"Dealing with the problem"
I was due on a 5.50pm ferry crossing. Regrettably, the Channel Tunnel closure and high volume of returning summer holiday travellers meant a significant number of hurdles for the ferry operators. To cut a long story short, having arrived at 3pm, I waited until midnight before getting on a boat. Irish Ferries were excellent in adapting to the situation, and there was no question as to me shifting ferries to get home. My grumbles are twofold: 1. That at no point was there communication from anyone as to the problems, the time considerations or an apology. 100s of people, travelling with kids, pets, in heat of 31 degrees just left stranded for HOURS is not acceptable without so much as an offer of water, or some nugget of information as to how long we needed to hold out for. The implications for people travelling onwards is considerable - driving on through the night poses danger (I returned home at 8.40am). 2. It would be wonderful if you prioritised your booking in by ferry booking time, much like the Channel Tunnel. This would enable better and fairer management of your clients, instead of 20 lanes of cars trying to fight down to 4 lanes. It was unnecessary carnage and made for many ugly scenes of frustration and desperation. This having been written, I recognise much of this was way beyond Irish Ferries immediate control, but I think my two constructive points need consideration.
I have now travelled with Irish Ferries twice, and, regrettably, there have been massive delays both times. Is this conducive to my return? Final consideration: we pay for pets to travel: you offer them nothing - not even to get out of the car deck. My poor dog endured some kind of fit and needed a walk. Keeping them cooped up in vehicles is not on and not conducive to travelling with you unless this changes. P&O offer an exercising area....
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Overall Rating:
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General:
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Catering:
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Cleanliness:
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Staff:
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Punctuality:
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Recommended?
Yes
Reviewed by Quentin who travelled with Irish Ferries on Isle of Inishmore
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