IT’S the mini-cruise experience transporting people across the Solent.

One of Southampton’s best-known ferries has returned after a major £2.2m refit.

Red Funnel’s Red Osprey ferry is back on the water and people will be given a sneak preview today.

It’s been a major project for the company and bosses are passionate about enhancing links between Southampton and the Isle of Wight.

Daily Echo:

The refurbishments took two months to complete with new features like a sun deck and upgrades to the seating areas and technological gadgets.

Now the Daily Echo has been given a tour, exploring the plush new facilities and talking to chief executives about the refurbishment before the ship gets back to business tomorrow.

The refurbishment was given the green light last year following a record-breaking year for Red Funnel, which saw traffic levels up 15 per cent over the main summer holiday period.

Designers modelled the new facilities on the Red Falcon vessel, which was decorated and returned to service last April.

Walking through the vessel it is clear Red Funnel wanted to embrace the mini-cruise feel for passengers travelling across Southampton waters.

 

Kevin George, chief executive of Red Funnel, said: “We are very committed to working with communities on the Island to help their economy but we are also aware that it is an hour-long journey and people should feel comfortable so we wanted to give that slightly more luxurious feel.”

The upgraded Red Osprey includes 55 per cent more inside seats, two new lounges, a new interior design, air-conditioning throughout the ship, free Wi-Fi in all passenger areas and lift and wheelchair access to the outer promenade deck.

A total of 35 digital screens have been installed to show TV, a live video feed from bridge-top cameras, real-time travel information and visitor information and two 65in interactive touch-screens capable of hosting children’s games and quizzes.

Kevin added: “We have really used the customer feedback to find out what people wanted and now passengers seem very happy with it all. I think the extra seating has made a big difference, the fact that we have a child friendly and pet friendly area so pet owners aren’t standing in the cold and we have added a sun deck with wooden benches for people to enjoy the view.”

Today people have been invited on a whistlestop tour between 10am and 4pm at Red Funnel’s Terminal 1 with 35 producers exhibiting their new products onboard and entertainment.

The ship will operate two mini-cruises, giving 1,000 pre-booked guests the chance to see the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt anchored off Stokes Bay.

Wave 105 presenter and ferry enthusiast Rick Jackson will be onboard for the morning cruise, with morning show host Mark Collins joining in the fun in the afternoon.

All those attending will receive exclusive travel vouchers and details of how to enter a spring prize draw to win one of 101 fantastic prizes, including an amazing four-night holiday.

There will also be two free cruises departing from Southampton at 11am and 2.25pm to give people the chance to explore the new-look ferry.

Guests can apply for free tickets through Red Funnel’s website on a first come, first served basis.

To apply for tickets visit or call 0844 8449988.