Those who found themselves on the wrong side of the Solent last night (Saturday) have praised Red Funnel’s customer service after accommodating stranded passengers.
Over 100 people slept on board one of Red Funnel’s ferries overnight when the Southampton-East Cowes service was suspended due to adverse weather conditions.
With both the vehicle ferry and Red Jet services suspended, foot passengers were left with few options; travel to Portsmouth in the hope of catching Wightlink’s Fastcat, find a hotel in Southampton or simply sit and wait for the ferries to resume a timetabled service.
With Storm Dennis wreaking havoc, Red Funnel decided to open up the docked car ferry to offer shelter for those passengers waiting to travel. The heating was turned up, hot drinks were offered and the lights were dimmed as the night progressed to allow passengers to get some sleep.
Conditions improved and the ferries were finally able to resume service at just gone 09:00 this morning – but not before the overnight passengers were offered a complementary breakfast. Some of those on board had been in the care of Red Funnel for over 12 hours.
Viv Holbrook, one of those who spent the night afloat, has said:
“We were very well looked after with complimentary hot drinks through the night and a lovely breakfast in the morning. Very lovely staff too”.
Another passenger, Julie Wise, adds:
“The staff couldn’t have been more friendlier or helpful, and the complimentary cooked breakfast was enjoyed by all”.
So they should do we pay enough for the service
Rarely the working staff who are the problem with a company. Normally it is those at the top, whose faces are well hidden.
Glad people were looked after so well.
It’s nice to see people don’t comment when they actually do something nice. But when things go wrong everyone comments saying how bad they are.
Where are the iow moaners?
I also would like to say red funnel were very helpful tonight (Sunday) as the 9pm from s’hampton couldn’t dock for 40mins due to other ferry not being able to leave Cowes. All customers were treated to a free hot drink. Thankyou Red Funnel staff especially Bruce for being very helpful.
Been on lots of red funnel car ferries and always found Bruce to be extremely helpful and friendly. One trip I did at night with my dog, Bruce wouldn’t let me stay on top deck in pet section outside on my own. Very thoughtful and he needs more recognition for his professionalism.
Are they looking for a bit of PR. They had to stop sailing because they keep crashing into moored boats
My husband and I traveled on the Friday night of storm Ciara, there were a group of men on the boat, drunk and being rude loud and racist. One of the male members of staff were making sure everyone was ok during the journey, particuly one lady who was being pestered by them. The same guy also walked around in person to apologise for the slight delay too,which was appreciated. So a rare sight on here, no moans but nothing but praise. You should all have a go some time x