Portsmouth to Jersey with Condor Ferries, Commodore Clipper. I Made Some Massive Mistakes!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 มิ.ย. 2024
- Things did not go to plan on this journey I was originally really looking forward to!
In this video I'll show you my experience between Portsmouth to Jersey with Condor Ferries, Commodore Clipper and I'll tell you what went wrong and what I should've done differently. I feel I made some massive mistakes and I'll certainly be learning from this experience.
Come onboard with me and I'll show you all around the ship. I'll tell you the price of everything, the crossing, the beautiful scenery on offer and hopefully, you can learn from my experience and decide for yourself whether you'd do the same as me or do things differently.
Thanks as always for watching guys. I would not be making these videos without your support. All likes, comments, subs are massively appreciated and keeps me going.
As always, cheers for now.
Mark
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📖Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
02:00 - Boarding the Ship
04:20 - Leaving Portsmouth
06:14 - Breakfast, Interior Tour & Deck Space
11:47 - Reaching the Channel Islands
14:42 - Guernsey
18:38 - Approaching Jersey
21:23 - Initial Summary
22:19 - What Happened Next
23:33 - Final Summary
Picture Credits:
Route map: OpenStreetMap (annotated)
www.openstreetmap.org/
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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.
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...
Hello Mark and trust you are well, what a lovely journey with some wonderful scenery, very enjoyable and thanks for taking us along, till next time cheers and stay safe.
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. 👍
Thanks for this, we're travelling from Portsmouth to Jersey this Summer. Good to know what we can expect 🙂
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 👍
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
We did this trip when it was blowing 8-9 gusting 10. Got to Guernsey and the master said that the passengers had taken enough punishment so we overnighted onboard. Cant praise the crew enough and even though it was as uncomfortable for them too, they were brilliant. I wrote to Condor thanking the captain & crew for their care.
Great video as always 😊 love your travelogue’s.
Thanks very much - appreciate the comment 😊👍
Traveled over to Jersey for just over a year working on there new mobile network....seacat in the summer and the slow ferry in the winter months....I absolutely fell in love with Jersey....
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’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 😉).
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 👍
When went to Guernsey I flew from Gatwick with Guernsey Airways in what if i recall was a Vickers Viscount
Thx for coming back to Portsmouth for the ferry services. As a Portsmouth resident myself I’ve never been on Condor Ferries, it seems interesting.
Cheers Jack. Yep, as you know, there are lots of options from Portsmouth for ferry routes and I will be back. Have to say this one is quite far down the list now!
Thanks for the video, its me mark, the man who told you to get your haircut!
I absolutely love your videos keep up the brilliant work.
Cheers Richard.
Very interesting video. Was considering the ferry but will now reconsider. Many thanks for an informative and detailed tour. 👍
Cheers David, yes personally I would go for the fast craft if I used Condor again. I think it’d be a better passenger experience.
Bring a good book for the voyage, especially one longer than two hours... Reading isn't yet obsolete...
Another fantastic video and thank you for adding subtitles cfn🍻
Cheers mate, thanks for watching 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip no need to thank me you're videos are the best thank you for recording them
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!
Thanks Mark very enjoyable video 👍
Cheers James, thanks for the comment 😊👍
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.
Honestly Mark, that looked like a brilliant day out to me ( although I accept that many just want to get there asap ) .....lovely scenery, some shipping to see, a couple of beers....pie and chips, no internet or phone - absolute heaven 🙂 I agree that getting off the ship must have been really annoying, it would probably cost an arm and a leg for them to construct a gangway which can be raised and lowered to suit the tides, and then a safe walkway to the terminal
Cheers Andy, yep frustrating really because I don’t reckon it’d take that much to really improve the experience. Some better outdoor space or even just some nicer seating would’ve helped. Look at that ferry I went on from Fishbourne in the previous video - what a fantastic ship and it’s only a 45 minute journey. If Wightlink can do it, surely Condor can? And then maybe Jersey ports don’t want to spend the money although they must have bigger ships like cruise ships calling in I would’ve thought? Maybe not? But yep, next time fast craft for me I think and we’ll see how that fares.
Lovely little film and informative. I'm sure to look at your other videos. That pie looked nice but perhaps I'm just hungry.
Cheers, thanks for the feedback - much appreciated 😊👍
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
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
Wow, 12 hours. I got to Thailand in that time from LHR! Entertaining video as always, cheers.
I know! Cheers mate, thanks for the comment 😊
Well done Mark, yeah another good trip, the price was good, but as you say a bit grim in places on board, but hey that's travel for you .
Still some great views.
Cheers mate.
Yes Gary, travel doesn’t always work out but, learn from it and an interesting ‘experience’ either way. Onwards 😊👍
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! 👍😊
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
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!
Nitemare end to the journey Mark. Thanks for the great video!
Cheers mate, thanks for the comment 😊👍
I would chose the slow boat anytime. No hurry, a few beers and probably good company.
Thanks for the video.
Cheers Mike, yes I met a couple of decent guys in the bar. I’m sure some people love it, I didn’t but it was my honest opinion and like I said, I messed up really on a couple of big decisions when booking.
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 😊👍
A nice day out 👍👍Bar looked Ok food didn’t look bad 👍👍Been to Jersey several times lovely island but we flew 👍👍Good Video Bud 😀😀
Cheers Robin. Yes, just could’ve been so much better and the disembarkation process, well, so frustrating tbh but live and learn etc 😊👍
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!
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.
You can get at least 3 pints in between Guernsey and Jersey.😊
Believe me, I regretted not doing so a little bit later on!
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.
Very interesting video Mark, the ferry could perhaps did with some refurbishment lovely weather . A very long journey probably very tiring..
Toblerone is definitely a travel essential!
I do like a bar tbh!
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.
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.
Nice video. Definitely the day cabin at least and a book or 5!
I know! Oh well, live and learn 😊
We once went to France with Condor, on the return trip via Guernsey and Jersey we had to drive the car off at Jersey and wait for another ferry! So we can say we've been to Jersey but spent the time on a car park.
Yes that sounds about right! It would be Brittany Ferries St Malo -Portsmouth every time for me on the beautiful MV Bretagne 😊👍
A person living on jersey and sometimes go over to the UK, we normally take the Clipper overnight and wake up in the morning so its not that bad. And take the fast ferry back which is a lot nicer and better journey. I recommend the Liberation fast ferry as it is much newer than the older Voyager.
Very enlightning, thank you for your usual high quality and detailed report, I always enjoy your blogs. I am hoping to do something similar in June '24. Have very enjoyable childhood memories of holidays in Jersey (many moons ago!) so decided to revisit but was put off by the airfares, I'm coming from N.Ireland, so Condor seems like the way to go. Ive still to get clearance for the time off from work but the plan is to book flight to Southampton, rail to Poole, thence to Jersey. The next day i fancy going over to Guernsey and plan to travel overnight back to Portsmouth from there. I never like going back the same route as i go out, thats too boring to me :D So will probably fly home from Gatwick or maybe Heathrow, something like that. Congrats again on this article, I enjoyed very much all the ones you have done on the Irish ferries too. :)
Thanks Phil. Reading your plans you sound very similar to me with travel and of course imo, it’s all part of the adventure! Wrt Irish ferries, I’m on one in a few weeks with the Holyhead - Dublin route and then the train down to Cork 👍
@LetsMakeaTrip Yes indeed Chris, there's a still a few of us madheads about 😁 ever since I was a kid I used to adore the exploration part of going on holidays and the most excitement to me came from the journey to and from and the middle part - the actual stay was the boring bit! 😆 I particularly liked your effort to go home to Shrewsbury via Cairnryan and Ayr! That sounded just like something I would do! 🤣 My house overlooks Belfast Lough, the Birkenhead ferry on berth in particular so I've been able to keep an eye on the planes and boats going in and out most of my life, I think that's where the lifelong appeal of travelling stems from. Will update you when and if my Channel Island adventure gathers pace. I'm already tweaking the itinerary a little in my mind. Thank you again for your work and for taking the time to reply. 👍
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 😊👍
Oh dear, I hope you enjoyed Jersey more than the journey! As we are in Scotland we always fly to Jersey but we have taken the catamaran from Jersey to Guernsey and that is very comfortable👍
Yes it was fine, an interesting place I thought. Lots to see, the bus service is a bit random and maybe there’ll be a video coming out about that 🤔
@@LetsMakeaTrip have always found the bus service to be excellent so interested to see your video to find out what you encountered!
Great vid. Mark. It’s a miserable sort of a ferry, that’s for sure! Cheers from Oz.
Cheers Jim, yep, not much to do on it. Shame really, some lovely views but small, scruffy deck space too.
Great story again! Always wanted to do the ferry to the Channel Islands. First time I have seen the trip up close. Thanks. Like you I was not impressed by the ferry - though I gather Condor's other offerings are tad more plush. Would like to see those too. This ferry was well, yea ... underwhelming and they have the nerve to charge for special seating and drinking areas. I guess they have to squeeze every quid out of what is essentially a small and tired-looking boat. Goodonyer for doing it! PaulInOz.
Cheers Paul, yep 100% my honest take on it and, as I admit, I made some mistakes with it too. It is what it is but I’d certainly be amenable to trying out the fast craft next time 👍😊
The clipper and islander are converted freight ships. Passengers are an afterthought. Sealink and bcif were proper ferries with loads of deck space.
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 😊👍
Answer!
• Take your time and drive down to Poole in the day. Then the fast ferry. No wasted time and all good.
• Take the slow boat back overnight, get a cabin and sleep. Have a nice drive on next day.
Agree the staff are good.
That sounds like a great way to do it. Poole is lovely too, I’ve driven there before to take Barfleur over to Cherbourg. Cheers 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip Brittany Ferries passenger ship, the Barfluer, conducted a successful berthing trial in Elizabeth Harbour yesterday. As Brittany Ferries are Condor’s parent company one can only speculate what motivated them to bring the Barfluer over to Jersey?
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.
This is why a '6 big Kindle reader makes such great sense. Include a power bank too and some short cables & earbuds in a bag with the Kindle. Essential travel bag, small enough for a pocket. Thanx for the great video and the warning against this ferry.
I would have gone crazy on this trip
Cheers, yep I always carry a power bank with me. Don’t have a Kindle though - definitely something to consider 😊👍
Hi Mark, I enjoyed watching this. I went on the Commodore Clipper to Guernsey and back with a mate in April this year. When we went we were brought on and off the ship in unmarked Ford Transit minibuses. The outbound crossing wasn't too bad but on the overnight crossing was rubbish. The seats don't recline enough for you to sleep properly. A cabin was £130 each. I think passengers are an afterthought on this crossing
Cheers, yes my days of trying to sleep in seats these days are limited to the occasional coach trip I think (and I don’t get much sleep on those!). Cabin in the day would’ve been good but yep, don’t think I’ll be doing it again tbh!
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.
😂😂😂 'Looks like the coffees ☕ had an argument with the cup but there you go' ha ha 😂 I'm in stitches that was hilarious. It's true they could have actually filled the cup mind.
cheers mate, I'm glad one person got the joke!
The little chapel, lots of underground museums
Thanks Rheanna 😊👍
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.
Great vlog!!condor ferries are getting a replacement for it!!at the moment it's in drydock getting refitted!! condor clipper is designed for freight and when the weather is bad!! should have taken the fastcraft!!the channel Islands are very beautiful to visit!!I think you should try the new Isle of Man ferry it looks very nice 🙂👍
Cheers Graham, yes I heard - MV Straitsman (though it doesn’t look much different, I guess we’ll see). Agree, should’ve taken the fast craft and I will try the Manxman soon. Thanks for the comment 😊👍
A very honest look at the foot passenger experience. I get the impression that Commodore Clipper is a vessel built for another time, from the footage it looks dated. Thanks for an enjoyable watch (even if it was painful for you).
Cheers Tim, I’d love to say I recommend it but, I don’t. Not this time 😊
Makes the Northlink from Aberdeen to Shetland look luxurious
I’ve had a rough trip on that Northlink ship. Before I started doing TH-cam tbh which is handy in a way as it gives me an excuse to get back up there and try it again 😊👍
@@LetsMakeaTrip It’s definitely a summer trip to do but I admit I was being a bit sarky haha
Haha definitely!
I’d like to see fancy chairs like that survive a trip up to Lerwick in a winters storm!! Lol
I’ve spent many an hour sitting in the Northlink bar :)
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?
Mark Hello...Liverpool Kev enjoying your video as usual...This brought back horrible memories of a trip on Sealink many years ago...Jersey to Weymouth because the fast route was cancelled......Imagine British Rail as was.... at sea...hideous experience...You need a first class relaxing experience to compensate or a couple of days in a lovely hotel in the Lake district like I just had...Take care Mark...all the best...Liverpool Kev
Hi Kev, cheers mate! I do need a relaxing experience, you’re right! I did the opposite trip on Sealink back in 1973 and that was also a terrible crossing. I was only young then but my parents remember it. Put my mum right off ferries that. 😊👍
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. 😊👍
I went on one of the Condor Ferries Incat catamarans three times in different countries. It was the NZ Lynx in 2000, then Condor in 2007, then went on it again from Santorini to Paros in 2015.
And the Isle of Man ferry Ben-my-Chree is a near sister... The Steam Packet Company boasts their new ferry Manxman has many outlets and USB ports to recharge batteries for devices the Ben doesn't...
Went to Guernsey back in the the early 80’s, camped up at L’Ancresse bay ... totally brilliant spot. Recommend a day visit to Herm - the coast walk to Shell Beach is stunning. Finish off with a pint at the pub before returning to St Peter Port. Lots of other places ... Petit Bot is another awesome spot. Very pretty island.
Cheers Garry, made a note of all that - much appreciated 😊👍
Back in the day we went to Guernsey on Condor; it went to Jersey first, where we found the reserved recliners we had booked were no longer ours! Turns out they were reserved as far as Jersey only... Done the high speed service from Guernsey to Poole; comfortable on the day I did it and a lot quicker....
Oh that doesn’t surprise me! Bit of a gamble with the fast craft and the weather but if it’s calm I reckon it should be great. I’d like to try it just to compare but it’s very tempting just to fly next time.
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.
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…..
Loved the video. Now retired, slow is best for my trips now! Loved the music. Could you share the titles and how you choose? Keep up the good work. Stewart
Hi Stewart, thanks for the comment. The music is from the TH-cam audio library which I think, if you look at the description of the video, scroll down and it’ll give you the clickable music and you can listen to it from there in full. Cheers 👍
We took the Clipper over to Jersey with our car a few years ago. We upgraded to the lounge when we booked and really enjoyed the day crossing, but we did have books and laptop to keep us occupied. The free tea/coffee & snacks was worth it for us. However, the overnight return in this lounge was horrendous, it was far too cold, even with the supplied blankets, and the seats don't recline enough for you to sleep. Luckily we only live 30min drive from Portsmouth so we went straight to bed when we got home. The following year we took our car on the fast cat from Poole to Guernsey and although it was much quicker the crossing wasn't as pleasant as it was very busy so there weren't any quiet places.
From memory I think the tides dictate which island they visit first. Our trip went straight to Jersey, we left around 9am and arrived in Jersey 5pm, the weather that day was fabulous too.
Interesting, thanks for the comment. I’d like to try the fast ferry to compare but yes I can imagine it being very busy at times and I’d be hoping for calm seas tbh. The advantage with paying for a cabin I suppose is privacy.
I can sleep in a chair, it doesn't need to be reclined. However, I can not sleep anywhere that isn't quiet... No babies crying after peeing in their diapers, nobody coughing, and no one talking. That is why I can afford the luxury of a cabin or room. Sleep recharges my energy for the next day...
Guernsey is stunning. My mum is from there. Visit St Peter Port and Petit Bot beach. Much more too
Thanks a lot for the recommendations, cheers 😊👍
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! 😂
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 👍
I made the journey back in the 1980’s with the old Sealink ferries from Weymouth, lots of space inside and out
Same here in the 70’s though I was only small then I can’t remember much about it.
WOW quite an adventure for you mate Next Time fly to jersey I Mean 12 Odd hours on a big ferry Crazy but as you said staff were friendly but take the fast craft or Consider flying but your videos never go out of style so I've enjoyed this one hope you've have a nice time In jersey
Cheers Caleb, yes once I’d finally settled in I quite enjoyed the island. Fast craft next time - probably to Guernsey I think 👍
Those on-board food prices were amazing for a ferry! Try finding that on P&O from Dover to Calais!
Yes that was a real positive. Best prices I’ve found so far are with CalMac. I would definitely recommend some of their routes up in Scotland 👍
It is worth paying the extra for the Club Class Lounge on Commodore Clipper for day crossings. I have done this several times for trips to Guernsey. The Lounge gives you more comfortable seating plus complimentary hot and cold drinks, snacks and magazines. The Lounge is quite small so quite quiet if you need to rest or work during your journey.
Overnight cabins are more expensive now but the price is per cabin and includes breakfast.
Cheers Bethan, thanks for the info. It didn’t look too busy on my crossing tbh, I would’ve booked it online but, like I said, just another thing I could’ve done differently I guess. 😊
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...
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 I'd take the plane next time!
Yep, I will try the fast craft at some point though for comparison purposes (I did fly back from this trip though 🤫).
I would definitely find a different way of reaching Jersey/Guernsey in the future Mark !! Such a long time in Jersey before moving on, and as for the delay in getting off - why does it take so long for passengers to get off !? Like you said, it was only a walk of 150 yards by transport, which could easily have been walked even before they started unloading cars. Loving the video's :)
Cheers Andy, yep totally agree. There are probably ’standard procedures’ about that sort of thing!
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 😊👍
Enjoyed⛵⛵⛵⛵😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
Cheers mate ⛴️⛴️⛴️⛴️⛴️⛴️⛴️❌❌😆🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂
That was an expensive pie and chips and a pint (:). You are right the walking passengers seem to an afterthought. Thanks for the upload tho.
Yep, sounds like (from another comment) this is primarily freight. I get that, but Condor are quite happy to advertise and sell tickets to foot passengers on their website.
Please visit the beautiful island of guernsey! I live here, some nice places to visit are: castle cornet, underground hospital, cliff walks, beaches, our town, and of course, herm and sark.
Yes I’d love to. Looked really nice from the harbour but I need to get off next time! 😊👍
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 😊👍
Have you ever traveled to France from Jersey ? They do day trips to St Malo .
we did the trip from Poole, could just walk off the ferry, no waiting to be driven off.
I’m assuming that was on the fast ferry Grace. Like I said, I need to give that a go at some point 👍
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.
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!
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 😊👍
You can fly. The faster ferry maybe be better although at speed it can be rough.
The problem is that the bus needs to embark in the opposite direction of traffic, and quickly disembark before vehicles embarking. But I wouldn't take that trip but thanks.
I recently took the Newhaven Dieppe ferry, and all passengers were off before the trucks,. That is sensible
Never done that route but that sounds like a positive straightaway. I’ll get round to it at some point 👍
I remember seeing the ferries to Jersey etc when sat on the excellent Sandbanks beach in Poole over 30 years ago and I agree this ferry does look dated and very minimalist for such a long journey compared to say Harwich to Hoek Of Holland or the overnight Hull/Rotterdam etc. Agree the foot delays were unacceptable and really would put a big dampener on events.
I’ve recently done the Harwich - Hoek ferry (again) and yes I bet Sandbanks is a great place to watch the ferries. Cheers mate 😊👍