How far in advance ...
 

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[Closed] How far in advance can you book CalMac ferries?

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Heading back to the Outer Hebrides next May or June. How far in advance can you book the tickets?

We were late booking this year and ended up with a shortened stay.


 
Posted : 05/08/2019 10:51 pm
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Summer timetables are normally published in January. I don't think you can book before that.


 
Posted : 05/08/2019 11:03 pm
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As scotroutes says. Even then I'm not sure that you can do it that early. I seem to remember it was nearer Easter but just check weekly after timetable comes out.


 
Posted : 06/08/2019 7:37 am
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From the CalMac website ( https://www.calmac.co.uk/faqs/tickets-and-reservations/vehicle-reservations ):

Reservations for summer sailings usually open late December/early January. Winter reservations usually open around late August/early September.

The main FAQ page has a link for "questions not asked here", might be worth using that.


 
Posted : 06/08/2019 7:48 am
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Maybe Easter was just me being disorganized.


 
Posted : 06/08/2019 7:52 am
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You're not alone. We booked the outward ferry a couple of weeks in advance.

Didn't book the return ferry until we got out there.... 🤦


 
Posted : 06/08/2019 10:56 am
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Didn’t book the return ferry until we got out there….

Yes, that is not going to go well in the high season. As I mentioned in another thread we were there a couple of weeks ago when 'some weather' came through whilst we were at the Horgabost campsite. 4 families in Go Outdoor style family behemoth tents ended the night homeless. No ability to buy a replacement out there, no B&B/ hotel with enough vacancy for big family units and all the ferries fully booked for days. Not a happy ending to your holiday. It's a bit too easy to get to so folk who have not thought through the extra spice the weather 'can' have and the level of independence you 'might' need get caught out.


 
Posted : 06/08/2019 11:03 am
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Not booking a return is bonkers, especially given the introduction of RET and popularity of staycations.


 
Posted : 06/08/2019 11:06 am

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