A £2 million interior refurbishment of car and passenger ferry Red Falcon in time for Easter 2014 is unveiled today (Friday) by Red Funnel Isle of Wight Ferries.
The investment will see the ship’s interior design and facilities replaced.
A “bright, modern and stylish” new look is being promised to “set the standard” for cross-Solent travel.
The number of internal seats will rise by 55% while other features include two new passenger lounges, a pet-friendly lounge, improved wi-fi and more laptop and mobile phone charging points new food and drink options.
The Red Falcon project is due to start in February be completed in time for the Easter holidays. The work will be undertaken in Southampton.
Red Funnel Paul Winter, acting chief executive said: “As a business we are committed to improving the way in which we serve our customers. I am confident that this investment does exactly that, and it comes at an exciting time for the company, as we aim to become the ‘preferred choice’ for all customers wanting to travel to and from the island.
“We therefore believe that it will help deliver a boost to the Isle of Wight and Southampton economies.”
He added: “If the new design and layout proves as popular with customers as we expect, then I am confident that we can make further investments in customer service for Red Eagle and Red Osprey that would further raise our service standards in time for the 2015 summer season”.
The ferry company’s operations director Murray Carter said: “We have listened very carefully to our customers over the last few years to develop a new travel experience which will meet their needs – significantly more inside seats, more tables for food and drinks, air conditioning, a new pet lounge, better facilities for wheelchair users and an improved food and beverage offer are just some of the highlights”.