Red Funnel is to invest £2.2million in a major refurbishment of the interior of Red Osprey, which operates between East Cowes and Southampton.
The investment follows a record breaking year for the company with traffic levels up 15% over the main summer holiday period (between 15th June – 9th August 2014). This Summer’s growth has seen Red Funnel’s Southampton-East Cowes route overtake Wightlink’s Portsmouth-Fishbourne service as the most popular cross-Solent route for vehicles.
The company’s success has been due in part to the major refurbishment and upgrade of the passenger accommodation on Red Falcon which returned to service in April 2014 and immediately set the standard for cross-Solent travel. Red Funnel is also benefitting from the repositioning of the Isle of Wight as an all season destination for active couples and families, a strategy which has seen the value of the Island’s tourism economy grow by 6% in the past 12 months.
The new look planned for Red Osprey will almost be identical to the refurbishment carried out on Red Falcon although the design will incorporate some minor changes following operational experience and customer feedback.
Kevin George, CEO commented:
“We are delighted to announce this new tranche of investment following such positive feedback received from the customers who have travelled on Red Falcon since April. The traffic figures for this year are very gratifying in that more and more customers are choosing Red Funnel for great service at competitive prices. The refurbishment of Red Osprey further underpins our commitment to the Isle of Wight as we work with partners and stakeholders to help grow the Island’s economy”.
The contract for Red Osprey has been awarded to local marine interior specialist Trimline, supported by other local specialist suppliers. The work is scheduled to start on the ship in the New Year and will all be done in Southampton. The new look Red Osprey will re-enter service in time for Easter 2015.
New look Red Osprey – Key Highlights
- 55% more inside seats
- 2 new brand new lounges, one of which is pet friendly
- Contemporary new interior design, look and feel
- Air-conditioning installed throughout
- New food & beverage menu with free drink refills
- Free high bandwidth Wi-Fi in all passenger areas
- Lift and wheelchair access to the outer promenade deck
The main passenger deck will be stripped back to its shell and transformed into a modern contemporary travel environment featuring a mix of comfortable airline-style seats with tray backs, dining tables for different size groups and comfortable nested table and chairs for socialising in the bar area . This will give customers a wide choice depending on whether they want to dine, work or stretch out and relax.
TV screens will be fitted throughout with the ability to show live TV, news headlines, travel information and points of interest along the route. Free Wi-Fi is available on this deck and charging points for phones and laptops will be located in the seating areas.
A brand new galley will be fitted to serve a new range of freshly prepared hot and cold food. Customers in need of refreshment will benefit from free tea and coffee refills in ReFuel and two Steam Café Bars will serve a full range of premium coffees, delicious cakes and slices.
The stylish new bar will be stocked with premium draft and bottled beers, champagne, wines and spirits and a new onboard shop will sell Isle of Wight gifts, souvenirs and Red Funnel branded merchandise. Customers will also be able to obtain visitor information and make or amend ferry bookings onboard and purchase event and attraction tickets during the crossing.
On the Upper Deck Lounges, there will be two bright modern passenger lounges offering panoramic views leading out to a promenade deck which is accessible to wheelchair users. Each air conditioned lounge will have its own Steam Cafe Bar serving hot and cold food, free Wi-Fi and 240 volt charging points. Separate toilet facilities will be provided together with lift access. One of the lounges will be designated as pet friendly.
The Sun Deck, accessible from the Upper Deck, will offer unrivalled views of the yachts and ships passing through the Solent. Teak style seating is provided on this deck.
Photographed: Andrew Richards of Trimline and Kevin George of Red Funnel
