The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has been rated the worst domestic ferry service across the United Kingdom.
It would appear it’s not just the Manx Crab’s that have been moaning about the company, as ‘Which?’ (a website that reviews products and services) has released its ferry survey results, and they don’t show the Steam Packet in a wonderful light.
According to it’s survey people have complained about ‘poor facilities, too many cancellations and sky-rocketing prices’.
Domestic ferry service
The survey also noted the Company’s dispute with Maritime Union, Nautilus, saying, ‘Plans to improve reliability by making staff sleep on board (to ‘respond more flexibly to bad weather’) and firing those who refuse, provoked a union dispute’.
Thank the lord, that is now all resolved and we can hopefully look forward to no more Steam Packet vs Union fall outs.
Back to the survey – the Steam Packet came out with a 56% customer score, compared to the ‘best’ ferry operator, Northlink ferries which is on 80%.
Ratings
The Packet got 3/5 stars for its toilets, cleanliness, customer service and passenger space – I’d like to dispute this. They clearly haven’t gone on the all singing all dancing Manxman that, when it sails, you are never stuck for a seat!
It did however then drop to 2/5 stars for the facilities the Company offers… I wonder if that will change when the Liverpool terminal is open?
The Steam Packet vessels didn’t receive a mark for food and drink, value for money, and ease of booking.
Value for money… I don’t think I need to say anything here – I’ll let you make your own mind up on that.
However, what I will defend is the food and drink. I will not stand for anyone slagging off the breakfast on the Manxman or Ben My Chree (Manannan I can’t comment as rarely get it), but the big breakies on the big boats are bloody mega and set you up for a day.
Likewise, so does the bar on all of the vessels – plus it stocks all Fynoderee, so I’m always made up with that.
If you want to check out the survey for yourself you can do here.
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