Red Funnel's Red Falcon Refit

[Lrd]

I know this a rail forum but know that some of you will be interested.

Red Funnel is currently in the process of refitting the Red Falcon, which includes completely new interiors, two new lounges and a new outside deck.

There are some pictures of the refit here.

She passed her MCA drill today and is scheduled to be back in service on Friday (4th April) as planned. For those of you that want to see her she will be on the following sailings;

From Southampton
0800
1100
1400
1700

From East Cowes
0930
1230
1530
1830

She's likely to be on these sailings for at least two weeks (last I heard) as she will be able to lay up overnight.

 

[kylemore]

Looks very nice, presumably if it's well received the other two boats will follow?

 

[Lrd]

Looks very nice, presumably if it's well received the other two boats will follow?

Yes, if all works out well and management are happy that it was a worthwhile investment then the Red Osprey will be done at the end of this year with Red Eagle following either early next year or late next year.

 

[kylemore]

Thanks, Red Funnel setting the pace again compared to the cutbacks and stagnation at Portsmouth.

 

[BestWestern]

Thanks, Red Funnel setting the pace again compared to the cutbacks and stagnation at Portsmouth.

Indeed. I was going comment that this rather puts Wightlink's tatty vessels to shame. Any sign of a serious refurb or upgrade to the original 'Saints', which are now becoming very dated indeed, seems to be completely absent. There seems to have been precious little beyond a few minor livery tweaks and the addition of the tiny shops some years ago, which seem now to have been abandoned? Rather a shame the firm chose to replace it's fast craft, which from a passenger perspective appeared to be modern and pretty well kept, ditching at the same time the distinctive 'Fast Cat' brand, instead of doing something with the ancient car ferries.