Red Jet 6 operates the speedy 25minute (foot) passenger only crossing between Southampton and West Cowes, Isle of Wight, saving 35minutes compared to the journey time of the car ferry.
More akin to being aboard an aeroplane, passengers are asked to remain seated throughout the short journey unless needing the toilet facility - there is no exterior deck nor a cafeteria, although I have been informed an 'at seat' refreshment service would have been available pre-Covid.
Come with me for a quick trip to the island and back.
Let's start from the beginning.
The online booking process was simple. For a day return you simply book the day you wish to travel and 'turn up & go' for which ever crossing you wish to make. As long as you are at the terminal in good time for your chosen crossing you will be fine. Unless presumably it is the height of the summer season or a festival event on the island?
The Red Jet terminal (T2) is located at the seaward end of the Town Quay and consists of an enclosed reception hall, adjacent seating area and an exterior viewing area overlooking the Red Jet berth. A Starbucks outlet can be found at the 'land end' of the pier.
As soon as the craft arrives off the jetty passengers wishing to travel congregate at the top of the gangway on the wooden decking and once embarkation commences your QR code, which was sent to you upon booking, is scanned allowing you to proceed down to the craft through the covered walkway.
Red Jet 6 is a simple craft; one open plan cabin divided into four sections
(A through to D) with large baggage racks within the embarkation 'hall' and a single toilet within the aft lounge.
The whole cabin is carpeted, the seating is comfortable - upholstered in grey with a red backing, individual drinks holders located on the (uncomfortable) metal arm rests, numerous flat screen TV's throughout advertising places of interest on the island as well as giving important safety information and, a nice touch, colour changing lights around the windows at the forward end.
After a slow departure to prevent excessive wash around the jetty, Red Jet 6 accelerates considerably, though engine noise within the cabin is very low - several videos can be found on FOREward Thinking, a nautical flavour's FaceBook page @a2bviasea
Views of the passing coast are good, especially as there is no spray against the windows - though on a rough crossing this could be different!
There are no power sockets in any of the lounges, though there are some USB sockets if you look hard enough however, the one I tried was not working so if you do need to urgently charge electronic equipment, please do so within the terminal before boarding.
Arriving at your destination a crew member will call out your seat zone (A,B,C,D) to invite those guests to leave. This is to prevent over crowding on the gangway.
The terminal at Cowes (west) is clean, though it is small and there is a decisive lack of seating so please do not arrive too early for your return crossing to Southampton.
There are various coffee shops and independent shops nearby which are ideal to pass any potential waiting time and the marina waterfront is a great place to catch some rays and watch the comings and goings of the Cowes Harbour.
It should be noted there is very much a community spirit here in West Cowes and many people were seen saying "good morning" to each other and stopping for a chat. Several locals also said "good morning" to me, which I thought was very welcoming. Thank you!
Red Jet 6 is a good, clean and comfortable fast craft with comfortable seating and plenty of leg room and well worth a crossing if you ever get the
opportunity........
..........though don't blink as you will be at your destination in no time!
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