Red Funnel has announced that it is to reduce it’s services to and from the Isle of Wight between 27th December and 4th January.
Following the most recent changes to the government’s COVID-19 travel guidelines and anticipating reduced demand for services, Red Funnel has tonight (Monday) confirmed that it is withdrawing select vehicle ferry sailings.
The following vehicle ferry crossings will be cancelled…
Departing Southampton:
- 27th Dec: 08:15, 11:15, 14:15, 17:15, 19:30
- 28th Dec: 04:30, 08:15, 11:15, 14:15, 17:15, 19:30, 22:30
- 29th Dec: 08:15, 11:15, 14:15, 17:15
- 30th Dec: 08:15, 11:15, 14:15, 17:15
- 2nd Jan: 08:15, 11:15, 14:15, 17:15
- 3rd Jan: 08:15, 11:15, 14:15, 17:15
- 4th Jan: 08:15, 11:15, 14:15, 17:15
Departing East Cowes:
- 27th Dec: 09:45, 12:45, 15:45, 18:45, 21:00
- 28th Dec: 06:00, 09:45, 12:45, 15:45, 18:45, 21:00, 23:55
- 29th Dec: 09:45, 12:45, 15:45, 18:45
- 30th Dec: 09:45, 12:45, 15:45, 18:45
- 2nd Jan: 09:45, 12:45, 15:45, 18:45
- 3rd Jan: 09:45, 12:45, 15:45, 18:45
- 4th Jan: 09:45, 12:45, 15:45, 18:45
Additionally, the 05:15 departing Southampton on 28th, 29th, 30th December and 4th January and the 06:45 departing East Cowes (also on 28th, 29th, 30th December and 4th January) will now be operated by Red Kestrel, meaning that the sailings will be reserved for freight only.
For the latest published timetables, see www.redfunnel.co.uk/timetables.
In support of social distancing, all sailings will continue to run at reduced capacity, to a limit of 350 passengers, 39% of regular capacity.
The company also regrets that it will be closing its food service outlet at Southampton’s Terminal 1 effective 25th December and can only confirm its Signature Lounge will stay open until at least 24th December, but has yet to confirm the service beyond this date.
Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, has said:
“Although we continue to operate in Tiers 1 and 2, we continue to do all we can to support the government’s advice, and wish to strongly emphasise the message that people MUST refer to the local restriction tier guide before planning travel to the Isle of Wight. In particular, we stress that residents of areas currently classed as Tier 3 or Tier 4, should NOT travel to the Isle of Wight for leisure trips or non-essential reasons at this time. Similarly, Islanders should also avoid Travel to Tier 3 and Tier 4.
“As has been the case since the onset of the pandemic, Red Funnel is not in a legal position to question customers’ reasons for travel and the government has not advised the screening of travellers by operators. While we will continue to do everything we reasonably can to discourage those who should not be travelling, abiding by the new travel restrictions remains an individual, civic responsibility, and we trust customers to act with integrity and in accordance with the law.
“We have already seen large numbers of cancellations and postponed booking requests from customers over the holiday period, and I want to take this opportunity to thank our customers for their patience as our teams work hard to pick up the phone and respond to queries”.
Customers who need to make changes can amend their booking to a new date with no added administration or penalty fees, although a difference in base fare cost may apply. Customers are also able to place their booking ‘on hold’ and take until 31st March 2021 to decide when they wish to travel and make a booking for any time in 2021.
Any customers who do not wish to rebook or receive a credit can learn more about their options at https://www.redfunnel.co.uk/en/isle-of-wight-ferry/faqs/covid/standard-bookings/.
The horse has bolted, pockets are already full
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Still only the two completely pointless sailings on Christmas day though.
Come on RF – you’ll have the staff now so give us at least one sailing where we can actually get back to the island again.
That’s the point, they do not want people coming back to the island that have been in different tiers, you are meant to stay in the house you are currently in… Unless it’s urgent travel.
Of course we have more sailings on 28/12/20 taken back all the people they are bringing over this week.