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Topic: Superfast Ferry News
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26/8/2006 at 5:50pm
Location: Scotland Outfit: Jeep G-Cherokee Adria Adiva 642UP
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Joined: 26/2/2006 Diamond Member
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Thought I'd post this as there doesn't seem to be anything on the boards about this yet.
Superfast's owners released this announcement on the 8th of August.
From my understanding, and from what has been quoted by Superfast's spokesman in the local press, they wish to purchase a ship that can carry more passengers as they apparently had to turn down a lot of bookings this summer due to being fully booked. They plan to purchase the replacement ship in early 2007 - which may be after many people have booked for next summer (tickets are due to go on sale in October/November).
This less than one year after they sold the sister ship and cut the sailings from daily to three times a week.
So, from all of the information available, the options seem to be:
A bigger ship (unlikely seeing the amount left after the sale as per the announcement),
A similar size ship which can carry more passengers ie more sleeper style seats, more/smaller cabins & most likely less facilities to accommodate the extra cabins & seats, or
A smaller ship with with more passenger carrying ability than the current ship and therefore even fewer facilities.
With any of these, the possibility of buying an older vessel appears highly likely as Superfast have admitted the year round revenues, especialy from freight, are nowhere near what they had planned for when the service was launched. This, to me, is a particular concern, and I don't mean in terms of comfort or facilities.
I can't see fares being reduced, so will many passengers be willing to pay the same fares for less facilities and a slower service, both of which are highly possible.
For us, this has meant that where we were willing to pay the extra for this service than go to Hull, for example, due to the recommendations of others, we are now re thinking this. And if lots of others do too, and the early bookings are down due to people waiting to see what the replacement is (it is a 19 hour journey and not the cheapest), this may well influence the company's decision making process when choosing the replacement.
Also, this could be used as a justification to pull the service. I know they say they are still committed to the service, but this only means they don't have to repay any of the substantial subsidies just now ie before the revenue from the sale is received.
What's everyone else's thoughts?
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26/8/2006 at 8:23pm
Location: None Entered Outfit: Swift Speedbird 2003
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Thats interesting.
We've used the Superfast before, but never with a car - we've gone on short hotel breaks. We found it an excellent service and really enjoyed ourselves.
It would be a great shame to pull the service completely.
Edit to say - I wonder if they are thinking that they need more cabins and less garaging space. I know a few people who take it as part of a mini break type trip where you don't need a car.
Funnily, today I was looking at some dates and couldn't get the cabin I wanted for the dates as it was sold out.
------------- Gail
March - Bamburgh
Easter - Low Park Wood CC Kendal
May - Yellowcraigs CC North Berwick
June - Wharfedale CC Grassington
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Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
03/9/2006 at 9:16am
Location: Scotland Outfit: Jeep G-Cherokee Adria Adiva 642UP
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Hi
Thanks for all your comments.
Yeah, I think Superfast are coming right off my list now, too. We were looking at it like a mini-cruise, so an extra day of holiday as opposed to just a method of getting from A to B. But if the ship's changing, then so does that viewpoint.
I can either go from Rosyth (20 miles from home), depart 5pm, arrive 12pm in Zeebrugge for around the £600 mark in high season.
Or go to Hull (250 miles from home), depart 7.30pm, arrive 8.30 am in Zeebrugge for around £450 or depart 9pm & arrive 8am in Rotterdam for around £300. (Distance difference to campsite is negligible).
Dover is cheaper again, but a 550 mile journey when we've got a 750 mile journey at the other end is a bit too much, especially when I don't drive.
Looked at Newcastle, but it's coming in at the £600 mark and it's goes to Amsterdam so extra miles at the other side.
It looks like a no-brainer, now.
So my only question is - how come they're called Superfast ?!?!?!
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