Facebook page.… 😊

Kim, thanks. It really is a mess.

Oh no! They are certainly not giving a good impression of Scotland to our current and future visitors. I am sure that your paper ticket will be sufficient proof of your booking. They obviously know their new system is a disaster, so how can they do anything except honour bookings that were made in good faith on the old system. Fingers crossed Mardee.

Luckily we are taking only one ferry in June and that is from Armadale to Mallaig. When I made our reservations in January, I printed our tickets (4 passengers and our rental car). Several days ago I did receive an email from CalMac, which I saved in a travel folder on my phone. And I also printed out the etickets. So I assume we will not have any problems getting on the ferry. Am I correct about this? Or is there something I am misunderstanding? Thank you.

Karen, you’re correct. You should be fine as long as you have the email/E ticket from them. My problem is that they didn’t send it. Or they’re sending it and I’m not getting it. But my biggest problem is that all my account information is no longer accessible online.

But it sounds like everything is good to go for you. I’m sure you will have a great trip!

Everything went fine at the Terminal. I gave him my paper tickets, and started to explain what was going on. He just said, “Don’t worry about it. Everything is fine. You are on our list.”

I’m not sure which ferry this is but the one from Uig to Tarbert was very nice. It was the MV Clansman and had all kinds of comfy lounges, a video game room, and plenty of eating and drinking options.

ETA: This ferry is even bigger and fancier, which is nice since I’ll be on here for a couple of hours.

Mardee,

That's good to hear that all went well. You're on the Loch Seaforth- CalMac's biggest (as in longest) ship, and their newest "big" ship- sobering to say that when she's now 9 years old. The Finlaggan, aged 12, on the Islay duty, is the next newest big ship.
Interesting to hear that you were on the Clansman on the Uig run. I've just looked and The Hebrides (the normal vessel on the Uig triangle) is in dry dock at Birkenhead.

Interesting! You always know all the details about the ferries.

As much trouble as I’ve had with CalMac, I am a little sad that my ferry trips are over after this one. I’ve really enjoyed riding on them.

Mardee, So glad you are enjoying these ferries! I'm making almost the same trip in July, from Uig to Lochmaddy, pootling around the Uists for a week, then heading from Berneray to Harris then Stornaway to Ullapool. Not so far from home for us, but still a fun trip.

That sounds like a wonderful trip, Jacqui! I definitely have to come back to Scotland! The ferry to Ullapool was even nicer than the one to Tarbert. I ate breakfast on it, and it was delicious, and then spent my time wandering around checking out all the lounges. 😊

Mardee, thank you!
Happy to hear you are having such a wonderful trip!
Karen

Karen, I'm sure your trip will be wonderful, too! By the way, I was in Nairn yesterday for a bit, and walked along the beach. It was 65 degrees and a beautiful day. Afterwards, I got a soft-serve ice cream cone at the Strathnairn Beach Cafe, and it was delicious!

Mardee,
Thank you for the information about Nairn and where to get ice cream! We are staying in Nairn for 3 nights.

Karen, I remember that - I think you will like it there! It's a very nice looking town. Make sure you get to Elgin to see the cathedral - it is not to be missed! It's simply majestic.