Across the Solent on the Infamous Red Funnel (Red Funnel)

Member Name: dkm1981

Product:	Red Funnel
Date:	14/03/09 (209 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, punctual, fast

Disadvantages: Food onboard is expensive

The Red Funnel is a passenger and vehicle ferry service that links the Isle of Wight with the mainland at Southampton. A quick glance at their website tells us that they have been operating this service for almost 150 years, and that they carry over 3 millions people across the Solent each year.

For anyone who is familiar with the Isle of Wight, you have doubtless used the services of the Red Funnel company, named after the infamous red funnels of its fleet. It is something that is synonymous with the Island and, as a result, you'll find it features on everything from tea towels to postcards.

Since my mum and her family all hail from the Isle of Wight, I have been a regular visitor over the years and have come to love the Red Funnel ferries for what they mean to me - a trip to visit my family.

The ships themselves are new and well equipped with everything you could possibly need in a one-hour ferry journey, including:

*Cafes
*Bars
*Toilets
*Lounges
*Arcade Games
*WiFi connection

There is plenty of seating onboard, so much so that I have never had trouble finding somewhere to sit. The top deck is outside and gives you the best views as you are approaching / leaving the island. Dogs are also allowed on the top deck as long as they are kept on a lead (otherwise they have to stay in the car deck on the lower level).

Through the summer, the ferries operate every hour (every 90 mintues in winter) and you book the ferry for the time you estimate to arrive. They are quite flexible about changing your sailing time if you arrive earlier or later. Usually you have to pay a charge to change times, but a couple of times I've arrived early or late and been allowed to travel without paying for the change - I think it's just a case of wether or not you catch the staff in a good mood!

The price varies depending on the time of day and year - be aware that the price increases massively during Cowes week and when the festivals are on and you have to book well in advance. Last time we travelled was in August and it cost £35 for a week return ticket for the car and three passengers, which is really good value.

The only bad point is the price of the food onboard, but we don't generally bother since it's such a short journey.

Overall, it's great value for money, punctual and fast, so I would definitely recommend it if you're ever visiting (or escaping from!) the Isle of Wight.

Summary: Definitely the best way to get to the Isle of Wight