Thanks for taking one for the team mate! What an odd crossing in an absolutely stunning part of the world. At least your dinner looked good! And the day cabin seems decent value compared to the weird lounge options. Deboarding - the one part of a ferry journey I despise, it always seems to take an eternity as a foot pax! Hey cheers for what is likely one last look at HMS Montrose btw 😢
Cheers Steve, yes HMS Montrose was looking in a bit of a sorry state as we sailed past. Overall, I think I’d have just about been ok before the prolonged disembarkation. But then having to walk a mile to the hotel + the thought of being too late for supper too (which I was) well, it just pushed me over the edge tbh. I should’ve done things differently but, that’s life and that’s travel sometimes! Live and learn 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip it made for a very enjoyable vlog if nothing else! I’m in a similar predicament here in Norway right now where I’ve arrived for the night in port before a very early sailing tomorrow, but there’s absolutely nothing here and I’m STARVING! I’ll be hitting the Fjordline buffet breakfast hard in the morning, no matter the price!
@@keithparker1346 Did that in '84 from Weymouth to Jersey but had the car, wife and 4 kids. That was a larger ferry (taken off the Normandy and Santander services to replace a broken down one, it went on to France to resume its normal service) but still mostly trucks or trailers on board, only about 50 cars. The kids spent most of the crossing in the play area or the cinema watching cartoons unless badgering us for food. The wife had left the coolbox in the car by mistake (she hadn't realised that one couldn't access the car deck at sea) so I gave them a £5 each to get their own and they moaned that most was French.
Remember Clipper was originally commissioned in 1999 as an all weather back up vessel and mainstream freight vessel, so was never designed as a principal passenger vessel. I think she is not a bad ship at all. Clean, smart and stress free with normally a small amount of passenger traffic. Her Lounge bar is smart with great views through the panaromic large windows and forward lounge with its great views and quietness is definitely worth paying a supplement for.
If I’m ever going to the Channel Islands, this awful company is the reason why I fly! Havent used them for years since they pulled out of Weymouth & dont plan to until someone realises that ferries like this one are outdated. “Hold the press” though…Condor are bringing in a new vessel which is Bigger, but is exactly the same sort of design, with very little accommodation towards the bow. If they want inspiration how about looking at the Isle of Mann Steam packet’s new vessel the Manxman? Even if she is tight for the ports in the Channel Islands use her design as an example of new purchases in the future.
Wow Mark ! Quite the journey. It looked like you'd been transported back to 1982. The beautiful views more than made up for it. Such a beautiful corner of our amazing planet 😊
Haha, yes it did a bit! Sealink springs to mind! Fantastic views though I agree and they certainly went some way towards compensating for the lack of other amenities. Cheers Adam 😊👍
In 1982 it would have been a Sealink ferry and likely from Portsmouth would be the Earl Granville. They used to go from Weymouth then too. Now you’re better off using Condor’s fast catamarans from Portsmouth or Poole.
Well…I live in Jersey….we rely on this boat so much, very soon our mail from the UK will be travelling on this boat as the air route is being discontinued….have to say trying to get to France our nearest and friendliest neighbour, is like trying to get to Australia….bloody difficult, oh back in the day we had Emeraude as a direct competitor to Condor, it was great, leaving early from Jersey and getting to St.Malo fast..then returning late back to Jersey, a grande jour out….now it’s awful, Condor leave late from Jersey, we then have to face passport control thanks to brexit, something we had no vote on, as we were never in the EU, but tarred with same brush, then the return trio back from St.Malo leaves around 5pm….hardly worth the expensive rubbish service that Condor offer….oh to have competition…..have to say an awful run business with zero interest in us islanders, whether Jersey, Guernsey , Alderney or Sark and Herm…..please visit us all, we love seeing you enjoying our gems we so love, for me I’d want much closer ties with France……and a better ferry company….but then I’d be better off searching for hens teeth…..hey ho…
I go to Jersey every spring. I generally get the fast cat from Poole on the outbound journey, and take the Condor ferry overnight in a cabin on the way back. I find that is the best way to maximise the time on the island.
I have endured this crossing more times than I could count. Getting a cabin is the only way to make the journey bearable. The fast ferries are better, but the service is infrequent and often cancelled due to weather or technical issues. Channel Islanders have been bitterly complaining about the woeful service of Condor Ferries for years, but they have no competition to encourage them to improve the passenger experience. They have recently bought another passenger/freight ferry, very similar to the Clipper, which is due to go into service in the autumn.
@@AndreiTupolev not any more. Back when they had 3 fast ferries there was 2 daily services in the summer, one from Poole and one from Weymouth. These day there are only 5 or 6 fast ferries a week. There are no fast ferry services on Tuesday and most Thursdays. From Oct to Apr that drops to 3 per week weather permitting
It’s not Ben my Chree off IoM Steam Packet is it!? Thanks for sharing your experience as a frequent user - as I thought, a cabin would’ve been useful 👍😊
@@LetsMakeaTrip No, not Ben my Chree, The Steam Packet are keeping hold of her as a backup ship. It is former New Zealand ferry "Straitsman", all 3 as well as Stena Vinga were built to a similar design. Those cabins and premium lounges were a hell of a price though, added to the 12 hour trip I can see why they only needed a minibus for the foot passenger numbers.
sounds like an ordeal getting to Jersey from Southern England..no wonder we let the German's have it for a bit save us doing your jouney! dare i ask how much your pint of lager was following yer £8 Bacon buttie and half a cup of coffee?
Interesting journey. Not seen salt and pepper shakers like that for a while. Think I would have made up 6-8 sandwiches and taken a 4 pack of lucazade with me.
Commodore Clipper is a pleasant little ferry that is relaxing as it is usually not crowded. The panoramic Casquets bar is also a very pleasant place to hang out. The ship also shows movies in the Brasserie Lounge and there is also a new A la Carte restaurant area. Also, most people who use the ferry choose the overnight sailings from the islands, so don't spend all day on the boat like you did. There will also be a overnight ferry in both directions from Autumn 2023 when their new Condor Islander ferry enters service- a ro pax vessel that is a near sister to the Commodore Clipper. 0:24
Cheers Nicholas, I did spend a lot of time in the bar and like I said, I made some mistakes with it all really - quite happily admit that. I should’ve booked a day cabin I think and, though I was really disappointed with the lack of deck space tbh. A bit more room to move about outside would’ve been good. Not sure if the new ferry will be much better in this respect?
Thanks for your reply. Your report was interesting by the way. With the new Condor Islander ferry, outdoor deck space maybe slightly better but public rooms will be even less than Clipper! On Islander there is a combined cafe / bar where the brasserie is on Clipper but no panoramic sky bar and club class on the next deck up aft. However having overnight travel in both directions will be a massive improvement for us here on the islands. Plus apparently Condor are meant to be improving wi fi on all ships and fast craft. Here's me hoping. By the way when I last sailed from Portsmouth to Guernsey last month, tidal conditions meant we had to call at Jersey first and so my daylight trip was even longer than yours. 12.5 hrs in fact including 2 hour stop over in Jersey!! A tad ironic since Guernsey is nearer to the UK than Jersey! But despite all this I love travelling on the Clipper.
I am watch from Fish Hoek, 30 km South of central Cape Town. The problem has solved itself. Thinking about you not being able to boil water in your cabin git me Thinking.. Ever thought of taking British army or defense force ready to eat mearls. Some are self heating come in relatively small packaging. You buy them at army surplus stores or on line. Then you always have a.meal.with you. You could add this to your story..Have a look on u tube about ready to eat rations.
The ferries which used to ply that route in the 80s and 90s were lovely ships with plenty of space for passengers. I think it'd be OK on a night crossing in a cabin.
Condor have now taken delivery of a 2nd ro-pax ferry (the Condor Islander), apparently purchased from New Zealand (originally built for a Danish route). Apparently they plan to have an overnight service in both directions to and from Portsmouth
Yes, that happens very often with brittany ferries foot passengers. Often kept waiting over 30 minutes to leave boat, all cars already gone. They do not care you have a connecting train service or that it will be dark and late at night. I avoid brittany ferries and have started using train or coach services. Much cheaper, comfortable and you can change your reservation easy.
What a shame that they didn't have much deck space. When we used to go to Jersey on the ferry in the late 70's, there was loads of deck space. When it was windy out there it was fun lol
You have the same wait to get off (and indeed on) on other ro-pax routes, such as Birkenhead to Belfast, or the former Liverpool to Dublin routes. On those routes I am (was in the case of Dublin) just used to being off last after all the cars and most of the freight is cleared. At least on the Birkenhead- Belfast route it is a seriously nice ship. I think this route is a better experience for overnight foot pax to Portsmouth, where you are asleep most of the time. For daytime I do think the Fast Craft are much more appropriate for foot pax.
Made this trip as a 19 year old with my friends. We were all from Scotland though I live in Canada now. Don't remember a lot because we spent most of our time in the bar! One of my friends father had gained residency in Jersey which was hard to do. Lovely day, great scenery and great soothing music. Ferry is a dog. It's basically a freighter with add on passengers. Sorry you had a challenging experience.
Cheers Norman, yes agree. I spent most of my time in the bar too but the things that make it enjoyable for me (lots of deck space for example) just weren’t there. Shame but like I said, I could’ve done things differently but you live and learn I guess 👍
Lets face it a long ferry trip isn't going to get ahead of schedule, especially if it's going to stop at another port en route, i think your problem with this trip was that by your own admission you were a foot passenger on a car/freight ferry, yes you should have opted for the faster option, but on the bright side you had a couple of decent meals and a nice pint of lager, and the weather was brilliant, yes i guess it was a bit of a "yawn fest" but being a solo traveler is a hard gig, plus points are the cost and the life expirience good weather and helpfull crew, food & drink (except for the coffee),. A cabin would been a waste of money on a day crossing, but you achieved your goal, cheers,.
Cheers mate, yep things don’t always work out and I don’t mind admitting I did things wrong when it happens. Might try the fast craft this year if I have the time. Give it another go 👍
Like others, we thought it felt like you'd gone back in time on that ferry. Most of our ferry experience is with the Stena Line and they could not be more different. Loved seeing the naval vessels, especially the aircraft carrier (of which our country of Canada has, um, none), upon departure. Long ferry journeys I'd be tempted to get a berth too but hey, hindsight is 20/20, right. Looking forward to seeing your tour around Jersey.
Yep, quite happy to admit my mistakes - the main one I think was trying to do it as cheaply as possible. The views at both ends are fantastic, a shame there wasn’t more deck space available to enjoy them. Overall, just felt a bit cramped to me. Live and learn I guess 😊
I would fly from Southampton if I was in a hurry. Otherwise the normal ferry even with the issues you encountered. I wouldn't get the fast cat as 5 hours on a cat in anything less than ideal weather is really uncomfortable. And in bad weather you will have to stay seated the entire trip.
The Clippers sister ship Ben my Chree operates to the Isle of Man and after 25 years is about to be replaced by a brand new ship costing 78 million. Would be an interesting comparison and to check the new ship out. Due to start service later this month. However the crossing time is only 3hrs 30 mins from Heysham IOM
For Guernsey there is a public bus that goes all around the island along the coastal road and it's very cheap. Loads of places to stop off although Grand Roques would be my suggestion.
Very poor public facilities, lack of open deck spaces etc. You can tell Condor don't have any competition on this route. How much did they stripe you for the pint of Heineken?
Foot passengers are treated very much like a inconvenience, Dover to France don’t do foot passengers, some Brittany ferry routes won’t except foot passengers & when I do the Birkenhead to Belfast ferry, same thing as you, we were one off the last to come off the boat
the clipper is the freight ferry to the islands - if something is too big for the fast craft you hgave to go on the clipper. foot passengers are an afterthought for condor.
I used to traveI from Weymouth to Guernsey on the St Patrick or St JuIian and IatterIy on the Caesaria or Sarnia, cars were Ioaded on board by crane in those days. SadIy Weymouth no Ionger operates any ferry service and most of the terminaI has been demoIished.
I’ve got a lovely book on Sealink here (Sealink and beyond) and there’s some fantastic photos of those ships. I just about remember the trains running along the quayside at Weymouth too. I sailed on one of those boats in 1973 but too young to remember which one or much about the crossing other than it was rough!
I wonder why they don't use a catamaran ferry on this route. It would be alot faster. Incat from Tasmania Australia produce the worlds largest and fastest ocean going catamarans. They can travel upto 100kph in service.
Thanks Kathryn, yep fair comment and I may well try the Condor fast craft lounges if there is such an equivalent next time I’m on this route. Cheers 😊👍
Hi yes the trip did seem drawn out. Didn't have much idea about time. Food looked expensive. Jersey is lovely. St brelardes bay. Hotel horizon. Bergerac eat there. Roger moores house moonraker also at st brelardes bay. Hope u are well. Looking forward to seeing u again soon. Best wishes David and Beverley Norfolk
Hi both, yes the food well compared to other ferry companies, I didn’t find too bad price-wise. I spent a bit of time on Jersey afterwards trying to figure out their bus system (that’s for another video!). Cheers both 😊👍
Hi Mark I used to do that trip from Weymouth 8hrs in the 70s since condor took over 3hrs but now from Poole that's your best crossing my friend all the best John 😊
I love the way people completely get the wrong end of the stick about this. It's for unaccompanied (drop off trailer at A, someone else picks it up at B) freight. There are two vessels on the run, the other one is freight only. Commodore Clipper was built with pax facilities to provide an emergency service if bad weather prevents the fast ferries from running. The main passenger service is the fast ferry from Poole. The wait for disembarkation would have been until the vehicle deck was emptied. No doubt the very small number of foot passengers would make a purpose-built passenger gangway uneconomic.
They advertise and sell tickets to foot passengers and I don’t remember reading anything on their website about it being an ‘emergency service so only a basic service will be provided’. Yes I said in the video that we were waiting for the vehicle deck to be emptied. Still don’t know why though.
On a fine weather day then I don't bother with a cabin, but do up grade to club as includes anacks drinks and decent seats. Night crossing is expensive but easy - get a cabin go to bed get up have shower coffee bacon bap ... There is a new ship about to start on the run so overnight each way will ve possible. Fast craft from Poole xan be horrendous 😮 i would rather fly instead of use the fast craft...
Yes I think you’re right Richard. I just did things badly on this trip and I’ll learn from that. I’ll look forward to seeing the Condor Islander in operation but looks to be very similar to the current one.
I have used Condor ferries to the channel islands. The one to use is this slow boat. The fast ferry bounces from wave-top to wave-top making sea-sickness more likely
Yes I’ve experienced that kind of thing before. Always a bit of a gamble with the weather and if it’s too bad, will just end up on this one again. That’s too big a risk really!
Great film. Reminded me of the days of Associated Humber Lines which once ran several routes over to the Continent from Goole and Hull with "Limited Accommodation for Passengers" Looks like this Condor route is similar, the main business being moving freight. Slow route, but at least there was a bar on board.
Hi Mark, great to finally see your adventures here! Certainly seemed like a right palaver - I took the right choice I think in the 40 minute flight from Luton! I've a ferry coming up next week (Newhaven to Dieppe) and I have booked a day cabin - I suspect it will be worth it! Cheers!
Cheers mate, yes I think that’s the thing and I’ve done it before booking a day cabin it just gives you some refuge from everything. I haven’t done the Newhaven - Dieppe route, you must let me know how you get on.
Having travlled on the Clipper last year I'd say your review is spot on! Definitely outdated and not much to do. I travlled out on the Clipper and like you the boat was very empty so you could relax somewhat. Tip if you give it about an hour after depature and ask for an upgrade to the club lounge they will give it to you for half price (or atleast did for me). However on the way back i was meant to get one of the fast boats but it got cancelled, which mean't they transferd everyone on to the Clipper and that was certianly a horrible experience. It was rammed with people and no where to move and having to sit in those dinning chairs for 8 hours, VERY VERY UNCOMFORTABLE!! The problem with those highspeed boats is they are unreliable due to weather or reliability issues, meaning they do get cancelled fairly often. Even today all the high speed crossings to Jersey were cancelled.
Hi Christopher. That is the big risk with the high speed ferry isn’t it. Last thing I want is it to be cancelled and I end up on this one again. Interesting the half-price deal though - should’ve asked. All-in-all, I’d probably fly next time and spend a bit more time on both Jersey and Guernsey. Cheers for the comment 😊👍
I did the trip to Guernsey from Pompey some 10 years ago, never ever again Every time I've been back since I've always flown. More expensive? Hell yes, but 28 minutes flight time is well worth it in my opinion
Have been over several times and used both vessels and would take the Clipper over the fast service from Poole any day but then Im not in any hurry had a cabin on return night journey last time never slept so well
I think that the passengers on this ship simply aren't a priority. It's mainly a supply ship for the islands, bringing containers and that explains the limited space for passengers (but also reasonable prices at the restaurant). If the return trip is a night journey, than it makes more sense, especially if you book a cabin (and some passenger maybe also take the "premium" spaces, which were - I guess - completely empty during the daylight trip). If the line was more passenger oriented, they would probably introduce a 22kn - or faster - ship.
Yep, fair points. I think I learnt a lot on his trip tbh and totally agree an overnight crossing coming back would’ve been better. Mind you, that’s another £130 for a cabin! Ultimately (and I’d rather not say this), flying is just quicker, cheaper and I would’ve had more time on the island (I did fly back - £20!). Cheers for the comment 😊👍
We love this ship and this crossing, although we go to Guernsey. There is so much put on getting some where the fastest. We camp for 2 weeks in Guernsey every year, we take our fully loaded car with surfboards and bikes and after the manic packing get to just chill as the slower boat makes her way across to start our holiday. The staff are always lovely, and you don't feel like you have been packed on like cattle. It's a great way to start your trip, in a relaxed manner. Also just to note, it's more a freight ship, not a cruise ship, so expecting a large area on deck isn't really normal. There is enough room and I have sat and read a book for hours on the outer deck. We just used the newer islander freight boat and honestly? I prefer the older boat. 😌
For a journey of that length I'd hope for a bit more to do onboard and certainly better plug access. I've seen far more entertainment options on a Portsmouth to France crossing that was far quicker.
Guernsey....my favourite place on earth....been to many places....Canada USA, most of Europe, South Africa and Zimbabwe ... but given a choice it would be Guernsey every time. Lost count if how meany times I've been from childhood
So i made it back from my Channel Island experience Mark, yesterday in fact. Overall enjoyed, still applying the after-sun and its more like October here today! I made a couple of mistakes too, same as you. One was assuming that Condor Ferries terminal in Portsmouth would operate like the old-school boat-train experience for foot passengers whereby the train waits for an incoming late boat from across the platform, such as still exists at Heysham Port en route to IOM, correct me if im wrong? But of course i discovered it was not at all like that but also that Portsmouth Harbour station, as opposed to Portsmouth main railway station in town, was some 40 minutes walk from the train to where Condor sets you off. So i had a hastily arranged cab ride to get me to said train station but i still missed the train i had a seat reservation and ticket for. But long story short i still made my connection at Heathrow for the (excellent) BA service back home. There was a bit of an issue there as well, the 2nd mistake i made was reading Condor's website that said their reclining seat lounge offered power points at every seat. I think in hindsight that applies only to the Liberation you went on. I paid an upgrade to get into their Horizon Lounge to avail of this power point as i had a full day on the island having checked out of my hotel at 10am with a full battery. Only to discover there was nowhere to charge my phone overnight and i needed that to get home with a boarding pass for the flight back. So my two options were to use the single plug socket in the Horizon Lounge that was there for a tv, gratefully not in use on a night crossing, but the problem there was that 2 girls had paid for the recliner seats only to camp out on the Horizon Lounge floor on sleeping bags and were fast asleep when i got on but not before claiming use of the tv socket with an adapter that they used to charge both their phones. When i asked Condor staff they told me the only other option was to use a socket in the cafe area but this was located right where the self-service coffee machine was and that would have required me to either leave my phone in full view isolated from the lounge or else give up the reclining seat for a time that id paid for to try to get a good nights sleep in, so in the end i did neither. Upshot was i had the presence of mind to take a photo of my airline boarding pass on a 2nd phone id brought with me in case the original one died in the night, and from then it was like a game of Russian Roulette trying to keep both phones with enough charge in them to get me home, given that i had train seat booking references to refer to as well as my BA boarding pass and all my connection details noted down in the phone. So when i got to the gate at Heathrow (what a hellishly busy place is that by the way!), it was discovered that the boarding pass i had taken a photograph of on my spare phone couldn't be read on the scanner so i couldn't get through the security barrier without alot of hsssle and extra assistance! So my mistake about the layout and location of Portsmouth Harbour railway station was entirely my own fault, however Condor should not suggest that power points are as readily available in their upgrade lounges as is the actual case I think. Anyways mate, long story short a decent trip all in all, and i really enjoyed Guernsey although probably not somewhere id want to spend very much time in! Definitely worth a look though. 👍
Guernsey things to do: Tour the island by bus, visit the Occupation Museum and then having seen the famous Nazi band photo, go and stand in the same place in the centre of Town. If you are really brave you'll have a swim in the bathing pools, which are very fresh sea water!
Sadly because people out on deck don't spend money, it's not surprising the ship operators do everything they can to keep you indoors and bored, so that you look for stuff to spend your cash on. My first non-deck access experience was an HSS ferry to Dublin in the 90s, and it felt so claustrophobic. Sadly as with much travel these days it's about extorting money off you rather than going the extra mile to give you an experience you want to repeat.
That's absurd behaviour when you arrived in Jersey. It reminds me of malta airport, you'd arrive around 50 yards from the terminal arrivals entrance and then have to board buses which drove around on the apron passing other aircraft to make it feel justifiable ! When you got off of the bus, you could literally walk to the plane steps in around 20 seconds ! 😂
She has a sister ship called the Ben My Chree, one of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s fleet, I saw that you travelled on the Mannanan and thought it’d be worth mentioning the Ben. I definitely recommend travelling on her as she has a lot more outdoor deck space and as old as she is, she doesn’t look as timed out as the Commodore Clipper.
Cheers, yes I heard this thanks to comments like yours on here. It does make me want to try that ship now AND the new one Manxman. Definitely in the plan for sometime soon anyway 😊👍
3 weeks ago it was Blue Island from Southampton Airport for us. Much more expensive but we wouldn't do it any other way, 45 minute hop. We loved our week in Jersey, 2nd year running. Enjoying the vlogs though 👍
Anyone remember travelling on the Isle of Sark...a model of that ship is in the museum in Castle Cornet! ! Disemarking in Guernsey from that ship (or its sister ships) you were presented with a punnet off Gernsey toms! Then there was the Sealink ships Sarnia and Ceasaria not car ferries. Good memories.
A good friend of mine Richard Green was made the Income Tax Controller of Guernsey and they had to pass a special law to enable him to live on the Island.
I’m taking this very ferry tomorrow! Taking the slow route from Glasgow to Jersey by train and ferry (stopping in Portsmouth for two nights) and flying back to Glasgow. I did purchase the clipper club upgrade and am polishing my smug air of superiority as I type. 😂 After your video, I might have to get a cabin.
Just bring a good book on any voyage longer than two hours... In my youth I read comic books, in my old age I read a great novel... On my last cruise I read Starship Troopers... The movie wasn't as good as the original novel...
Guernsey is my favourite of the Channel Islands and you don’t need a car to get around as the buses are great and plentiful routes the cover the Island well.
Hi Mark, im a recent subbie to the channel i picked it up when you published the hover travel, then youtube recommended a couple of your bus jourenys, then you dropped a bomb shell of all vids for me, the NEEDLES BREEZER. With out doubt is a must thing to do on the island when we visit, currently notched up 6 visits alone this year. Now then since that video i get a theme from the channel of budget travel/stays an odd bus rides "like the bimble bumble wales one, excuse me i must fess dont think thats the right name" etc. Me and my partner keep saying we got to do things cheaper, i dont need to tell you prices clearly, we almost last visit did leave car on the mainland "however due to bit of light bad heath the days before travel decided car would be best should we need to do a sos dash" but we worked it all out an the time away just us 2 for a long weekend meant a saving £160 ish not using that car ferry an island rover bus ticket for our travel while there. We can afford it but are getting fed up with the red and wight pirates of the solent clearly robbing travellers Now i bring this up becuase of your no.2 mistake. Taking the cheaper travel option over the more expenisve faster option for little more money. Personally depending of the nature of travel sometimes we need time saving moments sometimes we need money saving options. Perhaps its just me, but i really think your channel provides a valuable service not just for people on a tight budget perhaps. But like me now, considering when were kid free on our travels, to do it using just public transport in which reduces our carbon foot print, an clearly bundles of cash in the process with what seems a honest compromise in less time at the end point so please do keep making these budget options aswell some of the alteranatives, look forward to seeing the other option to jersey in the future should you do it
Cheers mate, many thanks for the comment x I enjoyed reading it. And yes I reckon the best budget travel you can do atm is bus travel in England with the £2 single fare. Watch my Leeds to Whitby, over 3 hours on a bus for £2! You can’t go wrong for that. Sometimes I’ll fork out more money and fly business or upgrade on the train, ferry. But it’s got to be worth it in my view. Either way, I’ll always give my 100% honest opinion so thanks for the sub and the comment - really appreciated 😊👍
Condor by conventional ferry is an very functional experience 😮 It will be interesting how the newer shipmate the Condor Islander will be like. Indeed will it work taking all the pressure off the trimaran which really suffers reliability problems if the weather is anyway bad. The Manxman seems the ship to watch this summer, the Isle of Man nationalised their ferry company so they could much improve the offerings to customers. Condor probably should think about something alike Manxman but with some extra cabins as a new build but they probably won’t and will probably keep the Clipper going for another few years yet.
The Manxman is definitely on my list to try out. Not sure lol try the Islander tbh, it looks a bit like the Clipper so yep, maybe the fast craft instead if the sea’s not too bad. Watch this space…..
Yes experienced this one Jersey to St Malo, the liberation was off, took nearly 3 hours which was bearable but cross channel far too long and I think it’s really a freight / truckers ferry. Agree on the staff and pricing great vid as always!
I went on that ship with a lorry years ago. I was the only passenger. They gave me fish and chips for tea as that was what the crew where having. I loved the trip. Getting back is another story for another day.
I live in Southsea at Portsmouth, and love a jolly on a ship but strangely I haven’t been tempted to partake in that trip I think your video illustrates why. Could have been worse you could have picked a bad day weather wise.
Hiya, Nice Video. Quick question, do they check passports once your arrive in Jersey? I will be coming with my Provisional Licence as identification alongside my ferry ticket. Would that be ok to use?
Another great video. As regards the choice of which ferry to take you also have to factor in other costs while travelling, like food, entertainment, etc. Although you would have had to pay an extra £10 for the fast ferry, you would have eaten less food since it was a quicker journey. The extra £10 fare would have been offset by the £10 you paid for the second meal on the slow ferry. Great video. Well done.
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Thanks for taking one for the team mate! What an odd crossing in an absolutely stunning part of the world. At least your dinner looked good! And the day cabin seems decent value compared to the weird lounge options. Deboarding - the one part of a ferry journey I despise, it always seems to take an eternity as a foot pax! Hey cheers for what is likely one last look at HMS Montrose btw 😢
Try the ferry to St.Mary's Scilly Isles from Penzance Steve !!!
Cheers Steve, yes HMS Montrose was looking in a bit of a sorry state as we sailed past. Overall, I think I’d have just about been ok before the prolonged disembarkation. But then having to walk a mile to the hotel + the thought of being too late for supper too (which I was) well, it just pushed me over the edge tbh. I should’ve done things differently but, that’s life and that’s travel sometimes! Live and learn 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip it made for a very enjoyable vlog if nothing else! I’m in a similar predicament here in Norway right now where I’ve arrived for the night in port before a very early sailing tomorrow, but there’s absolutely nothing here and I’m STARVING! I’ll be hitting the Fjordline buffet breakfast hard in the morning, no matter the price!
Imagine taking kids on a 10 hour journey. Absolute nightmare
@@keithparker1346 Did that in '84 from Weymouth to Jersey but had the car, wife and 4 kids. That was a larger ferry (taken off the Normandy and Santander services to replace a broken down one, it went on to France to resume its normal service) but still mostly trucks or trailers on board, only about 50 cars. The kids spent most of the crossing in the play area or the cinema watching cartoons unless badgering us for food. The wife had left the coolbox in the car by mistake (she hadn't realised that one couldn't access the car deck at sea) so I gave them a £5 each to get their own and they moaned that most was French.
'Foot passengers are an inconvenience' as per the wise words of Planes, Trains, Everything
Yep, agree with that.
Yes, as a frequent foot passenger, I often feel marginalised . Especially all the waiting ✋️ 🙄
Remember Clipper was originally commissioned in 1999 as an all weather back up vessel and mainstream freight vessel, so was never designed as a principal passenger vessel. I think she is not a bad ship at all. Clean, smart and stress free with normally a small amount of passenger traffic. Her Lounge bar is smart with great views through the panaromic large windows and forward lounge with its great views and quietness is definitely worth paying a supplement for.
Yep they really don’t want foot passengers.
If I’m ever going to the Channel Islands, this awful company is the reason why I fly! Havent used them for years since they pulled out of Weymouth & dont plan to until someone realises that ferries like this one are outdated. “Hold the press” though…Condor are bringing in a new vessel which is Bigger, but is exactly the same sort of design, with very little accommodation towards the bow. If they want inspiration how about looking at the Isle of Mann Steam packet’s new vessel the Manxman? Even if she is tight for the ports in the Channel Islands use her design as an example of new purchases in the future.
Went once , but NEVER again, place closed at 7 pm, DEAD, compared to lively Jersey
Wow Mark ! Quite the journey. It looked like you'd been transported back to 1982. The beautiful views more than made up for it. Such a beautiful corner of our amazing planet 😊
Haha, yes it did a bit! Sealink springs to mind! Fantastic views though I agree and they certainly went some way towards compensating for the lack of other amenities. Cheers Adam 😊👍
In 1982 it would have been a Sealink ferry and likely from Portsmouth would be the Earl Granville. They used to go from Weymouth then too. Now you’re better off using Condor’s fast catamarans from Portsmouth or Poole.
Have travelled on condor trust me the slow boat is better at sea the catarmaran can’t manage the sea conditions and there unloading of cars is DIRE
What’s even better is the ship was built in 1999!
@@MillsJ09 Before devices had rechargeable batteries... At that time people bought and brought extra batteries for their devices...
Its a freight ferry not a cruise ship !!
Better facilities on the Fishbourne - Portsmouth ferry. That’s not a cruise ship either !!!
Well…I live in Jersey….we rely on this boat so much, very soon our mail from the UK will be travelling on this boat as the air route is being discontinued….have to say trying to get to France our nearest and friendliest neighbour, is like trying to get to Australia….bloody difficult, oh back in the day we had Emeraude as a direct competitor to Condor, it was great, leaving early from Jersey and getting to St.Malo fast..then returning late back to Jersey, a grande jour out….now it’s awful, Condor leave late from Jersey, we then have to face passport control thanks to brexit, something we had no vote on, as we were never in the EU, but tarred with same brush, then the return trio back from St.Malo leaves around 5pm….hardly worth the expensive rubbish service that Condor offer….oh to have competition…..have to say an awful run business with zero interest in us islanders, whether Jersey, Guernsey , Alderney or Sark and Herm…..please visit us all, we love seeing you enjoying our gems we so love, for me I’d want much closer ties with France……and a better ferry company….but then I’d be better off searching for hens teeth…..hey ho…
I go to Jersey every spring. I generally get the fast cat from Poole on the outbound journey, and take the Condor ferry overnight in a cabin on the way back. I find that is the best way to maximise the time on the island.
Nice video Mark, you are spot on about a “small ship”. Looks comfortable enough though. Cheers from Oz.
I have endured this crossing more times than I could count. Getting a cabin is the only way to make the journey bearable. The fast ferries are better, but the service is infrequent and often cancelled due to weather or technical issues. Channel Islanders have been bitterly complaining about the woeful service of Condor Ferries for years, but they have no competition to encourage them to improve the passenger experience. They have recently bought another passenger/freight ferry, very similar to the Clipper, which is due to go into service in the autumn.
Infrequent? At least once, in summer usually twice daily. Only in winter is it lower frequency, and you'd probably fly then wouldn't you
@@AndreiTupolev not any more. Back when they had 3 fast ferries there was 2 daily services in the summer, one from Poole and one from Weymouth. These day there are only 5 or 6 fast ferries a week. There are no fast ferry services on Tuesday and most Thursdays. From Oct to Apr that drops to 3 per week weather permitting
It’s not Ben my Chree off IoM Steam Packet is it!? Thanks for sharing your experience as a frequent user - as I thought, a cabin would’ve been useful 👍😊
@@LetsMakeaTrip No, not Ben my Chree, The Steam Packet are keeping hold of her as a backup ship. It is former New Zealand ferry "Straitsman", all 3 as well as Stena Vinga were built to a similar design.
Those cabins and premium lounges were a hell of a price though, added to the 12 hour trip I can see why they only needed a minibus for the foot passenger numbers.
@@LetsMakeaTrip no, it’s come from New Zealand
Now that is a sloooow ferry. My crossings haven't been anything of that length. Enjoyed watching your journey. Where can I get a Moutai beanie from?
sounds like an ordeal getting to Jersey from Southern England..no wonder we let the German's have it for a bit save us doing your jouney! dare i ask how much your pint of lager was following yer £8 Bacon buttie and half a cup of coffee?
You can fly. The faster ferry maybe be better although at speed it can be rough.
Surely all those phones charging is a fire risk?
Have you ever traveled to France from Jersey ? They do day trips to St Malo .
Interesting journey. Not seen salt and pepper shakers like that for a while. Think I would have made up 6-8 sandwiches and taken a 4 pack of lucazade with me.
Cheers, yep they reminded me of the 80’s though overall I didn’t think the food/drink was that bad 😊👍
Commodore Clipper is a pleasant little ferry that is relaxing as it is usually not crowded. The panoramic Casquets bar is also a very pleasant place to hang out. The ship also shows movies in the Brasserie Lounge and there is also a new A la Carte restaurant area. Also, most people who use the ferry choose the overnight sailings from the islands, so don't spend all day on the boat like you did. There will also be a overnight ferry in both directions from Autumn 2023 when their new Condor Islander ferry enters service- a ro pax vessel that is a near sister to the Commodore Clipper. 0:24
Cheers Nicholas, I did spend a lot of time in the bar and like I said, I made some mistakes with it all really - quite happily admit that. I should’ve booked a day cabin I think and, though I was really disappointed with the lack of deck space tbh. A bit more room to move about outside would’ve been good. Not sure if the new ferry will be much better in this respect?
Thanks for your reply. Your report was interesting by the way. With the new Condor Islander ferry, outdoor deck space maybe slightly better but public rooms will be even less than Clipper! On Islander there is a combined cafe / bar where the brasserie is on Clipper but no panoramic sky bar and club class on the next deck up aft. However having overnight travel in both directions will be a massive improvement for us here on the islands. Plus apparently Condor are meant to be improving wi fi on all ships and fast craft. Here's me hoping. By the way when I last sailed from Portsmouth to Guernsey last month, tidal conditions meant we had to call at Jersey first and so my daylight trip was even longer than yours. 12.5 hrs in fact including 2 hour stop over in Jersey!! A tad ironic since Guernsey is nearer to the UK than Jersey! But despite all this I love travelling on the Clipper.
I am watch from Fish Hoek, 30 km South of central Cape Town. The problem has solved itself.
Thinking about you not being able to boil water in your cabin git me Thinking.. Ever thought of taking British army or defense force ready to eat mearls. Some are self heating come in relatively small packaging. You buy them at army surplus stores or on line. Then you always have a.meal.with you. You could add this to your story..Have a look on u tube about ready to eat rations.
I’ll have a look at that David, cheers 👍
The ferries which used to ply that route in the 80s and 90s were lovely ships with plenty of space for passengers. I think it'd be OK on a night crossing in a cabin.
Yes a night crossing maybe, though the cabins are £130 overnight apparently.
Remember a few crossings, with the car and as foot passengers from and to Weymouth.
Splendid memories.
Most of all the train to the ship.
what security did you have? a full xray and body scan?
Condor have now taken delivery of a 2nd ro-pax ferry (the Condor Islander), apparently purchased from New Zealand (originally built for a Danish route). Apparently they plan to have an overnight service in both directions to and from Portsmouth
Yes I’ve seen it. Looks very similar to the Clipper tbh. I guess it gives them more freight space.
They’ve had 2 boats before
Think I'd rather fly , I would rather spend the extra time enjoying the island
Exactly Sean.
Yes, that happens very often with brittany ferries foot passengers. Often kept waiting over 30 minutes to leave boat, all cars already gone. They do not care you have a connecting train service or that it will be dark and late at night. I avoid brittany ferries and have started using train or coach services. Much cheaper, comfortable and you can change your reservation easy.
It does feel sometimes like foot passengers are an inconvenience!
Id have taken the plane , get seasick too easily .
What a shame that they didn't have much deck space. When we used to go to Jersey on the ferry in the late 70's, there was loads of deck space. When it was windy out there it was fun lol
Seems almost like a ferry from hell well nearly
You have the same wait to get off (and indeed on) on other ro-pax routes, such as Birkenhead to Belfast, or the former Liverpool to Dublin routes. On those routes I am (was in the case of Dublin) just used to being off last after all the cars and most of the freight is cleared. At least on the Birkenhead- Belfast route it is a seriously nice ship. I think this route is a better experience for overnight foot pax to Portsmouth, where you are asleep most of the time. For daytime I do think the Fast Craft are much more appropriate for foot pax.
Yes totally agree with this. If you don’t fly, fast ferry out and overnight ferry back seems the best options. Cheers Stuart 😊👍
Made this trip as a 19 year old with my friends. We were all from Scotland though I live in Canada now. Don't remember a lot because we spent most of our time in the bar! One of my friends father had gained residency in Jersey which was hard to do.
Lovely day, great scenery and great soothing music.
Ferry is a dog. It's basically a freighter with add on passengers. Sorry you had a challenging experience.
Cheers Norman, yes agree. I spent most of my time in the bar too but the things that make it enjoyable for me (lots of deck space for example) just weren’t there. Shame but like I said, I could’ve done things differently but you live and learn I guess 👍
I would not like to arrive in the dark,
You can get at least 3 pints in between Guernsey and Jersey.😊
Believe me, I regretted not doing so a little bit later on!
Lets face it a long ferry trip isn't going to get ahead of schedule, especially if it's going to stop at another port en route, i think your problem with this trip was that by your own admission you were a foot passenger on a car/freight ferry, yes you should have opted for the faster option, but on the bright side you had a couple of decent meals and a nice pint of lager, and the weather was brilliant, yes i guess it was a bit of a "yawn fest" but being a solo traveler is a hard gig, plus points are the cost and the life expirience good weather and helpfull crew, food & drink (except for the coffee),. A cabin would been a waste of money on a day crossing, but you achieved your goal, cheers,.
Cheers mate, yep things don’t always work out and I don’t mind admitting I did things wrong when it happens. Might try the fast craft this year if I have the time. Give it another go 👍
Like others, we thought it felt like you'd gone back in time on that ferry. Most of our ferry experience is with the Stena Line and they could not be more different. Loved seeing the naval vessels, especially the aircraft carrier (of which our country of Canada has, um, none), upon departure. Long ferry journeys I'd be tempted to get a berth too but hey, hindsight is 20/20, right. Looking forward to seeing your tour around Jersey.
Yep, quite happy to admit my mistakes - the main one I think was trying to do it as cheaply as possible. The views at both ends are fantastic, a shame there wasn’t more deck space available to enjoy them. Overall, just felt a bit cramped to me. Live and learn I guess 😊
The UK now has two carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth (shown in video) and HMS Prince of Wales, believe a third is planned or currently under construction.
I would fly from Southampton if I was in a hurry. Otherwise the normal ferry even with the issues you encountered. I wouldn't get the fast cat as 5 hours on a cat in anything less than ideal weather is really uncomfortable. And in bad weather you will have to stay seated the entire trip.
Couple of weeks ago, I flew from Luton - only 40 minute flight!
I had that issue crossing from the Isle of Man (a shorter crossing too). Definitely don’t fancy a rough crossing like that again!
The Clippers sister ship Ben my Chree operates to the Isle of Man and after 25 years is about to be replaced by a brand new ship costing 78 million. Would be an interesting comparison and to check the new ship out. Due to start service later this month. However the crossing time is only 3hrs 30 mins from Heysham IOM
I will be trying the Manxman out at some point. Looks really smart 😊👍
Do you think it would be possible to go from Cherbourg to Guernsey to Jersey to St Malo in one day using 3 ferries?
There used to be a direct route somewhere down the peninsula iirc. Granville?
For Guernsey there is a public bus that goes all around the island along the coastal road and it's very cheap. Loads of places to stop off although Grand Roques would be my suggestion.
Also stop off at Cobo Bay, get fish and chips from the local chippy, and eat them on Cobo Beach. Heavenly! 😊
Cheers guys, quite partial to fish and chips and that bus sounds great too. 😊👍
Very poor public facilities, lack of open deck spaces etc. You can tell Condor don't have any competition on this route. How much did they stripe you for the pint of Heineken?
Cheers John, £4.95, bar prices weren’t too bad tbh - best part of it.
Foot passengers are treated very much like a inconvenience, Dover to France don’t do foot passengers, some Brittany ferry routes won’t except foot passengers & when I do the Birkenhead to Belfast ferry, same thing as you, we were one off the last to come off the boat
P+O do Dover to Calais foot passengers and they get on first. Once onboard everyone is the same, obviously. There's really no need to lie.
Any entertainment on Britannia ferry
the clipper is the freight ferry to the islands - if something is too big for the fast craft you hgave to go on the clipper. foot passengers are an afterthought for condor.
Cheers Richard, yes and I would definitely do things differently next time 👍
I used to traveI from Weymouth to Guernsey on the St Patrick or St JuIian and IatterIy on the Caesaria or Sarnia, cars were Ioaded on board by crane in those days. SadIy Weymouth no Ionger operates any ferry service and most of the terminaI has been demoIished.
I’ve got a lovely book on Sealink here (Sealink and beyond) and there’s some fantastic photos of those ships. I just about remember the trains running along the quayside at Weymouth too. I sailed on one of those boats in 1973 but too young to remember which one or much about the crossing other than it was rough!
The clipper and islander are converted freight ships. Passengers are an afterthought. Sealink and bcif were proper ferries with loads of deck space.
I wonder why they don't use a catamaran ferry on this route. It would be alot faster. Incat from Tasmania Australia produce the worlds largest and fastest ocean going catamarans. They can travel upto 100kph in service.
Geez how depressing. I can't believe you storehouse ten hours on that
I think the supliment is not that extortionate and no, I'm not exactly flush with cash. I think I'd plan in advance and pay it.
Thanks Kathryn, yep fair comment and I may well try the Condor fast craft lounges if there is such an equivalent next time I’m on this route. Cheers 😊👍
Never been to Guernsey? You haven't missed much.
A whole lot of nothing to see or do.
Oh, I thought it sounded quite nice from what others have said. I guess I’ll find out one way or another 😊👍
What the hell is is going on with that ferry port making you wait to get off. What k8nd of welcome is that.
A cold one.
Hi yes the trip did seem drawn out. Didn't have much idea about time. Food looked expensive. Jersey is lovely. St brelardes bay. Hotel horizon. Bergerac eat there. Roger moores house moonraker also at st brelardes bay. Hope u are well. Looking forward to seeing u again soon. Best wishes David and Beverley Norfolk
Hi both, yes the food well compared to other ferry companies, I didn’t find too bad price-wise. I spent a bit of time on Jersey afterwards trying to figure out their bus system (that’s for another video!). Cheers both 😊👍
Hi Mark I used to do that trip from Weymouth 8hrs in the 70s since condor took over 3hrs but now from Poole that's your best crossing my friend all the best John 😊
Cheers John. I might well try the crossing from Poole next time 👍
OMG what a journey! 😱😂
Bur weather and views was wonderful 🤗
You'll have something to talk about for the rest of your life 🤭
Oh yes, always something to talk about. That’s travel! 👍😊
Never been to Jersey , 😊
Pay the £10 extra for the other ferry, it’s slow, dated and you could have been there already
Next time Laura, I think that’s what I’ll do 👍
I,d have queued up to pay to use the toilet on Ryan Air, at least I,d have got there the same week.
Haha, yep 👍
I always assumed this was a ferry for freight traffic . Does seem a bit dated and basic .
Yes that’s the impression I get reading some of the comments on here.
I love the way people completely get the wrong end of the stick about this. It's for unaccompanied (drop off trailer at A, someone else picks it up at B) freight. There are two vessels on the run, the other one is freight only. Commodore Clipper was built with pax facilities to provide an emergency service if bad weather prevents the fast ferries from running. The main passenger service is the fast ferry from Poole. The wait for disembarkation would have been until the vehicle deck was emptied. No doubt the very small number of foot passengers would make a purpose-built passenger gangway uneconomic.
They advertise and sell tickets to foot passengers and I don’t remember reading anything on their website about it being an ‘emergency service so only a basic service will be provided’. Yes I said in the video that we were waiting for the vehicle deck to be emptied. Still don’t know why though.
On a fine weather day then I don't bother with a cabin, but do up grade to club as includes anacks drinks and decent seats. Night crossing is expensive but easy - get a cabin go to bed get up have shower coffee bacon bap ... There is a new ship about to start on the run so overnight each way will ve possible. Fast craft from Poole xan be horrendous 😮 i would rather fly instead of use the fast craft...
Yes I think you’re right Richard. I just did things badly on this trip and I’ll learn from that. I’ll look forward to seeing the Condor Islander in operation but looks to be very similar to the current one.
I have used Condor ferries to the channel islands. The one to use is this slow boat. The fast ferry bounces from wave-top to wave-top making sea-sickness more likely
Yes I’ve experienced that kind of thing before. Always a bit of a gamble with the weather and if it’s too bad, will just end up on this one again. That’s too big a risk really!
I went on it last month , it is an absolute tub nothing to do bored silly...
Cheers Mick, yep very similar to my experience tbh.
Great film. Reminded me of the days of Associated Humber Lines which once ran several routes over to the Continent from Goole and Hull with "Limited Accommodation for Passengers" Looks like this Condor route is similar, the main business being moving freight. Slow route, but at least there was a bar on board.
Cheers Peter. Yep, it is what it is and the mistakes I made, if rectified, would’ve made things easier. Live and learn!
Hi Mark, great to finally see your adventures here! Certainly seemed like a right palaver - I took the right choice I think in the 40 minute flight from Luton! I've a ferry coming up next week (Newhaven to Dieppe) and I have booked a day cabin - I suspect it will be worth it! Cheers!
Cheers mate, yes I think that’s the thing and I’ve done it before booking a day cabin it just gives you some refuge from everything. I haven’t done the Newhaven - Dieppe route, you must let me know how you get on.
@@LetsMakeaTrip will do 👍 I'm taking the car if that makes a difference - won't get to see the foot passenger terminal but the ship is the same!
Charging extra for these measly lounges is a joke.
I don’t mind if it’s worth it and imho, it wasn’t on this occasion.
The only answer is freight or passengers, not both.
Yep, fair comment.
U tube wont let me give you a thumbs up
Seems weird, might depend what you’re watching it on? I appreciate the comment anyway David, thanks 😊👍
Having travlled on the Clipper last year I'd say your review is spot on! Definitely outdated and not much to do. I travlled out on the Clipper and like you the boat was very empty so you could relax somewhat. Tip if you give it about an hour after depature and ask for an upgrade to the club lounge they will give it to you for half price (or atleast did for me). However on the way back i was meant to get one of the fast boats but it got cancelled, which mean't they transferd everyone on to the Clipper and that was certianly a horrible experience. It was rammed with people and no where to move and having to sit in those dinning chairs for 8 hours, VERY VERY UNCOMFORTABLE!!
The problem with those highspeed boats is they are unreliable due to weather or reliability issues, meaning they do get cancelled fairly often. Even today all the high speed crossings to Jersey were cancelled.
Hi Christopher. That is the big risk with the high speed ferry isn’t it. Last thing I want is it to be cancelled and I end up on this one again. Interesting the half-price deal though - should’ve asked. All-in-all, I’d probably fly next time and spend a bit more time on both Jersey and Guernsey. Cheers for the comment 😊👍
The little chapel, lots of underground museums
Thanks Rheanna 😊👍
Just to let you know that the Ocean Plus has 1 plug for the hoover. 11:37
Thanks 😊 I bet that gets overwhelmed with charging cables too! 😂
I did the trip to Guernsey from Pompey some 10 years ago, never ever again
Every time I've been back since I've always flown.
More expensive? Hell yes, but 28 minutes flight time is well worth it in my opinion
Yes I’m with you on this Peter. Quite fancy Aurigny tbh over to Guernsey
@@LetsMakeaTrip They fly from Southampton daily I think
Have been over several times and used both vessels and would take the Clipper over the fast service from Poole any day but then Im not in any hurry had a cabin on return night journey last time never slept so well
Yes that sounds like a nice way of doing it and if you’re not in a hurry it’s all part of the holiday really.
I think that the passengers on this ship simply aren't a priority. It's mainly a supply ship for the islands, bringing containers and that explains the limited space for passengers (but also reasonable prices at the restaurant). If the return trip is a night journey, than it makes more sense, especially if you book a cabin (and some passenger maybe also take the "premium" spaces, which were - I guess - completely empty during the daylight trip). If the line was more passenger oriented, they would probably introduce a 22kn - or faster - ship.
Yep, fair points. I think I learnt a lot on his trip tbh and totally agree an overnight crossing coming back would’ve been better. Mind you, that’s another £130 for a cabin! Ultimately (and I’d rather not say this), flying is just quicker, cheaper and I would’ve had more time on the island (I did fly back - £20!). Cheers for the comment 😊👍
We love this ship and this crossing, although we go to Guernsey. There is so much put on getting some where the fastest. We camp for 2 weeks in Guernsey every year, we take our fully loaded car with surfboards and bikes and after the manic packing get to just chill as the slower boat makes her way across to start our holiday. The staff are always lovely, and you don't feel like you have been packed on like cattle. It's a great way to start your trip, in a relaxed manner. Also just to note, it's more a freight ship, not a cruise ship, so expecting a large area on deck isn't really normal. There is enough room and I have sat and read a book for hours on the outer deck. We just used the newer islander freight boat and honestly? I prefer the older boat. 😌
The microphone is in the camera so talking whilst facing away is a waste of air.
Thanks, M. You beat me to it.
For a journey of that length I'd hope for a bit more to do onboard and certainly better plug access. I've seen far more entertainment options on a Portsmouth to France crossing that was far quicker.
Guernsey....my favourite place on earth....been to many places....Canada USA, most of Europe, South Africa and Zimbabwe ... but given a choice it would be Guernsey every time. Lost count if how meany times I've been from childhood
So i made it back from my Channel Island experience Mark, yesterday in fact. Overall enjoyed, still applying the after-sun and its more like October here today! I made a couple of mistakes too, same as you. One was assuming that Condor Ferries terminal in Portsmouth would operate like the old-school boat-train experience for foot passengers whereby the train waits for an incoming late boat from across the platform, such as still exists at Heysham Port en route to IOM, correct me if im wrong? But of course i discovered it was not at all like that but also that Portsmouth Harbour station, as opposed to Portsmouth main railway station in town, was some 40 minutes walk from the train to where Condor sets you off. So i had a hastily arranged cab ride to get me to said train station but i still missed the train i had a seat reservation and ticket for. But long story short i still made my connection at Heathrow for the (excellent) BA service back home. There was a bit of an issue there as well, the 2nd mistake i made was reading Condor's website that said their reclining seat lounge offered power points at every seat. I think in hindsight that applies only to the Liberation you went on. I paid an upgrade to get into their Horizon Lounge to avail of this power point as i had a full day on the island having checked out of my hotel at 10am with a full battery. Only to discover there was nowhere to charge my phone overnight and i needed that to get home with a boarding pass for the flight back. So my two options were to use the single plug socket in the Horizon Lounge that was there for a tv, gratefully not in use on a night crossing, but the problem there was that 2 girls had paid for the recliner seats only to camp out on the Horizon Lounge floor on sleeping bags and were fast asleep when i got on but not before claiming use of the tv socket with an adapter that they used to charge both their phones. When i asked Condor staff they told me the only other option was to use a socket in the cafe area but this was located right where the self-service coffee machine was and that would have required me to either leave my phone in full view isolated from the lounge or else give up the reclining seat for a time that id paid for to try to get a good nights sleep in, so in the end i did neither. Upshot was i had the presence of mind to take a photo of my airline boarding pass on a 2nd phone id brought with me in case the original one died in the night, and from then it was like a game of Russian Roulette trying to keep both phones with enough charge in them to get me home, given that i had train seat booking references to refer to as well as my BA boarding pass and all my connection details noted down in the phone. So when i got to the gate at Heathrow (what a hellishly busy place is that by the way!), it was discovered that the boarding pass i had taken a photograph of on my spare phone couldn't be read on the scanner so i couldn't get through the security barrier without alot of hsssle and extra assistance! So my mistake about the layout and location of Portsmouth Harbour railway station was entirely my own fault, however Condor should not suggest that power points are as readily available in their upgrade lounges as is the actual case I think. Anyways mate, long story short a decent trip all in all, and i really enjoyed Guernsey although probably not somewhere id want to spend very much time in! Definitely worth a look though. 👍
Toblerone is definitely a travel essential!
I do like a bar tbh!
Guernsey things to do: Tour the island by bus, visit the Occupation Museum and then having seen the famous Nazi band photo, go and stand in the same place in the centre of Town. If you are really brave you'll have a swim in the bathing pools, which are very fresh sea water!
Sadly because people out on deck don't spend money, it's not surprising the ship operators do everything they can to keep you indoors and bored, so that you look for stuff to spend your cash on. My first non-deck access experience was an HSS ferry to Dublin in the 90s, and it felt so claustrophobic. Sadly as with much travel these days it's about extorting money off you rather than going the extra mile to give you an experience you want to repeat.
That's absurd behaviour when you arrived in Jersey. It reminds me of malta airport, you'd arrive around 50 yards from the terminal arrivals entrance and then have to board buses which drove around on the apron passing other aircraft to make it feel justifiable ! When you got off of the bus, you could literally walk to the plane steps in around 20 seconds ! 😂
She has a sister ship called the Ben My Chree, one of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s fleet, I saw that you travelled on the Mannanan and thought it’d be worth mentioning the Ben. I definitely recommend travelling on her as she has a lot more outdoor deck space and as old as she is, she doesn’t look as timed out as the Commodore Clipper.
Cheers, yes I heard this thanks to comments like yours on here. It does make me want to try that ship now AND the new one Manxman. Definitely in the plan for sometime soon anyway 😊👍
3 weeks ago it was Blue Island from Southampton Airport for us. Much more expensive but we wouldn't do it any other way, 45 minute hop. We loved our week in Jersey, 2nd year running. Enjoying the vlogs though 👍
theres no where to put a gangway on the clipper
Cheers Kian 👍
I’ve always considered that route principally for freight and I think your experience confirmed that. Good luck on the way back to the UK.
Thanks, I think you’re right (ps, I flew back 😉).
I took a ferry from Newcastle to Esjberg in Denmark. I will never sail again!
Shame that route no longer exists. I’d definitely try it 👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip It was about 40 years ago. Esjberg is a lovely town. I'm just a terrible sailor!
When went to Guernsey I flew from Gatwick with Guernsey Airways in what if i recall was a Vickers Viscount
It’s priority is freight not passengers
I agree.
Anyone remember travelling on the Isle of Sark...a model of that ship is in the museum in Castle Cornet! ! Disemarking in Guernsey from that ship (or its sister ships) you were presented with a punnet off Gernsey toms! Then there was the Sealink ships Sarnia and Ceasaria not car ferries. Good memories.
A good friend of mine Richard Green was made the Income Tax Controller of Guernsey and they had to pass a special law to enable him to live on the Island.
I would have taken a flight ✈️
I know - just thought this would be an adventure (which I guess it was in the end!).
I’m taking this very ferry tomorrow! Taking the slow route from Glasgow to Jersey by train and ferry (stopping in Portsmouth for two nights) and flying back to Glasgow. I did purchase the clipper club upgrade and am polishing my smug air of superiority as I type. 😂 After your video, I might have to get a cabin.
Haha, good luck Derek, at least you won’t have to use the plug socket above the hand sanitizer!
@@LetsMakeaTrip 😂😂
Just bring a good book on any voyage longer than two hours... In my youth I read comic books, in my old age I read a great novel... On my last cruise I read Starship Troopers... The movie wasn't as good as the original novel...
Guernsey is my favourite of the Channel Islands and you don’t need a car to get around as the buses are great and plentiful routes the cover the Island well.
Cheers Paul. I will get there, one day 😊👍
Hi Mark, im a recent subbie to the channel i picked it up when you published the hover travel, then youtube recommended a couple of your bus jourenys, then you dropped a bomb shell of all vids for me, the NEEDLES BREEZER. With out doubt is a must thing to do on the island when we visit, currently notched up 6 visits alone this year. Now then since that video i get a theme from the channel of budget travel/stays an odd bus rides "like the bimble bumble wales one, excuse me i must fess dont think thats the right name" etc. Me and my partner keep saying we got to do things cheaper, i dont need to tell you prices clearly, we almost last visit did leave car on the mainland "however due to bit of light bad heath the days before travel decided car would be best should we need to do a sos dash" but we worked it all out an the time away just us 2 for a long weekend meant a saving £160 ish not using that car ferry an island rover bus ticket for our travel while there. We can afford it but are getting fed up with the red and wight pirates of the solent clearly robbing travellers
Now i bring this up becuase of your no.2 mistake. Taking the cheaper travel option over the more expenisve faster option for little more money. Personally depending of the nature of travel sometimes we need time saving moments sometimes we need money saving options. Perhaps its just me, but i really think your channel provides a valuable service not just for people on a tight budget perhaps. But like me now, considering when were kid free on our travels, to do it using just public transport in which reduces our carbon foot print, an clearly bundles of cash in the process with what seems a honest compromise in less time at the end point
so please do keep making these budget options aswell some of the alteranatives, look forward to seeing the other option to jersey in the future should you do it
Cheers mate, many thanks for the comment x I enjoyed reading it. And yes I reckon the best budget travel you can do atm is bus travel in England with the £2 single fare. Watch my Leeds to Whitby, over 3 hours on a bus for £2! You can’t go wrong for that. Sometimes I’ll fork out more money and fly business or upgrade on the train, ferry. But it’s got to be worth it in my view. Either way, I’ll always give my 100% honest opinion so thanks for the sub and the comment - really appreciated 😊👍
Condor by conventional ferry is an very functional experience 😮 It will be interesting how the newer shipmate the Condor Islander will be like. Indeed will it work taking all the pressure off the trimaran which really suffers reliability problems if the weather is anyway bad.
The Manxman seems the ship to watch this summer, the Isle of Man nationalised their ferry company so they could much improve the offerings to customers. Condor probably should think about something alike Manxman but with some extra cabins as a new build but they probably won’t and will probably keep the Clipper going for another few years yet.
The Manxman is definitely on my list to try out. Not sure lol try the Islander tbh, it looks a bit like the Clipper so yep, maybe the fast craft instead if the sea’s not too bad. Watch this space…..
Whenever I have used Brittany Ferries that wait for foot passengers has been pretty standard alas. On the plus side it could have been alot longer!
Yes experienced this one Jersey to St Malo, the liberation was off, took nearly 3 hours which was bearable but cross channel far too long and I think it’s really a freight / truckers ferry. Agree on the staff and pricing great vid as always!
Cheers Julian, yes no issues with staff or price and that’s why I’d use Condor again really. Just not on this ship! Thanks for the comment 😊👍
I went on that ship with a lorry years ago. I was the only passenger. They gave me fish and chips for tea as that was what the crew where having. I loved the trip. Getting back is another story for another day.
Cheers Ben, that sounded great actually. Must admit I prefer travelling when it’s quiet - that would’ve suited me too 👍
I live in Southsea at Portsmouth, and love a jolly on a ship but strangely I haven’t been tempted to partake in that trip I think your video illustrates why. Could have been worse you could have picked a bad day weather wise.
Very interesting video Mark, the ferry could perhaps did with some refurbishment lovely weather . A very long journey probably very tiring..
Fantastic video . What's the distance in miles from Portsmouth ? Did you find the staff pleasent and helpful ?
Cheers mate, 192 miles according to Condor Ferries website. Like I said in the video, the staff were, in the main, pretty good.
Hiya, Nice Video. Quick question, do they check passports once your arrive in Jersey? I will be coming with my Provisional Licence as identification alongside my ferry ticket. Would that be ok to use?
God that was a mission mate but an adventure still …..have you done ferry one from Hull pls
I have - but before this RUclips thing so I do owe it another go. Quite enjoyed it though I seem to recall!
@@LetsMakeaTrip on my bucket list …would you need to get off the ferry at the port end or could you just stay on to come back 👍🏻
Another great video. As regards the choice of which ferry to take you also have to factor in other costs while travelling, like food, entertainment, etc. Although you would have had to pay an extra £10 for the fast ferry, you would have eaten less food since it was a quicker journey. The extra £10 fare would have been offset by the £10 you paid for the second meal on the slow ferry.
Great video. Well done.
Hi when is your next coach trip
Next vid all being well 👍