WightLink: Ferry Good :) (Wightlink Ferries)

Member Name: Gladallover

Product:	Wightlink Ferries
Date:	04/08/08 (296 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Hassle-free. Excellent views. Helpful staff.

Disadvantages: Expensive. Simple facilities.

During a recent camping trip in The New Forest my boyfriend and I discovered the WightLink ferry service from nearby Lymington to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. We decided to take advantage of WightLink's 'Early Bird Day Return' special offer that was being advertised while we were in the area.

We were camping very near to the ferry terminal at Lymington so we booked our tickets in person rather than over the phone. The terminal is small with only 3 help desks and one member of staff on hand to serve us. This wasn't a problem for us as it was very quiet and we were served straight away, however during the busy summer months I imagine it's a different story so be sure to leave plenty of time for check in if you are travelling this route.

WightLink offer many special deals, some of which are valid all year round and can really help cut the cost of your holiday. We chose to take advantage of the 'Early Bird Day Return' which allows 2 adults and 1 car a day return for £37, but if you can stay longer WightLink offer some good deals on 5 day returns as well as deals for Bikers and foot passengers.

The ferry service from Lymington provides crossings every half hour between May and September so you have the flexibility to choose the best time to travel without having to plan your break around the crossing times. During the winter months WightLink offer a more relaxed timetable but still have crossings throughout the day from 4:00am to midnight.

On the morning of our crossing we arrived around 30 minutes before the scheduled sailing time and followed the signs to the car check in booth. After showing the man in the booth our tickets he showed us which lane to wait in. The lanes are marked clearly in big, bold, white numbers so you can't go wrong, even if you've never used a car ferry before.

We prepared ourselves for at least a ten minute wait at the terminal but after only a few minutes we noticed the ferry dock in the harbour and moments later watched as cars started to roll off and drive away. We were then ushered onto the ferry by WightLink staff one lane at a time and directed to our spot on the car deck. I had never taken a car on a ferry before and I was worried that parking on the deck would have to be very precise and complicated to fit everyone on such a small ship but the deck staff were so helpful and showed me exactly where to stop. The whole process of loading the cars onto the ferry took around 5 minutes thanks to the efficiency of the deck staff.

During the crossing you are asked to leave your vehicle and go to the upper decks until the ferry has docked at Yarmouth. There are a flight of steep, narrow steps to climb each side of the ferry which can get fairly congested as everyone leaves their cars so I found it was easier and safer to wait for a few moments for the rush to die down! These steps are far too steep for anybody who is unsteady on their feet to attempt to climb and I believe there is a lift onboard to cater for anyone who finds steps a problem.

The majority of the ships facilities are to be found on the top deck, the exception being the toilets which are one deck lower. There are 2 small sun decks with plenty of seating which are great for doing some sightseeing as you leave and arrive at the ports. During our crossing it was very blustery and the high winds were making opening the closing the outside doors quite difficult. They tend to slam shut and swing open dragging you with them so it is worth bearing in mind, especially if you are travelling with children.

Inside there is a large lounge filled with seating areas, some with tables. You are surrounded with large windows so you can have a panoramic view of outside without having to sit in the cold sea winds. There is a small cafe where you can get hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, biscuits and cakes to nibble or if you prefer something stronger there is a small bar onboard. There are also plenty of vending machines scattered around the deck so you won't go hungry! Overall the onboard facilities are very simple but more than enough to make the half hour crossing comfortable. Personally, I found the cafe quite expensive and preferred to wait until we reached Yarmouth to have a drink.

The ferry is roll-on, roll-off so thankfully driving off of the ferry was even easier than driving on! Once you are given the signal from the deck staff it is just a case of driving off the ferry on to the open road, it couldn't be simpler.

I believe the Lymington - Yarmouth ferry is one of the lesser used routes to the Isle of Wight with many people opting to sail from the nearby cities. On this occasion we used this route for convenience as we were camping near to Lymington, however I'd definitely choose this route again. The view from the deck is beautiful leaving Lymington and seeing all the yachts in the harbour, passing old sea forts and views of The Needles off the Isle of Wight. I found it a lovely, relaxing way to begin my visit to the island.

Summary: Great way to begin and end your Isle of Wight holiday