NARRATOR:
You will hear Tammy asking Paul for advice about travelling by ferry to the Shetland Islands.
NARRATOR:
First, you have some time to look at questions one to four.
NARRATOR:
Now listen carefully and answer questions one to four.
TAMMY:
Paul, when you visited the Shetland Islands last year, did your family fly there or take the ferry?
PAUL:
We travelled by ferry, Tammy.
PAUL:
I'd much rather drive than fly, and the crossing made the journey feel like part of the holiday.
TAMMY:
Which company did you book with?
PAUL:
There's just one operator on that route, Northern Ferries.
PAUL:
All their services depart from Aberdeen.
TAMMY:
Do they run very often?
PAUL:
The timetable is fairly limited.
PAUL:
During the summer, a boat leaves each evening, so that means seven sailings a week.
PAUL:
I don't know the exact winter schedule, but it may drop to only four or five days.
TAMMY:
So you travel overnight?
TAMMY:
I like the thought of setting off in the evening and reaching the islands the next morning.
TAMMY:
What did the tickets cost?
PAUL:
Much less than I expected.
PAUL:
The total for four passengers in our car came to just under £250.
TAMMY:
I'd imagined it would be closer to £400 in the busier season.
PAUL:
I thought the same, but it was excellent value.
PAUL:
You should still reserve early because places fill quickly, particularly in the school holidays.
TAMMY:
The trouble is that our plans aren't completely certain.
TAMMY:
What happens if we cancel?
PAUL:
They don't normally return your money.
PAUL:
Instead, you receive a voucher to use for a later journey, and you only qualify for that if you cancel at least one month beforehand.
TAMMY:
Then we'll have to decide soon.
NARRATOR:
Before you hear the rest of the conversation, you have some time to look at questions five to ten.
NARRATOR:
Now listen and answer questions five to ten.
TAMMY:
Would you recommend reserving a cabin?
PAUL:
We left it too late and couldn't get one with a window.
PAUL:
Those cabins cost more, but they're much more pleasant than the ones inside the ship.
PAUL:
A cabin isn't compulsory, though.
PAUL:
I think it's worth the extra money.
PAUL:
There are also luxury cabins for two people with a television, but I wouldn't pay for one of those.
PAUL:
Make sure you pack snacks for the children as well.
PAUL:
There isn't much choice on board, and most of the food isn't particularly healthy.
TAMMY:
Could they use the Wi-Fi to keep themselves occupied?
PAUL:
The connection was poor, so take some books for them instead.
TAMMY:
We might also have to bring our dog if nobody can care for him.
PAUL:
The kennels are reasonably spacious and perfectly adequate, but owners have to supply a blanket.
TAMMY:
That sounds straightforward.
PAUL:
The children thought the overnight crossing was a real adventure.
PAUL:
Once morning came, they stood outside watching for dolphins, and we saw a large number of them.
TAMMY:
Mine would really enjoy that.
PAUL:
Here's another suggestion.
PAUL:
We reached Aberdeen several hours before departure.
PAUL:
So rather than waiting at the terminal, we went somewhere nearby.
TAMMY:
Where did you choose?
TAMMY:
Drum, as in the musical instrument?
PAUL:
It's worth seeing if you have enough time.
PAUL:
There's an impressive tower, attractive gardens, and some very old woodland.
TAMMY:
Is there somewhere to have a proper meal?
PAUL:
The castle only has a coffee shop, not a restaurant.
PAUL:
We searched the surrounding area and found a very good Italian restaurant in a nearby village.
PAUL:
I can look up its name for you.
TAMMY:
That would be really helpful.
NARRATOR:
That is the end of part one.
NARRATOR:
You now have one minute to check your answers to part one.
