Travel

Red Funnel, the Isle of Wight ferry operator, has announced a new partnership with Newport-based technology provider WRS, marking a significant step in enhancing the onboard customer experience across its vehicle ferry fleet.     As part of the partnership, Red Funnel has rolled out advanced electronic point-of-sale (EPOS) systems in all ReFuel cafés onboard its ferries. This upgrade is designed to improve transaction speed, streamline service, and create a more seamless experience for customers. ReFuel cafés are a beloved feature of Red Funnel's onboard offerings, providing passengers with high-quality food and beverages during their crossing. The cafés offer a variety of options, including

Recently customers of Red Funnel met with the leadership team, as part of the cross-Solent ferry firm’s Customer Forum initiative, to discuss topics at the front of customers minds. The evening’s discussions saw senior members of the Red Funnel team speak openly with customers to tackle some of their most pressing matters, including hospitality and vessel technology upgrades, as well as timetables, reliability and punctuality. Red Funnel’s Customer Forums provide the Island community with a regular opportunity to have face-to-face with the leadership team, who respond to questions and gather feedback to help directly inform future plans, projects and priorities. Red Funnel’s CEO,

Red Funnel has announced that due to ongoing essential maintenance and engineering works, the company will continue to operate a two-boat vehicle ferry timetable until Saturday, 7th June 2025, with a planned return to its full, three-boat service from Sunday, 8th June 2025.     This extension allows for the completion of critical preventative work on vessels Red Osprey and Red Eagle, identified through recent diagnostic inspections. The maintenance is part of Red Funnel’s extended resilience programme, implemented with the support of the engine manufacturer, which will reduce unexpected service interruptions, particularly ahead of the high-demand summer season. Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, said: "We fully

This Mother’s Day, Red Funnel are rolling out the red carpet for the special lady in your life, offering free foot passenger travel to the mainland for Mums! On Sunday 30th March, Red Funnel is offering all Mums free foot passenger travel between West Cowes and Southampton on its Hi-Speed Red Jet service, when Mum is travelling with a paying “child”. Whether you’re a child aged 5 years old or 50 and travelling with your Mum, Step-Mum or a motherly figure - everyone is welcome to make the most of the Mums Go Free offer. To qualify, simply purchase any full-priced ticket for

Following a rigorous recruitment process, Red Funnel has announced the appointment of a new Operations Director. Neil Chapman, (former MD of Hovertravel) will join the business in May 2025.     Fran Collins, Chief Executive at Red Funnel, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Neil to Red Funnel. He brings with him a passion for the Isle of Wight following 15 years of working collaboratively with Island businesses, customers and residents, and a deep understanding of the requirements of operating lifeline services. “His experience in the travel and maritime industry gives him an excellent understanding in managing the reliability of our existing fleet alongside progressing

Red Funnel has announced a programme of work will be carried out at its East Cowes terminal between 13th January and 12th February 2025. The works will ensure the operational continuity of the operator’s East Cowes linkspan. The planned activity includes general maintenance and life extension work to the concrete slipway that meets the linkspan, as well as the replacement of the linkspan’s hinges and fingers, which connect it to the concrete slipway. Starting from 18th Jan, the project will necessitate temporarily pausing late night ferry traffic coming in and out of East Cowes on select dates, whereby the 23:55 crossing from

In honour of Remembrance Sunday (10th November) and Remembrance Day (11th November) Red Funnel is offering past and present serving UK Armed Forces free foot passenger ferry travel to and from the Isle of Wight. The special offer is available for travel on both the ferry operator’s High-Speed Red Jet service and vehicle ferry service and is exclusively for serving and veteran UK Armed Forces. Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, said: "We deeply appreciate the dedication and sacrifices of our UK Armed Forces. Remembrance Day offers us a moment to unite as a nation and pay tribute to those who have

As part of Red Funnel’s ongoing investment into maintenance and improving the reliability of its fleet, the cross-Solent ferry operator has confirmed dates for its 2024 Red Jet refit programme. Works will ensure its vessels are fully equipped for the peak season. Red Jet 6 will undergo her annual refit at Wight Shipyard from 10th November - 2ndDecember. The list of work includes servicing of the vessel’s hydraulic and safety systems, essential maintenance to the vessel’s generators, jet propulsion systems and main engine and new carpeting in the passenger accommodation area.   Leanna Lakes, Operations Director at Red Funnel, said: "Our planned annual