I love being a blogger. I love writing, which is why I started blogging, but also, sometimes epic things happen. Like, when I was recently asked if I would like to review a holiday park on the Isle of Wight. Brilliant, I thought! Then I hit a snag. It was pretty short notice and I needed a ferry crossing. A cheap one! Along came the lovely people at Wightlink who offered us a free crossing, if we promised to let you know how we got on. So, here is our review of the Wightlink Ferry Portsmouth to Ryde crossing, we hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
We were a little apprehensive as we boarded this awesome vessel. Not exactly Titanic, I grant you, but for committed land-lubbers, it was a leap into the unknown! This is the 5am crossing, which is why it's a bit hazy, not my terrible photography! We arrived really early, because we were so worried about missing our boat. On arrival, we were greeted by a member of the crew, who directed us into a lane. We were first, which was fab, because we could observe all the comings and goings. We were really quite mesmerised by the slick organisation of the offloading and boarding of the vehicles. We were told we would begin boarding at 4.50am, so naturally assumed they must be running late. Not so, it really did take just ten minutes to board all the cars and set off on time. Here is a short video of us disembarking. This was on the return journey and we got a shock when the car descended with the ramp! L thought it was great fun.
On the way to Fishbourne, it was very quiet. I don't think many people wanted to get up that early! I have to say, the facilities were fantastic. There was a play area for the children...
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| A close up of the play area! |
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| Cinema |
The facilities were brilliant for the grown ups too. The first thing we did when we arrived on board was hit the Greggs! We were starving and it was a very welcome sight, particularly as the prices were reasonable, which is a huge bonus when you are travelling. The seating areas were so clean and comfortable, it felt like a luxury cruiseliner.
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| Tables overlooking the sea |
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| Seating area |
The best part of the crossing, by far, was the viewing deck. If you ever get the chance to travel in the early morning, grab it. As well as feeling like the only passengers on the crossing, you get to witness the most beautiful sunrise over The Solent. It's fabulous!
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| Sunrise over the sea |
We were actually quite sad that it wasn't a longer crossing. It was so much fun and I would highly recommend it if you want to give your youngsters the feeling of travelling 'abroad' without the hassle of passports and whatnot. We will definitely be going back for another trip!
Great facilities for such a short trip. Nice to hear of reasonable prices.
ReplyDeleteyou cant catch :)
ReplyDeleteooohhh I love the idea of this. Looks like you all had a great trip
ReplyDeleteLooks like you all had a fab time.
ReplyDeleteWe're going in a few weeks - this post is making me even more excited! Glad you enjoyed the crossing.
ReplyDeleteI've been on a ferry a few times and it is surprising at how nice they are. I've not actually taken a car on one before though, I might have to try that, I'd love to go back to the Isle of Wight. I love the photo of the sunrise.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to the Isle of Wight, but always fancied going! That sunrise is just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteOOOH i haven't been on a ferry in years I would love to do this
ReplyDeleteFor a short crossing the Isle of Wight ferry has great facilities. I can't believe they have a cinema on board too, how brilliant is that!
ReplyDeletei am so looking forward to going on a ferry one day or a cruise or something along the lines of a boat or ship , i love the sea
ReplyDeleteWe went to the Isle of Wight a couple of years ago and we loved it there. The ferry crossing doesn't take long at all.
ReplyDeleteNot been on a ferry for ages! Lots of fun! Love the cinema with the bean bags.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been a Ferry for ages! I used to love it - it amazing all the things they manage to fit on them.
ReplyDeleteLike loads of people above I've also not been on a ferry for ages, looks like things have really improved. Thanks for sharing your experience, we are quite close to the Isle of Wight and I keep meaning to go there for the day. I'm visiting you via Time Travellers.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness that sunrise is beautiful. What a great ferry crossing - I love they have facilities for kids even for such a short crossing.
ReplyDeleteI would never expect a ferry to have such good facilities for this kind of short crossing - I'd love to visit Isle of Wight at some point, and would definitely like to use the Wightlink ferry to get there :)
ReplyDeleteWe have had some great hols on the Isle of Wight and getting a ferry really does make it feel like more of an adventure!
ReplyDeleteWe want to go to the Isle of Wight next year but with our caravan if possible, I wonder if this ferry company take caravans too?
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your post with #TimeTraveller it's very useful to anyone wanting to visit the island and that sunset is worth getting up early for! Come and join us again.
We have never been on a ferry - this looks great! Fab facilities! Kaz x
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice thing to get to review. I enjoyed my journey to isle of wight to, wish it was longer.. at the time i went on it though i didnt have children so wasnt looking out for the children things but great to know there is. :D
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