By Isle of Wight Observer
Red Funnel is demonstrating its commitment to keep the Island connected 365 days a year.
For yet another consecutive year, the operator is set to be the only ferry operator sailing the Solent on Christmas Day. Red Falcon will depart Southampton at 9:00 and 12:00 and depart East Cowes at 10:30 and 13:30.
Red Funnel has also added 18 extra daily crossings (9 each way) on its Hi-Speed foot passenger Red Jet service between West Cowes and Southampton on every Sunday (2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 December) leading up to Christmas and New Year.
The extra crossings make December the ideal time for Island residents to take advantage of the wide variety of Christmas shopping hotspots in Southampton, visit friends and family or take in some of the many festive events in Southampton, Winchester, London and beyond.
Red Funnel’s on-board menu will also feature a great mix of festive items throughout December, including warm drinks infused with gingerbread, mint and fudge, and taste-bud tingling sandwiches and desserts. Passengers treating themselves to a Signature Lounge upgrade between now and 6 January 2019 will also receive a free glass of fizz on arrival and a festive mince pie.
Fran Collins, CEO at Red Funnel, said: “I don’t think any other ferry operator does Christmas better than Red Funnel. We are the only cross-Solent vehicle ferry company operating on Christmas Day and we always have a few surprises on board, and it’s a tradition we’re really proud of.
“We take our role as the connection between the Island and mainland very seriously, so I guess you could say it’s just not in our DNA not to sail on Christmas. I think that level of service is just another shining example of the magic that is Red Funnel and it’s a testament to our hardworking staff and crew. I could not be prouder, and I am truly looking forward to my first Christmas with this incredible team.”
Red Funnel’s Christmas and New Year timetable is available to view here.
