As the festive season approaches, Red Funnel has released its official Christmas timetable for its vehicle and Red Jet services and has also announced the return of an expanded Red Jet timetable.
Effective this Wednesday (2nd December), Red Jet crossings will revert to the timetable previously in effect prior to the operator’s current ‘commuter timetable’.
Red Jet Daily Departures, from 2nd – 20th December
Departing Southampton (Terminal 2): 05:35*, 06:55, 08:15, 9:35, 10:55, 12:15, 13:35, 14:55, 16:15, 17:35, 18:55, 20:15
Departing West Cowes: 06:15*, 07:35, 08:55, 10:15, 11:35, 12:55, 14:15, 15:35, 16:55, 18:15, 19:35, 20:55
*No crossing at this time on Saturdays and Sundays
These new crossing times will remain consistent 7 days a week, with the exception of Saturday and Sunday, where there will be no 05:35 crossing from Southampton, and no 06:15 crossing from West Cowes.
Red Funnel has confirmed that this year it will again be the only ferry operator sailing on the Solent on Christmas Day. Identical to last year and years prior, Red Funnel will offer 2 departures from Southampton on 25th December (09:00 and 12:00) and 2 departures from East Cowes (10:30 and 13:30).
The operator has also confirmed its timetable for the outlying holiday period (21st Dec – 4th Jan 2021). A copy of the vehicle ferry timetable for this period can be found here.
The Red Jet timetable will also see a few adjustments within the festive time period, details of which can be found here.
Fran Collins, CEO, Red Funnel, said:
“The festive period may be somewhat different for many of us this year. We understand how important it is for those still travelling across the Solent to have access to a range of sailings, and therefore we are offering a comprehensive timetable of vehicle and Red Jet sailings throughout December.
“With the exception of making these changes to our timetables, we are very much continuing to operate ‘business as usual’ following the latest lockdown changes. Consistent with all travel guidance issued by the government in response to the pandemic to date, compliance with the latest travel guidelines remains an individual, civic responsibility. Anyone considering travel to (or from) the Isle of Wight should check the guidance which applies to the Tier in which they reside and ensure to comply with the latest rules. Most notably, residents in Tier 3 areas should NOT travel to the Isle of Wight for leisure trips at this time.
“I’m also very pleased that we are able to continue the tradition of being the only cross-Solent vehicle ferry service on Christmas Day as part of our commitment to ensuring the mainland and Island stay connected every day of the year. Our hardworking staff and crew are a testament to Red Funnel’s dedication to providing an excellent level of service all year round; they are once again going the extra mile this Christmas to keep our ferries sailing.”
Let’s hope our Grans and Grandads are still here to enjoy next Christmas with all these visitors and Islanders essential journeys across the Solent Sea.
Each journey a potential threat to their health now, and so very close to the cure.
Think before going, as everyone ‘thinks’ that ‘they’ will be safe, but many aren’t.
Change the record.
Wag is right, potential death on each crossing now.
You have the potential to die every time you wake up in the morning.
It now seems to be “stop everything because the vaccines on it’s way”
Nobody spoke like this before they announced it was coming.
Works both ways – Islanders just as keen to get to West Quay and Gunwharf… boats haven’t increased frequency just one way!!! It always surprised me how many people travel to mainland versus other way around in previous lockdowns and yet it’s only ever mainlanders blamed. Can’t see red jets only selling return tickets in Southampton….
yep. Mainlanders always bring it but islanders NEVER EVER spread it? Go figure.