Following discussions with Transport Scotland, Calmac are pleased to update that from 10 July customers will be able to book travel within a rolling 4-week period.

Today, 9 July, bookings will still be open on a two-week basis, covering the period 10 July – 22 July 2020.

From 10 July, bookings will be open on a rolling 4-week period. For example:

Period in which customers will be able to book travel online –

On 10 July at 9am = 11 July – 8 August
On 11 July at 9am = 12 July – 9 August
On 12 July at 9am = 13 July – 10 August
On 13 July at 9am = 14 July – 11 August

and so on …

We will soon be able to open bookings for the remainder of the season – up to 18 October. We will update our customers when we have more information to share.

What this change means for our capacity
When bookings reopen each day, there are customer reservations already in the system, which were made before our bookings closed earlier this year. This, together with the implementation of the latest physical distancing guidelines means we still have less capacity than we would have in ‘normal’ circumstances.

Changes to bookings
If we need to make changes to a reservation, we will contact you directly four weeks before your sailing. We will only make amendments where we have to – based on capacity constraints.

Changes to physical distancing
The Scottish Government has today provided an update on physical distancing. Two metres will be retained as the default physical distancing requirement in Scotland – however from 10 July, some areas of public transport can move to a 1m rule where strict conditions and mitigations are in place.

We have assessed the effect of a reduction in social distancing to 1m on our vessels. We have incorporated this into our fleet capacity in line with official guidelines.

Moving to 1m is a significant change will result in more capacity being released across our network – however, things won’t go back to ‘normal’. Although the number of passengers we can carry will increase, the capacity per vessel will still be limited.

Changes to how you sail with CalMac
Some of our familiar processes have changed. Take a look at our guide on how to prepare and plan ahead for your journey with us – which includes wearing a face covering when travelling with us, and when in our port offices, unless exempt.

You can also find out more about the other health and safety measures we are implementing to help keep everyone safe in our FAQs.

Finally, it’s crucial to remember that when you sail with us, you do so safely. Please always follow safety advice to help protect each other, the islands and the communities CalMac serves.

Stay up to date with the latest travel advice and guidance via Calmac’s regularly updated FAQs.