Condor Liberation

[wortley]

Thete is another thread running asking whether the ferry industry has an image problem. It sure does. 

[Timmy]

On 08/09/2019 at 18:36, Cabin-boy said:

Can you explain how leaving early saves them fuel. If true, I'm off to work right now and you've just solved the world's energy crisis. ☺️ Ed

Leaving early means they don't need to run as fast across the Channel so they save fuel, quite simple really.

[TonyMWeaver]

On 08/09/2019 at 12:27, nottingham said:

Well what a 'disaster' - a lovely time in Jersey, marred only by Condor ferries, their poor organization, and their Liberation ferry:

• Starting at Poole ferry port 30th August (what an unattractive area that is), arrived extra early as requested by e-mail 'due to the port being very busy'.  It wasn't - total lack of direction in the port area, we were queued next to a BF shed to await embarkation.  WE could hear very loud 'Phantomesque' music being played, so don't know what was going off in there.
• One of the first vehicles to embark, we drove on, had to U turn then reverse into the open deck at the bow.  (Worse than the shunting on Bretagne!)
• Crossing was fine in the Horizon lounge, the food didn't impress, but was edible, arrived on time.
• Drove off into St Helier, initially very disappointed being faced with the redevelopments near the harbor - very different from 25 years ago.  All those large corporate buildings are so ugly.
• Spent the week exploring the coastline, visited two excellent attractions - Jersey war tunnels and Elizabeth Castle.
• Was advised by text on 5th of delays due to Liberation slow speed pending maintenance and a later departure.
• Parked up at ferry terminal, went to desk to get boarding passes, as instructed previously (if we couldn't pre-print).  Guy on the desk spoke limited English  and could not understand why we were there - eventually he printed them off and sent us to the check in kiosk, where they inspected with surprise and re-issued including one for the vehicle.
• Boarded ferry - tight squeeze, almost last to embark, put in a centre lane with a large space one side as an unaccompanied Condor trailer was taking up 1+ lanes next to us (more about that later)
• Got to the lounge to find our reserved seating occupied  - sorted this amicably, noted lots of confusion with seating.
• Set off for Guernsey - a bit choppy.
• Whilst in St Peter Port, Clipper arrived - we seemed to wait a long time before departing - announcement made to the effect that the port could not cope with 2 ferries at once, some vehicles for Plymouth (WTF) had been  loaded in error.  Much shunting of cars etc and we eventually got away
• Further announcement - seat allocation had failed due to rescheduling? Sit wherever you want in your chosen area.  There was a surge of passengers uncontrolled into the Horizon lounge (the digital code lock door seemed permanently open) Soon became unbearably hot and stuffy.
• This with the choppy sea as Liberation wallowed to Poole was too much for my tum - yuk!  Many lost drinks and food from table tops. Difficult to stand safely.
• Arrived Poole around 2100, should have been 1930 originally
• Disembarkation was slow, obstructed vans etc by the aforementioned trailer - they only had inches clearance between it and my car!
• Gave up on driving home that night - dumped ourselves in a Travelodge for the night and drove home yesterday.

I do hope BF do take them over - far more professional and organized in comparison

I can't see us ever using Poole or Condor Liberation again - very disappointed  and can't really understand some of the enthusiasm I have seen expressed on here for the route!

I don't understand why you are blaming Condor Ferries for the state of the port and surrounding 'Ugly' buildings. That's hardly the fault of the ferry company.

[Cabin-boy]

7 hours ago, Timmy said:

Leaving early means they don't need to run as fast across the Channel so they save fuel, quite simple really.

Ah, yes. I assumed that leaving early meant arriving early too. Silly me! I was forgetting which ship we were talking about for a moment! Anyway it might save fuel but then the overtime costs for the crew could offset any savings. And I think that Liberation running more slowly causes increased levels of discomfort for the passengers leading to reduced onboard sales and higher cleanup costs. Far better to just get people there ASAP and avoid any more excuses for the customers to whinge and moan I'd have thought. Ed. 

[nottingham]

16 hours ago, TonyMWeaver said:

I don't understand why you are blaming Condor Ferries for the state of the port and surrounding 'Ugly' buildings. That's hardly the fault of the ferry company.

The overall bad experience was down to Condor's shambolic arrangements - architecture I agree is not their 'problem', and was the least of my issues.  

[Nick Hyde]

In today's Guernsey Press. Behind the scenes report on Condor Liberation.

[Nick Hyde]

[Khaines]

Thought I’d put a pic of Lib up, was killing time to go across on the chain ferry yesterday to take pics of Connemara, and she appeared.  Recently out of dry dock, not sure if she’s been painted or not, she looks like she has had a paint refresh.

[The Ferry Man]

My last trip of the year should be on the Liberation - Black Friday deal (in fact costing more to get to Poole). Just hoping the weather is... kind!

[Khaines]

53 minutes ago, The Ferry Man said:

My last trip of the year should be on the Liberation - Black Friday deal (in fact costing more to get to Poole). Just hoping the weather is... kind!

Hopefully the weather will settle down soon, it has either been windy, freezing or wet.  I know it is winter but be nice to get a decent spell of nice weather.  I nipped over to Sandbanks on Saturday as luckily for me I had a free day and it was mild and dry!

One thing about Lib, is she flippin stank, as she went past I got a few lungfuls of her exhaust...😄

[Khaines]

Why is Libby heading to Cherbourg.  Someone asked me on Messenger. I have no idea  She is empty as well from what I was told..

[Cabin-boy]

It could be for berthing trials to prepare for any future route changes following the BF/Condor tie-up. Ed. 

[TonyMWeaver]

Could be but it's unlikely. Brittany Ferries are still awaiting approval from the statutory authorities in France and the UK. I still believe that Normandie Express won't be swapped with Liberation, Paul Luxon even said that there will be no operational changes.

[Jim]

9 minutes ago, TonyMWeaver said:

Could be but it's unlikely. Brittany Ferries are still awaiting approval from the statutory authorities in France and the UK. I still believe that Normandie Express won't be swapped with Liberation, Paul Luxon even said that there will be no operational changes.

I'd have thought quite unlikely - though, assuming all goes through with the authorities... what would be interesting is if (when!) there is disruption to Condor at any point if NEX is involved in providing any cover (which would be at knock-on disruption to BF's operations). Time will tell.

[Khaines]

From what I have been told on Facebook it is a non pax test run for new engines.

[The Ferry Man]

27 minutes ago, Khaines said:

From what I have been told on Facebook it is a non pax test run for new engines.

When did she come back from refit?

[Gareth]

I think Ed’s just stirring. 😉

[Cabin-boy]

3 minutes ago, Gareth said:

I think Ed’s just stirring. 😉

No, I've been awake for hours! Ed. 

[Khaines]

9 minutes ago, The Ferry Man said:

When did she come back from refit?

Quite recently within the past month. I went round the port around a month ago and Rapide was still covering.  

[The Ferry Man]

1 hour ago, Khaines said:

Quite recently within the past month. I went round the port around a month ago and Rapide was still covering.  

Does this mean tomorrow will be her first pax crossing since returning? 

[Khaines]

No, because I recently took a pic of her on her way out in the past week or so.  

[The Ferry Man]

1 hour ago, Khaines said:

No, because I recently took a pic of her on her way out in the past week or so.  

Strange to do a new engine test run now then, unless it's been changed since returning.

[Khaines]

6 minutes ago, The Ferry Man said:

Strange to do a new engine test run now then, unless it's been changed since returning.

I am wondering why Cherbourg - more to this than meets the eye methinks...  I have just looked at her past track on marine traffic and she went to the HSC berth, so could have been berthing trials as well?  She is back in Poole now.

Edited December 18, 2019 by Khaines

[DorsetWillsy]

1 hour ago, The Ferry Man said:

Strange to do a new engine test run now then, unless it's been changed since returning.

Been having some work done on them while in Poole lately seen lots of engineer vans on quayside Think sailing pictured the other day was also a see trial. Lots of weather cancellations so plenty of time to do it! Good excuse for a Berthing trial. Never know a C I to cherbourg run en route back to UK? Who knows. Usual sea trails only around the Dorset coast. 

[northsaul2]

It was a berthing trial, I am not convinced by all the hype it was an test paid for by MTU.  Sure that was the main reason and most of the cost was likely paid for, however why Cherbourg, why not Guernsey?? or just out and back.  Ferry companies do things for a reason.  As for no operational changes, think that is slightly economical with the truth, what about the advanced plans for Goodwills's replacement with a ro/pax 

Edited December 19, 2019 by northsaul2
spelling mistake