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Keep fares low campaign - BLOG
HD Ferries has been so overwhelmed by the fantastic support from customers and local people
that we have dedicated a page to a few of your enthusiastic comments. Disclaimer.
We need and want you back H.D so hope to see you all again in the new year.
We had many a happy trip on H.d last summer and fingers crossed we can do the same next school summer holidays.
Posted on: 29 December 2008 by Jason from Jersey
£160 EACH WAY to France with a car with Condor - rip off !
Posted on: 15 December 2008 by Jersey boy from Jersey
please please please let us know when you are coming back.it is getting to that time of year when we have to book our holidays.we travelled with you 5 times last year and always found the staff friendly.Would like to know it is all year round or at least no short notice cancellation ;ike last year. we require the boat March to November inc.Please make prices realistic and low so that you do not suffer financially.It still would be cheaper than condor
Posted on: 15 December 2008 by Debbie from Jersey
Hi,
I anxiously wait in anticipation of your annoncement as to wether you are going to resume your excellent service next year!I would like to add however that I think you should restructure your fares as in my opinion I think the demise of Emmeraude was that they too were offering fares too low (£104 for a car and two passengers) so I don't know how you were able to do the same journey for £78 in today's economic climate?Please come back but charge a realistic fare(£100-£150) would not be ureasonable.
Regards,
Clive
Posted on: 13 December 2008 by Clive from Jersey
Copy of letter sent to JEP
Dear Sir,
It was interesting to read Senator-elect Alan MacLean's comments regarding HD Ferries and the level playing field with Condor, there never has been a level playing field since Condor were allowed to cross-subside the St Malo route by using their mainland ferries to pickup and drop off cars & Passengers en route to France.
It was even more surprising to read Senator-elect MacLean's comments, bearing in mind that he will probably be in charge of Economic development, is this not the department tasked with promoting tourism and competition?
What next, will he be sending the same message to the airline companies that have chosen to suspend flights for the winter citing the economic downturn?
Posted on: 10 December 2008 by David Le Corre from Jersey
please come back for 2009, we need competition to bring those prices back down, hope you sor the uk route out too....fed up flying due to the prices
Posted on: 04 December 2008 by Bruce from Jersey
Looking forward to hearing news about you coming back next year and also on any developments for CI to St.Malo and the UK route.
Posted on: 26 November 2008 by Harry from UK
Do hurry and announce your comeback, I am getting fed up of being quoted up to £250 for a four day return by rip off Condor.
Posted on: 25 November 2008 by Dave from Jersey
Come back and do the run from portsmouth to st malo with passengers and freight via guernseyand jersey best wishes to a speedy recoverery to hd!
Posted on: 09 November 2008 by Barry from Jersey
Please !please! come back next year.Good Luck
Posted on: 09 November 2008 by Dany from Jersey
Hello. I have used your service many time over the first and second season that hd runned, and i would just like to say that your service was and still is fanastic, even though there was some cancelacions, but they are perfectly understandable because as we all know Jersey weather isn't always reliable and not your service that isn't, unfortunatly it all all stopped.
Well, as I travelled on hd ferries for buisness 4 days a week as i have a buisness over on france, and your 7:15 and the 21:00 crossing fitted my days working over in france perfecly, now with the ''other company'' that travels to St. Malo it's very hard to maintane a buisness out there cause of the times and ''them'' being unreliable and very expencive, this meanning in the summer season of course.
Posted on: 07 November 2008 by Gary from Jersey
PLEASE don't let the political shenanigans interfere with your business. We have used you a lot and you were always better than Condor, especially only taking 55 minutes every time (even in a Force 4-5). Condor took 95 minutes when we used them recently (after you had gone)and no hint of an apology or explanation as to why.
PLEASE COME BACK!!
Posted on: 05 November 2008 by Jane from Jersey
Hello everyone.
I was working for hd ferries as cabin crew on board of the hd1 this season, and I just want to thank you all for all your support towards hd ferries and all the good comments that you've given us.
It's been a plesure serving every single one of YOU on board and hope you have enjoyed our service. Thank you.
Posted on: 23 October 2008 by Tomas from Jersey
I would like to say thank you for the opportunity to visit my Family this season in Portugal thanks to your cheap fares. Good Luck to all your staff for the future.
Posted on: 23 October 2008 by Mark Olver from Jersey
Are you coming back ? I hope the answer is yes ,we have traveled with you ever 2 weeks this year to France and have suported you from day 1 , please dont let CON dor win they have made your lives hell from the begining , please tun it around and get one over on them , they charge what they like .hence the name CON, All the staff where great , for 1 they spoke to you as if you where human , unlike condor staff , who look at you as if you are something under there shoe . so please come back stronger and stuff the politicians of Jersey think they might be god but there not . I personally would get a potision up and running on your behalf so please let us know so we can travel again with you next year.
Posted on: 05 October 2008 by Diane from Jersey
Please, please, please come back in 2009.
This year we havn't been able to go away but we have promised the kids we will be going to France next summer camping and we want to pay a fair price for a short crossing. HD fares are half the price of condor so even adding a fuel charge you will still be cheaper.
Everone knows there is something fishy about how Condor can keep HD waiting to get in the harbour and no-one reports a thing but if its the other way around its in the papers!!
I will always use Condors competor and it was them who said there should be one when they got rid of Emerude, dont let them have the satifaction of getting to you too.
We will always support HD as long as they are here
Posted on: 14 September 2008 by Zoe from Jersey
I have travelled with HD ferries to St Malo with a car and 2 adults during August 2007. We unfortunatly were delayed on one crossing.
We were very dissapointed and used Condor ferries as a return.
But after our dissapointed we would use HD ferries as our first choice purely for the competition with Condor. Condor have had the channel island monopoly for far too long and its time for competition.
KEEP IT UP HD!
Posted on: 11 September 2008 by Nick from Guernsey
WHHHHHHHHHYYYYYYYYYY????? this is so frustrating!!! condor have put their prices up 60% almost overnight because you are leaving!!! this is very unfair!! and why have you had nothing but bad press over recent months yet when condor 10 crashed into the west berth and ripped off a penant and no-one said a word...funny that!!?? it is a great shame to see you leave, your port side staff are tremendous and a wonderful asset to the company!! Jersey needs competition on these routes. Please come back!!!
Posted on: 07 September 2008 by James from Jersey
Very disappointed once again to discover that you have cancelled your service a week before our holiday , meaning we have to rebook a more expensive fare on Condor . Luckily we managed to get on their boat , but with such short notice it could have meant missing our holiday completely. We have always tried to support your service , but feel let down by this poor customer service.
Why not just charge a fuel subsidy ? Condor and low cost airlines do this and i am sure most customers would rather have to pay a little extra and have a reliable service. Everybody knows the price of fuel has gone up and condor have charged extra all year. Blaming your problems on this at the end of the year seems a little naive in business terms . You will need to demonstrate more reliability before we consider using you next year ,especially at the end of the season
Posted on: 07 September 2008 by nigelh from Jersey
Having got over my initial anger, I do hope that you can return in 2009, I wouldn't take too much notice of the threats to refuse a ramp license, as the people making the threats may not be in office in three months time, it is time that the politicians of this island woke up to the fact that while they offer Condor the protectionism and favored status that they have done for the past years, fair competition will not prevail.
I wish you well, and hope for your return.
PS interesting to see that the same trip for October has already gone up £35 in four days, God help us.
Posted on: 07 September 2008 by Dave from Jersey
I have made several trips on your services this year. Apart from weather, I can only say positive things about the quality of service you offer. I hope you will be back soon to keep up competition.
Posted on: 07 September 2008 by Mike from Surrey
Good to see some competition again in the CI waters, shame you are not running this winter. Hopefully all will be back to normal next year or who knows even before with a bit of luck. Try to stay on top and hopefully Condor will relax their prices!
Posted on: 05 September 2008 by Jos from Belgium
I have to say that I am extremely disappointed that HD has decided to cut short their timetables. Myself and 11 friends were due to travel to St Malo over the first weekend of October and have now had to move to Condor. We now have to come back 3 hours earlier than expected, meaning we have to change our plans for our weekend and pay almost £230 extra between us for the privilege.
We travel to France several times a year and have only ever travelled with Condor if we absolutely have to. We have travelled with HD since you started and before that with Emeraude. It is wrong that one operator should be allowed to do exactly what it likes (price-wise, priority on the berth etc) whilst the other one is doing what it can to be supportive to its customers. Where is the competition regulation and actual understanding that it is all about providing the best service you can to your client?
Decisions like this one to cut timetables short make it very hard to continue to support HD and very frustrating but until Condor realise that they have to provide a decently priced service that doesn't involve them rubbing their hands together yet again, then we will continue to do what we can to make sure there is another operator on the route.
Posted on: 05 September 2008 by Elenor from Jersey
Was sorry that you had to end your season early,but with friends like Ship and Fly who needs enemies,they have done you no favours since you started.
I have always found HD staff very friendly and efficient and hope to sail
with you many times next year.
THANK-YOU ALL, AND ALL THE BEST.
Posted on: 05 September 2008 by George from Guernsey
We have spent the summer supporting HD, I think it was ten sailings, we have recommended your company to so many and defended your service against the "other company" so many times !!!! Please, Please, Please find us a suitable boat and get back to the route, also raising the prices a little would help, could do like competitor, charge fuel surcharge, would that not help! Anything is better than abandoning us for the winter!!
Posted on: 04 September 2008 by Fiona and Nic (Cab Drivers) from Jersey
Dear H D . WE seriously think that you should have given more thought to the people who need you .Could you not have cut down on some of your runs to St Malo and even put your fares up slightly to cover the oil costs . People depend on you and yet again after all our support you are stopping dont you realise that you ARE SERIOUSLY NEEDED WHAT MORE CAN I SAY . Do you not think that you are jepodising your Jersey route we want you to stay but these politicans will stoop at nothing to be rid of you is there no way you could even have stayed until the end of October and started again in March . I support H D and am happy on your ship . Please try and sort this out to benifit you and your public.
Posted on: 04 September 2008 by Barbara from Jersey
I have been a proud supporter of the 'underdog' this year but now feel let down by you.
Posted on: 04 September 2008 by Francis from Jersey
I feel badly let down by your no notice cancelation of my and indeed all crossings from the 7th september, I have always in the past traveled by Condor and will continue to do so in the future. I know you wont post this but you can't claim to offer a alternative service on these routes if you only compete when it suits you.
Posted on: 04 September 2008 by Tony from Dinard, France
So sorry about this sad news. I for one am sorry for the staff too.
Posted on: 03 September 2008 by Monique from JERSEY
Dear H D,
I am absoutly gutted that you are not staying at least end of October Jersey people need you I was looking forward to my trip to France on the 26th September I can only afford to travel to France with you as so many people . Put the fares up to a £100 for car two people and my 2 dogs I am happy to pay that each trip Please think about it Dont let Condor continually rip us off You are my no frills ship and you are all super ThANK YOU PLease come back!
Posted on: 03 September 2008 by Barbara Turpin from Jersey
Well what can I say HD. I was booked with you for a day return on the 13th September, car and 2 people. We travel with you every month for our monthly shop in France, and now your not sailing.
You are playing straight into Condors hands, as they will have the monopoly again over the winter months, so lets just sit back and watch the prices rise. We have supported you 100%, but am afraid that that lot in the big house might not be interested next year when and if you re apply for your ramp licence/permit. It was nice using your service this year, but I really believe you have cooked your goose this time by pulling out with such short notice.
Posted on: 03 September 2008 by Sue from Jersey
Just used your service and excellent and would have been on time if it wasn't for CONDOR running late and taking the berth in St Malo. anyway all ready to book for next year and then i hear your sailings are cancelled.. HD you have to be in it to Win it, you had people's support last year but i think you may lose some supporters now. I for one will book with you next year, if you operate again? But dont leave it too long to annouce your running again in 2009.
Posted on: 03 September 2008 by J C from Jersey
We had booked for a break in September and at Christmas ,I was horrified to hear yet again that you have just stopped sailing ,whilst I have supported HD from the word go , I now find myself thinking well I may have to pay more with Condor but at least I will not be let down, I have got so many Portuguese friends too use HD but I think you may struggle next year with bookings after doing this.
GOOD LUCK if you return next year.
Posted on: 03 September 2008 by Mark from jersey
I am sad to see that you are not running a Winter service, but thank you for your no nonsense refund. I am not surprised that with the bad press you generally get that your advance bookings have suffered, the large majority of which is totally unjustified as usually when you cancel , so do Condor. I can't wait for your return and hope to book with you for many years to come.
Posted on: 03 September 2008 by Roger from Guernsey
Hi HD,
My family and I have just returned from a holiday in France (our 2nd this year) and are all very impressed with the patience your crew have toward wheelchair customers. We were hoping to use your services again for a winter holiday, but find ourselves extremely disappointed to hear that you've suddenly decided to cancel all sailings after the 7th September. Your prices have been extremely competitive and we have supported you the best we could throughout 2008 just as we promised we would, but this latest news has hit us hard and we're not sure we can promise our full support should you start sailing again next year, no matter how competitive your prices may be. Unfortunately you now prove to us that you're not as reliable or interested in your customers as we thought you to be. :-(
Posted on: 03 September 2008 by Debbie from Jersey
It is sad that we read today that HD Ferries are ending their summer season early. I can understand why you ae doing it but i can't help but think this is the last nail in the coffin for HD Ferries.
HD had loads of problems last year & i think HD have redeemed themselves this year with a much better service. Now ending the service early and having no winter service can't be good.
I have always supported HD and defended them when people have been negative about them but i'm speechless this time.
I wish you all the luck in the world and lets hope to see you next year.
Posted on: 03 September 2008 by Mr Sad from Guernsey
I am saddened and a little more than angry, as I am sure a lot more of your loyal customers will be, that with 4 days notice, you are yet again suspending services for the winter, at least last year a bit more notice was given, we are all suffering from the economic downturn and rising fuel costs, but we all have to accept it.
I would have thought that having given an undertaking to carry out an all year service, you would have given at least a months notice in order for people to either make alternative arrangements and those that are away from home be able to return without being ripped off by the one remaining carrier.
I hope that you return next year and wish you well.
Posted on: 03 September 2008 by Dave from Jersey
I have just seen the press release.. stopping for the winter again when even up to last week we were being told that you would be sailing through the winter! Condor must be jumping with joy that they can once again charge us what they want for the crossing.. and is there any truth that the HD1 is for sale on US websites?? if so I hope that a more reliable ship can be purchased.. one that (with sister ships) has a proven track record, with spares easily obtained..
We have given HD our full support since the very start of the service.. but us jerseymen can only give it for so long if we keep getting let down!
I hope that you return stronger and better next year but the eyes of the channel islands will be on you.
Posted on: 03 September 2008 by Andy from Jersey
arriving in st malo yesterday morning with my car after being told the ferry was full for cars and thinking i wld hve to come back as a foot passenger and my car to follow on wed the standard of service put on by your shore staff and boat crew were first class well done i look forwad to seeing all the familiar faces soon
Posted on: 02 September 2008 by andy from guernsey
We think that despite the problems you have had over the past year, you are doing a great job. It is really nice to see some competition for the other ferry company - competition is always healthy.
Posted on: 02 September 2008 by Peter and Mandi from Guernsey
We have just returned to Guernsey from St Malo on our last trip this year unfortunately our last one as we have run out of holidays! But what a brilliant service you run and we look forward to using your service again next year.
Posted on: 26 August 2008 by Colin from Guernsey
I think HD are great - my daddy and I go to France from England just to enjoy HD's low fares and great service. I think you should sail from England - my daddy says from Hull cos he wouldn't have to drive so far then - How about it HD???? I like your boat when it goes zooming through the sea and all the friendly people on it.
Posted on: 23 August 2008 by James from Barnsley (From up North)
My parents use HD Ferries constantly to mainly cross to France to live in their home there and have recommended HD to all our family and friends over and over, the prices and service right down to the most basic of customer services is absolutely first class always and that is why myself and my young family will always support you too. Thank you for being by far the fairest and most competitive not to mention most reliable and clearly priced ferry company established.
Posted on: 22 August 2008 by Matt from Jersey
I support low fares!
Posted on: 14 August 2008 by Sam from Jersey
My wife and I very much appreciate not only the competative fares but also the excellent service given to us by hd staff. It must be working well as your ferry has been full to capacity on our recent monthly journies. Long may this continue.
With thanks and best wishes.
Posted on: 14 August 2008 by P.A. from Jersey
Hi HD . I support HD fully I call it the no frills ship .But I think that your service is excellent so please carry on the good work.
Posted on: 12 August 2008 by Barbara from Jersey
We fully support HDferries and will continue to do so having made 4 trips this year, (unfortunately many of them resulted in date changes, which while being inconvenient will not prevent us supporting the ferry).
But I must complain about Monday 11/8/08 4pm sailing St Malo to Guernsey. We had checked midday Sunday and yes everything was fine only 25 cars booked on.
At 10:20pm that night a text message was that the boat was cancelled. We could go to Jersey at 10am the next morning and spend the day waiting in Jersey and then to Guernsey at 4pm, the reason given was rough weather. I cannot believe it was rough from St Malo to Jersey but not from Jersey to Guernsey at 4pm I believe it was to combine sailings. This last minute change caused problems. so please give earlier warnings and also tell the truth about the sailings it will not stop me sailing!
Editor note: Hi David, I can promise you it was not to combine sailings, we would far prefer not to disrupt passengers (which is a most costly exercise) but we could not run the turbulent crossing between Jersey and Guernsey until later when the weather subsided. Also the weather changed quickly hence the late notice. Thanks.
Posted on: 12 August 2008 by DavidE from Guernsey
Hope that HD ferries continue to give a fairly priced reliable service.
And we hope that you will run through the winter this year.
Posted on: 11 August 2008 by Ken & Cheryl from Jersey
Monopolies are only good for the monopoly operator, competition gives the ordinary working man a chance to have a fairer deal, keep up the good work.
Posted on: 04 August 2008 by Nigel from Jersey
Definitely keep low prices!
Posted on: 04 August 2008 by Kelley from Jersey
Hello h.d!! i like your ferry much, excellent service, excellent crew!! any plans to run through the winter?? If so you have my support!!
Editor note: Hi James, yes we do plan to run through the winter and our timetables are in and on sale! Thanks for your support.
Posted on: 31 July 2008 by James from Jersey
never travelled with he before we set off for our 6.15 check in on Sunday 20th July. We had a wonderful crossing and even managed to glimpse some dolphins on the way (very happy children). Because the times were so good we managed a day in Dinard before we started our drive south. The return journey ran slightly late but again was great and at 101.20 for a car and family of 4 I can promise we will be supporting hd1 again!!
Posted on: 30 July 2008 by Allison from Jersey
We like your staff, we like your boat but most of all we like your competitive prices. Good luck an a successful year to you all!
Posted on: 29 July 2008 by John from Jersey
I agree with John. Those who carry out the security at St. Helier harbour are a total waste of space and achieve nothing.
Posted on: 28 July 2008 by Harry from Jersey
Re 90 minute check-in.
The real joke then must surely be the Mickey-Mouse security checks at St. Helier Harbour. What an incredible waste of money and everyone's time.
Posted on: 28 July 2008 by John from Jersey
Your sailing news now indicates a requirement for a ninety minute check-in in Jersey. Please tell me this is a joke!
Editor note: Hi John, unfortunately this is not a joke. During the high season where we are regularly running full we have had numerous situations waiting for comprehensive security checks to be finished. This then causes the HD1 to depart late and can cause further delays throughout the day. After listening to our customers (several of whom have complained on this BLOG about being late) we have introduced this measure to ensure we leave on time even with a full load. I hope this helps explain this decision.
Posted on: 27 July 2008 by John from Jersey
Yes - competition most certainly needed, keep up the good work!!
Posted on: 27 July 2008 by Jill from Jersey
We travelled with Condor to France and back to Guernsey with HD. Very impressed and will be travelling with HD Ferries both ways in future. The fare was a third of the price of Condor and the service was great.
Posted on: 27 July 2008 by Roger from Guernsey
Looking at your sailing News page I see that you are now requesting Jersey passengers to check in 90 minutes before departure, could you explain the reasoning behind this? and if as I suspect it is something to do with the security check in does it apply to both ferry companies as no mention is made of this on the Con dor website? or is some jobs worth putting obstacles in HDs way, I certainly do not wish to have to get up at 5am to catch the 7:15 sailing to France.
Posted on: 27 July 2008 by Dave from Jersey
We have supported ever since you started on the route and will always be our 1st choice. But we recently had to return early as my mother was taken ill & We were charged an astronomical amount to come back early.
Editor note: Hi Tony, we are sorry to read about your mother and wish her a speedy recovery. Unfortunately with demand pricing as we get closer to the sailing date the sailing becomes very full and therefore our pricing increases. This is the reason for the increase in fare.
Posted on: 26 July 2008 by Tony from Jersey
Having recently travelled to France and back, I would like to thank you for super trips, on time, and a reminder from the Duty Officer that the return journey being on a Thursday had been brought forward to 18.15. This was much appreciated, although we were aware of it. We will continue using HD Ferries.
Posted on: 25 July 2008 by Anne from Jersey
Thank you HD for providing such an affordable alternative to Condor. I still can't believe the difference in prices and certainly no less quality of service.
Posted on: 23 July 2008 by Jules from Jersey
So far this year we have made about 6 trips, however this weekends trip was not so good. I called Jersey on Monday to be told everything was running on time so we travelled from Dinan in time to be there at 8.30pm. the boat arrived 30 minutes late and by the time the freight was unloaded we were leaving 45 minutes late. The trip then took 1 hour 34 minutes. We finally got home at 11.25pm.
A few of ideas that may help:
more than 1 dock worker to take off freight this alone took 21 minutes
an honest state of affairs ie we are on 3 engines and an estimated time of arrival followed by free coffee/tea to soften the blow.
if you want to get a share of freight from St Malo you need to re visit your arrangements.
We will try again in September and see what happens. Good luck.
Editor note: Hi Joe (and Alan below), thanks for your feedback. We have just sent around an internal message to improve our customer communication in this matter as we totally agree we need to improve here. If there is a delay for whatever reason we must tell our customers. Please let me know if this improves on your next journey and thank you for your support.
Posted on: 23 July 2008 by Joe from Jersey
If there is something wrong with the boat why dont you tell people instead of continually running late as you did on Monday night.
If you kept people informed I feel people would be more sympathetic.
Posted on: 23 July 2008 by Alan from Jersey
We are regular passengers on your St Malo route and are pleased with the service and your fares.
We are wondering when you are going to start sailing to the UK.
As we are fed up of being ripped off by Condor.
All the best
Posted on: 21 July 2008 by Nic from Jersey
Heya just to let you know that on your website information about the port of cherbourg is still up and alderney and cherbourg still are on your route map when on the second page of making a booking. Just pointing it out so people don't get confused thanks!
Editor note: Hi Jack, thanks for the feedback, we have changed the map on the second page now. We have kept the port of Cherbourg information on the information pages as we will still be considering it as a route next year. Thanks for your support.
Posted on: 21 July 2008 by Jack from Jersey
Why should travelling by ferry be expensive in the slightest!
Keep up the good work.
Posted on: 21 July 2008 by William from Hampshire
Thanks to Sandra, Pedro, Sexy Sonia, and Curley ;-) and the rest of the front liners who give me another reason to smile on a friday evening as i head back to france!
Great service, great customer care, and great prices! Thanks for everything guys!!
Posted on: 19 July 2008 by Eric from France
Keep up the good work. Just returned from a fabulous holiday in Guernsey and the crossing was superb. Staff were polite and curteous.
Posted on: 19 July 2008 by Martin from France
We are delighted to have an option and a sensible price to cross to St. Malo! Well done hd! Let's hope you can introduce a ferry to the UK too at a cheaper price!
Posted on: 18 July 2008 by Liz from Jersey
excellent service from hd your competitor has a lot to learn from you you are way ahead in customer care
its allways a pleasure to travel with you
thank you
Posted on: 17 July 2008 by mittch from jersey
Monique-what would you do without her-customer service to the highest-always goes that bit extra-friendly, fluent in ENGLISH and FRENCH. Does she ever get a day off?
Keep up the good work H D Ferries-low fares help so much when the economic climate is so bad.
Posted on: 16 July 2008 by CA from Jersey
Why can't the almighty Condor do these prices?
Posted on: 16 July 2008 by Mia from Jersey
great fares and low prices, polite staff as always and on time. you have blown condor ferries out of the water(excuse the pun) keep it up, as long as the fares stay the lowest i will keep supporting you
Posted on: 16 July 2008 by Craig from Jersey
My mate and I arrived in St Malo this morning about 09:00 hrs after a few days blasting around the D-Day beaches in Normandy on my motorcycle.The weather was pretty crap and we just wanted to come home.I was already to booked to come back with Condor and wanting to see if we could change our tickets, but their sailing was really late (20.00 hrs)....So we dragged our sorry butts over to the HD desk....I was pleasantly surprised when the guy behind the counter replied "59 Euros" for 2 passengers and a motorbike...I know there have been a few technical hitches with the HD1(So what? Condor had them too when they started using high speed catamarans), and that it can't sail in really rough weather(Again.So what? I hate being at sea when it's rough and would rather wait.....) Our journey home was fast, painless, impressively cheap, and very much appreciated by 2 very weary bikers....This is the first time I've travelled with HD but it'll most definetely not be the last.Well done Mr HD!!!!! Keep fares low!!!!!
Posted on: 15 July 2008 by Andy from Jersey
good service, fast boat, great fares. keep it up!
Posted on: 15 July 2008 by bob from Jersey
Hello Hd Ferries!
I am a regular traveler with hd ferries from jersey and just want to say what a wonderful staff you have in Jersey.
J.P - Is always friendly and very helpful with everything, he is a nice man to have a little chat...
Sonia - is very kind always with a nice smile in her face and she always try to help everybody with the difficult customers like me.
Diogo - is a very nice young man always there trying to help as well.
The rest of the staff is very kind as well but I can't remember the name of everybody know at the moment.
The staff on board is very kind and helpful, keep going!
Best wishes for all of you at HD Ferries.
Posted on: 10 July 2008 by Steven from Jersey
Used your service for the first time this week - very impressed with speedy, on-time crossing and staff courteous. Cost me the same for my wife and I to travel to France with our car, as it did a few weeks ago to travel as just foot passengers with a certain other ferry Company !
May you long continue !
Posted on: 09 July 2008 by David from Jersey
Just booked for my family to go to France with car - you are exactly half the fare of Condor so who should I choose - it's a no brainer! Also your times are far better and give us a much longer day in France, and the web site is far superior when it comes to booking on line. Well done HD. Glad you are back!
Posted on: 04 July 2008 by Jane from Jersey
HD, I support you all the way. As long as you keep your 4 engines and low fares!
Posted on: 04 July 2008 by Dave from Jersey
I am a regular traveller with hd ferries from jersey and just want to say what a wonderful team you have in Jersey, They are such a polite and friendly bunch, Sandra will always give you the time of day and have a chat with you, Diogo with his infectious smile and laugh, Rebecca with her georgous smile and bubbley personality, Paul with his ever willingness to help with anything, Pedro who is always courteous and polite, and Jake who is always coming up with solutions to my problems.
I just wish i could say the same about your competitors who i had to use over the winter break. I am so glad that you are back up and running on 4 engines again.
Posted on: 04 July 2008 by John from Jersey
Hi, Just like to tell you how pleased I am with your services, both the office staff and the staff on the boat, very helpful and kind indeed, specially now that the vessel is running on four engines, let's hope it stays this way. GO HD!
Posted on: 03 July 2008 by Jefferey from Jersey
Love your port side staff in jersey, very helpful and always seem to be happy to help. You get an excellent service on board with lots of smiling faces. Ffood is fantastic and reasonably priced. Well done keep it up.
Any news on the uk route?
:D
Posted on: 03 July 2008 by James from Jersey
I am using HD Ferries as a commuter as much as I can.
Do not change your schedule so often please!
I hope that you will keep going during the winter month's!!!!
Posted on: 30 June 2008 by G.Stein from Jersey
Glad you have your mechanical problems sorted, the boat really flies now!
Can I just say how pleased I am that you don't "rip off" your customers when amending bookings. I have changed two now and at only £10 per time will continue to support you all the way..
Posted on: 26 June 2008 by Roger from Jersey
I think it is about time that there was competition on Island/Uk/France routes. Condor have had things all their own way for far too long, and charge far too much for their salings. This must be the most expensive sea crossing in the world!
Posted on: 26 June 2008 by Lesley from Guernsey
GREAT PRICES KEEP IT UP.
Posted on: 25 June 2008 by GERRY from Jersey
Have just returned from a wonderful daytrip to France with 9 E-TYPEs. Not only did HD operate on time, but they were exceedingly careful loading the cars, and the staff very effficient and friendly as ever. Thanks also to Monique who was very helpful with the booking. As regular users of HD we wish it every success - and as a result of this trip, I think there are a few more that will be using your service in future.
Well done HD!
Posted on: 25 June 2008 by ANDREA from Jersey
My husband and I recently went on HD1 and were suprised to find a can of Iron Brew on the duty free menu. I decided to sample this beverage and found it to be extremely satisfying to my palette. I support HD Ferries sponsorship of this drink and will definitely use this service again!!
Posted on: 24 June 2008 by Jeff from Sark
9 of us recently sailed to St Malo on board HD1 (19/20 June) and I would just like to say how wonderful 'all' your staff were, so friendly and helpful and nothing was too much trouble for them!
Please continue to solve any problems with the boat to keep to regular sailings as it would be such a shame to see this service discontinued!
Editor note: Thanks for your support Linda, we certainly are working hard to ensure everything continues to run smoothly, and thanks to customers such as yourself we are very pleased to announce that:
HD1 is the Channel Islands' favourite ferry to France - Official!
Posted on: 23 June 2008 by Linda from Jersey
I fully support HD ferrys and wish them the best of luck and hope they are successful in competing with condor so they can bring the prices down. Good luck in the future with lowering the prices because the prices of Condor is to high. It is about time we had good competition so I hope you improve to help bring the prices down.
Posted on: 21 June 2008 by Luke from Guernsey
Hi, just to say that I have travelled twice now with HD Ferries to Guernsey and on both occasions I found the service to be excellent, and fast! I especially like the fact that it is possible to go outside on the boat - this makes for an even more enjoyable and comfortable crossing.
Roll on the services to the UK!
Posted on: 20 June 2008 by Rory from Jersey
I am really happy that HD have finally got their act together, and looking forward to travelling with them, the only problem is that the website always shows error on page, and I cant book online.
Editor note: Hi Tony, we will be contacting you today to try to resolve your error on page problem. Looking at the online booking numbers it does not seem to be effecting the majority of our customers, but we take this very seriously so will investigate immediately with you. Thanks for your support.
Posted on: 18 June 2008 by Tony from Jersey
Please hurry up and get a boat for trips to the mainland uk as i know you will be a lot cheaper. I am a person that likes good value for money! Please hurry up and make a lot of Jersey people happy!
Many thanks.
Posted on: 18 June 2008 by Tim from Jersey
I like very much to travel on the HD Ferries just because it makes me closer than ever to France. Thank you for the cheap prices that allow me to go so many times to France with my family and my friends. I hope that company is going to stay to allow trips for many future generations. The company allows young people and all the people who travel on HD Ferries to experience the joy of a trip to St Malo. The fares are always the cheapest, so I never travel between Jersey and St Malo with Condor. Thank you HD Ferries for your hospictality!
Posted on: 13 June 2008 by Joao from Portugal
I want HD Ferries to survive the competition as we like the local staff and a local connection!
Posted on: 12 June 2008 by Celia from Jersey
We were so impressed when we travelled to St Malo during the French fishermans blockade.
Although the delay was annoying, it was superbly handled by HD.
We were texted, emailed and telephoned to keep us up to date with the problem. When we were waiting to bord at St Helier staff came to each car to tell us the latest.
Well done for customer service.
Posted on: 09 June 2008 by Bob from Jersey
Thank you once again and I want to take this opportunity to thank you and all your staff for the boats running to schedule and also for the friendly approach your staff have. We certainly do enjoy travelling with HD Ferries.
Posted on: 08 June 2008 by Helen from Jersey
We have now had two sailings to and from Guernsey cut at short notice. We see the commercial sense in this if they were not viable due to the number of people wishing travel on these days and the escalating cost of fuel to run a half full vessel. However if you want to run a full boat, put on a Sunday evening sailing to Guernsey this would be packed I am sure, the success of your Jersey sailings are linked to the passenger friendly schedule. So come on you manage to cut sailings at short notice, how about adding an extra one on Sundays for the rest of the Summer.
Hi Gill, despite local press reports the predominant reason for the changes was to allow for a shorter day trip to St Malo from Jersey. We have seen strong indications that this will be very popular and more so than Jersey visitors going to Guernsey on these days.
We have also seen that most Guernsey travellers prefer to have a fuller weekend travelling back on the Monday. Hence our timetable allows for a direct service on the Monday rather than the Sunday (as you were suggesting). I hope this helps to answer your question.
Posted on: 08 June 2008 by Gill from Guernsey
I was interested in the daily sailings from Guernsey that were promised but when I look on the bookings page I see we in Guernsey are a long way off this with HD. Is the price of oil to blame?
Editor note: Hi Jane, the price of oil is partly to blame and also our requirement to maximise the opportunities in Jersey by having a shorter day trip to France. We also feel that from the market experience we have gained offering Guernsey on Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun with the two new direct sailings (Fri and Mon) better optimises our boat for the demands from Guernsey.
Thank you for your support, and please rest assured plans are already underway to have a further improved Guernsey service for 2009.
Posted on: 04 June 2008 by Jane from Guernsey
Travelled with you to St Malo last week for the first time everything was Excellent will certainly be using you in future it makes owning a home in France worthwhile when you can go and come back for under a hundred and thirty pounds (Try that with the others even with frequent traveller).
Posted on: 01 June 2008 by John from Guernsey
CAR HIRE - Has anyone else noticed that the car hire section of the hdferries website says 'Please click on one of the Europcar graphics below to pre-book your car hire in the Channel Islands and take advantage of the great discounted rates we have negotiated', but that when you do click that link and arrive at the http://www.europcarjersey.com/index.asp?affiliate=hdf website and get a quote for car hire the rates end up exactly the same as when you just go the europcarjersey.com website directly - where is the negotiated discount that's promised?
Editor note: Hi Terry, thank you for your email. As you correctly identify, Europcar controls the rates of the website so we will contact them directly to find out what is the situation here.
Certainly if an HD customer shows their boarding card at the Europcar desk at Jersey or Guernsey they will be given 10% off the rate of the day.
Also, if you do an online quote on hdferries.com to Jersey or Guernsey then choose "Add car hire" you receive a considerable discount on the ferry and car hire package. Prices start from car hire + 2 passengers day trip for £69.
Posted on: 31 May 2008 by Terry from Jersey
I AM JUST BACK FROM A ROUND TRIP I WAS IN TADEN FOR TEN DAYS THEN HAD TO GO TO THE UK FOR A WEDDING SO I BOOKED WITH LD LINES FROM LE HARVE TADEN TO LE HARVE WAS 165 MILES.
THE CROSSING TO PORTSMOUTH TOOK 4 .30 HRS ON THE WAY BACK WE WERE WAITING TO GET ON BOARD AND TO OUR AMAZEMENT WE WERE WELCOMED WITH THE WORDS HALLO BARRY AND JEAN WELCOME TO LD LINES!
THEY HAD PUT THE REGISTRATION ON THEIR COMPUTER WITH OUT US GIVING THEM THE TICKET ETC WHAT A WELCOME ON THE WAY BACK IT WAS 153 MILES AND THE PRICE WAS RIGHT SO KEEP PUSHING FOR THE NORTHERN ROUTE!
Posted on: 30 May 2008 by Barry from Jersey
Hi anything happening with alderney route for2008 would really love to visit when we are in jersey for 2weeks july/aug cheers.
Editor note: I am sorry Trev, but no plans for Alderney in 2008. Thanks for your support.
Posted on: 29 May 2008 by Trev from Cumbria
Dear sir, I am a prisoner of Jersey buy way of Condor's unfair pricing tarif. I was shocked to read that how the government gave them all rights between the channel islands and mainland Britain. I hope and pray that you are given the chance to compete again and to show them that we will not be ripped off anymore!
Posted on: 29 May 2008 by Tim from Jersey
Staff friendly and helpful
Value for money
Getting on and off is easy and quick
Great that is only takes 1 hour
love the the food on the boat
Comfortable boat to sail on
Great you get the JEP free
What more can I say
Started to going to France on a much more regular basis!
Posted on: 28 May 2008 by Susan & Paul from Jersey, Channel Islands
Please try to get a route from Jersey to the UK we appreciate the competition.
Posted on: 27 May 2008 by Lynda from Jersey
Sorry but I do not agree with the comments concerning running on three engines and keeping to the schedule. I came over to St. Malo on Thursday and the crossing took nearly an hour an three-quarters - the boat was clearly not going at full speed. I monitor your sailing news regularly and have noted that a crossing of one hour is rarely achieved. Please credit us with a bit of sense and come clean.
PS I am a regular traveller with you and a keen supporter but expect a bit more honesty!
Editor note: Hi John, thanks for your comments. We are indeed currently running on 3 engines as we make a minor repair to a Jet, which is scheduled to be completed in the next 2 weeks. Nevertheless, on checking our records your delay was due to the threats from the St Malo fishermen that day. As you identify we have also had some minor delays due to large passenger and freight loads we have shipped recently, but I can assure you we are not happy with even minor delays and are doing everything possible to ensure we improve this. I hope this alleviates some of your concerns regarding our time keeping and thank you for your continuing support.
Posted on: 25 May 2008 by John from Jersey
I am looking forward to trying the new route to Guernsey from Jersey for a day return.
Posted on: 22 May 2008 by Mary from Jersey
Competitive prices are the way forward and low prices encourage us to use your ferry even more than usual!
Posted on: 20 May 2008 by E from Brittany
Hi
We have just completed our 1st trip with you this season and what a pleasure it was! we had a slight delay on departure but an early departure on return. I purchased a "T Shirt" on the outward leg which was the wrong size but on return it was no problem to change it for a larger size what a Brilliant service !
Thanks Colin
Posted on: 19 May 2008 by Colin from Guernsey
Why has it been kept quiet that HD1 is currently running with only 3 jets. Surely this must have affected time tables? When was the jet removed? It's the same one that had the 'brand new' impellor fitted recently.
I'm sure the media will be interested to learn that this fact has been kept from the public?
Editor note: Paul, I am sorry that you feel that we have been keeping information from the public as we have tried very hard to be as honest as possible with any good and bad situation. Generally feedback has not been interested on the number of engines we run on but instead that we keep to time and keep our fares low, which we are focusing heavily on both! Thanks for your comments.
Posted on: 19 May 2008 by Paul from Guernsey
You want to fill your boat give some day trips to jersey and st malo geting there early and leving late. i havent done a day trip for 5 years now as there arent any.
Editor note: Steve, we are very keen to operate day trips from Guernsey but unfortunately events overtook us during the winter refit and we weren't able to plan the 2008 timetable to achieve this. We are investigating how we can best achieve this but it may have to wait until next year unfortunately.
Posted on: 19 May 2008 by Steve from Guernsey
Keep up the good work and hopefully with winter sailings
Posted on: 19 May 2008 by arkay from Jersey
As an ex member of Emeraude Lines staff in the Channel Islands I have followed the progress of your line with much interest. As I live in the UK I, along with many others, currently have to pay the horrendous fares charged by Condor to travel to the islands to see my family. I do hope that sooner rather than later you are able to run to the UK, and from a port with good connections (Portsmouth please!!) - Do you have any news with regards to your plans for the northern route? Best of luck with your services, and well done for Guernsey - St.Malo direct - a route that the Guernsey islanders have been crying out for since Emeraude left...
Editor note: Mark, we are very keen to provide a service to a well connected UK port but unlike anywhere else in the world we unfortunately first have to negotiate with the various local governments. This process has started but will take some time to complete. Many thanks for your support
Posted on: 19 May 2008 by Mark from UK
can you alter your duty free prices on your web site,seems to be last years prices!
Editor note: Hi Alan, well spotted, the website will be updated later today. Many thanks for your help
Posted on: 19 May 2008 by Alan from Jersey
My husband, our pet and I have travelled first time with HD1 to Jersey and find you have an excellent service and value for money!
The crew was very friendly and helpful and the ferry is comfortable and clean. We left St. Malo on Saturday the 10 th of May and returned yesterday morning - we had no delays and everything worked well.
You're doing a proper job - thank you!
Posted on: 18 May 2008 by Birgit from Germany
If the fares are reasonably low more people will travel.
Posted on: 16 May 2008 by Luis from Madeira
If the fares are reasonbly low more people will travel with HD Ferries
Posted on: 16 May 2008 by Carmo from Jersey
Iit is nice to see that there is some decent competition for Condor.hopefully now that my husband is getting better we will be sailing a bit more often with you to france.
Posted on: 16 May 2008 by John from jersey
LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR UK TO CHANNEL ISLANDS SERVICE....SOONER RATHER THAN LATER.
Posted on: 12 May 2008 by VIVIEN from UK
Just booking another trip to St. Malo. We love your boat trip, so relaxed and really friendly staff. Great duty free shop as well. This is our 5th trip, please keep going and we are all hoping you continue for many many years.
Posted on: 12 May 2008 by Sue from Jersey
I agree that Jersey does need competiton on its routes and am glad to see that Hd have come in. However Hd criticises its rival of dirty tricks to damage their reputation when they did it enough themselves. Take their uniforms that look cheap and unprofessional and their boat that has paint work constantly scratched. Hd need to show some professionalism and prove they are a worthy competitor of condor and maybe in the future purchase a new vessel to achieve a higher wave height limit and more reliable service.
Editor note: Hi Jack, Dirty tricks is not our style so I am not sure what specifically you are referring to perhaps you can provide some details?
Regarding our uniforms, you may not like them but I can assure you they are not cheap and they reflect the relaxed friendly attitude we wish to convey to our customers.
As to HD1 having scratches and damaged paintwork I suggest you are referring to damage last year that was caused because Guernsey refused to spend the money to face their harbour pilings with rubber as most other ports including Jersey and St Malo do. During the refit however we spent £30,000 fitting fendering to prevent the problem recurring which so far has done the job admirably.
I assume you have not travelled on HD1 because if you had you would recognise both the level of cleanliness on board and the high standard of customer service delivered by the onboard services crew.
As most people realise the wave height situation was another consequence of the "dirty tricks" campaign, unless that is, Jersey and Guernsey have a different way of measuring 3.4 metres! In the event it is has not been a limiting factor in terms of cancelled sailings.
In reality HD1 is ideally suited to the Channel Islands as she is fast, safe and because she can carry freight and passenger traffic perhaps this explains more why people seek to to make ill founded comments about her, particularly as the Affaires Maritime (who one would assume know the local waters) have stated in writing that they are quite happy with a 3.4 metre wave height limitation. I hope this helps to answer your questions.
Posted on: 08 May 2008 by Jack from Jersey
Thank you for sorting out my booking amendment for us quickly and in the manner in which you have. Good customer service - much appreciated!
Posted on: 08 May 2008 by Sally from Jersey
I have nothing but praise for HD Lines, even thought they have had a few unfortunate problems, I have travelled with them to and from St Malo many times now and will continue to do so.
Posted on: 08 May 2008 by Aline from Guernsey
Why are there so many cancellations for technical reasons to/from Guernsey but not to/from Jersey? People potential customers I have talked to think that real reason is lack of custom on the days concerned.
Editor note: Hi Mike, you are correct during the "shoulder season" we are only sailing to/from Guernsey 4 times per week as there is less demand (we are sure in part due to our timetable which we admit is more suited to Jersey at the moment).
However these are not cancellations, they are scheduled changes. The good news for residents is from 16th June we are sailing everyday to and from Guernsey. Also from this day, as I am sure you are aware, we have 2 direct sailings (Mon & Fri) per week between Guernsey and St Malo. I hope this helps to answer your question.
Click here to view our latest Guernsey St Malo ferry timetables.
Posted on: 08 May 2008 by Mike from Guernsey
So far so good, bit disappointed you have put one way fare up by so much just in time for Fetes de Ramparts, Dinan.
Editor note: Thank you for your feedback. Our pricing system works on demand so I am afraid if a particular sailing becomes busy the price of that sailing will automatically go up. This is why we encourage our customers too book up as early as possible to get the best price.
Posted on: 07 May 2008 by Cathy from Jersey
Go direct from guernsey to st.malo on a regular service, get reliable and the boat will be full. Condor mostly goes and picks up those crapuads from Jersey - run direct and we will join you. Then you will need to run a service back on Sunday to bring us working folk back. We want you the competition to get us to from France - can you work that.
Posted on: 05 May 2008 by Dean from Guernsey
have booked twice have not sailed twice hope 23 may is going this time
Posted on: 05 May 2008 by tom from jersey
Hi John, we can now confirm that the new timetables development has been completed and you can see the exact timetables in the system for a month by simply choosing your route and date. I hope this helps.
Click here for the new HD Ferries timetables page.
Posted on: 30 April 2008 by Editor
There seems to be total silence about the disparity between the published time-table and actual sailings. As a regular traveller and ardent supporter of HD I think we deserve a little more information - what's going on?
Editor note: Hi John, firstly sorry for the slight delay in putting your posting live. We are in the process of updating our static timetable page to make it clearer when sailings are scheduled. However, as per that static page we always recommend to be completely clear on our schedule it is best to do an online quote. We only quote and sell timetabled sailings. This "static page" confusion will be rectified this week, thank you for your support and patience in this matter.
Posted on: 27 April 2008 by John from Jersey
Competition is required on the channel islands routes and experience
during the winter months of recent years has prooved how the lack of competition is reflected in the increased fares. HD has given us a life line
on these routes and long may it continue.
Posted on: 24 April 2008 by Hedley from Jersey
I'll see if this message actually makes it on your board although I assume it will be ignored. If you insist on requiring a level playing field try running all year like your opposition! It's very easy to pinch passengers in the summer but try to maintain a service in winter 2008 as you promise on your website.
Editor note: Thanks for your comments, however please note we are committed to running a service all year round, and were very disappointed we could not last year particularly as we must run year around for our freight customers. I hope this goes someway to reassuring you that we will run in the winter this year, and if you would like to find out more about why we had to stop last year please click here. Thank you for your support.
Posted on: 23 April 2008 by Steve from UK
I travelled for the first time with HD Ferries on Saturday 19th April and was so impressed with the experience, I felt that I should write to tell you. I appreciate tha HD Ferries has in the past encoutered some issues, but following my Journey on Saturday I think you have come back from that remarkably well.
I booked my travel online effortlessly, received an online e-mail confirmation, and check-in was smooth. On board I was again impressed: the boat was clean, had well priced catering facilities and the duty free shop selection was very good. The journey to St Malo there and back was smooth and on time, the whole day was a complete success.
Thank you for helping to make a day trip to France so enjoyable.
Posted on: 23 April 2008 by Suzy from Jersey
Well I have just returned from my first trip to France on HD Ferries, we took the car and have to say what a joy !!! Sailings departed on time and the crossings were pleasant and comfortable even with adverse weather conditions, HD1 is an extremely seaworthy vessel.
The staff were friendly and helpful and remained so even when most passengers completely ignored instructions to remain seated for docking !!! The calm and non regimented attitude is very refreshing !!
It would be fantastic if there were a sunday night sailing back to the Islands though so you could have a full weekend trip without having to take the Monday off work but I guess we can't have everything..!!
Bravo HD and here's to many more Islanders pledging their support for your low cost and efficient services.
Posted on: 22 April 2008 by Sharon from Guernsey
Hi, yes your fares are very good, but I worry that maybe they are too keen for your own good. Put them up by 20% so that you can stay around and give us Guernsey to St malo every day.
Posted on: 22 April 2008 by Parsons from Guernsey
I agree with Matthew from Jersey about this so called support page. If you want people to support you, can I suggest they do just that and not continue to slag off your competition.
I agree everyone is entitled to an opinion, but it cant be right for you to publicly display comments that criticise Condor. Do you ever see Condor putting messages like this onto their website? No.
People seem to enjoy slagging them off for whatever reason, but I think you will find they continue to offer a reliable service. One lady recently posted on here about them being late over the winter - 1. At least they ran over the winter and 2. The winter tends to bring poor weather. Should you not be grateful it ran in the first place?
As always, its Jersey that get the better deal. Sorry to be harsh, but someone had to say it.
Editor note: Thanks for your message. One of the reasons we started this blog was because our competitors put negative and incorrect comments about our service on their website. By creating this support blog we have given the local Channel Islands community their own say about ferries, online. Here is the article for your information: click here. Finally as per our disclaimer and as you point out, these comments are not necessarily the views of HD Ferries. I hope this helps explain the blog, and please rest assured our focus is completely on running a reliable, low fares service to/from the Channel Islands.
Posted on: 21 April 2008 by Andrew from Guernsey
Thank you, thank you , thank you for all your good and hard work giving Guernsey people a decent and affordable service - well done and keep going you are a credit and a joy to Guernsey People - thanks again.
Posted on: 20 April 2008 by Dave from Guernsey
Great to be all at sea with HD Ferries - the fastest thing on two keels!!!
Excellent service, comfort and time-keeping.
Posted on: 19 April 2008 by Pam from France, mostly!
Well done - please keep it up if possible.
Posted on: 19 April 2008 by Damian from England living in France
Just returned from an 8 day trip to UK used the HD and LD route via Le Havre Portsmouth for the first time . Have booked to do the same journey again in September. it's an easy 3 hour drive (180 mile drive)
even with petrol, and toll costs (20 euro return) I saved over £110.00
compared with Con-Door on their direct Jersey-Portsmouth service,
Plus had the extra time in France both ways.
Anyone going to the UK I advise to give this route a try.
Posted on: 19 April 2008 by Graeme from Jersey
I thought this was a support page, not an 'attack Condor' page?! Every comment seems to praise you, and somewhere amongst that there is an attack on Condor! The only reason for this is that your prices are cheaper than theirs! How can you manage to sustain a viable business on such cheap tickets when you have a smaller boat in compariosn?
Posted on: 18 April 2008 by Matthew from Jersey
The Jersey based staff are excellent, very helpfull, polite and diplomatic. The vessel etc and staff also excellent. Well done you have, it appears, the "complete package", hope it continues, if it does you will very very severely affect the opposition. It is gratifying to be aware you have the total support of the Jersey resident. Well done.
Posted on: 18 April 2008 by Brian from Jersey
We were pleased to find a ferry to Jersey at a reasonable price. Thank you.
Posted on: 17 April 2008 by Penny from Australia
I wanted to book my wife and kids to go to France with my car in August, I had a look on HD site and fand it was £99 pands, for the same trip on them Condor folk it was £333, what is that all about ???
Are they extracting the u***e ?
Same Day, same Harbour, same stretch of water - how can they justify it - looks like I will be booking with HD eh ! Habito !
Posted on: 17 April 2008 by Jersey Boy from Jersey
After the Easter holiday weekend fiasco, and having to transfer sailings for us and the kids etc, we were short on one refund. But after contacting HD and them investigating, every thing has been sorted very promptly with the personal touch that c*ndor seem to have no conception of! Keep up the good work and look forward to our sailings with you over the coming year :o)
Posted on: 17 April 2008 by Andy from Jersey
In reply to Paul from Guernsey the Condor Vitesse came back into service on Wednesday the 9th April the day I wrote my comment, after having been out of service for 3 weeks as opposed to the 7 days Condor had said it would be, but as usual Condor do not like to keep people informed as HD Ferries always do!!
Posted on: 16 April 2008 by Colin from Guernsey
Used HD Ferries last summer - not bad at all and a good price.
Hope to use you again this year - any chance of a bigger ship?
Editor note: Thank you for your support and had things been more successful for us last year we would have already moved to a larger boat.
In the event we have had to put our expansion plans on hold until our reliability has reached an acceptable level. Please rest assured however we have a long term committment to the Channel Islands and will expand the service as soon as we have reached service levels that we can sustain. Thank you for your support.
Posted on: 16 April 2008 by Robin from London
WE WISH HD FERRIES COULD RUN ALL YEAR ROUND AS THEY ARE AN EXCELLENT ALTERNATIVE TO CONDOR FERRIES WHOSE FARES ARE DOUBLE THAT OF HD. KEEP WE WOULD OTHERWISE NOT BE ABLE TO AFFORD TRIPS TO JERSEY TO VISIT OUR SON.
Posted on: 14 April 2008 by JOHN from FRANCE
welcome back and nice to have reasonable fares once again. thank you.
Posted on: 14 April 2008 by ray & mau from Jersey
Cheers for offering such a great service at a low cost. This allowed my family and I to travel a lot to France and also indulge in my hobby which I cannot do in the island.
Posted on: 13 April 2008 by Tima from Jersey
Dear Sir,
On the 27th of Januari 2008 I made an internet booking for a trip from Cherbourg to Guernsey (02 may) and back to St. Malo (07 may). Untill now I haven't heard from you that the service from Cherbourg has been ended! Maybe it is a good suggestion to inform all those who booked from Cherbourg about this fact and confirm their trip. Fortunately I checked your internet site in time.
I read about the problems you had last winter and hope you have good sailing for the rest of this year.
Editor note: Thank you for your message, our apologies that we were not able to contact you although we can assure you we certainly tried to contact every customer by email and phone. Thank you for your supportive words despite this problem.
Posted on: 13 April 2008 by Van der Pijl from Netherlands
Just booked for two foot passengers on HD £58,price with Condor £70 for the same date.Travel times also give HD travellers an extra 3 to 4 hrs stay in France,having travelled with both companies last year,i found HD excellent value for money.So let me say on behalf of thousands of people in the Channel Islands"nice to have you back" and wish you a sucsessful season.
Posted on: 12 April 2008 by Steve from Jersey
Colin in Guernsey may want to get his facts straight. Condor Vitesse is back in service! It was in Guernsey on Wednesday alongside the Express.
Posted on: 11 April 2008 by Paul from Guernsey
You offer real value for money and really sensible timings to maximize time in France. We always travel with you and will continue to do so. We have so far been lucky in only encountering small delays from time to time but we hope all your teething problems will eventually be resolved.
Posted on: 10 April 2008 by Helen from Jersey
Welcome Back! Your new service direct from Guernsey to St Malo is more than welcome.
What I find perturbing is the lack of "Media Coverage" of the Condor ferry mishaps i.e. Condor Vitesse still out of service due to a collision with the quay in St Malo and the Commodore Goodwill collision with the harbour wall before Christmas which is only just back in service!
It happens to everyone but there is only "Selective coverage". Good luck for the future.
Editor note: Hi Colin, thanks for your comments. Yes we have noticed the same trend which is why we are now only advertising with companies that report fairly and unbiasedly on the ferry industry.
Posted on: 09 April 2008 by Colin from Guernsey
Would you cancel an HD sailing without contacting your customers - I think you certainly would not!
Condor however seem to think they can treat their customers how they like, whether it be cancelling a sailing or delayed sailings they don't care and should not have the monopoly on the ferry routes anymore!!! The days of we love our CAT have long gone!!!
Welcome HD Ferries and keep up the good work !!!!!!!!
Posted on: 08 April 2008 by Derryn from Guernsey
It is really great news to hear that AT LAST you will be travelling to St Malo direct from Guernsey. Apart from the time taken from Guernsey to St Malo via Jersey, I am assuming we shall be able to arrive in St Malo at a more convenient time than the current 21.30 hours, which is the time via Jersey. I need to travel about 45 minutes from St Malo to my destination, and I miss the opportunity of visiting a shop on the way to stock up on essential food.
I wish the extra service a great success.
Editor note: Yes the service will leave Guernsey at 1200 and the crossing will take only 1 hour 30 mins. To see the direct Guernsey St Malo timetables please click here. The service will run every Friday all year, and also every Monday betweeen June and September.
Posted on: 08 April 2008 by John from Guernsey
Great to have you back lets all pray for a trouble free season.
Posted on: 08 April 2008 by Peter from Jersey
We are now running a new direct service from Guernsey - St Malo (instead of the Cherbourg run) after popular demand from our customers.
To read our full Press Release please click here.
We would love you hear your comments on this change in routing?
Posted on: 08 April 2008 by Editor
Are you actually going to run all year this time around? The promised 4 sailings per week in winter didn't happen. It's all well and good pinching passengers in the lucrative months and leaving the opposition to run during the quieter times of the year. If you want a level playing field it has to be level in both directions! You can't have it all your own way.
Editor note: Thanks for your comment, yes we do plan to operate this winter and indeed did plan to run last winter but unfortunately were forced to stop for various reasons. To read more about this please click here.
Posted on: 07 April 2008 by Steve from UK
THANK GOODNESS YOU ARE BACK AND RUNNING, NOW WE CAN AFFORD TO TRAVEL TO ST MALO AGAIN WITH-OUT BEING RIPPED OFF.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
Posted on: 07 April 2008 by George from Guernsey
Thank you for keeping prices down, but please don't breakdown again.
Posted on: 07 April 2008 by Malcolm from Jersey
I would just like to thank from the Channel Island Freshwater Fishing Association for your recent support on our recent fishing match held in Jersey. There were 52 french people and 20 Cars travelling to Jersey on Friday night and returning to St Malo on Saturday evening.
Having spoke to some of them on their return they were very pleased with the service. I would like to say a big thank you to Maite who organised the group booking and was very helpful. I have sent a copy of the letter of results to the local news paper. Once again thank you.
Posted on: 07 April 2008 by Greig from Jersey
Thanks to everyone at HD Ferries who helped me organise our group booking. Everything went according to plan - and we even caught the earlier boat on 4th April so were home before the expected time.
All 23 people thoroughly enjoyed their time in Paris, where we had longer to explore thanks to the HD timetable.
Posted on: 06 April 2008 by Hilary from Jersey
Hang in there, things are looking good at the moment. We don't need Condor having the monopoly again.
Posted on: 30 March 2008 by Loaring from Jersey
After the primary hiccup I wish you a successful 2008 season. I am sure you will serve us well and look forward to travelling with you soon.
Posted on: 30 March 2008 by Doreen from Jersey
my wife, I & pet are travelling to jersey in Sept for a special family celebration, the cost by HD is £103. The same trip by Condor would have cost us £261!
As pensioners we appreciate the efforts made by HD to keep travel costs at a reasonable level for all travellers. Then people like us can visit family more often without costing an arm & a leg.
Posted on: 30 March 2008 by Jeffrey from France
At last back on track, keep up the good work, goodbye Condor!
Posted on: 30 March 2008 by Lorna from Jersey
My wife and I traveled with you several times last year, very pleased with your services could not fault it only on 1 of the times there was a delay and for that reason we were offered coffee throughout the journey.
We had to travel on Condor earlier this year and they were delayed for 1 hour and when we eventualy sailed not even a drop of water was offered as way of apology (bad customer relations) for that reason alone HD Ferries have my custom every time.
We already booked for easter (cancelled due to bad weather) but roll on May here we come then later on in June/July and any weekend that i can take off work! Best wishes for 2008 keep up the good work you doing please keep the prices down and a relaible service you will go far with the people of the Channel Islands.
Posted on: 30 March 2008 by Michael from Jersey
Glad to see u back, missid you. May u all have a trouble free year.
Posted on: 29 March 2008 by Joanna from Jersey
It seems such a shame that the weather has plagued you from the start this year, already rumours about you not running on all engines are spreading and people saying I would never travel on HD.
More fool them thats what I say!
Thank you HD, I would never use the other operator again unless I had too.
Posted on: 28 March 2008 by Mark from Jersey
To the staff of HD Ferries,
Although ready to sail with you this morning, I was sorry to hear of your unforseen problems. Trust that your problem is only minor. Look forward to travelling wih you next weekend. We used your service last year on 17 occasions and only had 1 delay of 2Hrs despite of running on 3 engines. We thank you for your service, keep up the good work.
Posted on: 28 March 2008 by Dennis from Jersey
Good Luck for this season and look forward to travelling with you on all my french trips, thanks for a great service
Posted on: 27 March 2008 by Maggie from Jersey
GLAD TO SEE YOU ARE BACK IN FULL SWING WITH ALL 4 ENGINE GOING THAT WILL BE A LOT BETTER FOR USE JERSEY BEANS WITH CHEAP CROSSING TO FRANCE
Posted on: 27 March 2008 by BRUCE from JERSEY
Welcome home HD1, my self imposed exile on this rock is over!
Posted on: 27 March 2008 by Dave from Jersey
keep up the goodwork & low prices
Posted on: 26 March 2008 by Francis from Jersey
I have travelled with HD Ferries last year and found their service to be excellent. I have currently three bookings for this year and wish them luck with the forecoming season.
Posted on: 26 March 2008 by Diane from Jersey
Cmon HD! I can't wait for your great services to hit the high seas of the channel islands again! all winter weve been stuck with the high price competition, and we need you back. Myself and MANY others we still back you up whatever decision! Just come back please! were missing your low fares.
Editor Note: Thanks for your comments David, you will be pleased to know the HD1 is on its way back to you now!
Posted on: 26 March 2008 by David from Guernsey
I whole heartedly support HD in operating as a rival to Con-dor.
HD must look into an alternative vessel to HD1 though, as proven, it seems unreliable and unable to handle the same swell Condor can operate in.
Have HD looked at more friendly sailing times, for example, when Emeraude were operating, they sailed from Guernsey at just after 6 am, this was fantastic as you arrived in St Malo just after 9am, and could be in the south of France by evening.
Editor Note: Hi AB, yes we have looked at this option however for this year we have continued to base the HD1 in Jersey for technical and crewing reasons. However it is certainly something we will look at again at the end of the season. Regarding the HD1 as a vessel, we are still great believers that it is the right boat for the route and despite the delay over Easter are very much hoping to prove this in 2008. Thanks for your support.
Posted on: 25 March 2008 by AB from Guernsey
The struggle is proving long and hard, frustration after frustration. Keep at it, for you still have mine and many others confidence and support.
Posted on: 22 March 2008 by Leon from Jersey
Sorry to hear that HD is having problems.
However on a plus side, customer service is second to none!! Monique (Jersey Reservation Staff)has done a fantastic job in rescheduling as i sail to France every weekend. Thanks Monique!!
Posted on: 22 March 2008 by Sean from Jersey
We Are Both On Your Side All The Way HD ,We Have Been Waiting For A Company To Offer low Fares For Quiet Some Time And We Have Found That Ferry Company. We Were Booked To Go Out On Friday Then We Got Changed To Saturday But With Weather Not Being Kind To Us All It As Been Cancelled .But We Feel What You Are Offering Us A FULL REFUND And A Free Ticket Is More Than Condor Would Ever Offer ... We Are Going To Rebook For May Now Because We Feel We Have To Stick By You Not Like Condor That Think Only Of There Pockets Rather Than Other People's The Service Your Staff Show Is second To None We Look So Forward To Sailing With You In May And The Near Future Keep Your Head Up HD !!!
Posted on: 22 March 2008 by Marisa And Jaison from Jersey
well done. in my opinion you kept me informed told me the bad news that the boat would`nt sail because of technical/weather problems
Condor Ferries also cancelled there normal service but put on there big boat to provide a service to St Malo, and then crashed it in to the dock at St Malo!
You refunded me the cost of my ticket and gave me a free ticket for 2008. Thank you for that what a start to the season see you soon.
Posted on: 22 March 2008 by Richard from Jersey
Looking forward to seeing you back and best of luck!
Posted on: 22 March 2008 by Emily from Jersey
Jersey NEEDS competition on its sea routes to keep down travel costs. Cancellations through the weather are unavoidable. After the history of the past year, cancellations because the ship isnt ready after a 5 month layoff are unforegiveable!
Posted on: 22 March 2008 by Colin from Jersey
We really support HD ferries & have fought your corner at many gatherings of local people.PLEASE PLEASE don't let us down.Several friends due to travel yesterday/today have been VERY disappointed & once again have VERY reluctantly had to turn to Condor.We are due to travel with you on Monday,we remain hopeful that this will be so.We & friends & family have on average 4/5 bookings each with you.PLEASE DO US PROUD.
Posted on: 21 March 2008 by Smith from Jersey
Condor are being very silly. On one page of the JEP, you see that HD will not be on for another day. Then when you turn over, they have a big huge blue page saying "You can rely on Condor Ferries, Condor 10 was not cancelled once due to technical reasons during 2007. Condor Ferries, Supporting Island Life"
I think they support Island Life with high fares, delays and weird adverts in the JEP to convert people back. keep it going! - A little more advertising would not go a miss though.
Posted on: 20 March 2008 by Daniel from Jersey
Don't let the States and Harbours wear you down! We plus many others are totally in support of competion coming in as we are all fed up with the monopolies holding us all to ransom.
Get that new part installed asap so there can be no excuse for any more criticisms!
Best of luck, and PLEASE keep running!
Posted on: 20 March 2008 by John from Jersey
Hello, I just wish you could run all year round !
Posted on: 20 March 2008 by Jane from France
Good Luck for 2008
Competative prices are the key, I travel very frequently to St. Malo
I will use HD without exception in 2008 (hold the key) Condor have
a policy to charge in the extreme and provide an appalling service,
Condor have been able to hold the Jersey Public to Ransom and they have done it in spades. Break this Stranglehold !!
Posted on: 18 March 2008 by Philip from Jersey
Good for you, about time we had competetive prices to get off this rock with our car!! Good luck for 2008.
Posted on: 18 March 2008 by Tony & Nicola from Jersey
I cannot believe the run of bad luck you have had!! And now the latest incident where the spare part got lost en route. Courage mes braves!! You'll get there in the end.
Posted on: 17 March 2008 by Stephanie from Guernsey
Sorry to here you are not going to make on Thursday, Hope everthing goes well for you the rest of the season my wife and I have booked three trips so far this year with a possible two more. Keep the fares down and you wont go wrong. GOOD LUCK.
Posted on: 17 March 2008 by Jeff from Jersey
Don't panic HD, we've all had a shocking winter service from Condor (late 8 out of 8 services that I was on) we can wait for you to be back up and running! Hang in there! Wishing you a sucessful season. Any change of a loyalty scheme??
Posted on: 17 March 2008 by Nicky from Jersey
If at first you don't succeed............keep up your efforts to ensure we have more than one service for our Island - and don't let them (WHOEVER THEY ARE) grind you down !*!*
Good luck.
Posted on: 17 March 2008 by Carol from jersey
Have always tries to support HD but feel I have been let down. We thought that was reason the boat was taken out of service early, you have had plenty of time. You will loose good customers if you treat people like this. We are really dissapointed but appreciate the free crossing offered and wish you good luck in getting things sorted as soon as possible.
Posted on: 16 March 2008 by Sharon from Jersey
Hope You can maintain the low fares in what is such a very high cost industry, but low fares are not all that matters, reliability and safety must count for lots. Do you know how many complaints easyJet receive each year?
Posted on: 16 March 2008 by Pete from Bridport
I was planning to use HD regularly this year but now this is in serious doubt. However I hate the monopoly from Condor and their surly staff.
Posted on: 15 March 2008 by Steven from Jersey
GR888888888888888. CANT WAIT TILL SUMER WILL BE ON HD ALL THE TIME. CONDOR WILL RIP PEOPLE OFF (hd will not).
Posted on: 13 March 2008 by Aaron from JERSEY
Very helpful for those of us needing to travel to the Uk/France with families and transport. Keeping costs to ordinary people low.
Posted on: 12 March 2008 by Michael from Alderney
Lovely to have an alternative ferry.
Posted on: 11 March 2008 by Jean from Jersey
We travelled with you 5 times last year even with the problems!
Great prices my only complaint is it was £97 for car and 2 people but £50 for 2 dogs to sit in the car! This seems excessive and chance that this can be reduced? Also update the press release as to how the refit is getting on.
Posted on: 10 March 2008 by David from Guernsey
I fully support you, because Jersey does need competition, and you were badly treated last year. So keep going HD.
Posted on: 09 March 2008 by Young from Jersey
Thank you for a Fantastic Service please keep on operating we need the competition in Jersey (Condor are rubish)
Posted on: 07 March 2008 by Fred from Jersey
I will be glad to see you back on the 17th of March with all the old faces I have booked 4 trips so far and have also added a trip to Portsmouth to my May trip with LD Lines as I have a wedding to go to lets hope you get a trouble free season this year and find a new boat for the Cherbourg run to Portsmouth soon sooner the better
Posted on: 06 March 2008 by Barry from Jersey
HD Ferries; far better service, far better prices, polite staff. Yah boo sucks to Condor the rip off merchants. Hope to see Jersey - UK sailings soon.
Posted on: 06 March 2008 by Mark from Jersey
Just to wish HD good luck for the 2008 season. We have booked 3 trips with you so far and that's only a start.
Posted on: 06 March 2008 by Mike from Guernsey
Keep on trucking!
Posted on: 06 March 2008 by Chris from Jersey
Glad to see you back soon.
Good luck for this new season and i will sail with you has we did last year.
Posted on: 06 March 2008 by sophie from Jersey
We enjoyed travelling with you last year, and can't wait for you to come back this year with a fully functional vessel. Have already booked several trips for 2008 and looking forward to seeing all your friendly staff again.
Posted on: 05 March 2008 by Anne from Jersey
I used your service for the first time last September. As I wanted to combine both visiting my daughter in the UK and spending some time in France I used the Jersey to France HD service and LD lines Portsmouth to Le Havre services, nothing was too much trouble for the staff to arrange the booking and the cost was comparable to Condor and it suited my needs, a point sorely missed by your competitors!! Perhaps a bit more advertising of this alternative route for Channel Isanders wouldn't go amiss. I definitely will be booking and using your services again later this year. Keep up the excellent work and service you are providing.
Posted on: 03 March 2008 by Adrian from Jersey
As a Jerseyman living in France I really welcome your continued presence on the St Malo run. Condor have ripped people off for too long and I have avoided going to Jersey to visit my family whilst HD was out of service. Despite a hiccup last summer when you put us into the Oomarroo Hotel due to engine problems, finance dictates that I shall continue to travel with you whenever I can. The boat is certainly impressively fast (in calm conditions) and comfortable. As a matter of interest, the ferry from North to South Island of New Zealand costs about 90 pounds for a car + 2 people return for a slightly greater distance than St Malo - Jersey, a good yardstick. BUT they do supply tea and coffee free! That might convince even more passengers to leave Condor................
Posted on: 29 February 2008 by John from Jersey/France
We are delighted you are coming back. We travelled with you on several occasions in 2007 and were happy with the service you supplied and because of your low fare structure we hope to be able to travel more often in 2008.
Good luck to you and all of your staff, may you have a very successful year!
Posted on: 29 February 2008 by John from Jersey
Glad you're coming back. We have booked 2 trips although your timing from Guernsey is not good and means a night in a hotel before we can go to collect our caravan but, at least, your morning schedule from St malo is an improvement. Hope you don't have any repeat of last year's teething troubles and that you can get your wave height restriction raised. Good luck.
Posted on: 29 February 2008 by Keith from Guernsey
Good fast service! At great departure and arrival times at cheaper prices!
Posted on: 28 February 2008 by Dave from Jersey
I've just made a booking for our family holiday to France with our motorhome and am delighted with the price, a saving of £153-50p against the appallingly high prices of Condor. I hope that HD Ferries will not have the run of bad luck which crippled them last year. Down with monopolies - Hooray for fair (fare) competition !
Posted on: 28 February 2008 by Rob from Guernsey
My wife and I travelled to St Malo on three occasions last year and each time your prices for a car and two people were less than half those of Condor. Thanks to HD we will be able to afford several trips during 2008. When will you be starting a service to England?
Posted on: 28 February 2008 by Robert from Jersey
Keep up the good work
Posted on: 28 February 2008 by Clifford from England
We need 2 companies!
Posted on: 28 February 2008 by Chris from Jersey
Thank you for publishing my comment of 19th February. It shows that you are being fair and presenting both sides of the story. Am about to make a booking!
Posted on: 25 February 2008 by Mike from Surrey
Can't wait for you to sail to England. Just what we need competition Keep it up and well done for hanging in there.
BIG CLAP
Posted on: 20 February 2008 by Nell from Guernsey/England
Keep on sailing, we need companies like you.
Posted on: 20 February 2008 by Paul from Jersey
I travel frequently between GB and the islands, and France, and am fully in favour of competition. Sadly my CI family and friends tell me that your service has been so unreliable as to be a joke and advised me not to even bother booking.
It may well be that you have been the victims of a 'dirty tricks' campaign, but I suspect that the comments published here present only the side of the story that you wish to make public.
I wish you success and hope that you will be back to compete fairly and that customers will have a choice.
Posted on: 19 February 2008 by Mike from Surrey
I am so looking forward to seeing HD ferries back in service and have already booked for may and I am hoping to book for a trip in December and if you do get a UK route I will be able to visit my brother who has cancer but due to the cost have had to put off a trip . KEEP GOING HD THE ISLANDERS NEED YOU I have managed to convert a few friends to HD this year.
Posted on: 19 February 2008 by Mark from Jersey
Quick, efficient, polite and ideal time table. Long may it continue.
Posted on: 17 February 2008 by McClean from Guernsey
I admire your commitment to contnue offering excellent service and a competitive price, Guernsey Authorities should be commending you for your determination, sadly that is not the case, as a Guernsey born person I have come to understand that common sense does not always prevail and each one for themselves, as the states may say, keep up the good work, it will pay off.
Posted on: 17 February 2008 by Paulette from Guernsey
Come back soon, hope your problems are minimal in 2008. Keep up the good work and keep the prices down. Good luck.
Posted on: 16 February 2008 by John from Jersey
Best good luck with your route to islands and UK. Will you be able to give service to UK if opposition is sold off? You keep Emeraude people and that is good as they made friends with old travellers and gave good service.
Keep your good prices as well!!!!!!
Posted on: 16 February 2008 by Michel from Bretagne
Looking forward to sailing with your company again.We hope this season is a good one for you.Our continued support.
Regards,
Simon and Eileen.
Posted on: 12 February 2008 by Simon and Eileen. from Jersey
Hello hd ferries if you were to start uk routes it would be good
if you din't do the same route as Condor it would be good if you did a route to Portsmouth or Dover or any other UK ports and to get a 2nd ferry would be brill!
good luck for 2008
Posted on: 12 February 2008 by Sam from Guernsey
Brilliant that you will be back in action as from March. We have already booked two sailings to Jersey using the special offer.
We didn't visit Jersey at all during the period you were not running the service, we moved to France from Jersey, and on principal we not use any other company as we are not willing to be 'ripped off'
Good luck and long you may continue
Best wishes
Posted on: 10 February 2008 by Penny from France
Hope you get a better season than last. Best wishes.
Posted on: 05 February 2008 by George from Jersey
hope u keep going for many years to come, good prices and good service.
Posted on: 04 February 2008 by colin from jersey
As a property owner in Normandy with friends in Guernsey, I am forced to use Britanny ferries. Along with their prohibitve pricing policy! If there is a chance you can provide a Portsmouth/Cherbourg/Guernsey sevice, I am sure it would be well received.
Posted on: 04 February 2008 by KEITH from UK
With reference to the comment by Terry (Guernsey) - have you any plans to offer Guernsey residents an early departure / late return ? If you keep your times as they are, you will miss a lot of potential travellers. Best of luck.
Editor's Note: Unfortunately this season we will not be able to offer this using the HD1, however we are very aware of the significant demand here so are plan to work this into our future schedules.
Posted on: 04 February 2008 by Nigel from Guernsey
Can't wait to have you back on board. We need this competition.
Any chance you could bring the motorbike prices down for weekend/long weekend travel? Especially during the winter months where its only us hardened bikers who brave the weather...
Also, do you have a loyatly scheme?
Editor's Note: Thanks for your comment, however we believe the motorbike prices are very reasonably priced already, so do not plan to reduce this further at present. Also I am afraid we do not have a loyalty scheme as we prefer to save the administrative costs and instead pass those savings on as lower fares for everyone.
Posted on: 04 February 2008 by Mandy from Jersey
I have been meaning to write to you for over 3 months and have unfortunately only now got round to it. In September we, my wife and I, took a what was supposed to be a daytrip to Jersey from St Malo. Unfortunately due to adverse weather conditions the ferry did not sail and we were stranded in Jersey. This could have been an absolute disaster as we had nothing other than the clothes on our backs, particularly after the performances that the Irish rugby team had delivered in the group stages in the world cup.
When we returned to the ferry terminal in Jersey for the evening return journey your staff were very helpful under the circumstances. In particular there was one gentleman, Jean-Pierre (JP) who was most courteous and helpful. He ensured we found accommodation and went out of his way to make sure that we were looked after. He even drove us to the hotel, something that was over and above the call of duty. Unfortunately I can not remember his Surname but I am sure you know whom I am talking about. All in all we had a very enjoyable unplanned extended stay in Jersey. Due to Jean-Pierre's actions I must say that if I ever go to Jersey again I would travel with HD. I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank him.
Posted on: 04 February 2008 by Mark from Germany
Look forward to your services starting again
Posted on: 03 February 2008 by Paul from Jersey
Excellent service when we travelled to Jersey in October 2007. Hope you can get a uk route and we will not be ripped off like the other operator.
PS We will be booking with you for April and August
Posted on: 02 February 2008 by Graham from Guernsey
I am a long time user of cross-channel ferries therefore am delighted to see competition on this route. We were invited to a wedding in Jersey 2002 but unable to go as Condor fare made this unaffordable!
More power to your elbow!!
Posted on: 02 February 2008 by Angela from France
Best wishes for 2008. I look forward to travelling with you this year, have missed my trips to france over the winter but prefer not to use the others. Are you getting anywhere with having the HD1 wave restrictions relaxed as they severely disadvantaged you against the others last year ?
We are kept updated with press releases but this aspect is never mentioned. Please look at your schedules for us Donkeys, an early start from Guernsey even a couple of time a week would be a hugh improvement. Keep them under pressure,
Good luck and calm seas!
Editor note: Our captains are currently finishing their pilot exams and the HD1 is still being worked on in dry dock. After this is done we then plan to undertake the trials to improve the wave height restrictions, as you suggest.
Posted on: 01 February 2008 by Terry from Guernsey
In response to Stuart in Guernsey.
What do you mean by 'Condor out...HD in'?
The whole point of bringing another ferry service on the UK route is, to my knowledge, help give the islanders (and uk) more option to travel to and fro. Getting rid of Condor would mean less ferrys to the UK! Is this what people want??!! I don't! I would like as many options as possible to travel! Who cares who has the better price, its the service that is most important! That is what we are paying for! Bring on both HD and Condor!
Posted on: 31 January 2008 by Matthew from Southampton
My family and I have travelled with your service several times and have been pleased with the service when you were able to run and when not we received prompt full refund.
I believe that Condor should not be allowed to monopolize these routes.
Posted on: 31 January 2008 by Brehaut from Guernsey
I am pleased with the service you provide, will be doing at least two trips to France with you. Good Luck with the plans for new route to Uk, about time there was competition on that route.
Posted on: 31 January 2008 by Guy from Jersey
We have missed your friendly crew and are looking forward to travelling with HD Ferries again soon. We wish you fair winds and a lot of good luck for the coming year.
Posted on: 30 January 2008 by Alan from Jersey
Keep going as you are the only othEr way of travelling to either France or the Uk. They (Condor) will now have a reason for saying thank you for travelling with Condor Ferries. Up to now we haven't had a choice.
Posted on: 30 January 2008 by Gerald from Guernsey
Finally a competitive service at a good price. Keep up the good work.
Posted on: 30 January 2008 by Jenny from UK
Good luck with the development of a UK route. I hope all goes well for you. Your service and commitment to low fares deserve success.
Condor out . . . HD In !
Posted on: 30 January 2008 by Stuart from Guernsey
UK Link, Terrific News my whole family are delighted and can't wait for the new service to come in to action.
Posted on: 29 January 2008 by Heidi from Guernsey
Looking forward to some competition for the uk routes
good luck hd ferries and all that sail with you
Posted on: 29 January 2008 by Claire from Guernsey
Good luck with uk dont let Condor and the states get ther way see you on the 4.4.08!
Posted on: 29 January 2008 by Paul from Guernsey
Why are you not running all winter like your competition? It's okay to pinch their customers in the summer! What about the level playing field you're always asking for? If Condor only ran during the summer I'm sure they'd be able to charge similar prices to you.
Editor note: Please click here to read our reasons why unfortunately HD Ferries was not able to run in winter 2007. Any customers who remember our fares last year will know we were far below our competitor's prices in both the summer and winter, so I am afraid I cannot agree with your comment.
Posted on: 28 January 2008 by Steve from UK
We need you!!! I'm trying to find a fare to France in an emergency and you're not operating. I cannot afford the Condor fares. How am I to visit my mum who's been taken to hospital? I used to travel (a few years' ago I admit) with Emerauld Lines. Now I hardly leave the island.
Posted on: 26 January 2008 by Debbie from Jersey
We travelled with your company to Jersey last season for an affordable day trip. We are waiting for the service to recommence to make more visits. Being English and living in France, it is wonderful to be able to travel at a reasonable cost to shop for British goods that aren't available in France. Overpriced fares by other companies take the pleasure out of shopping for a few items of groceries, whilst your reasonable fares make the trip worthwhile. Hurry up back into service.
Posted on: 22 January 2008 by Dandy from Brittany
Great service, good fares, would like to see some deals for motorcycles though! We are the forgotten few.
Posted on: 20 January 2008 by Tony from Jersey
Well done hd ferries for giving us once again some great fares. hope that the start of this season does not copy the same as last March. The team you have there Mike and Monique have done an excellent job of carrying your good work throgh the winter and wish them well for the start of the season.
As a question that i have not seen answered. has condor had to re write their manualls because of their boats running on one engine. funny how you were made to isn't it?
Posted on: 19 January 2008 by Wavvie from Jersey
We need competition so Condor doesn't have the monopoly!!
Posted on: 16 January 2008 by Jon from Jersey
We all dislike being held to ransom and exploited by Condor charging double because they are the only operator at present. It does nothing to inspire loyalty and regular travellers do want to be loyal to a company offering such a vital service to the island.
Well done HD for fighting back.
Posted on: 15 January 2008 by Karen from Jersey
Good luck for 2008!!
Glad to see you offering great value prices again this year.
What we really need is a low fares link to the UK any chance of this happening??
Posted on: 14 January 2008 by Tanya from Jersey
I have travelled at least a dozen times last year on HD1 ferries and I
have never had a problem, they have always been on time, I have never been delayed or cancelled. There are nearly always teething problems in any new buisness or company. I will continue to support HD1 and have missed the winter sailings. Also I appreciate the compertition. Not everybody is wealthy in the Islands!!
Do wish HD1 a very happy and prosperous New Year, and I hope they
will be here to stay. Thanks to all the staff they have been always very
helpful.
Posted on: 14 January 2008 by Caril from Jersey
Looking forward to using you again this year. Probably too late now but would have been wonderful if you could have started again on Thursday March 20th, once again us poor Guerns suffer. For the long Easter weekend we can only travel out Friday evening and then have to return home on the Monday morning, so we realyy do miss out, please please consider your Guernsey travellers, I know of many more people who would use you if your timings were more Guern friendly.
Posted on: 14 January 2008 by Gill from Guernsey
Further to changing my holiday dates for May 2008, I also had to change my travelling dates. I was a bit concerned that I would have difficulties to change the crossing dates and that it would take weeks....
I have been following the instructions on your website and I have found the procedure very easy to follow. It took only 5 min of my time and my travelling dates are now changed.
Just wanted to say a big thank you to you for having a very easy and very practical website.
Posted on: 14 January 2008 by Anabelle from Jersey
Really appreciate the competitive prices especially since we have a house in France and go there regularly.
Posted on: 13 January 2008 by Elizabeth from Jersey
Used your day trip facility for jersey to st malo last year, excellent operation!
Could you now think about introducing a service from jersey to england as this route really needs competition i feel this would be the best way forward for your company.
Posted on: 13 January 2008 by Oliver from South England
We all support you.
Posted on: 09 January 2008 by Jackson from Guernsey
I am sorry to see yet another ferry company held ransom by Condor, and hope to see HD Ferries, much needed competition, sailing again soon. Good luck!
Posted on: 09 January 2008 by Ken from Brittany
I fully agree with Mike's comments from the 7th Jan, Having an early morning sailing from Guernsey would be fantastic, I remember the joy of getting the old Emeraude boat at 5am for a full day in St.Malo, HD would also get the extremely popular Guernsey to Jersey Day Trippers for a full day trip in Jersey that is extremely popular for Guernsey Folk. Of course it would also be useful to have a late evening service to Guernsey as well.
I look forward to seeing HD1 in local waters soon, after this expensive Condor winter!
Posted on: 08 January 2008 by Ryan from Guernsey
I found your company mentioned on the Trip Advisor site when looking for day trips from Jersey as we are having a holiday there March/April. I got quotes from you that are well cheaper than Condor which is great news, only thing is would you think about a day trip facility to St Malo from Jersey please? The current times are too early and late for us, especially as our family friend who is 70 and blind is coming with us and she isn't able to get going too early. I think by ther number of passengers when we did one 2 years ago with Condor (before the prices got so high!) it would be worth your while. Good luck with your venture anyway!
Editor note: Thank you for your feedback, our slots are governed by the harbours and their berth availability. However we also receive feedback that leaving Jersey earlier is a big advantage for many people wanting to get a full day in St Malo.
Finally we do offer a day trip facility to St Malo - and if you are quick you can take advantage of the Car+4 day trip for £99 offer, available on numerous days in 2008!
Posted on: 08 January 2008 by Loisette from Yorkshire, UK
Please could you look at an early morning sailing from Guernsey?
Editor note: Currently the HD1 is based overnight in Jersey, and therefore an early morning sailing from Guernsey is not possible. However this is something we have considered and will certainly look at again in the future. We agree with you that it there is certainly a significant opportunity here to serve the Guernsey residents.
Posted on: 07 January 2008 by Mike from Guernsey
Having used your ferry service last year I have no hesitation to book with you again. As we are a family of five the savings that we can enjoy by using HD & not Condor mean that we can afford another trip later in the year.
Thank you & good luck for the future.
Posted on: 07 January 2008 by Colin from Jersey
Well done HD, pleased to see your back with us in 2008, yes we have taken advantage of your low fares, keep up the good work. Ps staff on boat and in Elizabeth Terminal, pat on the back, you are all doing a great job, keep it up!
Posted on: 07 January 2008 by Fiona and Nic from Jersey
Welcome back and good luck for 2008!!
Posted on: 07 January 2008 by Ruth from Jersey
At last Condor loses its monopoly to a reasonably priced, professional, reliable service. good luck for the new year
Posted on: 06 January 2008 by lisa from guernsey
Your sailing times for 2008 are going to be brilliant. If you have a distance to go then you get a full days travelling and if it is a weekend then you get a full 2 days, unlike Condor where you hardly even get a a day and a half.
We dont need frills and luxury just a well priced, well timed way to France and back, but it does need to be reliable!
Keep up the good work.
Posted on: 05 January 2008 by Peter from Jersey
Very pleased to read your latest press release - all seems good. We have booked 3 return trips for 2008 so far and are delighted with the £59 special offer.
Posted on: 04 January 2008 by Mike from Guernsey
We need competition to ensure that the public is not exploited!
Posted on: 02 January 2008 by Stephan from Jersey
Thank you and seasonal greetings to all shoreside and sea staff for a Happy new year We will see you soon.
Posted on: 01 January 2008 by Richard from Jersey
Thank you and seasonal greetings to all shoreside and sea staff for a Happy new year We will see you soon.
Posted on: 01 January 2008 by Richard from Jersey
Happy New Year to you all.
Interesting facts - During 2007 we travelled 3 times with Condor, average cost £196. 6 Trips with you, average cost £128.
Next year will be even better thanks to your £59 offers!
Keep up the good work...
Posted on: 29 December 2007 by Roger from Jersey
Keep the hard work. You will survive, you have all of us to support you.
Your fares for 08 are brilliant good value, which enables us to travel more frequently to the French mainland. Thank you!
Posted on: 28 December 2007 by Linda from Jersey
Please keep going - all competition is healthy, but please add Alderney to your route as so many people there would use it. Thanks, good luck.
Posted on: 28 December 2007 by Natalie from Alderney
Chris - Good luck to you in 2008, put Max in charge of your operations and see the difference!
Posted on: 27 December 2007 by Tristan from Guernsey
We have today shown our support by booking 4 trips with You for 2008.
Here's to a succesful year giving Locals a choice as in the days of Emeraude.
Keep going. We need You!
Posted on: 23 December 2007 by Deborah from Jersey
Excellent service, beats the hell out of the competition. Prices are transparent and reasonable. I won't be giving Condor another penny; their attitude towards customers is a disgrace...
Posted on: 23 December 2007 by Les from Guernsey
A very merry Christmas & A Happy New Year to all Management and staff.
Thanks for the wonderful service, Only 89 days to go, cant wait for your return to service.
Posted on: 22 December 2007 by David from Jersey
Always travel with HD now. Great service and affordable.
Posted on: 18 December 2007 by Sarah from Guernsey
please continue to serve jersey , your excellent service, professionalism and price is very much appreciated
Posted on: 17 December 2007 by Brian from Jersey
Sorry for the bad luck you had on your debut year in Jersey but we are all looking forward to seeing you in 2008 to finally give the islanders the service we deserve unlike some other over priced ferry operators. Thanks again and GOOD LUCK.
Posted on: 14 December 2007 by Sean from Jersey
We have had two successful trips to St Malo and look forward to many more in 2008.
Posted on: 14 December 2007 by Ed from Jersey
Keep up the good work. I wish you all the best and that you could go on the Guernsey-UK route!
Posted on: 11 December 2007 by Kris from Guernsey
It will be interesting to see if the Commodore Goodwill has its ramp license suspended and a full investigated etc called for, in the light of its mishap while entering Jersey harbour this morning.
Posted on: 10 December 2007 by Dave from Jersey
Good Luck for 2008
Posted on: 08 December 2007 by Ian from Jersey
I have commented on here before,I have never used HD,but hope that one day you will continue to England. I read in our local paper last year Portland Port want to attract a cross channel operator,that would be ideal for you (and me!!!)
Posted on: 07 December 2007 by Nigel from Weymouth
Took advantage of your service several times last year and have to say overall was very impressed .
Wiil certainly be travelling with you again when service is recommenced .
Best of luck for next year , hope you get through the season without any problems .
Keep up the good work !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted on: 06 December 2007 by Andy from Jersey
I travel to Jersey quite often to visit my partner.
I have used HD ferries a number of times and i got to say, it's a better service (despite the problems it had ) than condor ferries.
So roll on March when your back, because i will be travelling with you again.
Posted on: 06 December 2007 by Jayne from Guernsey
You have always provided an excellent service and competition is a good thing. Good luck for the coming season.
Posted on: 06 December 2007 by Gordon from Jersey
Let's hope 2008 goes smoothly so as to keep prices competitive.
Posted on: 04 December 2007 by Patrick from Jersey
Keep up the good work we need competition to lower the prices charged by Condor. I can't give my name as I am in the travel industry.
Posted on: 01 December 2007 by Dave from Jersey
I hope that all the work that is being done on the ferry will mean that you won't have any more problems especially with the idiots of Condor they don't only charge exorbitant fares but they are not always nice to travel with. I always try to promote HD as they are a non frills ship, they get you there in an hour and each time I take my dog with me they are very kind and put me in the front so she is not down in the smelly hold as on Condor Please don't give in to Condor we need you in Jersey I cannot afford their prices and I can go to France regularly because I will always support H D Ferries. I am going to France in February and your fare was £84 now I have to pay £212 in the summer it would be well over £300. Don't give in to their demands or their sabotage. See you in March many thanks
Posted on: 30 November 2007 by Barbara from Jersey
Keep smiling as your staff did all Summer!
Posted on: 30 November 2007 by David & Sue from Jersey
Excellent service at a low price,i cannot fault them for the service they provide. I found the staff polite and helpful and the journey pleasant-worth every penny.
Posted on: 27 November 2007 by Pat from Neath, South Wales
May I wish HD Ferries all the best for 2008, and I hope to travel with you on many day trips in the future. Thank you for your past services.
Posted on: 25 November 2007 by Eric from Jersey
The route from Cherbourg to Jersey Guernesey is a very good initiative for passengers and freight coming from Normandy, it is much more convenient and less costly in transport than St Malo, please fight for re-establishing this line.
Posted on: 22 November 2007 by Marc from Calvados France
BRILLIANT!! GREAT FARES, GREAT SERVICE --- PLEASE KEEP IT UP--- ANY CHANCE OF RUNNING YOUR SERVICE THROUGH THE WINTER? I REFUSE TO BOW TO CONDORS OVERPRICED FARES AND TERRIBLE SAILING TIMES !
Posted on: 21 November 2007 by Gary from Jersey
I travelled with HD ferries this summer and have nothing but praise for the service. The fare was half the price of that which Condor was charging for the same trip and I had no complaints what so ever. I think it's great to see someone take them on !!! I recently tried to book a short trip to France for my daughter and myself ,as footpassengers, and no matter what dates I put in, the price kept coming up the same,£42 each - I refuse to pay that in mid winter!!!!! I shall wait for HD ferries to start up again.
Posted on: 21 November 2007 by Linda from Jersey
Pleased you will be back with us in 2008.
HD has our support and also our friends who regularly travel to St Malo.
Good friendly staff.
Posted on: 18 November 2007 by Gerald from Jersey
We have travelled to and from St Malo with you four times this year and we would like to thank you for the excellent service. The price has been very reasonable, your staff on board are friendly and helpful and we have always sailed before time.
Unfortunately on our last trip we had our journey changed from Wednesday to Friday as you had cut your services down in October. This we fully understand with all that happened this year and we were contacted and offered alternatives should this not be suitable.
We hope you will be operating next year and are disgusted in the way your competitors have treated you. We are sure there are a lot of hidden things they have also done that cannot be proved.
Please ensure that wherever possible we will travel with you and we wish you every success for the future.
Posted on: 15 November 2007 by Heather and David from Guernsey
Good luck with everything.
Look forward to using you next year and hope you also drop on a Sark leg to your service.
Posted on: 15 November 2007 by Jamie from Jersey
I would just like to email to say a big thankyou for the service that we have recieved throughout the year with HD ferries. We have traveled on several occasions and have always received the highest standard of care. HD offers a cheap and very efficient service in our opinion. We have always traveled generally on time and the on/off turn around is very quick.
I really hope that HD does return next year. We will definately be using you. Jersey needs some healthy competition so please do came back. Please could the email be forwarded to Mr Howe-Davies so he knows there is support for the company.
Yours sincerely
Posted on: 15 November 2007 by Celeine from Jersey
Dear Mr Howe-Davies
I and on behalf of my many friends wish to send our most grateful thanks for the super service of HD Ferries to France especially the Cherbourg route of which so many were unaware. I have been busy "spreading the news" of the new route to my many friends who like myself , have homes in Normandy. I will be in touch with Mike Pitman and Jean-Pierre ofen and I will be pleased to give around any leaflets etc. re the St. Malo and Guernsey-Cherboug routes. Ms Philippe Robineau, Lydia, Corinne and all the crew are most professional, kind and helpful on board HD1. Our most grateful thanks again and all our best wishes for the successful years ahead
Posted on: 15 November 2007 by Dennis from Guernsey
Good times, good fares, nice staff-not much more you can say really except keep it up-about time Condom had some competition
Posted on: 14 November 2007 by Agnes from Jersey
I fully support HD Ferries, Jersey has been very poorly served over a number of years. I have witnessed the demise of Channel Island Ferries and Emeraude Ferries and , as a result visitors to this island and Channel Islanders have suffered from lack of competition, higher fares and far fewer special offers, but basically a service which has only served the pockets of those with an interest in the only operating company with little regard for the interests or wishes of those travelling.
Posted on: 13 November 2007 by David from Jersey
Keep the HD Flag flying. Don't be put off - it took Condor ages to get it right with their new boats and you're nearly there in your first year.
We had 2 good trips with you in the summer; good crews and service.
Condor are afraid of your competitiveness!
Posted on: 12 November 2007 by Paul from Jersey
I support HD FERRIES they should continue to operated to France and expand. The lower prices are desperately needed to get people on and off Guernsey. Good Luck, dont give up.
Posted on: 09 November 2007 by Gloria from Guernsey
It does seem you have had an incredible amount of bad luck that just cannot have been by chance. Condor who seem to be able to turn cheap fares on and off as predatory pricing works, saw off Emeraude and we hope they won't do the same to you guys. Good luck on your return.
Posted on: 09 November 2007 by Anne from Jersey
Pleased to have another operator on the St Malo route -definitely brought prices down. Any possibility of doing the same on the UK route, to help Guernsey people out?
Posted on: 09 November 2007 by Liz from Guernsey
I agree with Alun. Please be fair to your Guernsey customers and give us an early morning sailing one day a week to Jersey/St Malo next year.
We have had 6 return trips with you in 2007 and have been delighted with the service in all respects except the lack of opportunity to be in France early now and again - we would probably have been on more trips if that were possible.
As I understand it there are quite a few Guernsey travellers who remain loyal to Condor only because they get to France earlier in the day and there are probably many other day trippers wanting low cost shopping expeditions.
Some come on HD. Play fair with us Guerns. Thanks in anticipation.
Posted on: 09 November 2007 by Mike from Guernsey
Condor cannot be allowed to operate a service to France without competition. I love travelling on HD - your boats are clean, well stocked, and the chairs are comfortable! Not to mention the fact that you are great value for money. Please do not go away!
Posted on: 08 November 2007 by Wendy from Guernsey
Having a son with his young family on Jersey we are able to visit more often to help out because of your lower prices, we are behind you all the way and wish you every success in your fight to keep a fair price.
Your company was very kind in May this year when I had an accident in Jersey, I broke my arm in 4 places as well as dislocating my shoulder and injuring my knee. I had 8 days in hospital. I was assisted greatly on my return to France by your staff even to one of your attendants on board supplying my husband and myself with a free coffee and being wheeled on and off the ferry.
For that I am very grateful, I have supplied your name and number to everyone I know who visits Jersey in the hopes that you will continue to prosper.
Posted on: 08 November 2007 by Anne from France
Well done & Congratulations on your 1st Year...If you continue to keep fares lower than competitors. You can only go from strenth to strength. Looking forward to travelling with you again in 2008..
Posted on: 07 November 2007 by Pam from France
Having traveled on HD1, on a day when you had a little engine trouble, I would just like to say how good your staff were at keeping everyone happy, especially the kids and a big thankyou to your French girls, always smiling and courteous, great team, great boat, can't wait for 2008.
Posted on: 07 November 2007 by James from Jersey
Just thought I would say that I have used your service on numerous occasions and have been impressed with the onboard facilities especially the WiFi Access that allowed me to use the time to work.
It is a shame that the competition did not rise to the challenge and try to act in an `adult' manner and try to raise the level of their service rather than embark on a slur campaign, which I am sure most sensible people could spot a mile off.
Keep up the good work, it's a shame your not here this winter as it looks like the competition is offering only a part time service!
Good luck in 2008.
Posted on: 07 November 2007 by Martin from Jersey
I would just like to email to say a big thank you for the service that we have recieved throughout the year with HD ferries. We have traveled on several occasions and have always received the highest standard of care. HD offers a cheap and very efficient service in our opinion. We have always traveled generally on time and the on/off turn around is very quick.
I really hope that HD does return next year. We will definately be using you. Jersey needs some healthy competition so please do came back.
Posted on: 07 November 2007 by Celine from Jersey
I am sick & tired of the states of Jersey having so many fingers in so many pies. we are being ripped off left, right and centre in all aspects of Jersey life. my sisters and i always plan a trip to France in december to do some xmas shopping and instead of paying a fair price with yourselves it is now costing us more than double on Condor. i would quite happily boycot our trip if it wasn't for the fact that we all look forward to a girls' weekend. And no, i do not for 1 minute believe that hd going out of service wasn't anything to do with the states. however unfortunately the states of jersey couldn't run a bath let alone an island which used to be a pleasure to live in and more or less fair and not corrupt.
Posted on: 07 November 2007 by Sarah from Jersey
Thank you for looking after me and my companions on the four trips to St. Malo this summer. I only had one problem when you had difficulties with the french authorities and we had to return to Jersey on Condor. What a difference in price!!!! And the service on Condor did not match your standard. Keep up the good work.
Posted on: 07 November 2007 by François from Jersey
Thank you for trying so hard to give us a good, reasonably priced, ferry service this year. You have been very unlucky but, when we have travelled with you, it has always been very good, we have been fortunate in our timings and have missed the breakdowns.
We do hope that you will be with us again next year, Condor had their chance to be fair and give us a reasonably priced ferry service and they abused it. We do not like Condor at all, they are just out to make as much money as they can. Bon Chance!
Posted on: 07 November 2007 by Mr & Mrs C from Jersey
Competition has to be there to give people a chance of a fair price.
Hope to see your company sailing next year, without the problems that you have expierienced this year.
Not everyone here is wealthy, a SUPPORTER of KEEP FARES LOW. Good Luck!
Posted on: 07 November 2007 by Michael from Jersey
A great value for money service which gives a day tripper a true day trip and not just a few hours. Looking forward to HD returniing in 2008.
Posted on: 07 November 2007 by Billie from Jersey
We need fair competition on all routes in and out of Jersey and we therefore need more than one ferry operator working to make sure there is a bit of competition.
Posted on: 07 November 2007 by Debbie from Jersey
My Husband and I have travelled several times with HD Ferries and find you have a excellent service and value for money and we have just booked our holidays for Easter and Summer Next Year.
We would have liked to book a day trip to France before Christmas with our car as HD are not running. We have enquired with Condor and the price was a third more for a day trip then our main holidays (booked with HD Ferries) so therefore we won't be going this Christmas!
We hope your Ferry servies continues in competition with these high prices. Look forward to travelling with you soon.
Posted on: 06 November 2007 by Susan from Jersey
WE HAVE TRAVELLED ON HD 1 A FEW TIMES THIS YEAR ,WE WILL MISS YOU THIS WINTER LOOK FOREWARD TO YOU RETURNING IN 2008 . PLEASE COME BACK WITH YOUR 07.15 DEPARTURE TO FRANCE AND 20.00Hrs RETURN IT GIVES US ALONG DAY IF YOU WANT TO SHOP AND DINE, WISH YOU ALL A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A GOOD SAILING NEW YEAR. WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR 2008 TIMETABLE
Posted on: 06 November 2007 by Mick from JERSEY
We have made our bookings right through from March to next autumn, looking forward to see you then...it's hard having to pay an extra £170 to get there over the winter, but worth it knowing you're on your way back. Don't leave.
Posted on: 06 November 2007 by Lucy from Jersey
I think you are doing a great job.
However you could do an even better job next year if you resheduled to provide Guernsey to St Malo with at least one sailing every week with a Guernsey departure in the morning enabeling your customers to cover some distance in France the same day. Arrival in France late evening against Condor early evening with some midday is not as attractive. Give the above some thought.
Posted on: 06 November 2007 by Alun from Guernsey
We will continue to support you.
Posted on: 05 November 2007 by Raymond & Elizabeth from Guernsey
MANY THANKS FOR ALL MY TRIPS TO ST MALO THIS YEAR ,PLEASE BRING BACK YOUR EXCELLENT CABIN CREW AND YOUR LOCAL STAFF HEADED BY MICHAEL PITMAN. AFTER A SUCCESSFUL DAY TRIP WITH CLIENTS IN MY TAXI I HOPE TO REPEAT DAY TRIPS TO FRANCE NEXT YEAR.
Posted on: 05 November 2007 by Barry from Jersey
According to your press release it appears that the £59 offer applies only to Jersey. Does it?
Editor note: The offer applies to all routes and for any duration in 2008, subject to availability. Offer closes on the 24th December 2007. More offer details will be on the website this afternoon.
Posted on: 05 November 2007 by Mike from Guernsey
Looking forward to your return in 2008. May it be smooth sailing all the way next year! And don't forget the good people of Alderney. They're waiting and hoping you'll be able to fit the island into your schedule so that the excellent value you offer will benefit so many more travellers here.
Posted on: 05 November 2007 by Peter from Alderney
I wish you luck and sincerely hope that you will sort out all your problems. It is essential that you coninue to offer an alternative to Condor.
Posted on: 02 November 2007 by Bail from Jersey
Myself and family travel to france twice a year so we can drive to Portugal by car so therefore we try to save as much as possible on the ferry. Condor are a rip off to customers and its a daylight robbery the prices they charge, so yes we will support HD Ferries on every way.
Posted on: 01 November 2007 by Joe from Portugal
I have travelled with you once to france ignoring all the warnings of doom which "sources" keep putting into the local press. I found your service fast comfortable great value and very friendly. I can understand why the old cartels are afraid of you. Good luck with your company.
Posted on: 31 October 2007 by Joe from Guernsey
Please get a reliable boat and driver. Your staff are always very good, the fairs are fare and anything that gives Condor a run is well worth supporting. We were on your first sailing to France which was slightly delayed.
All the best for the future. We will again sail with you!
Posted on: 30 October 2007 by Dave from Jersey
Channel islanders should support HD Ferries if reasonable fares are to continue. We should all remember what happened to fares when Emeraude were driven out of business.
Posted on: 29 October 2007 by Roger from Jersey
Please keep trying to ensure that your ship will be mechanically realiable. Your crew and staff are excellent. Elizabeth and I wish you all the best of luck. We give you our total suport and wish to travel with you as soon as possable.
Posted on: 25 October 2007 by Ray & Elizabeth from Guernsey
We are absolutely delighted with HD Ferries, they are clean, quick and very fairly priced, the staff are also very cheerful and helpful, we also get a full day in France when going for a day trip. We personally have never had a problem. Please continue your services.
Posted on: 25 October 2007 by Marilyn & Barrie from Jersey
HD FERRIES IS THE BEST SALLING COMPANY, MY SELF AND MY FAMILY LOOKING FORWARD TO TRAVELLING WITH YOU AS SOON IS POSSIBLE,PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP. WE WISH YOU SUCCESS+WE HOPE HD CAME BACK TO MAKE MY FAMILY AND OF COURSE OTHERS FAMILIES HAPPY. THANK YOU FOR BEING THE BEST WITH EVERYTHING THAT YOU DO. PLEASE,PLEASE,PLEASE DON'T LET THEM WIN.
Posted on: 24 October 2007 by Lopez from Jersey
It is essential that HD Ferries continues to operate because competition is very important and healthy in transports. It is extremely bad HD has to stop like that because you gave a big xmas present to Condor Ferries This is not the way to resolve the current issues especially at Xmas. PLEASE came back, and keep up the good work + best prices. we wish all the best for the future of HD Ferries. GOOD LUCK (BREAK A LEG)!
Posted on: 24 October 2007 by Marlon from Jersey
Prices that people of modest means can afford. Certainly the best timing I`ve encounted for people who want to make the most of their time in France. As you've started a Cherbourg service, how about a return deal that would enable us to use Cherbourg and St Malo as seperate arrival/departure ports from Jersey, giving the possibility of a weekend drive around from one to the other?
Posted on: 23 October 2007 by Roy the OAP from Jersey
Nous allons souvent à jersey pour retrouver des amis jersiais qui comme nous sont mécontents de la non concurrence qui existe depuis que condors a le monopole des tarifs , des dates et horaires de traversées sur les îles anglo-normandes. Nous soutenons donc votre compagnie qui a le courage de lutter, pour qu'il y aît plus de liberté dans les voyages maritimes.
Posted on: 23 October 2007 by Anne & Miguel from near Laval in France
Despite your unreliable start to this year I wish you well and hope you are determined to stay and succeed
Posted on: 21 October 2007 by Mike from Guernsey
Hurry back. You are needed !
Posted on: 20 October 2007 by Gerry from Jersey
We are regular travelers and have enjoyed the service. Your prices dictate how often we can return to see our family. Thank you for offering better customer services than your competitors.
Good luck and please can we have some cheesy music in the lift and bacon and egg rolls next year. Please please ask car passangers to remain seated so that pietons may take a leisurely stroll up the ramp first :-)
See you soon.
Posted on: 19 October 2007 by Ronnie & Melinda from Jersey & France
We travelled with HD Ferries at Easter and again at the start of the summer holidays. We experienced no more problems with their service than we ever have with Condor. As in any industry, it is always good to have competition. As can be seen with the Guernsey to Mainland service, Condor charge a fortune to get over with your car - certainly not making it worthwhile to pop over for a weekend. My sister lives on the Isle of Wight and the most we have ever paid to get over is around £50 (car and four passengers). It might be a shorter distance, but even if you times it by four, that still only comes out at £200 return, way way less than Condor. No doubt this works both ways and makes it too costly for people to spend a weekend in Guernsey. It's a shame Condor don't sail the whole route.
Posted on: 19 October 2007 by Karen from Guernsey
Looking forward to supporting you next year on your return. At last proper competition for Condor.
Posted on: 19 October 2007 by Christian from Jersey
I would like to confirm that the Hollingsworth family will continue to support you. Each time we have traveled to Jersey and St Malo the service you have given and the personal care given from the crew has been excellent.
Posted on: 18 October 2007 by Hollingsworth family from Guernsey
HD Ferries, keep it up dont let the States of Jersey defeat u, they dont like competition, let the people of jersey decide. C U next year.
Posted on: 18 October 2007 by Martin from Jersey
As befre condor have had it good and have done as they pleased. Not any more! Competition is healthy and all they can do now is whinge and sulk. Please set up a UK route.
Posted on: 18 October 2007 by Rick from UK
I LIVE IN FRANCE BUT TRAVEL TO GB ALOT. I HAVE RECENTLY BEEN TRAVELLING TO JERSEY USING HD FERRIES AND BMI BABY AIRLINES TO RETURN TO CARDIFF. THIS IS THE CHEAPEST WAY FOR ME TO TRAVEL.
THERE IS ALREADY A PETITION ON ANGLO INFO IN FRANCE ABOUT THE WAY WE HAVE BEEN EXPLOITED BY BRITTANY FERRIES.
WE ARE FORCED TO PAY CRAZY PRICES AND THEY HAVE HAD THE MONOPOLY. I CAN NOT BE SURE BUT I BELIEVE THEY TOOK OVER CONDOR FERRIES AND NOW AGAIN THE EXPATS HERE IN BRITTANY ARE BEING FORCED TO PAY THE HIGH PRICES.
LOTS OF PEOPLE TRAVEL HUNDREDS OF KM TO USE THE CHEAPER LINES AT CHERBOURG. NOW I WILL HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO USE CONDOR, AGAIN WE LOOSE OUT.
Posted on: 18 October 2007 by Claire from Normandy
I have recently gone to live in France and like to go back to Jersey frequently to see my family. HD Ferries is by far my favourite ferry service and I always use it. On the one time I had to use Condor because HD had been grounded in Jersey I found their service to be far inferior. I particularly disliked the fact that I couldn't chose my own seat and that the one I was allocated was broken. I had a very uncomfortable journey and found the staff far from friendly, unlike the HD Ferries staff.
Good luck to you all and I hope I can continue to be able to travel with you. One particular bonus is the free coach transfer to the train station as I don't have a car and appreciate the fact that I do not have to wait around for a taxi at the terminal. Good luck again!
Posted on: 17 October 2007 by Cathy from France
I WOULD LIKE TO SHOW MY SUPPORT CONDOR HAS PROVED TO EXPLOIT CUSTOMERS AND DESPITE USING THEM FOR MANY YEARS AND SPENDING ALOT OF MONEY THEY HAVE SHOWED LITTLE LOYALTY.
INFACT THEY EXPLOIT CUSTOMERS.
I HAVE FOUND THEM EXPENSIVE AND COMPETION IS NEEDED TO
FOR FAIR PLAY.
Posted on: 17 October 2007 by Geraint from France
I WOULD LIKE TO SHOW MY SUPPORT. BOTH MY PARTNER AND MY SELF HAVE USED CONDOR FERRIES AND SPENT THOSANDS OF POUNDS OVER THE LAST 4 YEARS. WE DO NOT FEEL YOU HAVE BEEN APPRECIATED AND WE WOULD LIKE TO SHOW OUR SUPPORT.
Posted on: 17 October 2007 by Alison from France and UK
I wish you all the best for next year. Your staff have always been most courteous and helpful at all times. Let's have no more trouble with the opposition good luck to you all see you next year.
Posted on: 16 October 2007 by Lauren from Jersey
I HAVE FOUND H D TO OFFER VERY GOOD FARES AND HIGH STANDARDS OF SAFETY. THEY WERE SPEEDY AND EFFICIENT AND THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAD WAS ON AN OUTWARD JOURNEY THEY HAD ENGINE PROBLEMS AND WERE SLIGHTLY LATE BUT I HAVE HAD A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE WITH A DIFFERENT OPERATOR FROM PORTSMOUTH IN THE PASAT SO THAT SHOULD BE OVERLOOKED AS IT HAPPENS TO ALL OPERATORS AT SOME POINT IN AN IMPERFECT WORLD.
I GIVE HD 9 POINTS OUT 10 FOR FARES AND 8 OUT OF 10 FOR SERVICE AND AS A FOOT PASSENGER THAT IS FAR HIGHER THAN I WOULD GIVE CONDOR, P AND O, AND BRITTANY FERRIES.
LONG LIVE HD FERRIES.
Posted on: 16 October 2007 by Pat from NEATH, WALES
We need another ferry other than Condor that deals directly between the islands and France. The reason is because a lot of the time the Condor ferry comes via the Uk & when the weather is bad in the channel, the island link is cancelled. This means that sometimes, if you are trying to get to France for special occasions &/or visiting relatives you can't go & this is upsetting for everyone - this especially applies if it for a short weekend trip due to work restrictions.
If there is an island to France link only, the chances are that the crossing will go ahead.
Posted on: 16 October 2007 by Heather from Jersey
We were on the innaugural trip to St. Malo and have used the ferry several times. Your sailing times are perfect for short or long trips. Please hurry back. I hope the problem is solved satisfactorily. Good luck.
Posted on: 16 October 2007 by Rene from Jersey
Your service and keeping prices low enable us to keep in regular contact with out our family and grand children. Roll on Spring and thank you!
Posted on: 16 October 2007 by viv from France
We have family in Jersey and so are frequent travellers. We believe that it is essential that there is competition on this route. The level of service from your crew and the general standards of cleanliness far exceed your competition. Condor prices are obscene and their timekeeping would have had Mussolini tearing his hair out. Best wishes for the future.
Posted on: 16 October 2007 by Robert from France
Keep going, most of your problems have been through bad luck & outside influences.The wave height restriction must be over come plus the ships reliability needs to improve. most of the C.I. travelling public are behind you & want you to succeed, I'm looking forward to using your services in 2008, Bonne chance.
Posted on: 15 October 2007 by Mac from Jersey
We must have competion otherwise Condor will take us to the cleaners as usual. Please come back as soon as possible.
Posted on: 15 October 2007 by Roy from Jersey
It's a real shame you are stopping for the winter as I have been using HD to commute back and forth from Jersey to St Malo for the Rugby World Cup, and the service has been excellent. I hope things go smoothly for you next year.
Posted on: 15 October 2007 by Howard from Jersey
Please, yet again don't give up! All the regular travellers to France will back you all the way, we don't know why some people in Jersey want you out (or do we?). Please don't give up.
Posted on: 14 October 2007 by Mave from Jersey
Good Luck, you should be allowed to provide competition to the dominant operator. I have not been to the channel islands for a long time but will be sure to make use of your services when I go there next. The 'big boys' cannot have it all their own way. I would also suggest that customers and colleagues should boycott the bank and all associated companies that currently own Condor!
Posted on: 13 October 2007 by Loz from Liverpool
We have travelled with HDFerries on numerous occasions and find the ship and staff friendly and helpful. We have encountered cancellations but then we have that with Condor Ferries!
Keep fighting - we're in full support of your operation and look forward to you winning the battle and we look forward to many more trips on HD.
Posted on: 13 October 2007 by John & Jacqui from Originally Gsy, now living in France
We choose HD due the time of sailing leaving at 07.15 we can make South of France in a Day, with Condor we would have had to stay overnight in France, thus pushing the cost up and same with the return, HD - done in a day, and the boat is fast and comfortable, Little concerned on how the Cars are parked on board, didn't seem to be that organized and didn't pay much attention to the fact we had children on board before the next car was parked and we were unable to open doors.. but i hope these little thing will be ironed out and i look forward to travelling with HD on their return
Posted on: 11 October 2007 by Justin from Jersey
You have been on the rest
Now use HD the best
Posted on: 11 October 2007 by Mel from France
Travelled across to st malo and return with Condor £198.50 when we boarded the Express last night it was clearly obvious that the boat had not been cleaned from the previous crossing as all the seat backs were cluttered with rubbish. unlike HD which has always been spotless on all our crossings. Roll on March 20th.
Posted on: 11 October 2007 by Dave from Jersey
I have observed the way Condor operates over a number of years. They are greedy, preditory and don't care one bit about customer service, as soon as they are the only operator the prices shoot up, that's how they work. Unfortunately the States seem unwilling or unable to also consider the people that live on this island and have allowed a number of competing companies to go to the wall, Jersey States are a discrace.
I wish HD Ferries all the best in their action, but please be aware that you are up against Condor and the Jersey States (who lack any integrity in this matter ) I as someone who has lived in this island for 15 years have observed this rotten greedy Condor and the way it operates.
Posted on: 11 October 2007 by David from Jersey
we need you back for cherbourg asap keep going for next yearall success to you all @hd
Posted on: 09 October 2007 by howard from Guernsey
Thank you for the service I have had this year with your Company. It was nice to see some of the old Emeraude employees on board. I have travelled with you from Jersey to St Malo about 3/4 times this year and was hoping to have a few more trips in the autumn/winter. It is very unfortunate that you have had to cut your winter programme due to so many problems operating in and out of Jersey due in the most part by the loss of one engine. Not only was the service good but your prices enabled a lot of people to get off the Island and have a most enjoyable day with their car in France without breaking the bank! To get into St Malo at around 9.15 a.m. French time and not come back until 10 pm was brilliant- that is what I call a day out!
I very much hope you will come back March 20th next year as planned and I and my friends look forward to travelling with you again.
Hope it will be plain sailing in 2008.
Thanks once again.
Posted on: 09 October 2007 by Sue from Jersey
Keep going.
Its about time Condor were given a run for thier money. I looked at trying to take my family to the UK for Christmas by ferry but was quoted nearly £600 return. What a rip off !!
Reluctantly I bit the bullet and booked flights as at least the journey would be quick but I'd have preferred to take my car for ease in taking and briging back presents etc.
Hope to see you back soon
Posted on: 09 October 2007 by Peter from Jersey
Go for it! I hope next year you come back stronger than ever!!!!! We look forward to seeing you run again, and the very best of luck.
Posted on: 09 October 2007 by Lynn from Guernsey
Thank you, its great to have a fantastic service at a fair price. I have used HD Ferries on regular basis this year and have always had a pleasant trip with friendly staff.
Thank you once again
Brigitte
Posted on: 09 October 2007 by Brigitte from Jersey
Please continue to fight your corner and don't let them grind you down and have the monopoly again, because they will try their hardest to get you out.
Posted on: 09 October 2007 by Pauline from Jersey
We fully support HD ferries and hope that you keep fighting on. Half of our family live here in France and the other half in Jersey! So we are always going back and forth so its great to have options on the St Malo route and of course the price competition is indeed a "Brucie Bonus" !
Posted on: 09 October 2007 by Sue from SW France
I personally feel you have been dished a raw deal in all this and would just like to ask if Condor have all these stringent checks - I have travelled with them in the past and have not had any authorities board their ship. I am sure the Island supports you HD and we look forward to sailing with you again (after our last trip on Saturday 13 October) in April. Thank you for your service this year.
Posted on: 09 October 2007 by Carol from Jersey
Have travelled with you twice this year and all went well. A more reliable boat would be comforting and one with more cover. Good luck.
Posted on: 08 October 2007 by Peter from Jersey
We are now looking at £317 with Condor for the family and car to St Malo over the winter, compared to an average of £138.00 RETURN with you...clearly we will miss you and really miss our very regular trips with you to our home in Brittany. We really hope you can make this work and we wish you all the best over the winter with the training etc...keep us posted. Good luck with the UK route planning also!
Posted on: 08 October 2007 by Lucy from Jersey
I have travelled on HD between Jersey and St Malo several times this year and have been more than pleased with not only the prices, but also with the polite friendly and efficient staff you employ.
What a difference to Condor who not only overprice the cafe, bar, duty free items but also employ people who have a rather unfortunate attitude toward their customers.
I have recently heard the bad news that HD are suspending their services until March 2008.
Shame HD had to go through teething problems when they started operating from Jersey but I do recall Condor also having problems when they first started sailing from Jersey.
I am deeply saddened to find the apparent bullying tactics used against HD appear to have accomplished a monoply for Condor once again.
Posted on: 08 October 2007 by Ann from Jersey
Not a true support message, but once you can prove than you can operate a safe and regular service at an even lesser cost than now then I will consider using your service.
Posted on: 08 October 2007 by Marieke from Jersey
Keep going - don't be put off - Condor were very unreliable when we first came to Jersey 10 years ago!
Posted on: 08 October 2007 by Mike from Jersey
Why can't they allow your ship to continue using the harbour pilots, isn't that what their (well paid ) job is? We locals can only apologise for the bullying by the authorities, don't give in, we need your service.
Posted on: 08 October 2007 by Anne from Jersey
Very sad to hear of your suspension of services during the winter months. ...and from what I understand absolutely dispicable how HD have been treated by those who seem determined to support the monopoly.
I've travelled 8 times this summer, the majority in my truck collecting granite troughs but also in the car with my family.
On each occasion the service offered by HD has been second to none. Not once have I been delayed or cancelled.
HD have enabled me to rekindle my small business collecting architectural antiques from France...something I hadn't been able to do since the demise of Emeraude Lines.
Unfortunately I'm not able to travel before the 6th November but I'm looking forward to next March onwards when your service resumes
Good luck
Best wishes
Posted on: 08 October 2007 by Gary from Jersey
We are about to sail on HD for the first time next week, would have done it sooner but couldn't find the time !. I have travelled alot last year to France and spent an substantial amount of money with them, and Im now so glad there is a great new competitor, hopefully when all the glitches are ironed out and the harbours actually back you up you will be kept running for many years
Posted on: 07 October 2007 by Gary from Jersey
Please, whatever you do, come back as soon as possible. Since you have started, I have not used the other line who have treated me as though I did not matter to them, including youngsters behind their desk (who were young enough to be my grandchildren) smirking and saying that they charged "...fluid prices, just like the airlines"
Not the kind of service I (and I am sure many others) appreciate.
Posted on: 07 October 2007 by David from Jersey
I am writing as a regular traveller to France from Jersey, a former
regular client of Emeraude Lines, and, this last year, one who has
happily made three return trips with HD Ferries. My wife and I had
intended to make at least one futher trip this year with HD.
I am absolutely disgusted with the manner in which HD has been treated
in the course of its short history as competition on the "southern
route". They have, sadly, been blighted with techical problems, in no
way of their own making, and at every possible opportunity they have
been penalised by the "authorities" in both Islands and France, but, it
seems, principally in Jersey.
I am perfectly certain that all my allegations will be strenuously
denied, but the whole situation leaves the very nasty feeling that one
provider, Condor, is being favoured by the powers that be whilst the
other, which is providing healthy and clearly more economic competition,
is being treated as a kicking boy. The impression given is that
everyone would like HD simply to go away and leave the waters open for
Condor to charge what they like to provide an "essential" link.
My sympathies are entirely with HD, Mr Howe-Davies himself, and even more with
the HD crews who have provided such exemplary service on the St. Malo
route. All any of us in Jersey who are regular visitors to France
require is a simple, economic and friendly service. HD (and Emeraude
before them) have provided all of these. I am not in the least surprised
by Mr Howe-Davies' announcement today, just very saddened that the Jersey
authories should appear so very partisan.
Posted on: 06 October 2007 by Geoffrey from Jersey
you have our full support and hope all services will run successfully
after the winter.
Best wishes
Posted on: 06 October 2007 by Claude from Jersey
Thank you for a wonderful service.Your boat, staff and fares brought a new and refreshing service back on our long suffering travellers in Jersey. Too long have we suffered the monopoly of Condor and the extortionate fares they give us. It's a pity you can't provide us with a direct route to th U.K. that would really shake them up. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
Posted on: 06 October 2007 by Rodney from Jersey
Wishing you best of luck.Such a shame you had to suspend winter sailings.We will be with you when you get back in the Spring. This just means that we will have to hire a car in France as we will not travel with Condor......!
Posted on: 06 October 2007 by Robert from Jersey
had a lovely trip today with hd to guernsey, Phillipe was wonderful and cheerful as ever, all shore crew ad onboard crew great, it sould be noted that health inseptors should go aboard the Condor fast vessel to Poole as a friend who went by them to Poole leaving Jersey and returning 10 days later could not use a toilet due to them being blocked a very uncomfortable 8 hours travelling so they should get there house in order before throwing the sh*t around
Posted on: 06 October 2007 by lloyd from Jersey
Sorry to hear that you are taking the winter off. Good Luck when you return.
Posted on: 05 October 2007 by Brian from Guernsey
Dear Sirs , I was happy to here that we had another Ferry Company In the Island,
As Condor can't rip us off on price .
I only wish that you could do a Service to the UK as well . As you can only go on CONDOR AND GET ROBBED. We in Jersey and Guernsey have had enough of this. But the States just do just don't care . condor just rip us off.
I wish you the very best. you have my support
All the Best. Nigel
Posted on: 05 October 2007 by Nigel from Jersey
Will be glad when you are back in service. I intend to FLY until you get back for the "other ferry service" to Guernsey/Jersey is just not worth the trouble, what with bad service etc.,etc. I have travelled with many other ferry companies and they are by far the WORST. Hope to be on board with you soon
Posted on: 05 October 2007 by Peter from Hants
We were very impressed by the ferry from St Malo to Guernsey.Having travelled with Condor at extremely high prices I didnt expect H.D to offer such high standards,on a low budget fare.
In addition we loved the free WiFi.and pleasant comfortable conditions.Whilst lay people cannot hope to comment on the safety standards as these are very specific,as a customer the travel experience was excellent and very much cheaper than Condor.
Posted on: 05 October 2007 by Linda from France
We travelled with you on your inaugural trip and we understand you are having teething troubles but please keep up the good work Your service is essential. We are retired and money is tight and without you we would be unable to return to the islands to see our grandchildren, children and friends.
Condor were ruthless with BCIF and they won in the end. We hope you are able to sustain your fight. We will always use you and support you. We find your service good and your boat good value for money. We look forward to you putting on a service to U.K. (Hopefully available from France!)
Posted on: 05 October 2007 by Richard & Shirley from Vendee, France
Good morning we are saddened by the decision to take HD1 out of service for the winter, we thank you for the excellent service you have given us so far, we hope to see you back with an even better service, wishing you all good luck for the future.
Posted on: 05 October 2007 by Dennis from St Malo
I am really sad to hear today's news. I hope that the constructiveness shown by Deputy Allan MacLean will continue, and that you will be back in operation in March, with a new impeller for the KaMeWa jet (Rolls-Royce should be able to do better than hold you up for so long - I am a shareholder!) and hopefully without the persistent sniping from the opposition, who have had it FAR too good for FAR too long!
When British Rail (Sealink) started their ro-ro service in 1973, the fare for a car and two passengers to the UK was approximately HALF that of the equivalent return air fare; why is it now approximately double (and I'm not talking about the brilliant cut-price air fares now being offered!). It is quite ridiculous that it costs me half the return (Condor) fare to travel by air to the UK (eg East Midlands) and hire a car - what about the environmental consequences - the sea ferry is FAR more fuel-efficient!
So have a good sort-out over the winter; get your captains the necessary pilotage certificates, hound Rolls-Royce (KaMeWa) for the impeller (and get them to hold a spare, instead of having to manufacture one - they CAN afford it!) (and put a grille in, if possible, to stop those stray lobster pots and all the other rubbish that seems to surface in the Gulf of St Malo!) and hopefully we may be able to look forward to a competitive UK service as WELL as a good French service!
Good Luck - don't let the b.....s get you down - it's great to see so much support on this site!
Posted on: 05 October 2007 by Mike from Jersey
Is it not strange that since you announced suspending services every
trip on Condom has shot up to £100 plus between now and Christmas,
Seems odd!!!!!!
Posted on: 04 October 2007 by Alan from Jersey
Hi, just booked Saturday 13th October with HD - £99 for a car and two people (we could take 4 for the same price!) The same trip would cost £212.50 with Condor and for a much shorter day!!!
We are also booked to go on the 27th October - HD - £99 for a car and two people - Condor for £207.50!!
Here's to travelling again with you in March and we will definately not be travelling with Condor in the meantime as we can't afford it!!!
(By the way - we have travelled five times with you this year and all trips have been on time and CHEAP!)
Good Luck
Posted on: 04 October 2007 by Lucy from Jersey
Editor note: LATEST PRESS RELEASE
HD Ferries explains why the winter schedule had to be bought forward
Following feedback from our loyal customers regarding our sudden announcement to bring forward the commencement of the winter schedule, we wanted to clarify the situation and explain the reason for this difficult decision.
In the last week the authorities in Jersey asked us to completely suspend our service from 1st October 2007 for an unspecified period of time to allow our Masters to complete their training on entering and exiting Jersey Harbour without the need for a harbour pilot to be on board.
After making strong representations about the immense impact on our customers that such a draconian step would inevitably cause, we reluctantly agreed to bring forward the commencement of our winter schedule to allow this training to take place.
We offer our sincere apologies to those customers who have been impacted by this course of action but we hope everyone will appreciate that we were left with little choice in the matter and the impact of the original request on our customers would have been much worse. Please rest assured of our continuing determination to overcome the obstacles placed in our path so that we can continue to offer choice and low fares to our valued customers.
Posted on: 04 October 2007 by the Editor from HD Ferries BLOG
I have lived in guernsey for 35 years and used ferries as my main form of transport on and off the island until a few years ago when a medical condition meant that air-travel was more appropriate. However, since I have now put that condition behind me I am pleased to note there is not one, but two ferry services in the C.I. Competition can only be a healthy thing and your competitors should work co-operatively with you, not try to put a spanner in the works by making loose comments like the one quoted on your website (and on their home page).
I suspect that was not the intention of the owners of your competitor, but probably some 'loose-gun' spokeperson or some P.R. man gone mad. I cannot see how in the tiny harbours of Guernsey and Jersey a mutually beneficial arrangement cannot be made to ensure BOTH ferry companies survive and prosper.
Can I add one tiny criticism, that I wish there was an early morning sailing to France in the Autumn months - it is nice to make some good distance from the coast before having to think about stopping for overnight accommodation!
Posted on: 04 October 2007 by C.J. from GSY
What has happened over the past few months is inexcusable, both by the 'powers who be' and Condor in their treatment of competion. HD ferries was long overdue and much needed competion. You have provided the best you could under the circumstances. Know that the customers need you! I for one will not be travelling with Condor so after out trip with HD Ferries at half term we will not sail again until you return.
Posted on: 04 October 2007 by Karen from Jersey
Thank you HD Ferries ... I took a trip from jersey to guernsey 3/10/07 on the 11am returning on the 6pm sailing with my 7 week old baby to find a child minder. Not only did i have a pleasant journey with everything running on time, but also, I was very impressed at the professionalism and help on the crew on board. In fact the journey was so much easier than a bus ride across Jersey!
Incidently you are the only ferry offering a day trip from jersey to guernsey return inspite of media advertising by the other company.
Posted on: 04 October 2007 by Shona from Jersey (moving to Guernsey)
So sorry to hear the news and please come back to us next year. Good luck to all the Staff who have made the 'Company' something special.
Posted on: 04 October 2007 by Peter & Stella from Jersey
This is sad. Why stop? Condor now have their monopoly back again. I am certain you will lose customers. I know and accept that you have had some teething problems which is to be expected but stopping services altogether like this gives Condor the upper hand again.
I hope you get your problems sorted sooner than expected and maybe start the service again sooner than expected. You still have my support.
Editor note: To read why we have been left with no choice but to make this schedule change, please click here. Again, we offer our sincere apologies to the disruption that this has caused but believe it is the only way HD Ferries can ensure we have a 'level playing field' for the long run.
Posted on: 04 October 2007 by Terry from Guernsey
So sorry to hear the news - we have supported you throughout the summer and are grateful for the cheap alternative service you have offered.
Unfortunately your decision has come at a time when Condor have withdrawn their Monday morning sailing from ST Malo to Jersey and the Friday evening sailing too is under threat of 'winter schedule' change. These services are used by the people who live in France and travel to work in Jersey throughout the week. I know personally that some travellers were grateful for the oppportunity to travel over on your late Sunday evening sailing which would have given them another half day at home.
Perhaps when you resume service your timetable can be altered to cater for this group of regular travellers. Looking forward to travelling with you next week and again in 2008.
Posted on: 04 October 2007 by Kathy from Jersey
I fully support HD Ferries and I am sad to learn that there will be a winter stop and I hope that HD Ferries will consider to run a December / January service for the holidays. I have been working in the shipping and insurance industry for many years and I am fully up to speed with all safety requirements and would not have booked a trip on HD Ferries if I would have had any concerns. HD1's manager and their ultimate parent Stena AB enjoy a good reputation in the market and I travelled with HD Ferries a few times and it was a very enjoyable journey.
Posted on: 04 October 2007 by Elsa from Jersey
Totally agree there should be a level playing field.
Why Why Why are the States not doing more to support competition with Condor????
Posted on: 04 October 2007 by Tim from Jersey
All I can say is that we will miss HD Ferries in our waters as they are efficient and are always on time more than I can say for Condor. HD Ferries are always friendly and always eager to help. I will miss them until they start sailing again. Good LucK HD Ferries and we look forward to sailing with you again in March 2008.
Posted on: 04 October 2007 by Helen from Jersey
When can we book for March 2008 please?
Editor note: March 2008 can be booked now, however it is only from Thursday 20th March onwards. Click here to do an online quote.
Posted on: 04 October 2007 by Mike from Guernsey
We are very sorry that HD Ferries has had to stop their service until March as we had booked to go to Jersey in early December. However we give you our full support and look forward to travelling with you next year. Good Luck in your libel case against Condor.
Posted on: 04 October 2007 by Sheila from France
The Island needs another service to compete against Condor and the prices they charge. I hope that HD Ferries will be able to sort out their teething problems and hopefully challenge Condor on the UK route. When travelling with HD the staff are always very helpful and pleasant even in the difficult times.
Posted on: 04 October 2007 by Paula from Jersey
Sorry, I have to say that I think you have a long way to go to meet the high level of service offered by Condor. Good luck in your attempts though.
Posted on: 03 October 2007 by JohnG from England
So sorry to hear you are withdrawing service and look forward to your
return. Please don't leave us back in the same intolerable position of no choice of operators. Have always been very pleased with your service, with no feeling of being ripped off over fares. P.S. could you include the uk in your service next year???!!!!
Posted on: 03 October 2007 by Maggie from Jersey
I have just travelled back tonight from St Malo with my wife & car cost £108.00 I unfortunately have to return next Tuesday same journey booked very reluctantly with Condor £198.50 - the rip off continues.
Posted on: 03 October 2007 by Dave from Jersey
Sorry you do not feel that you can offer a Winter service but fully understand. Look forward to your return in the Spring.
As someone who has only used HD this year for all trips to France I welcome your 'real' cost service. My wife and my daughter both prefer your ship to Condor's wavepiercer.
It seems to have been forgotten that Condor had quite a long nightmare when they introduced the wavepiercers onto the route - it took many months to sort out. Keep going you are well on the way to a very good competitive alternative service.
Posted on: 03 October 2007 by Charles from Jersey
Yes, you have been well and truly f****d, and as you will be well aware, the vast majority of Jersey Residents are ashamed of their Government and Authorities, where changes needed are protected by vested interests. Come back fighting. I wish you well!
Posted on: 03 October 2007 by John from Jersey
I hope you come back next with bigger and better ships than condor and run to the uk and kick there rear ends and good luck to you.
Posted on: 03 October 2007 by Larry from Jersey
I am gutted to hear that you are pulling out of the route for the winter. Now that we are left in the hands of the Condor robber barons we shall be unable to afford as many trips to France as we had planned. I hope that the powers that be are happy now that sea travel has taken a retrograde step. Good luck for the future and I hope to travel with you in 2008.
Posted on: 03 October 2007 by Dave from Jersey
We have just been to France for Rugby world cup 2007 and I only wish that the Home nations had been as efficient as HD. Keep up the sailings. Don't let the buggers get you down... Until the spring.
Posted on: 03 October 2007 by DFP from Guernsey
Along no doubt with many other regular users of your excellent service, I am sad that you have had to shelve operations, due to understandable reasons, over the winter period.
May I congratulate you on the battles you have won, and the hurdles you have overcome so far. Please keep the fight going, you have a vast army of support.
May I also say a big "thank you "to your superb happy smiling and most helpful crew and staff who make travelling on HD1 such a pleasure.
I look forward to travelling with you again next year.
Posted on: 03 October 2007 by Leon from Jersey
I have supported you throughout and am a regular weekly traveller, but I have to say that the withdrawal of services is really a bit of a kick in the teeth for those who support you. For whatever reasons it still leaves me with crossings I did not want with a company I did not want to support more than I have to. Of course I will use HD again next year, but I do feel somewhat let down at the moment.
Posted on: 03 October 2007 by Steve from France
Gave just seen the news that you are suspending sailings from November to March. Sooooo disappointed. We were going to france at least four times during that time and booking on HD, as we have twice this year, but now will have to go on Condor, which we loathe. have written messages of support and encouragement and gratitude for HD in the past, but feel really let down by you now, why cant you just keep going, you're letting them win. Please change your mind.
Editor note: To read why we have been left with no choice but to make this schedule change, please click here. Again, we offer our sincere apologies to the disruption that this has caused but believe it is the only way HD Ferries can ensure we have a 'level playing field' for the long run.
Posted on: 03 October 2007 by Christine from Jersey
I am very sorry at the way you have been treated by the Jersey Authorities and trust that you will be able to restore a full service next spring. My family will continue to support you!!!
Posted on: 03 October 2007 by Brian from Jersey
you have my support and I have travelled with you twice now and been most satisfied. I especially like you early Jersey departure and later return. Keep it up!
Posted on: 03 October 2007 by Martyn from Jersey
Total bewilderment, you have let them win, I am sorry to see it happen.
Posted on: 03 October 2007 by Lloyd from Jersey
Well, we are sorry to hear you are withdrawing your service for the Winter Months but can fully understand your reasons for this but rest assured we will be using your services next year, possibly on a level playing field! Good luck.
Posted on: 03 October 2007 by Colin from Guernsey
I have travelled several times with you this year and have booked again for December. I think you knock Condor into touch with your fares and good service. One gripe,sort the mens toilets out there is usually something blocked or they smell. For your first year in service you have had to overcome lots of teething problems, one wonders if there are dark forces at work within our authorties with all the inspections that have taken place. Keep going and dont let them grind you down,you are giving a first class service to the Islands.
Posted on: 03 October 2007 by Peter from Jersey
I wish you every success and good luck with your fight with Condor!
Posted on: 03 October 2007 by Claire from Jersey
It is fantastic to have a ferry company that is interested in serving customers, in giving a good service and a realistic fare structure. I wish you every success for both this year and the future.
Posted on: 02 October 2007 by Clive from Guernsey
Condor hurt with the start of this ferry; I'm not a user of either service, but HD Ferries has had issues without question. When the MCA are called in to attend this isnt done without reason, but each time you come through. However Condor's position to remain in the market does not look good; last year they were seemingly over budget on fuel alone by £5 million; they are on their 3 remortgage due to poor management, their owners (Scottish Bank) must love them. They would argue that rising fuel costs are the issue, but as these are passed on to the customer so thats a pretty poor excuse. Look at the directors running Condor - not the brightest buttons or at the front of the gene pool, they will continue to drag the company down until they are no more. It will be interesting to see what politicians in Jersey quake in their boots for all the support that it is given financially.
Posted on: 02 October 2007 by Lee from Guernsey
Keep up the good work and the prices to St Malo low.
PS: Condor (large vulture) let's hope they fly away!
Posted on: 01 October 2007 by Steve from Jersey
I have watched with some bewilderment the various enforced inspections that have been forced on HD Ferries over the Summer. In all these times, HD have cancelled their sailings or had them cancelled. This has happened a number of times in the Port of St. Helier, twice in St. Peter Port and once in St. Malo.
It is my opinion that HD Ferries is a well-run company. It has, however, had operating problems because it is running on three engines and not the available four engines that are on the ship. The reason for this is damage to a waterjet. This damage occurred in Spain in 2006. A repair was carried out in Spain that was not satisfactory. This was discovered in late May and the result is that a full removal of the waterjet propulsion unit was undertaken in Cherbourg in June. This involved dry-docking the ship. When the properly repaired unit is returned to the ship in November, it will have to be dry-docked again to install the repaired unit. When the waterjet is re-installed, the company hope to finish sea-trials with the MCA to get their wave height restriction up-graded.
At all times, HD have endeavoured to carry on with a service to the Channel Islands.
One of the sadder aspects of the arrival of HD Ferries has been the various attempts by parties to compromise the company's operational ability and to shake public confidence in the company, its ship and it's ability to operate safely. Throughout all this, Chris Howe-Davies, the owner, has been professional, even-tempered and co-operative. He has repeated his intention of growing HD Ferries into a bigger company. He has addressed head-on any operating problem the company has had.
HD Ferries have set-up in Jersey without any assistance, subsidy, or financial help from either Jersey's Economic Development Department. This contrasts sharply with subsidies at the Airport. British Midland have swopped a Paris Heathrow slot for a Jersey Heathrow slot and Jersey's EDD has decided that it is in the Island's best interest to subsidise this link. HD do not have subsidies. They did not ask for them, seek them or lobby for them. There are two chances of HD or any ferry company getting a subsidy rom EDD. One is none and the other I leave to reader's imagination. HD have carried over 100,000 passengers this summer and thousands and thousands of cars, vans, motorbikes and bicycles. Many travellers from Jersey have been delighted to see friendly staff from the former Emeraude operation on board HD1. HD Ferries, much like Manche Iles Express is reversing the decline in our ferry routes and is providing Channel Islanders with more choice and better fares. Both these companies are operating without any subisidies. Any uplift in our visitor statistics by sea is not due to EDD but to HD Ferries and Manche Iles Express.
Then we see all the HD documented incidents that were blown across the Media this Summer. Yet, another company, Condor appears to have no incidents or at least does not seem to appear in the media. It seems strange that Condor has had operating incidents this summer and they went unreported in the Jersey media. Perhaps your readers might be interested in two recent Condor incidents ove the Summer.
Recently I read an article from the local St Malo's newspaper Le Pays Malouin. On July 12th one of Condor's Incats had an emergency alarm go on the engines when approaching St Malo. As a result they did a u-turn to check the engines before entering the port and they created a massive wave on the nearest beach (50 persons have lost their belongings because of the wave which washed the beach). Condor were proposing compensation for the people affected.
Condor 10 was photographed on the 25/08/07 with 20 cm of the port piercer missing and water pouring out from the tip. It seems that no port state had been informed of this "no incident".
Finally, my opinion is that the Harbour is very much treated as an ugly sister to the Airport. Yet it is hugely important from a strategic point of view. Almost everything we use on the Island comes in by sea. Every couch, table, TV, kitchen sink, pair of shoes, food, refrigerated products, drinking water, building supplies, new cars, vans and trucks, everything comes in by sea. Yet we build flats and new accommodation overlooking a freight shunting area. We do not recognise the strategic importance of the Commercial Port of St. Helier. We tinker with it and shove waterfront accommodation on top of it because "it is a nice place to live".
If we are to insist on building more accommodation on the Waterfront, and landlock the Commercial Port of St. Helier with living accommodation, then I suggest we follow the suggestion of our former excellent Harbourmaster, Captain Roy Bullen, when he suggested in the early 80's that we build a new deep water port, something St. Helier has NEVER had, south of La Collette.
That was, of course, in the days when St.Helier was a very busy bustling port with visitor statistics that were much better than to-day. This was all competently handled by Captain Bullen and his small staff of 15 + from one very small office, the old Harbour office adjacent to the vacated Tourism office.
It contrasts sharply to the 70+ personnel employed by Harbours full-time or part-time to-day.
Posted on: 01 October 2007 by Deputy Sean Power from Jersey
We had a lovely day trip from St Malo to Jersey with friends. I was impressed with the comfortable quality seats included in the price, on other crossings we have to pay a supplement for comfortable seats. Also the services on board were very good. We will definately go again if the price remains good.
Posted on: 30 September 2007 by Maggie from Brittany ex pat
It seems to me that the "powers that be" don't like competition.
Good luck to you HD, don't let them grind you down.
Posted on: 28 September 2007 by Bill from Guernsey
Hi its me again, I just can't help myself from emailing you. I have been away and only just read with interest that you have been stopped again. Blimey the politicians in Jersey must be feeling light in the pockets!!
It is a known fact amongst islanders that even before Condor a few members of our "leadership" had fingers and money in shipping pies! Long may HD Ferries stay on this route we need you here in order to drive the bad pennies out - "Condor" are you listening? You have had it your own way for long enough. Start sailing on your own without your inside help!
Posted on: 27 September 2007 by John from Jersey
Everyone is so quick to be negative. I'd like to say that the cancellation problem I had with HD (due to terrible weather) was handled perfectly.
We were told of the cancellation well in advance, by telephone and by e-mail, and not just told the facts at the check in point like other operators would do.
Thank you and keep up the good work.
Posted on: 27 September 2007 by Colin from St Malo
Carry on with the good work you are doing !
All the companies in the world of any industry may have problems, the important thing is how they sort them out and the effort they put on to make it happen.
Posted on: 22 September 2007 by Juan Pablo from Argentina
Hope to make first use of your Guernsey to Cherbourg sevice in approx four weeks time. If a success it will be first of many.
Posted on: 21 September 2007 by R.L. from Guernsey
JUST BACK FROM ST MALO SAILED OUT ON SAT 15TH SEPT.WHAT A LOVELY TRIP SUPER SERVICE JUST WHAT WE EXPECT FROM HD FERRIES. GREAT TIME KEEPING.GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY
Posted on: 21 September 2007 by George from Guernsey
Carry on the good work.
Posted on: 21 September 2007 by Rodney from Jersey
I certainly support any ferry taking on Brittany Ferries and hope you sort out your problems re sailing.
Posted on: 20 September 2007 by Penny from France
Competition at last !!
Posted on: 20 September 2007 by DQ from Guernsey
HD Ferries is my preferred transport to St Malo!
Posted on: 20 September 2007 by John from Jersey
Everyone has teething problems, Ihope that yours are soon over.
dont pull out ,we need you.
Keep your fares low and you will have most of the travelling public
behind you.
Good luck.
Posted on: 20 September 2007 by Ron from Jersey
We recently used your ferry as part of an organised trip to France through Ace Travel (Brittany Explorer, Tuesday 18 September).
We would like to thank you for your care and attention following a health scare my father had during the trip. As my father was unable to walk very far, your staff in both St Malo, on the ferry, and in Jersey were very kind and did their upmost to provide transport to and from the ferry so that my father was able to rest and recuperate.
Many thanks
Posted on: 19 September 2007 by Vanessa from Jersey
Hd Ferries is like a breath of fresh air and so helpful especially for passengers needing assistance
Posted on: 19 September 2007 by Ann from Jersey
Well done HD Ferries for fighting on in the face of adversity, and malicious rumours. Do you have the feeling that there is not an even playing field?
On the subject of an even playing field, can someone please enlighten the travelling public as to the reasons why Condor 10 has apparently limited the weight of it`s vehicle traffic on board. Could this be a worry concerning safe working load, and structural strength?
If you were to choose between a fourth engine and a solid hull, what would you choose?
Posted on: 19 September 2007 by Richard from Jersey
I have travelled with you last week to go from Cherbourg to GSY .
I really liked it! The staff is adorable, the boat is comfortable...it was very nice!
I hope you will still make the trips (On Fridays and Mondays) during the winter as it's very important for people from Cherbourg! It's true that during the winter, it's really not easy to go to Guernsey, from time to time, from the area of Cherbourg (and from further, as Caen for example), or if we can, it's very expensive (as we need to go to St Malo or to fly from Dinard)!
Cherbourg needs you!!! Don't forget about us! :-)
Good luck and keep doing so well!!
Posted on: 19 September 2007 by Constance from Cherbourg
When in Jersey recently we travelled from Jersey to Guernsey and were very impressed with the service provided and the cost. As we had a young child we travelled over to Jersey with Condor (or rip-off ferries as they are known in our house) as flying would not have been practical and Condor was the only way of getting over.
It would be great if HD could come in and bring some competition on the UK to Jersey route to hopefully have the same effect it has in Jersey and scare Condor away or at least drive them into reducing prices and improving their service.
What are the chances??
Posted on: 18 September 2007 by Jon Stayte from Croydon, England
Don`t let your problems of late deter you because we need you.The people of Jersey are 100% with you.
Posted on: 18 September 2007 by Shirley from Jersey
Good Luck ,we have utilised your services already,we have again booked our next trip to St Malo on the 23rd Sep.
Colin Attwood
Posted on: 18 September 2007 by Colin from jersey
Keep up the good work. As they say in latin: "Nil Ligiteratum Carborundum".....Don't let the B***ar** grind you down. We ( Jersey ) need you.
Posted on: 17 September 2007 by Roger from Jersey
I am quite surprised that Condor haven't slashed their prices dramatically since they replaced most of the long standing crew on their traditional ferries with MUCH cheaper crews from the Ukraine at the end of last year.
By all accounts this has not been a resounding success and serious concerns have been expressed about the competence and English language skills of some of the new crew, that appear to have fallen on deaf ears.
Fortunately this cost cutting exercise has not extended to the fast craft - presumably because they would not get away with the 12 week tour lengths that apply on their ferries which has enabled them to save even MORE money on crew change costs.
However, since the passenger ferry was introduced to cater for times when the fast craft is unable to operate, this may affect you, the travelling public. Therefore in the interests of safety and fair competition, you should insist that Condor's safety management and incident reporting comes under equal scrutiny from the UK and Bahamas maritime authorities.
Posted on: 17 September 2007 by J.P. from GB
Please hang in there, we need a 2nd operator. We will support you as much as we can.
We really need a conventional ferry that runs every day between France, CI's & Southampton. A continuous loop? The time is not the issue it's price & reliability. This service would challenge both Condor & FlyBe & improve confidence in the Channel Islands. I would be able to stop flying almost completely. This is also better for the environment. I hope HD might provide this service in the future?
Posted on: 16 September 2007 by Jeff from Guernsey
Many thanks for your rapid email responses to me last week. Keep up the good work. I want to see HD Ferries succeed.
Posted on: 16 September 2007 by David from Jersey
How come the July 12th incident in St Malo when one of condom ferries fastcraft had an emergency alarm on the engines when approaching St Malo's port was reported in the local newspaper but not as an incident?
As a result they did a u-turn to check the engines when entering the port which caused a tidal wave on the nearest beach (50 people lost their belongings because of the flooding).
condom were are proposing compensation for the people affected!
The article was published on 23/08/07 in Le Pays Malouin!
Posted on: 16 September 2007 by Jack from St Malo
Mike Pitman has been in touch with me regarding the problems with your Friday evening sailing (14th September) -
I would just like to thank you for Mike's excellent and speedy communication regarding this issue. I was informed throughout and the booking was suitably changed then changed back to its original time in a very professional manner using 21st century tools (email) - which was brilliant!
There have been some issues with HD ferries recently - the unfortunate accident whilst under control of a port pilot with the Condor vessel and other issues which might tend to dissuade one from travelling with your company - however the excellent customer support exemplified by Mike has allayed my fears and I do hope that these teething issues get quickly resolved so that you are able to continue offering your competitive product.
With Kind regards and best wishes for the future
Posted on: 15 September 2007 by Phil from Jersey
It looks to me as if someone is out to prevent HD Ferries from providing competition on the 'southern route'. Who could this be? I cannot help observing that Condor have introduced some special deals since HD have been operating......
Posted on: 14 September 2007 by Barry from Jersey
We have traveled with HD Ferries from the start of there operation this year and will do in the further.
We also are looking forward in doing business with HD Ferries with the new freight service that they are bringing to the island as well as traveling with them twice a month.
Well done so far. We will back you all the way.
Posted on: 14 September 2007 by IKEA Shopping Service from Jersey
Keep going HD ferries! We travel to st malo frequently and only have praise for the service you are trying to provide when you are allowed to do so. Some of the shareholders of Condor are obviously worried about competition and the price drop this year. People forget what an unreliable service they provided at the begining and still connot stick to a timetable whatever the weather. Never been on Condor and left on time. Keep going HD FERRIES we need a good service, good luck!
Posted on: 13 September 2007 by John from Jersey
We travelled with you in June & then again booked to travel in late August, but we were affected by the temporary loss of ramp licence. So we had to book with the opposition and ended up paying out £530 against your price of £380 for car&6passagers. What a rip off! But we have booked again to travel with you in 2 weeks time. We will support HD 100%, just pray that all your problems be over soon and we have a ferry that we the Jersey people can relay on for the future travelling. Best wishes.
Posted on: 13 September 2007 by Michael & Marilia from Jersey
So is someone in St. Malo trousering Condor cash, just like suspicions of similar dealings in Jersey?
Posted on: 13 September 2007 by Charles from Jersey
I support hd ferries all the way! The fares are low and the staff are very helpful.
Posted on: 13 September 2007 by Bruce from Jersey
Booked all of my trips this year. Staff lovely and good service. We can sit where we want to. FARES ARE VALUE FOR MONEY so why is Jersey giving this company such a hard time? HD Ferries are there for us so why are we not there for them?
Posted on: 13 September 2007 by Jeannine from Jersey
My whole family support HD Ferries. We need a good company like you to keep prices down, please keep going.
Posted on: 13 September 2007 by Darron from France
We talk about bullying in the classroom every day, what about the bullying tatics that CONDOR use everytime they have a bit of competition from another ferry company.
DONT GIVE IN TO THE BULLIES AT CONDOR
Posted on: 13 September 2007 by Ann from Jersey
I have travelled HD ferries on 2 occassions & have found them to be excellent. It appears to me & a number of other people that there appears to be a campaign of sabatage agaisnt this new company.
The slightest thing appears in the JEP (nothing ever for Condor) and, call me cynical, it looks like 'someone' is putting pressure on wanting to see HD out of business.
Don't give up!
Posted on: 13 September 2007 by Sue from Jersey
Keep going, every new company has teething problems especially when they are a serious threat to already established firms, your fares and services are good and you will go far.
Posted on: 13 September 2007 by AJ from Guernsey
Sorry to hear about your recent problems. Don't give up, you will get there in the end. You have excellent staff and crew. Keep up the good work.
Posted on: 13 September 2007 by Doreen from France
We are in full support of HD Ferries. We have booked with you the last three visits to St Malo one of which was cancelled. We have just bought a Mobile Home in France and are looking forward to many happy stays there. We have booked with you again this Saturday and have our fingers crossed you are sailing. We will continue to book HD Ferries and hope that you can overcome the problems you have been having.
Keep at it
Posted on: 13 September 2007 by Mr and Mrs J from Jersey
It always smells of something rotten when a competitor is constantly battered and beaten while the competition is left alone. I think we can all see through these idiotic attempts to bring back a monopoly and secure the vast fortunes that are made by your competitors. Amazing that so soon after you announce that you will compete with the amazingly expensive Morvan Fils and Condor for freight to St Malo that this happens. Coincidence...non. I say keep working at it, you have overwhelming support from the real people on the Islands. You provide a great service and have a good boat, I would hate to see the underdog beaten down.
Posted on: 13 September 2007 by Graham from Guernsey
We travelled back from St Malo on Tuesday. The boat was ready to leave early, then we were informed of the hour delay. None of the people on board, that I was aware of, were angry, all I heard was support. Then the news came that Guernsey passengers could not return to Guernsey but could get as far as Jersey. The staff were able to tell us that we could get on an alternative boat in Jersey at 4.30. The staff were absolutely marvellous, very honest and most concerned about their passenger's welfare.
I was amazed but very delighted that any comments I could hear were that of support, when we left the boat, a staff member stood on the car deck to apologise yet again and most passengers were putting down their windows offering support.
I really hope that the people of Guernsey and Jersey get behind this company as we will be the ultimate winners. Surely it is not too difficult to see that competition is essential to keep the prices down.
I can't help but feeling someone somewhere seems to be giving this new company a really hard time. Do Condor get so many surprise inspections?? If not why not?
To end on a positive, My husband and I are asking our family to give us vouchers to travel to France with your company, so please don't give up.
Posted on: 13 September 2007 by Denise from Guernsey
We have used your service to Saint Malo just after you launched your service and found everything to be running like clockwork. However, we had booked a number of holidays since with Condor, purely based on the risk of an unreliable service by HD.
I'm sure you must be aware, there is huge potential for a company such as HD, unfortunately the current issues unless resolved will be your downfall as a lot of people I know fully support you but are reluctant to book for the sole reason of the risk of cancellation.
Good luck in getting things resolved.
Posted on: 12 September 2007 by Bob from Jersey
Fantastic good value service. Don't let them win........
Posted on: 12 September 2007 by Nigel from Jersey
This campaign of dirty tricks is a scandal. Perhaps it is time for a spot of investigative journalism, does anyone know any determined journalists who want to make a name for themselves local or national?
Somehow I do not think those responsible for HD's mythical problems would take too kindly to being scrutinized too closely or to having this story reported in the national newspapers and thus highlighting how we and certain companies do business in this off shore tax haven. But maybe it is time that someone started digging, might even come across a few moles!
Posted on: 12 September 2007 by Sally from Guernsey
So sorry to hear that you have been taken off route again, hope all gets sorted out soon. We have travelled with you three times so far and have another two booked for this year, and one for next year for now but will be booking more. Don't give up as you have a lot off support from ex emmurad customers, and its nice to see some of their old staff!
Posted on: 12 September 2007 by Michael & Julie from Jersey
I support HD Ferries in its efforts to provide economical ferry service between Brittany, France, and the Channel Islands.
Posted on: 12 September 2007 by Reg from Brittany, France
You have our full support. We really hope you company will keep going for many years, inspite of the current problems. Good luck.
Posted on: 12 September 2007 by Derek and Sylvia from Jersey
You have our full support and all our friends and family are with us, we really hope that your company can hang in there as we are hoping to travel with you this month, we are booked. Good Luck.
Posted on: 12 September 2007 by Derek from Jersey
Just to say having used the HDferries service and had excellent and exceptional trips we will have no reservations about using them on our next trip. Apart from a low fare they provided an efficient and helpful service. The staff were friendly and helpful. Dont let them get you down, you are giving the islanders what they want and need. I feel many islanders see the problems you are experiencing as bully boy tactics from your rivals!
Posted on: 12 September 2007 by Baileys from Jersey
I can't beleive you are having more hassle from the ports. Keep going. Soon they won't have any more stupid niggly things to get on your back about!
Posted on: 12 September 2007 by Terry from Guernsey
Isn't is amazing that as soon as your "problems" are resolved in Jersey, other ones suddenly come up in St. Malo. It doesn't take a great deal of imagination to work out why this is happening, but as HD is such a much needed alternative to Condor, you must overcome everything that is thrown at you. We were affected by the recent debacle in Jersey and had to re-book our outward trip with Condor, leaving at a most inconvenient time of day and paying for the single journey virtually what our return ticket with HD cost. We were very pleased to be able to return with HD as planned, and we have several more trips booked for later this year. We support you all the way - don't give in!
Posted on: 12 September 2007 by Christine from Jersey
Although very disappointed with yesterday's cancellation (out of HD's control) I have decided to wait until next week and have re-booked. The decision not to travel with Condor was due to many factors:
1) I received a very concerned phone call as soon as HD were aware of disruptions and was given several options, one of which was to travel with the competition, a full refund or a re-booking, the staff on the phone could not be more helpful
2) Why did I choose HD in the first place? Double the hours in St Malo at less than half the price!
3) I have used HD on 3 previous trips and have always found HD professional, clean, helpful and good at providing information
So here's wishing a rapid solution to this problem and I for one will certainly being looking forward to traveling with HD again in the very near future :-) Keep up the good work and the competition.
Posted on: 12 September 2007 by Jacqui from Jersey
This is typical of the French authorities when you challenge the status quo. Actually you don't have to anything wrong - they will make up any incident they need to. I wouldn't be surprised if there was some corrupt official involved with the other ferry company. I sincerely hope you manage to get through this.
Posted on: 12 September 2007 by James from Mortain, France
We fully support your service and wish you well.
Posted on: 12 September 2007 by Jacqueline from Jersey
Keep going with the low prices to Jersey and France.
Posted on: 12 September 2007 by Dominic from Guernsey
Sorry to hear about your latest problems, we have sailed with you several times and are backing you 100%. Your service is excellent
and crew are alway friendly & helpful especially Philippe.
Hang in there we need you!
Posted on: 12 September 2007 by Lindy from Jersey
In response to Gina from Jersey.
Yes I may live on the mainland but my Grandparents live on Jersey and they have had constant help from Condor Ferries over the years. I support Condor but also welcome (if you wish to call it) competition. As I said previously I wish HD all the best for the future and it's great to bring more opportunities for people to travel.
Posted on: 12 September 2007 by Matthew from Southampton
Hellooo, what are they playing at! As you have already stated, what are they nitpicking at now, it was inspected numerous times the other week by the world and it's aunty! Perhaps they found some seagull poop on the back and it was in contrevention of some regulation or another.
We sailed with you on Saturday and as usual it was a brilliant crossing and friendly staff and most important the fare was the right price. We were also booked with you to sail in the morning, first thing (13th Sept) as we were going to Disney for a few days, but have begrudgingly had to rebook with Condom Fairies (bunch of t***ers!) and pay £135 one way!!!
Heads up boys and girls, you will get through this and the public support which you have will keep you going and make you stronger. Condor are in the fortunate position to have a number of vessels for backup, so when you eventually get another vessel, you can whip their bums!
I am backling you HD to come through this and keep us from being ripped off - Please dont give up!!!!!
Posted on: 12 September 2007 by Peezdorf (again) from Jersey
We will continue to support you on our trips to France. You give an excellent service to everyone. Its so nice to see a lot of Emeraude staff employed with you as they are very friendly and helpful people.
Just one question. Is it possible that another boat could be brought in as well as the current one, that way there would be a constant back up. Then we would'nt have to rely on Condor!!
PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP........
Posted on: 12 September 2007 by Trudie from Jersey
Sorry about your problems, but do not give up, things will work out fine in the end.
Posted on: 12 September 2007 by Tony from Jersey
Sorry to hear about your further problems, seems to be more about the boat than the service given to customers which we have always found to be excellent on our many trips to France. Hope your problems are soon sorted and no more reasons can be found to keep you off the route, we will stick with you.
Posted on: 12 September 2007 by Anita from Jersey
Hang in there...keep going...they'll give up soon and we will have the safest boat in the world!
Posted on: 12 September 2007 by Bryn from Jersey
We were on the ferry from St Malo yesterday morning (11/9/07), and were delayed by the French maritime authority's unannounced inspection. Your staff couldn't have been more helpful and apologetic! They looked after us all very well, and were excellent ambassadors for HD Ferries, offering free coffee TWICE!
PLEASE, please keep going as we REALLY do appreciate your service and effort to take on Condor and their monopoly. As it was, we had to use Condor to get from Jersey to Guernsey (because of the French inspection). We paid a very competitive fare on HD of only GBP116 return from Guernsey to St Malo (for two people and a car), yet Condor demanded GBP86 for JUST the leg from Jersey to Guernsey! A rip off, in anyone's currency. Please SUPPORT HD ferry and better fares to and from from Jersey, Guernsey and St Malo!
Posted on: 12 September 2007 by Ian & Liz from Guernsey
Don't give in to them!
Posted on: 12 September 2007 by Richard from Jersey
Aas regular users of the ferry route to St malo we are delighted that HD has soldiered on inspite of a very difficult first season. We have a large family with grandchildren and make the trip once or twice a month right through the year and use both companies. We find that HD even though usually cheaper are not as convenient because of the late return at 10pm from St malo and because if at last minute we have to change a booking we have to pay a large penalty.
Hope these comments are constructive
All best and good luck next year
Posted on: 11 September 2007 by Ian from Jersey
In response to Matthew from Southampton's comment.
I am not sure if it is because you live on the mainland and therefore are not aware of all the underhand tricks that have been going on this summer? Condor's prices between CI and France have reduced by up to 50% compared to 2006 prices, completely down to the competition that HD has given them. The fight has been because HD has suffered numerous "alleged incidents" and in my opinion these have been fuelled by underhand tactics from the opposition to stop HD from running.
Obviously losing sailings over a peak period cannot help their business. So HD are having to fight against this "corruption" to stay in business and keep sailing! We are supporting their fight because they have driven fares low and given the CI much needed competition!
Posted on: 11 September 2007 by Gina from Jersey
I travel to and from Jersey from the UK a lot and also from Jersey to St Malo for business. The service I receive from your company is good. The service i receive from Condor is good. I don't know why there is bickering and competition to kick each other in the teeth?! You both operate the same route, so what...you are both still in business and BOTH doing well. Since you have come I have seen NO drop in Condors pricing! I'm sure after some time in operating (as Condor has for some 40 years) you will increase your pricing...you can't stay cheap forever, no one can!!! It is great to have more options to travel, different times of sailings, different 'scenary', and I wish you all the best. But why fight??!!
Posted on: 11 September 2007 by Matthew from Southampton
Hang in there. We have used your Ferry several times this season and have been very impressed with your service and the cheapness of the fares. Dont let the big boys bully you off the St Malo route they are just scared of your low fares and of the competition. I wonder who keeps reporting these apparent incidents?
Posted on: 11 September 2007 by Richard from Guernsey
Sorry to hear about your latest troubles. Have the French got shares in Condor as well? Don't give up, you have a lot of supporters out here!
Posted on: 11 September 2007 by Roger from Jersey
Trust the French as Jersey Harbours can't keep you down. The French are now pulling the strings. We all know who pulls the strings in St Malo as you had to go to Rennes originally to get your slot times. Keep going!
Posted on: 11 September 2007 by Barry from Jersey
I can't believe it! Yet another setback. Do you ever get the feeling someone is out there to get at you.... Do competition ferries go through the same rigmorole time after time? We have sailed with HD ferries about 10 times this year - to St Malo and back and have only had one leg of a journey disrupted. All other sailings have been trouble free.
Good luck HD - I'm sure you'll overcome this hurdle too!
Posted on: 11 September 2007 by Francis & Janie from Jersey
It appears Condor did not get their own way with the Jersey authorities so now they are trying it with the French authorities all I will say is stick it out Hd you will win! Perhaps less corruption and less " Fingers in the pie" would be more appropriate in this case. Best wishes for the future.
Posted on: 11 September 2007 by Colin and Joss from Guernsey
The way you are being treated by the various authorities absolutely stinks! It appears that they will go to any length to place obstacles in your path, it is quite obvious that the opposition is applying pressure at various levels, because your low fares and good service is hurting them in the pocket.
DON'T GIVE UP, YOU WILL WIN THROUGH IN THE END, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
Posted on: 11 September 2007 by Dave from Jersey
Yet again the evil whiff of conspiracy looms its evil head. Keep going and we will support you. DONT LET THEM GRIND YOU DOWN!!!!
Posted on: 11 September 2007 by George from Guernsey
I would like to say that we as a family find HD Ferries to be the best priced ferry company ever to come to Jersey. I think that other ferry companies are just trying to block them on everything. We had a minor problem with them at the begining but that is all. I find them and the staff very pleasant and always willing to help and very efficient. They should be allowed to stay here in Jersey indefinitely. Their prices compared to Condor allow us to visit our holiday home at least 5/6 a year. Thank you.
Posted on: 11 September 2007 by Helen and Stan from Jersey
This has been the best service I have ever travelled on the staff are brilliant especially the Jersey staff! Keep it up!!
Posted on: 11 September 2007 by James from Jersey
On behalf of Jersey Battle of Flowers Limited I would like to thank you very much for kindly donating a raffle prize for our annual dinner. Your support of our annual event is very much appreciated.
On a personal note can I say that I, together with 5 work colleagues travelled on hdferries for a day trip to St Malo, we were all extremely impressed by the service of the staff , with the boat and also the fact that your early sailing from Jersey and late sailing back from St Malo gave us such a good long day out. We all said that we will be using hd in the future.
Posted on: 10 September 2007 by Lynne from Jersey
Dear HD Ferries
Just a note to say a very big thank you for our wonderful day out. Please pass on our thanks to all your wonderful staff for their hard work and help with the wheelchairs. Fun was had by all.
Editor note: For more information about this event please click here
Posted on: 10 September 2007 by Pupils & Staff of Mont a L'Abbe School from Jersey
I am currently sitting on HD1 travelling from St Malo to Guernsey and have to say the service has been excellent! From the friendly attitude of the staff to the wifi facility, everything is fine. Keep it up!
Posted on: 09 September 2007 by Andrew from the Isle of Man
On Thursday 16th August my wife and I were passengers on the 11am crossing. Unfortunately the crossing was a very rough one owing to high winds and choppy seas. This resulted in the many passengers, me included, being ill. The actions of your cabin staff could not have been better. They moved passengers to better locations, they attended to ill babies and their equally poorly parents. They must have used a months supply of `sick bags' whilst constantly reassuring passengers.
I am sure that your employees are used to passengers being ill and they are trained for all such eventualities. However, we the travelling public very rarely say thank you. They were professional and courteous but also kind and considerate and made a difficult situation as good as it could be. Please will you pass on our thanks to the crew involved on that particular sailing if it is at all possible.
Posted on: 08 September 2007 by Derek and Maria from Darlington
We wish you all at HD Ferries every success in the future and we will be pleased to use your service again in the future.
Posted on: 08 September 2007 by Steve and Carole from Guernsey
Congratulations to you all and very well Done !!
We sre sailing with you on Saturday and then again next week and it has still cost me less than one trip with Condor !!!!!
Hopefully soon you will also be able to compete with them on the UK routes !
I will keep supporting you as I travel to France quite fequently as I breed dogs and always reccomend you to people coming over to see about puppies !
Well Done and keep up the good work
Posted on: 08 September 2007 by Wayne from Jersey
Dear Chris, We used the boat last night to return home from 10 days in France, as a family of 6 that use the boat with landrover every 3 weeks, we wanted to let you know that despite our own frustrations, we were delighted to see you up and running. The crew are a credit to you and the boat sailed and docked beautifully last night. We have fantastic prices for all our winter crossings and are going to the uk with you and LD lines for Christmas. Hang in there...
Posted on: 08 September 2007 by Bryn from Jersey
Can I just say that we enjoyed our crossing over to Jersey with you on the 7th and were sorry not to have been able to return to France with HD as well. Here's hoping that for our next visit everything has been sorted out.
Best wishes
Posted on: 08 September 2007 by Maggie from France
Fantastic news. We are delighted you will continue to provide a ferry service for local people. Best of luck in the future - we will definitely be using your services.
Posted on: 08 September 2007 by Robin and Jackie from Jersey
Many thanks for your e-mail which I have only just read, as I have just returned from France after a month away. Also thank you for the full refund in respect of my booking. Hopefully you troubles are now behind you and I look forward to travelling with you again in the future.
My husband and I think that it is extremely important to have competition on the route as the only other operator seems to think they have carte blanche to put the fares up extortionately if they are on their own.
Good luck for the future.
Posted on: 08 September 2007 by Ann from Jersey
I was a passenger of the 19:30h ferry which was going from Jersey to St.Malo last 30th of June, but which was cancelled due to some engine problems.
I'm writing this message just to inform you that I have alredy received my full refund.
I'm very glad that all the problems have been finally sorted out. Of course, I accept your apologies and for sure, I will still rely on HDFERRIES if I return to Jersey in the future.
Posted on: 08 September 2007 by Andres from Spain
Thanks and all the very best for getting back on track
Posted on: 08 September 2007 by Andy from Jersey
I just wanted to add my name to the list of satisfied customers, although our outward leg was cancelled due to mechanical problems, your staff were very helpful and immediately agreed to refund that portion of the trip.
Our return journey was as planned and enjoyable.
My only gripe (and it is very minor) is the time taken on the stop over in Jersey, are you considering a second vessel and a direct link?
Other than that minor point, we wish you all the best, you will overcome the problems and condor will stop bickering, after all, as a letter in the press stated recently, Didn't Condor have untold trouble at the outset of their None wave piercing wave piercer, that constantly broke down, or didn't sail due to weather conditions!!
Keep up the good work we will be back.
Kind regards
Posted on: 08 September 2007 by Jon from Guernsey
Welcome back, stick with it, we don't want to lose you!
Posted on: 07 September 2007 by Vic and Chris from Jersey
Hi,
My friends and I had a great trip last Saturday to France. The boat left on time and was only delayed on the way back due to Condor being late leaving St Malo. The boat was very clean and the staff very pleasant.
Keep on going.
Posted on: 07 September 2007 by Marlene from Jersey
Hi
Great service especially the sensible timetable. Makes for a long daytrip in France.
Unfortunate about the teething problems, I am sure they will not take long to sort out. I recall the rival firm having similar and even worse mechanical problems some 5-6(?) years ago between the UK and Jersey. How we forget.
Look forward to HD taking on the route to the UK.
Welcome to Jersey.
Posted on: 05 September 2007 by Rex from Jersey
Thanks to HD I have sailed more times to France this year than the last three put together. Worst problem encountered so far was 1 hour's delay. Sailing HD is such a pleasant experience compared to Condor, and far cheaper. Staff are fantastic. Keep it up.
Posted on: 05 September 2007 by GM from Jersey
You need to keep going, We are now traveling more times to france than ever. We were aboard the night of the collision with condor, and were very impressed with how the staff handled the situation.Please can HD Ferries 2 be here soon for U.K routes
Posted on: 04 September 2007 by Ian from Jersey
Please keep sailing as Condor offer a pretty poor service despite all their talk!
Posted on: 04 September 2007 by Peter from Living in Jersey
Good luck getting you engine repaired,Iam sure everyone will use your service when it get a little more reliable.
Posted on: 04 September 2007 by Gil from Jersey
Make it happen. Sort out the boat. Be truthful. We want you, but you have to deliver
please don't let us down
Posted on: 04 September 2007 by danny from jersey
We were in France when you last had a problem with Jersey harbours, a very helpful young lady phoned me and offered my money back to re book our return journey. I asked to be put on the boat returning on the bankholiday Monday which she did, all went fine and many thanks for all the help and surport you gave us. We remain 100 percent behind your company and have booked our next trip in September. Good luck to you all.
Posted on: 03 September 2007 by Mick & Liz from St. Ouen
Used HD for first time 25th August, impressed with efficiency, courteous staff, clean loo's, fast crossing left on time...plus £100 cheaper than Condor. Great Service, welcome to CI
Will definitely use again. Continue to break the monopoly of Condor and please consider Jersey UK route.
Thanks
Posted on: 03 September 2007 by Maria from Jersey
We have just returned from France &were delighted to recieve your E mail keep up the good work & we will be using you again.
Posted on: 03 September 2007 by Nigel from Jersey
We were affected by the recent loss of ramp licence, so had to book with the opposition and ended up paying out over £150 more, which we kind of expecting at such late notice. However, HD offered us a full refund with no quibbles - processing it automatically by email reply. That's good customer service.
Earlier this year we had to cancel a day trip due to illness. As it was around 04:00 when we left a message to say we wouldn't be turning up THAT MORNING, we fully expected to lose our money. Not so. We got a call back later that day to say that it wasn't a problem and all we had to do was key in our booking reference and book again for another day. The only additional charge was the £10 change fee. The company representative also said that they don't normally call back in these situations till later in the day as people normally have other things on their mind. We certainly did on that day. Once again - superb customer service.
Low fares, good customer service and honesty in dealing with the paying public. The tech stuff can be sorted. Keep up the good work and don't let the competition and the authorities grind you down. HD is what the Channel Islands need.
Posted on: 02 September 2007 by Nick from Jersey
Although we cannot support you directly through our haulage business, we commend your efforts on behalf of ALL passengers that need to travel between Brittany and the Islands. You are bringing serious competition to the route, something that is very refreshing to see.
All of us here wish you well in your endevours and will recommend your services to our clients and friends without hesitation.
Posted on: 02 September 2007 by Jacquie-Althia from Brittany
We used HD for the first time this week and were very impressed with the efficiency of your service. Bon chance!
Posted on: 02 September 2007 by Phil from JERSEY
I have been travelling with your company since the day you started. Well the second day to be exact!
Your staff are great and despite many problems, I am happy to travel with you at each crossing. I work in Jersey and live in France, so have the best of both worlds. I look forward to travelling with you again!
Posted on: 02 September 2007 by Lesley from France
I would like ro say well done for keeping condore on there toes and I will be using your ship this year. Good luck keep up the good work
Posted on: 02 September 2007 by freemantleim from Jersey
Can I just say that we enjoyed our crossing over to Jersey with you on the 7th and were sorry not to have been able to return to France with HD as well. Here's hoping that for our next visit everything has been sorted out.
Posted on: 01 September 2007 by Maggie from Jersey
Fantastic news. We are delighted you will continue to provide a ferry service for local people. Best of luck in the future - we will definitely be using your services.
Posted on: 01 September 2007 by Robin & Jackie from Jersey
Do not let the might of the opposition win!
How about taking challenging them on the U.K. route??
Posted on: 01 September 2007 by D D from Jersey
We need a company like HD, who can give us decent sailing times travelling to France (and not just half a day like the other car ferry operator). We need a company like HD, who can offer us a decent price to be able to 'leave the rock'.
We need a company like HD, who can offer us a freight sailing to main land France that only takes an hour (when your engines are fully fixed) - essential when travelling horses to France!
We could do with HD to offer a direct Jersey to UK sailing too and not have to go to sail to France, to drive to the next harbour and then sail to the UK (States of Jersey.... are you listening!!)!
However.... we also need HD ferries to chase the manufactors of the engines of the vessel and get them to pull their finger out and get that fourth engine fixed and back running!
Posted on: 31 August 2007 by Tara from Jersey
We're sailing with HD Ferries next Monday - and after looking at your messages of over whelming support, we can't wait to go to France!
We booked a while ago - me, my partner and our rather large Land Rover! £144 - how amazing and fantastic value is that! With the competition we we're looking at around £240! & UK over £360! Huh?
See ya Monday!
Go HD, GO HD, GO HD FERRIES, GO!!........
Posted on: 31 August 2007 by Lisa from Jersey
We sailed on 11 August - event free - and were grateful for the free bus laid on to the train station. We've just booked for Easter - £88 - what a bargain!
Posted on: 30 August 2007 by Andrew from Jersey
HD have had a tough time, and deserve our support.
Posted on: 30 August 2007 by Neil from Guernsey
I have been happy to travel with HD Ferries to St Malo earlier this year and wish to continue to do so. I wish you all the best for the future.
Posted on: 30 August 2007 by John from Jersey
Having been caught up in the termoil of cancelled sailings etc at the start of September I lost 5 days of my holiday which I had worked and saved for a year. It was very disappointing to loose this time. In the end I had to book with Condor much to my better jugdement. HD offered a full refund. As I had paid by card as is the norm with travel companies there is always some way they find to weasle a few more quid out of by charging cancellation fees, admin cost etc.
NOT SO with HD Ferries - I got everything back down to the last penny, you have redemed yourselves and won a customer back! Honesty is always the best policy in business. Good luck in the future and I look forward to sailing with you in the future.
Posted on: 30 August 2007 by Peter from Jersey
I travel with HD because there fares are very competitive!
Posted on: 30 August 2007 by Ousty from Jersey
Good to see some competion to Condor, but, I am trying to book to go to Jersey for a couple of days in October (31st), but I cannot get booked except from the Monday to Friday? Good luck with the future and look forward to travelling with you.
Editor Note: From 29th October 2007 to 29th March 2008 we are generally running our winter 4 day per week schedule (Friday-Monday). Please note that we have also put on extra sailings for Christmas, Easter and some other holiday periods between these dates - the best way is to check by doing an online quote.
Posted on: 29 August 2007 by Allan from Luxembourg
keep sailing
Posted on: 29 August 2007 by c j t from jersey
Just what the Islands need COMPETITION. Keep it up don't let the big boys keep you down, they'll be small soon. He he!
Posted on: 29 August 2007 by Nell from Guernsey
A very big thank you to all at HD Ferries, I go to that northerly Island I think they call Guernsey, and use you every week permitting, and today was no exception, I must say what a very nice welcome I got, not only from Jean-Paul on Jersey but also from the crew on board as well, as I use my bike all the time its a great plesure to be able to have a smile off of the crew as I cycle down the ramp, thank you all again, I don't know about crashing into the other lot, someone should pull the plug on their boats!
Posted on: 28 August 2007 by Lloyd from Jersey
You have our full support despite the 'hiccups'. You might consider a different boat but you'd have our vote even if you towed us over to France on a banana! Best wishes and every success.
Posted on: 28 August 2007 by Pete & Sue from Jersey
You and your (particularly good-natured) staff have generated a lot of goodwill and really ought to be more popular as a result. I have used your service many times this year. To whom/where do I write with some constructive suggestions? One criticism, it is frustrating not to have a local contact point or one at least where all communications do not have to be referred. Thank you.
Editor note: Please find our contact details here or visit your local port office.
Posted on: 28 August 2007 by David from Guernsey
We travel to St Malo most weekends and have been let down by HD on several occassions, however are still hoping that you will get on track as we hate using Condor, after they hiked prices when Emeraude stopped. Only trouble is, if we book all our journey's with you and you cancel at last minute, Condor's prices have invariably doubled! Hope to be sailing with a more reliable HD next weekend!
Posted on: 28 August 2007 by Jackie from Jersey
Hi great news I wish you & HD Ferries all the best for the future. I supported Emeraude before you, and am happy to support your company now & may long your hard work live. Good luck.
Posted on: 28 August 2007 by Michael from Jersey
Disappointed you are not going to Alderney yet were looking forward to putting our car onto your HD ferry. It will make a big difference to Alderney for us! Try and get that service up and running as soon as possible. I'm sure it will be very popular with holdaymakers and locals alike. Good luck!
Posted on: 27 August 2007 by caroline from Swanage
Good to hear you have resumed your service , we have travelled with you twice since you commenced service and hope to travell with you again later in the year. Have you any plans to expand your routes ? it would be nice to see some competition on the UK routes.
Posted on: 26 August 2007 by Alan from Guernsey
we have travelled with H D on our frequent trips to France and so far have never encountered any delays but even if we did in the future we would still support your company. Please don't let condor grind you down.GOOD LUCK
Posted on: 26 August 2007 by M and B from jersey
Good Luck. There should not be a monopoly on the ferry service for the Channel Islands.
Posted on: 26 August 2007 by Wendy from Jersey
Good luck I have used you am am delighted there is at last competition on this route.
Posted on: 26 August 2007 by Evelyn from Guernsey
I do wish you & H.D. Ferries all the very best for the future.
I am a great believer in competition & you have certainly helped to reduce prices for inter island travel between Guernsey & France, I hope that the Jersey Harbour Port Authorities can sort out their Ramp Allocation problems & give you a level playing field to compete on against Condor Ferries.
Posted on: 26 August 2007 by Trevor from Jersey
Good luck and don't let Condor run you into the ground as we all know they are trying to do!! Get your act together and you will have our support.
Posted on: 26 August 2007 by Margi from Jersey
Excellent news - I can now confirm my booking to France in October - long live HD you are doing a great job and please continue to run from Jersey!!!!!!! We love you!!!!
Posted on: 26 August 2007 by Liz from Jersey
I would like to say my partner and I have enjoyed travelling with yourselves over a period of time and have passed this on to colleagues, family and friends
Posted on: 26 August 2007 by Susan from Jersey
Great News. Keep going and we will support you to the full
Posted on: 26 August 2007 by Phil from Jersey
Condor Ferries? What a liberty!! Don't let them grind you down. It is testament to your dedication to offering value for money and choice that no matter what they throw at you, you pull up anchor and keep sailing.
Good luck and see you soon.
Posted on: 26 August 2007 by Sarah from Jersey
Congratulations, Knew HD would pull through, Jersey is behind you....
Posted on: 26 August 2007 by Anita from Jersey
Good luck see you soon.
Posted on: 26 August 2007 by Glenn from Jersey
HI! THANK YOU FOR EMAILING ME! That was a great surprise, that is good customer care! Keep at it, you will win in the end!
Posted on: 26 August 2007 by Karolina and Glynn from Jersey
Hi, you have our support, all your staff were great, good luck.
Posted on: 26 August 2007 by Ann from Jersey
We have had four sailings with you this year and are very pleased with the service, just keep fighting, we will win.
Posted on: 26 August 2007 by Richard from Jersey
Hope the service continues ,support from islanders should be enough proof to Jersey Authorities that the services of HD is very much required.
We are also concerned for the crew, some of which were employed by the unfortunate Emeraude Ferries who also had a bad deal by one particular politician of the day.
Posted on: 26 August 2007 by BJB&DEB from Jersey
Hi HD, travelled back from France last night with you. Delay due to that Nasty Condor blocking both ramps in St Malo because they were late in and leaving. I ask WHO will punish THEM for being late and causing delay to your service and your passengers??? If this happens then surely they should be fined for failing to keep to time! BA just got a smack on the legs so why not Condor? Perhaps there are too many local politicians in there command structure just like certain building Companies in Jersey! Anyway although your ship was late the unloading and reloading was done in record time and the crossing was fast. Can't wait for 4 engines again then you can give Condor what they deserve. A good thrashing!
I have heard your plans for the future and I for one will support you as I do all the people who take on the mighty Jersey Rip Off companies who are supported by Jersey's powerful few who know exactly who they are! One thing they forget is the real Jersey people know who they are too, we are not as stupid as they think, so role on election time!!!
Posted on: 26 August 2007 by Brendan from Jersey
I've used HD since you started, and travel twice a week between St Malo and Jersey. I initially supported you because I believed that there was a strong need for competition, and then (very quickly) because I found your service, staff, punctuality, and service was far better than the competition.
When travelling with HD, I pay less, I get a smile and greeting from the staff and crew, I arrive (more or less) at the time expected, I can spend my time on board usefully with the free wifi connection, even the catering is better.
Keep up the good work, and I look forward to travelling with you for a long time to come.
Posted on: 26 August 2007 by Mike from France/Jersey
We shall continue to support you on our regular trips to France, even though we have had to use Condor recently due to your loss of licence. Nice to see some familiar faces on board Philippe etc. Your booking website is so much easier to use than Condors which is UK passenger orientated- keep it so.
Posted on: 25 August 2007 by Richard and Betty from Jersey
Keep down the low prices, but keep up the good work! Everyone makes mistakes, we are only human!
Posted on: 25 August 2007 by Darius from Jersey
WELCOME BACK HD, Used your services a few times, and we need you to keep sailing, we also could do with an early morning sailing to france, returning in the evening, any thoughts on this? KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK,
Posted on: 25 August 2007 by Karen from GUERNSEY
Although you have experienced an unfortunate time lately, I would be very disappointed if you had to pull out of the Jersey route, we need to keep some competition on the France/Jersey routes.
Hope things will improve for you
Posted on: 25 August 2007 by Janet from France
Good Luck, many thanks for past services, always spot on.
Posted on: 25 August 2007 by Richard from Jersey
I've had four sailings with you this year and am very pleased with the service. Don't bow to the pressure. See you next time I travel to France.
Posted on: 25 August 2007 by Richard from Jersey
Any plans to give Condor stiff competition on the northern route from Jersey to Poole/Weymouth? With Condor's fares up to and sometimes exceeding £500 for us Jersey residents, it is high time they were taken down a peg or five.
Posted on: 25 August 2007 by Tom from Jersey
Very happy with our trips on HD. Just one question. How long until your spare part arrives from Sweden and how long will the boat be out of action when it arrives? We need to go to St. Malo in September for a week and again in November for two weeks, so hoping the boat will be going then as we really really dread the thought having to use Condor. Please keep going HD.
Editor Note: The impellor should be finished in Sweden and ready to install on the HD1 by November. We will be running our 4 day per week schedule at this point so expect to install it with no disruption to the service. Therefore no need to worry about this when booking.
Posted on: 25 August 2007 by a Satisfied Customer from Jersey
As a regular traveller to Jersey I am absolutely delighted to see HD
Ferries running such a wonderful and friendly service. For years now
I have had to scrimp and save to afford my fare but now HD is here its a breeze! Wonderful ship - delightful staff. I'll be back for more for sure - that's what I say!!
Posted on: 25 August 2007 by James from Barnsley
We were looking forward to our hols in Alderney before you cancelled the route, when do you think you will be resailing to Alderney? Also your time of arrival was a bit too late and only gave passengers 2 hours to visit Alderney on a day trip, As with Guernsey is there any chance of starting off earlier then 11 am?
Editor Note: With one ship and all the crossings we do in a day it means our timetable is unfortunately slightly restricted for some destinations. Nevertheless when we are back on 4 engines later this year (we are waiting for the unique impellor part to be built in Sweden) we will have an earlier depature time to Guernsey and we will relook at Alderney for next year.
Posted on: 25 August 2007 by Cathy from Jersey
Good luck, and Condor well they are ****, keep it going!
Posted on: 25 August 2007 by Richard from Guernsey
Do keep us Alderney people in mind when you are scheduling, because I for one will support you.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Ian from Alderney
Great news to hear that you are running tommorrow - we are due to travel with you for the fourth time on Sunday! Hope all your problems are now behind you and you continue to provide us with a realistic and reasonable fare to France. We would not have been able to get away to France, the amount of times that we have this summer had you not been around, so please don't go anywhere!
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Lucy & Roger from Jersey
Keep trying.......Have heard good reports and will use you one day.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Michael from Guernsey
Best of luck in your resumption of services on Saturday 25 August. Do hang on in there, as it is invariably the new kid on the block who suceeds! Just look how Blue Island have made significant inroads into inter island air travel at Aurigny's expense. If you offer the right product at the right price, people will support you. Condor has only attained its dominance through the introduction of high speed car carrying ferries to the UK, prompting people to switch from British Channel Islands Ferries on speed over the latter's traditional ferry. Remember the days when they basically ran a freight service to the islands, with the use of totally inapproproate hydrafoils between the islands and France. As has already been documented, Condor have certainly had their problems over the years.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by John from Jersey
We are looking forward to our first sailing with HDferries on September 5th.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Cronin from Jersey
Please keep your fares low and we will continue to use your service.
We travel to Jersey on average 3 times a year and think that your
sevice is first class.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Barry from Cotes D'Armor
Keep up the competition.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Doug from Jersey
My family and I have used your ferry service to St. Malo twice since March and were very pleased with your service both times, the boat was on time, staff friendly, and not as crowded as Condor. Pleased you don't go to the UK like Condor, each time we have used them in the past they were packed with people from the UK who were very drunk and very loud, so for once us Channel Islanders have got something of our own, a low-cost pleasant way to get to St. Malo. Lets's keep it that way. Thanks HD Ferries.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Christine from Jersey
I've written (positively) before, but comments on the latest situation follow:
Please keep at it guys - we've had three wonderful crossings from France to the Islands and we're looking forward to many more from people that treat customers like customers - not at all like your competitors that treat customers (and I have the documents) with contempt!
We have absolute trust in your operational integrity - and as a retired (air) pilot I do not give that personal endorsement lightly - but you HAVE to resolve these ongoing issues, and come back fighting next spring. I make no suggestion as to whether they be as a result of bad luck (which I strongly suspect) or otherwise. But there are too many - for YOU as much as anyone.
It is a great dissapointment that you were not able to commence Alderney services as planned - and a great disapointment that the support for that plan was - shall we say - not as forthcoming in Alderney as one might expect, but once again, keep at it, PLEASE!
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by John & Annette from Alderney/Normandy
We at Crabpot Holiday Cottages support HD Ferries 100% and ask all Guernsey people to do the same otherwise you could be held to ransome by high travel costs from Condor, who are only loooking after Jersey and UK Travellers and want total monopoly so that they can charge inflated prices.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Kevin from Guernsey
Having booked with HD Ferries for the start and finish of our recent driving holiday to the Itaian Riviera, we would like to express our thanks to all on board for an excellent trip to Saint Malo on 9th August. Prior to our return on 21st August - in the midst of the recent problems - we greatly appreciated your company's efforts to contact and update us by mobile, and process our speedy refund for the lost return journey. Best wishes for your future, and much-needed, competition on the route to France.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Alastair from Guernsey
Very very happy, that you are back at sea.
I SUPPORT HDFERRIES 100%.
Good luck HD FERRIES.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Sousa from Jersey
Keep up the good work, your early morning departure and late return is fantastic, to be able to spend a whole full day in St Malo is a godsend.
You have had so many problems so far, but keep up the good work.
It's great that we can pick and choose between two boats.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Basil from Jersey
Keep up the good work HD, someone needs to give the locals a low price to get of the rock. You have had our suppourt from the start and will as long as you are running.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Chris & Linda from Jersey
If you have all the bad luck now the future will be fine. Good luck and keep on sailing.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Roy from Jersey
I supported Emeraude before you, and am happy to support your company now. The reason? Because Condor does not look after their customers in the way they should expect.
Having been a regular traveller for the last twenty years and looking forward to another twenty, I would be happy to continue using HD. Keep looking after us!
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Phil from Guernsey
We definitely should have 2 ferry services, to keep travel prices on a resonable level and improve the service itself. Competition is healthy.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Matthew from Jersey
Delighted you are back, last time we travelled to France we encountered serious problems with our car, I called your reservation staff who kindly changed my return tickets for the following day with no charge. I was very pleased with the service and will continue to travel with you in the future.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Catherine from Jersey
Just a note to say please, please stick with it and don't let Condor win! Your teething problems recently have not been helped by the weather, or by the local authorities and press. Condor have had their problems in the past but very rarely do you see reports in the local paper. When it comes to HD they really make a meal of it!
Just to single out one person - it is great to have Philippe on board. He is a wonderful ambassador for HD and the welcome we receive from him means our holiday starts the minute we arrive on the boat.
We are frequent travellers with HD and only reluctantly had to return from France recently by Condor due to the HD service being suspended. I do not propose to knock Condor - they run a very good service, but it is expensive (on average £100 more for a return trip for the two of us, our dog and the car) and I do not like their attitude with regard to HD Ferries.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Jan from Jersey
Keep up the good work. We know the hassle that Emeraude had to keep their head above water. We need competition on this route and its not right that you are not given the support and encouragement as a new enterprise.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Caroline from Jersey
We are so pleased to see you back in service, let's hope no more bad luck comes your way!
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by George from Jersey
Reading all these positive comments the question has to be when will the UK be able to enjoy this service. I have used Condor for many years now to get to the islands and have to say that the service has become more and more expensive. Yet the last few times the staff on board have become worse and worse.
We need someone to come and shake things up, a good low price service from Poole would be perfect.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Ed from UK
We are so glad to hear that you are sailing again and doing a winter service. We will continue to use HD as we are tired of being ripped off by other companies!
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Penny from France
I was very glad to hear that your licence had been reinstated. You provide a far better service than Condor with cheaper fares and friendly staff. Also your sailing times to and from St. Malo are much more convenient. The free coach you provide to the train station is also one of those small things that make all the difference. I hope you stay on this route for many years to come. Well done.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Alain from Jersey
Keep going, we need your service. You have our support.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Derek & Sylvia from Jersey
Nil illegitimi Carborundum!
Keep up the good work - I'm sure you have smoother waters ahead.
You have my support.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Alan from Jersey
Keep up the good work. It's good to have strong competition.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Eileen from Jersey
Sailed with you from Jersey to St Malo, while visiting my mother on Jersey. Delighted to hear you are back up and running. An excellent and much needed service.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Hugh from Edinburgh
Well done HD Ferries. We have travelled with you 3 times this summer and are considering another trip to France September/October. Although you have had a few problems, it is an experience travelling with you.
The boat is brilliant, the staff are fantastic, friendly and helpful.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by John and Marion from Jersey
Ok...someone is hacked off that Condor has a competitor and can see their backhander going down the tubes. Tough! We want cheaper fares and more importantly..choice! Good on you HD keep going and don't be pushed around. I look foward to my trip with you on 3rd September.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Paul from Jersey
Keep up the good work and thank you for keeping the prices lower.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Norma from Jersey
Hd Ferries must survive for the good of these Islands. We will always choose HD Ferries for future travel. Thanks for excellent service in the past!
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by John from Jersey
Half the price and a personal service from people who remember you and talk to you. It makes a difference.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Ian from Jersey
Great to see you are starting up again on Saturday glad you rode out the storm, keep on with your low prices with your friendly and helpful staff and with luck you could take over Condor. All the very best to you all at HD never give up.
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Mel from France
Can we buy the GBJ stickers - its a great way to publicise our support.
I have travelled many times with HD this year, every time a big saving on Condor and reliable too, along with very friendly staff.
Long may it continue.
Editor note: The GBJ, GBG and FR car stickers are FREE to all HD Ferries supporters. Please visit your local HD Ferries office to pick one up!
Posted on: 24 August 2007 by Mark from Jersey
Don't give up, BUT please, please sort out the problem with the berthing, as adverse publicity is not what you need when trying to launch a new product. Although Condor had issues when servicing the UK route, it was not in competition with others for the business.
In the meantime, keep up the good work.
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Sarah from Jersey
I was so glad when HD came on the Saint Malo Jersey route to once again provide well needed competiion. Although many of the Condor staff are charming, there are those on the larger vessels sailing on the UK - Jersey - France route who should be invited to walk the plank for their rudeness, lack of customer service and total callousness.
Some Condor Classics - a mother being ordered to occupy her allocated seats when these were split so that one of her children had to be on her own even when there were blocks of empty seats where they could have been sat together and this was when the weather was very, very bad and the mother could not even reach the distressed child as the boat was pitching around so viociously.
A friend of mine accompanying an invalid who when the invalid was placed by Condor staff in the reclining seat area to suit them because the person's leg stuck out being ordered to pay extra to sit by them, I could go on...... Heaven help us if they had the monopoly. I do so wish you could have the courage to be honest about your problems as I think people would sympathise and be supportive. You are in business and not offering travel relief to a travel disadvantaged area of the world and have to make money and you have had very bad luck with your boat and the weather.
Remember however that the Channel Islanders are a tough crowd and appreciate courageous people and are very fed up with the other company that had the chance to show how fair they could be to the travelling public but selfishly blew it!
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Anne from Jersey
We had a fabulous trip, the staff were STERLING and although one of us in our group were a bit sick the staff looked after him extremely well! We look forward to travelling with you in the future & using your free wi-fi onboard!
LITERALLY HALF THE PRICE FOR *TWICE* THE SERVICE!
WELL DONE HD FERRIES!!
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Ray from Guernsey
I seem to remember Condor having just as many teething problems but people forget easily. I have been totally impressed with my trips so far BUT please investigate doing something with the Guernsey sailing times (like introducing a very early morning sailing like Emeraude used to do, with a return in the late evening). I look forward to sailing with you again.
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Sam from Guernsey
Fantastic news that you are back on track. Looking forward to travelling with you again next month. We need you on these routes don't let them wear you down. Have already started thinking about our travels with you next year. So please keep going.
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by J. from Guernsey
I am glad that you have ridden out yet another storm.....We need the competition on the route. You are proving very capably that it can be done well, significantly cheaper than Condor. Cheaper does not mean worse.
It certainly seems that for HD in Jersey waters lightning has been defeating the laws of nature!! Does make one wonder!
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Charles from Jersey
We had faith in you all the way! We are travelling on Saturday and are so pleased we still get to use your service. We have travelled for a day trip already once this year and we will be booking after Saturday I am sure. Neither trip would have been possible with Condor for a short break and extortionate pricing. Thank you for the opportunity to get off the rock!!! Keep going HD!
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Claire from Jersey
Please keep going through all your difficulties. The Islands need a ferry service that doesn't overcharge it's customers because there's no alternative. The islands need competition!
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Tim from Jersey
It's about time we had some serious competition in Jersey. The Jersey public have been held to ransom far too long and have literally had to pay the price for living on an Island. There are too many monopolies taking the ordinary public for a ride. It is a welcome relief to see another car ferry working the St Malo route and using its initiative in linking up the Channel Islands as a whole, and showing that it can be done at a fair and reasonable price, which most families can afford. I have travelled on HD, and can safely say there were no problems at all with the sailings and/or hospitality. These are merely teething troubles and its just a case of riding out the storm. Todays news is tomorrows chip paper and this time next year im sure it will be a different story.
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Will from Jersey
I support HD ferries completely I think it is about time Condor had a run for its money on its fares, I would book with HD every time and I think a lot of other people would as long at the HD service can provide what it says it can. I wish them good luck with all and hope they can overcome these initial problems..........
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Mich from Guernsey
Keep going, don't let them get you down.
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Tracy from Jersey
I have to say that as yet I have not used your service, would have done last weekend but you were out of action so had to use Condor....but would do if I was looking to go to France. Condor have have the monopoly for too long so next time i am booking will be using your service.....
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Mich from Guernsey
Pleased you are back, lets hope there is no more playing bumper boats eh!
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Me from Africa
We have traveled with HD in July and we were not aware of any technical hickups for your service that have occured this month. Your company and staff are praised for staying put with their vessel and their goal: good value for money and good service whilst onboard.
We very much enjoyed the trip, and we support your company especially in rough times Think ahead and keep up the good work.
Unlike the puffins (leave for the ocean in July), the HD1 is a bird likely to stay in Channel Island waters!
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by H.T. from The Netherlands
Travelled with HD 4 times since March. Have had good service each and every time. I wish you all the best for the future of the company, staff, and of course your boat HD1.
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Graeme from Jersey
Keep it up I enjoy the hd1 good price and fast service.
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by J-G from Holland/Jersey
Great News for everyone!! I have used HD a few times since you started up and have never had any problems, everyone has teething problems, thats part of life! Just booked for the weekend in Guernsey!! There is commitment for you! Keep up the good work guys x
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Karen from Jersey
I hope that you are here to stay, and am pleased that you are back in business, and will use you during the winter months to go to France.
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Read from Guernsey
My better half booked a return with you, to go back and see her family for a week. Having experienced your vastly superior service, she was very sad to have to change to Condor for the trip to Jersey, but will now be delighted she retained her return ticket, to come back with you!
All the best, and we hope your engine difficulties are sorted out soon!
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Jerry from France
Well yep im glad your back a little competition never hurt anyone, im sure ther was a tad of scull duggery in the form of lobying going on behind the scenes, so im glad your back, i would pose how your service will sail in the winetr months with the wave limit? and further on the success of this first foray onto the travel scene are you considering trying for the northern route, we would travel so much more if the prices were right which they currently are not, perhaps you could run a second boat which would be able to sail around the clock in all weathers that would put the wind up em ........... vive la competition et bon voyage HD.......................
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Dave from Jersey
Good news on reaching all criteia, 100% for your company's efforts.
Look forward to being with you at 07:15 on Saturday morning.
If it were not for HD1 we could not afford to get across to France when looking at Condors fees.
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Dennis from Jersey
Great news,welcome back. We need you on the routes as Condor was getting totally out of hand with their pricing structure. We look forward to sailing with you again before too long.
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Peter from Jersey
Don't let the States and Condor try to undermine you - please don't give up on providing a great plus reasonably priced service. We need competition here so we can have a choice and not held to ransom over charges for boat travel services. The Islands are supposed to be a democracy not a dictatorship, although sometimes I wonder!
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Kim from Jersey
Editor Note: HD Ferries is delighted to announce that having met all criteria to satisfy the authorities, its Ramp Permit has been restored and services will definitely recommence at 07h15 on Saturday morning.
HD Ferries would like to thank the hundreds of people who have sent messages of support and encouragement. Such positive feedback has been invaluable over the past few difficult days and the management, and particularly the front line staff, have been greatly encouraged by these generous and kind hearted messages of support.
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Editor from HD Ferries
Recently used HD ferries on return trip St Malo to Jersey very good crossing and service far superior to competion. Please keep on sailing.
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by John from Shrewsbury, UK
Keep up the good work, you have my vote!
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Nancy from The Netherlands
Seeing the writing on the wall for the 1 August we had to travel to France and back with Condor but not to lose my booking I transferred to the 27 September so we are having an extra weekend`s holiday! I really hope we manage to get over with HD to add our support but also the difference in fare would be well over a £100 for the same trip with Condor!
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Judith from Guernsey
Dont let them get you down!
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Alison from Jersey
When Condor first took over the route I remember that their fast cats had huge engine problems, i sufferred 2 crossings with them running on 2 and 3 engines respectively - i went down to check on my dog on one leg and saw an engineer trying to fix the engines 'on the hoof' who said that the boat shouldnt be at sea! Probably only allowed to go to sea as at that point it was the only boat running in and out of the islands (showing the dangers of no competition). And they have the gall to criticise you?!!! Boy they have short memories!
I am concerned if you try to run the service on 3 engines as that is no better than the unnecessary risks Condor subjected us to, but do persevere - get it fixed properly, and get back to competing with them!
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Howard from England
I fully support HD ferries we have travelled to Jersey this year with them and have had no problems, the boat is clean tidy and the staffs are very friendly and helpful, and the price is right. Let's keep lower prices,
Don't bend to big Company's trying kill off the small ones,
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Margaret from France
We fully support HD ferries we have travelled 4 times to Jersey this year with them and have had no problems, the boat is clean tidy and the staffs are very friendly and helpful, and the price is right. Why do the big ferry company's always have to try to take down the smaller ones, who still make a profit charging half the price of there rivals,
Posted on: 23 August 2007 by Margaret from France
Well Done HD, hope you pull through teething problems.
We got to have competition, we support you all the way and we hope to be back on board soon
Posted on: 22 August 2007 by John from Jersey
We have used HD Ferries on 5 occasions and have always had good service,unfortunately on this occasion the crossing was cancelled.
You contacted us on the telephone.
We wish you every success for the future and hope this issue is resolved.
Posted on: 22 August 2007 by Dany from Jersey
We have used you several times and find your service far better than Condor's, especially your on board staff always helpful and friendly. Please get the vessel sorted even if you have to lay up for a while. Failing that try and obtain a larger vessel. Good luck keep up the good work.
Posted on: 22 August 2007 by Graham from Jersey
Good luck with the berthing trials, Jersey as an island needs a low cost fast ferry. To be so close to France and the other islands and not be able to get there because your counterpart charges such a high cost is a scandal. We feel deeply for your plight it has not been easy for you even the weather was against you in the start but hang in there you are very much appreciated, without you we would not be able to afford to see my elderly grandparent in France.
Posted on: 22 August 2007 by Sam from Jersey
Keep on running, it will all work out.
Posted on: 22 August 2007 by Ian from Jersey
Don't give up!!! You have a lot of support
Posted on: 22 August 2007 by Peter from Jersey
Hang in there. We need your friendly, efficient and fair price service. According to my calculations my wife and I will have saved nearly £1,000 by using HD Ferries rather than Condor this year. Roll on the time when you have a UK service as well as Jersey, St. Malo, Alderney and Cherbourg. Many thanks.
Posted on: 22 August 2007 by Mike from Guernsey
We have had several trips to and from France this year. Luckily all sailings have been more or less on time and even though it has slowed down the travelling time, the journies have always been made pleasant by the kind and efficent memebers of staff.
Jersey needs the competion of the 2 companies so good luck.
Posted on: 22 August 2007 by Pam from Jersey
Do not let Condor grind you down you are all doing a great job. I had to travel with condor yesterday everning (21st) from St. Malo it was 50 mins late leaving and the toilets were not working how's that for good working practices! Your staff were very helpful yesterday so keep up the good work.
Posted on: 22 August 2007 by Paul from Jersey
Please have a link to England. We are using you and Brittany Ferries via France to England and are saving £150 againt the money-grabbng Condor. The nonsense against you trying to get your permits taken away is childish. Condor don't want competition, because the Fat Cats in the states will loose money, Shame!! Keep up the good work, there is more people routing for you than for Condor.
Posted on: 22 August 2007 by Helen from Jersey
Despite all the troubles that HD have had it is still by far the better operator. The staff on board and at check in are always helpfull and polite and nothing seems too much trouble. The boat is usually very prompt and well organised and I hope the service continues as it would be a great loss to the islands and France if it were to go. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!
Posted on: 22 August 2007 by Sean from Jersey
Pleased with atmosphere and friendliness on HD 1 to St Malo. Prices good
Posted on: 22 August 2007 by rosemary and phil from Jersey
Totally suportive of the great fares provided by HD. Most of my trips are made during the winter months, so have only had the opportunity of travelling once, however, the cost differences resulted in a saving of over £120 compared to Condor for the same trip (Over 30%). The crossing was faster, at just under an hour (I do realise the boat was then on four engines), and the children were able to sit with their friends rather than having to run around trying to find them. The staff were very helpful and friendly(as they used to be on Emeraude).
Dispite recent problems, I do believe whole heartedly that big brother is trying to look after Condor at the expense of the General Public and the business which is trying to provide the public with a far superior service.
Now what about the Northern route as well??
Posted on: 22 August 2007 by Colin from Jersey
Why don't Condor worry about there own terrible service and leave HD alone, it was the same with Emmeraude. Condor are always late, never apologise and charge the earth.
I would like to know who in the states is part owner of Condor, that is why HD are getting so much hassle. Please keep going, that is what Jersey needs a company that are there for the people.
Posted on: 22 August 2007 by Sharon from Jersey
HD fares are great and just the competition needed to show condor that cheap fares can be done. We were due on HD ferries on Monday night and one way from France a car and 2 passengers was a total of £90.77. When we received a phone call from HD ferries with regards to no sailings we made our way to Condor and they wanted Euros 205 for the same journey. So we had to leave the car in store in France and come home as foot passengers. We felt sorry for HD as we would of sailed with them but we had flights booked to the UK so we had to get back. We support HD and we feel that there is a conspiracy in the states to stop HD from operating.
Posted on: 22 August 2007 by David from Jersey
Keep HD Ferries going!
Posted on: 22 August 2007 by Sarah from Guernsey
Great Company. Competition is good!
Posted on: 22 August 2007 by Leslie from Jersey
I hate Condor and only use them if no other alternative is available. I really like HD and the staff are fabulous. I pray that you will continue and not give in to the bullies and the corrupt ways of Jersey politicians who in my opinion dont care and are selfish and only like to line their own pockets. I'd rather be stranded in France or Guernsey than see u give in. God bless and good luck.
Posted on: 22 August 2007 by Jean from Jersey
Keep fighting!!!! We need you to oppose all our Jersey monopolies.....Get a new all-weather ferry and keep your prices down. Well done, HD! Good luck, from one of the many satisfied customers.
Posted on: 22 August 2007 by Pat from Jersey
Sorry you're having yet more problems. Staff very friendly despite the problems. Keep faith, you'll get there in the end. We wish you well.
Posted on: 22 August 2007 by Joan from Jersey
So sorry we had to cancel our trip with you this time. We HAD to travel on the Friday. Had we been able to re-adjust dates we would certainly have done so in order to travel with you. Keep up the good work.
Posted on: 22 August 2007 by Mike from Alderney
Courage as they would say in France. La vie n'est jamais une longue fleuve tranquille - and I feel for all you people, staff and management who are trying to do what we have always wanted - get a reasonable and frequent link between Jersey and France. Had a good trip with you in May and although I had to rebook with Condor 31 July still support you and wish you all the best. Don't give up.
Posted on: 22 August 2007 by Jane from Jersey
I have used HD on a number of occasions this year and been very pleased with the service.
Unfortunately today I had to return from France with Condor as the HD ferry was not operating. For the one way trip I paid £50 more than the HD fare - ouch.
To add insult to injury the ferry was 40 minutes late and the toilets were not working! Pity the poor folk who were going on to Poole.
Posted on: 22 August 2007 by Kathy from Jersey
I have always travelled with HD since you have come into service and have received nothing but excellent service at a much cheaper price than your competitor - who I have only experienced late sailings and even later arrivals with. Many Thanks HD
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Mark from Jersey & Spain
To the owners and staff of HD Ferries. Please don't give up on the Jersey/Guernsey/St Malo route I know you are currently out of service but we really do need you. Channel Islanders seem to be very quick to forget what life is like with just Condor as the only car carrying ferry. Not only did the prices go up once they got rid of Emeraude (about £140.00 more per return trip) but it was a nightmare to get on the boat in the first place as it was full of passengers traveling from the UK to France!! Plus the prices seemed to go up considerably if traveling to the UK, Condor should not be allowed to be the only car ferry out of Jersey there has to be some competition.
My family and I were on HD a few weeks ago and even on 3 engines the journey was quick and comfortable. It's great to have a well priced service as long as it's reliable (keep trying you will get there). I'm not sure about the no frills thing as we managed to get duty free, hot drinks, food even a bacon roll what else do you need in an hour.
Get things sorted and we will use HD over Condor anyday.
Thanks
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Zoe and Paul from Jersey
Please please don't think of giving up, as i and most of the islands are behind hd ferries, if you let Condor win, it will mean that you, Emeraude and BCIF will be another satistic in the ferry industry. We the public do not want to see HD lost at sea!
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Lloyd from Jersey
Looks like a fantastic service and will hopefully travel in the near future. Please, can you set up a service to the British Mainland?
We need someone to compete with Condor over here.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by James from England
We hope to see you on Saturday, I will willingly rearrange my trip to support your service, saving over £100 for a family day trip on the Condor rip off fare. Good luck, don't be bullied out like Emeraude were. The Channel Islands welcome your efforts.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Penny from Jersey
Carry on with new vigour, the competition is badly needed
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Mark from UK
I hope that HD will get through its problems as competition is good and has made Condor look at their pricing.
However one must ask whether you have handled the situation in the best way.
You obviously have problems manoeuvring in harbour in some situations as shown by the reported incidents and the battered appearance of HD1 especially down the port side. If this is caused by operating on three engines, wouldn't it be better to take the vessel out of service and get it fixed - even though it is high season. The current situation is doing nothing for your credibility.
Some people believe that lack of bow thrust as used on other vessels is also a contributory problem. Is that correct ?
If you can overcome the harbour problems and get the wave operating limit raised to 3.5 metres the same as your competitors, you should be successful.
But does that mean getting a different ship ?
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Geoff from Guernsey
I have not used HD lines, but have seen your craft several times in Jersey and St Malo. I hope one day you will extend your service to Weymouth or Portland Port to stem the high prices Condor and Brittany Ferries are charging. We stopped using BF 7 years ago as they are a rip off. As a housholder in Brittany and Dorset, I think competition would be good for the whole of the line St M/J/G/Weymouth or Portland.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Nigel from Weymouth
We really hope things work out for you. Its good to have another ferry provider and the ticket prices are fair.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Elliott from Guernsey
Top service keep up the good work... About time too we have competion for Condor... Good Luck with everything
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Dave and Rosa from Jersey
I like HD ferries very much. This company understands AND appreciates that a passengers holiday starts as soon as they check in. The boat crew are fabulous, as every member of staff is happy to stop and talk to the passengers, offer support and they really do go out of their way to help, any time of the day and night, and, unlike other ferry companies, HD Ferries go out of their way to do the right thing.
Not only that, but I myself, have noticed that the staff of HD Ferries are VERY good at resolving issues that other companies don't 'appear' to have the time for. I absolutely HATE being made to feel that I am in the wrong, purely because I dont understand something, but HD FERRIES have NEVER treated anybody in this manner. They are respectful, couteous and very accomodating.
Lastly, HD1 is the ONLY boat that does not make me travel sick, and that is saying something in itself. I have travelled on HD1 several times and, like my friends, I strongly support HD Ferries and urge all HD supporters to do the same.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Jane from Jersey
When the boat was cancelled from St Malo it cost me £130 extra to return by Condor, please sort out the problems and continue with the service.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Kathryn from Guernsey
Keep going, your staff are great, I will still use you.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Robin from Jersey
I have travelled with you twice and found it to be a good service and have another two trips booked in the near future .
You have had a few teething problems but every one has them, we need you on the route to give us a fair price keep up the good work. It will sort it self out. GOOD LUCK
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by MickR from Jersey
Please continue with the service from Guernsey.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Rachel from Guernsey
I've used HDferries 3 times this year and despite being delayed on two trips I will continue to support the company due to the reasonable fares
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by David from Guernsey
The introduction of HD1 was a much welcomed competitor to Condor Ferries' excessive monopolised fares. HD1's cleanliness, speed and friendly staff are very evident. HD ferries' deserves better support from the Channel Island Authorities. Monopolised industries are bad news and only lead to higher prices for the general public. We are not all Millionaires!!!..
I very much look forward to travelling on HD1 again, soon!
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Frank from Guernsey
Hi all at HD
Hope you are up and running soon. We will have travelled with you on 4 occasions this year and like the service. We really need the competition on the St Malo route to break the monopoly Condor has had for far too long and get some realistic fares, so good luck for the future.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Pete & Linda from Guernsey
Sorry we have had to cancel this time, owing to your misfortune, and were unable to complete our sailing date, but will endeavour to use your ferry at future times as we have found the many trips to France that we have taken so far have been good and comfortable without problems.
Good luck and may you continue to serve us.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Audrey from Guernsey
I support hd because I'm booked to go to France with them on the 3rd of September and if they're not allowed to continue running then my trip will be screwed!
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Chris from Jersey
Get back on the waves soon!!! The Channel Islands need a competitive environment to get better value - I sympathise with your "minnow" status against the "Big Fish", so get the engine fixed quickly!!!!!! best wishes for a "speedy" recovery !!!
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Tim from Jersey
Well guys, apart form a few small events, I think that the service that you have given to the Channel Islands is to be commended. The price, service and staffing levels of service has to be one of the best the Island has seen since the demise of Condos last competitors and long may you continue on the route.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by matthew from Jersey
Keep going, don't give up!
We have 2 trips already booked in September with you and are already looking to book for the end of October having just bought a house in France so we need you!
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Margaret from Jersey
We really do hope that HD1 will continue to operate in the Islands.
and will grow stronger (remember David overcame Goliath)
Thank you for the service that you provide at such a reasonable cost
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by David & Shirley from Jersey
Good competition! I travel to Dk and back three times a year. When I left last year fare to St malo was £118 one way (Condor). Came back fare was £69. Now Im going again fare is £49 Well done
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Jim from Denmark
I think you have done a great job in giving some well needed competition against Condor. I cant help but wonder if there is some sabotaging going on with all the bad luck you've had!
I hope you manage to keep up the good work and great deals.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by julia from jersey
If nothing else to keep an even playing field, fair competition and true Guernsey spirit of striving forward when ALL appears against you!!
Please keep going!
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Grant from Guernsey
I am glad to hear that things are being sorted with the ramp permit. I thought for a while I was going to have to cancel my holiday as I refuse to pay the fees that condor expects. every company starting off has a few teething problems it is to be expected. The no frills no fuss ship is execatly what we need on such a short trip to and from France. At least there is some competeion to Condor and that they don't have the monoply on this route. I am confident that all the teething problems will be resolved given time and that you will continue to provided a great service.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Susie from Jersey
We love your service, hope you are back and running very very soon.
Best wishes to all the staff at a difficult time. The vast majority of the Island is fully behind you.
Good luck and we look forward to sailing with you again soon,
Philip and Margret (regular travellers to France)
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Philip & Margret from Jersey
Your company and staff alike are a credit to all the French and Channel Islanders, which waited for this service, were overjoyed when it started, and need this service to keep running for many very good reasons.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Kieron from Jersey/France
Firstly I would like to say well done for trying to stay afloat but how many times are you going to get knocked down and still have a straight face for the general public and say ''support us and keep fares low''?Most people will still travel with Condor on the Southern route as they are far more consistent not only in their timekeeping but in their ability to operate. If you were to sail twice daily to the UK don't you think you may suffer delays from time to time? I am sure if you ask Jersey Harbours for a schedule of how many on time departures and how many delays Condor have had over the year you would gladly accept that for your company as they are very consistant.
The page that you are displaying for potential passengers to express their views seems to me not only Pro HD but anti Condor. All I can say is good luck as you are playing with the big boys now and they won't take anything lying down not even a scratch on their boat. GOOD LUCK!!
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Brian from Jersey
With family on Guernsey, HD Ferries have provided a cheap, frequent and new service for us francophiles in France to visit regularly. I do hope that your current problems will be short lived.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Terry from France
We have had 2 or 3 great trips with HD1 and look forward to being able to use you more often when you have all your routes finalised. When do you start the UK runs? Good Luck
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Alan & Melanie from Jersey
It is always good to have competition in the market, however you must get the service issues ironed out, it has cost us over £200 in cancelled or delayed trips so far this season. This has now offset the savings we have made on the lower fairs that you offer in comparison to Condor. Any more cancellations then we may go back to using Condor for reliability of service. We wish you well but you must make the investment to get the service right.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Allan from Jersey
I would like to send all my support to HD Ferries as I have used the ferry 7 times and can't fault on anything on any of the trips so keep up the good work and all political stuff is down to Condor cause they did the same with Emeraude.
So come on people lets show our support for HD Ferries
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Paul from Jersey
I believe that there seem to be obstacles put 'in front' of HD ferries.
It is not HD's fault they operating on three engines.
It seems to be difficult to manouver on three engines.
They should be given more room to dock.
Long live HD Ferries.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Brian from Jersey
Despite the recent technical problems hang in there.
It is important that the Island has a southern route competition and not a monopoly.....I have travelled on 3 occasions this year and was completely satisfied with the service and facilities on board...I have another trip shortly and have already booked two further trips for next year at huge savings....As a french home owner HD is my preferred choice.
Good luck !
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Mike from Jersey
Do your very best to get the issues resolved as you are sorely needed in the Channel Islands. Condor appear to be very arrogant in their attitude and "milk" residents of the Channel Islands as they know we have no alternative modes of transport by sea. Just look what they offer UK residents for a day trip to the Islands. You sailing times are another factor with the link to St Malo.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Roger from Jersey
Keep up the good work. We, the people who wish to have access to France, can only be grateful for the service offered. It's more choice.
Long may you continue.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by David from Jersey
There would once again appear to be behind the scenes activity (political or otherwise) that lends itself to making it as difficult as possible for any newcomer to compete on a level footing with Condor. The Island requires at least 2 individual carriers to meet demand and resist the monopoly abuse that prevailed between the collapse of Emmeraude and the introduction of the HD service.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Billy from Jersey
Nice to have the opportunity of having a say. Competition on the routes is essential and we see ourselves paying £100.00 less to France this year than last.
Ok let's sort the problems, but hopefully time and good maintenance will do just that. Don't think that Condor is without its problems. Travelling back from St. Malo to Guernsey 14th August on the Express, the boat stopped after leaving France for no reason. It was late also as only three engines were working then half way between Jersey and Guernsey the captain informs us that the generators had failed, at this the boat stopped and the lights went off!!
There's us bobbing up and down for 5 minutes in dim light, we were glad to get in even if two hours late.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by John from Guernsey
As a frequent traveller to France, I am in support of a second car ferry service from Jersey to France. I believe that the residents of Jersey (and visitors) should be entitled to a choice. Competition is healthy, first of all it maintains competitive pricing, customers can choose between a low cost, no frills service or higher cost, higher service. Secondly, customers have more choice when it comes to a flexible timetable. I hope that HD Ferries can resolve the current issues, a reliable service going forward is critical in order to maintain confidence. Good luck.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Stuart from Jersey
Don't give up!... we need a competitive route to keep prices down and if they are kept low the service will be used.
The accomodation is just as good as any previous service so lets clear away the bad luck and keep going.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Ian from Jersey
It is a shame that HD has encountered so many problems since operating in the islands and they have been striving to keep prices and competion to a minimum for everyone.
It has been very unfortunate what has happened and I really hope they manage to sort themselves out and serve the islands as they wish to in the future!
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Linda from Jersey
It should be remembered that Condor also experienced many problems which affected and disrupted travellers for many months at the outset of their operations in the Channel Islands.
It is extremely important that HD ferries continues to operate existing routes in order to provide competition for Condor who otherwise would revert to higher fares and and would have a monopoly.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Claire from Jersey
Family and friends have supported you since you started, although your continuing problems, however unfortunate, will result in passengers leaving you unless you can show that you can operate regularly.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Peter from Jersey
I am all for competition. Monopolies, especially ones in transport, are always bad and lead to exploitative companies, such as Condor, whose prices always go down in the face of competition, yet they still make a profit. Without competition they just make more profit, at our expense. Long live HD Ferries and competition for Condor.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Graham from Guernsey
Keep on the good work , we all know that you are doing your very best under every increasing pressure.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Geraldine from Jersey
Don't give in to them. The public are behind you. We need companies like you to stop other companies like Condor charging what ever they like.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Martin from Jersey
My family regularly use this service to be able to see each other and my grandson, if this service is not resumed I may not see them next week. It is a shame that Condor takes up so much room and can't handle the competition from another company.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Norman from UK
Your staff have been doing a great job so hold on in there we so need the service you can and will I am sure provide. GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU!
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Eric from Jersey
As a long time complainnent of Condor I was hoping that HD were going to bring a breath of fresh air into the gue/st malo route. After having traveled on the very 1st sailing and being put up at a Jersey hotel after problems arose i thought what an amazing piece of PR work. However since then two sailings cancelled at the very last minute due to different problems. As we have a house in France and go over once a month we couldnt take the chance of this happening any more. Sadly,and at a higher price we have had to go back to Condor. Hopefully HD will get up and running to the standard required again. I do think though that it will be very very hard to win the confidence back of the sailing public. Although this is a moan it is also a support letter. I do hope you get back soon.
Posted on: 21 August 2007 by Tony from Guernsey
We travelled on HD Ferries when they first offered the services. Great service, Great staff, no complaints whatsoever.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Lisa from Jersey
The messages of support are heartwarming! I wish you great sucess with your venture. Jersey needs a competitor on the route. Your prices are fantastically admirable. However, you were so slow in publishing your winter timetable that I was forced to go with your competitors, which now brings tears to my eyes when I look at your prices.
GOOD LUCK.
Editor note: We apologise for the delay in getting the winter timetables live, however please note we have now put timetables and fares live until the end of Summer 2008. Hopefully you have taken advantage of this and at least saved some money on our 2008 low fares.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Alastair from Jersey
Every time in the past I have used Condor I have always been ripped off. Now you have opened up Cherbourg I hope you can get a deal onto Portsmouth. I will still use HD even if it takes 3hours to France like the old soldor 2. Let's hope you are lucky to get another boat for the winter run
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Barry from Jersey
Please keep going but do get your engine sorted out as soon as possible. I am hoping to sail with you next week !
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by William from Jersey
I fully support hd ferries,they give a valuable service and have kept the cost of travel down.
I feel that there is political interference somewhere along the line with
Condor (who wish to keep the fares high) somewhere in the background.
KEEP LOW COST TRAVEL - KEEP HD FERRIES
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by George from Guernsey
it is great to have a new carrier on the france to jersey route, have travelled with you in the past and will do so in the future. the prices are so different, and the service great too.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Nigel from France
Whatever you do, do not give up. You are a breath of fresh air on the travel scene. Also any chance of you taking over Condor whose service has been cavalier in my experience?
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by David from Jersey
Having travelled with you on 9 journeys to La Belle France without any problems, My guest and I look forward to travelling with you on Friday 24th August. One of our clan has arrived from New Zealand and is looking forward to going on HD1 this Saturday.
Yor Staff are excellent. This is truly a low fare service. Good luck in getting your ramp permit back have other trips booked with you this season and hope have more in 2008.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Dennis from Jersey
I have travelled may times with HD and to rebuke it's permit would be a loss to the islands and once again leave Jersey in a monopoly situation, it's might be said we are lucky to live on this island and should expect to pay ridiculous prices to get off it, but looking at the feedback and the frustration expressed I think Jersey should make more then every effort to ensure HD continue operating.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Garry from Jersey
My wife and I support you because of the low fares, but please dont go to sea in rough weather. My daughter travelled with you 2 weeks ago and some people on board were sick. You will always get support as condor are far too expensive, we just hope that your probs are sorted out sooner than later, we dont want one ferry comp charging what they like. Hope to sail with you as booked on 5th Sept, returning on 24th. Good luck.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by John from Jersey
Keep going, dont let it put you out of business. You have proved to be a good alternative with competitive prices.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Irene from Jersey
After 9 months of dithering, the JCRA shelved my perfectly valid complaint against Condor because 'market conditions had changed'. Please keep up the good work and don't let the bureaucrats get you down, competition is desperately needed and many many people support all of your efforts.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Ian from Jersey
All of our sailings have taken longer than advertised and the latest is cancelled. This has caused us problems and additional expense. Nonetheless, I have booked another sailing with HD for later this year as your aim is to provide a valuable yet competitively priced service. A single route operator simply means more expense and less flexibility.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Leslie from Jersey
We hope all probs can be solved soon as we believe competition should be allowed on the route (condor felt the same when emeraude were in operation). we travelled on a day trip last week with HD and found the service very good and staff pleasant,helpful,etc
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by AndyP from Jersey
I believe that HD Ferries are being targeted by Condor like BCIF & Emeraude before them. Don't let them get you down. You have our full support.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by NigelF from Jersey
As being a Francophile and very frequent passenger on your excellent service, I would like to add my support to your company, who have the guts & determination to provide us with a realistic price stucture in this overpriced island.
Condor, on the other hand, have proved themselves over the years to be an oppertunistic, blatently overpriced company whos aim is to maximise their own profits at the expense of the public. If anyone doubts these severe remarks, then they should cast their minds back to the days of BCIF fiasco, back in the nineties, when they sunk that company through unsustainable pricing, only then to purchase that company to give back only 10% to the shareholders. Then of course, fares went back to more than double!!
Keep strong , the public are behind you!
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Harley from Jersey
I hope it's not long before you get going again. I have enjoyed the boat trips very much. I find your staff freindly and helpful. Good luck.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Elizabeth from Jersey
It is with great sadness that we have to hear that yet again HD Ferries have been suspended by Jersey Harbours - it seems they are the only company to hit the headlines when slight incidents happen. We will continue to support HD as Jersey definitely needs the completion - keep smiling HD and get back on that water!!
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by JP from Jersey
I have sailed in the hd1 and have only positive things to say. I have done six crossings to and from jersey st malo. I have also got a family booking to st malo return this thursday 23-08-07 returning 3rd sept.
Personally i think someone is determined to use any excuse to scupper your business at any cost!!
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Syd from Jersey
Guernsey recently hosted 7 visitors for a week - accommodation, food, attractions etc. If it were not for the competitive prices from HD ferries they would not have come at all. So many people we know want to come and visit us in Guernsey but cannot afford to as long as you keep operating Guernsey will profit...
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Ashley from Guernsey
Any thoughts or anything in the pipeline for a second vessel ???
I regularly use your service and it would be absolute shame if we all had to go back to use Condor when they charge ridiculous prices. How can they warrant charging their prices when you do the same route, across the same water, into the same harbour for substantially less?
Come on HD - I am backing you all the way and have two trips booked with you in the next couple of weeks and would hate to have to revert to the other bunch of robbers!
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Peezdof from Jersey
I think that the permit should be returned immediately and that Condor Ferries should be ashamed of themselves for inteferring with other companys policies as it is there complaints that is damaging your service. Too many politicians fingers in Condors pocket ?
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Peter from Jersey
We have only done one return trip on HD Ferries, but was very impressed with the service. Everything on time.
We have another booking for early September and are just hoping that your problems will be sorted.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Val from Guernsey
You have my full support and wish you well! Unfortunately some people in the Islands have very short memories wth regards Condor and their
"Tactics ". My Wife and I have used HD1 twice this year and are booked again in September and are looking forward to our next trip with you.
Don't let them wear you down!!
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Colin from Guernsey
I am very keen for you to continue to ply between the Channel Islands and France and regard the problems that you have been facing as teething problems. It has, on the few occassions I have travelled with you, been a very pleasant experience and the crew have always been most helpful.
Your shore staff also are so much more friendly and helpful than other operators' and one can actually contact you by 'phone without waiting hours and in some cases days for a reply. You have no need of a frequent travellers' 'club' - your attitude to your customers will ensure that.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by David from Jersey
Prior to HD Ferries starting their service, it cost more for a Jersey resident to travel on Condor with his car to St. Malo, than it cost someone going from the UK, on the same boat, bearing in mind we were only travelling a third of the distance that the UK traveller was. Isn't it amazing that as soon as HD Ferries started, Condor were able to cut their prices to Channel Islanders in half. What a rip off.
Why do we have a monopolies commission? Or do we have Political corruption with regard to Condor? Our Ministers are employed by us, the residents of Jersey, not the other way around, they should remember this and look after us.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by William from Jersey
This would have been our third trip this summer on HD1 and my husband and I have no complaints at all - plus it has cost us a lot more money to travel on Condor tomorrow, and this is only for a single as we are hoping to travel back on HD1 in September - please think about all the passengers that are stranded over this ALLEGED incident!
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Helen from Jersey
Keep up the good work H.D,we islanders need you to keep our travel costs reasonable,the dirty tricks section of con-artistes ferries will no doubt be pleased with your problems but you must persevere.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by John from Jersey
The people of Jersey have waited to long and been ripped off to often. So HD Ferries we welcome you with open arms. I know you'll get your problems sorted out soon enough. And when you do I'll be one of the first to book a ticket. Hang in there and screw Condor.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Stuart from Jersey
Keep on sailing, this route needs you.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Richard from Jersey
The ability to have a choice is important and part of the Jersey way of life. Thank you HD Ferries for giving that choice and looking after us even after all you have had thrown at you. Keep going we are all behind you.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Melvin from Jersey
I have always been satisfied with HDFerries I want them to keep going we need competition on this Island your service has been excellent hope all the troubles get sorted out.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Marsh from Jersey
Whilst I understand the frustration with passengers booked on your ferry including myself, we need another service like yours for low cost travel since you arrived on the seen we have been to france much more often than we did before. I think Condor should be renamed CON-FERRIES. Thankyou and good luck please don't give up.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Mark from Jersey
We do hope you will soon overcome some of the teething problem`s that you are having. We will certainly be travelling with you again.
Hang in there and good luck.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Keeler from jersey
HD Ferries have given us very good service and at times £174 cheaper per crossing than Condor. Condor argued that 2 companies were needed when they wanted the route from Emeraude. They then dropped prices to get Emeraude out of business and then increased them immediately. Condor do not give good service, they are expensive and constantly run at least 1/2 an hour late.
HD have been on time on each crossing we have used. They do not have any frills but that is recorded in the price of the crossing.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Carolynne from Jersey
We must have two ferry services, we know what Condor are like if they
are the only one - high fares.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Tony from Jersey
Just an observation on the comments by "A Jersey Resident". From what I've heard HD have political support, any suspected collusion with Condor is to be found in the Harbours Department. There have been too many suspicious incidents concerning Condor and their competitors, whether Emeraude or HD, for this not to be the case. I hope that the politicians responsible for that Department will investigate with the utmost vigour.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Charles from Jersey
I took out a frequent traveller pass with CONdor before I knew you were coming on line. Therefore reluctantly have been using them to get some of my money back. I will just tell you about travelling with them over the last few times, 12/8/07 return from St.Malo 1hr 5 mins delay, 17/8/07 Jersey to St.Malo 35 mins delay 19/8/07 return from St.Malo 1hr 35 mins delay, I could go on. over the course of using them for the last 3 years before your vessel came on I reckon they owe me a 2 week holiday in time delays. Good luck we need you.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Tommy from Jersey
Nice to have someone give Condor a run for their money, Before HD there service was disgusting and their prices a joke.
Well done HD1 and keep on riding the rough storm.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by John from Jersey
I felt that I had to write about my trip on Condor Ferries yesterday. My
son and I were booked on the St Malo to Gsy 11.45am sailing. We went for the weekend and had to book with them due to the difficulties that you are having with HD1.
Needless to say, when we checked in, we were told the boat was running 30/40 minutes late due to leaving Jersey late. We boarded 50 minutes later and heard the following announcement from the captian:
We are sorry we are running late but, due to the demise of HD Ferries, we have to book all their passengers on as we are determined to keep a service running between France and the Channel Isles single handed. Therefore we are late because of that!
Editor note: HD Ferries has not demised! Our ramp license has been temporarily suspended because of a supposed "incident" - click here to read the latest.
We are working very hard to get this reinstated as soon as possible.
Due to the weather conditions yesterday, it was a terrible trip and we both felt it should not have sailed. We travel on HD Ferries regulary and were appalled to hear such a announcement.
We have been on HD1 when we have had to wait for Condor both in Guernsey and Jersey to move. We hope that your service to up and running shortly as we are fed up with paying over the top prices.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Nick from St Malo
We have now travelled twice on HD1 and enjoyed our journey very much with you. The staff are very friendly and helpful and the ferry is comfortable and clean. We hope to travel again with you in September so here's hoping you get your ramp licence back if Condor Ferries allow it!!!
Wishing you all the luck in the next few days with sorting out your problems.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by Pete from Jersey
I wanted to write to tell you that I was booked on your ferry to travel to St Malo tomorrow morning and just heard on the radio that there were problems with the sailing tonight. After speaking with you I have managed to book one-way with Condor for the outgoing journey to St Malo tomorrow morning.
The trip is now costing me approx £85 extra. "Quel surprise" now that I have had to sell out to devil company. I could have booked the return journey as well with Condor, and asked for a full refund from you, but I did not out of principal, because I hate Condor Ferries.
From the information I have, namely that all your other destination ports and their subsequent authorities have allowed you to sail from and dock there, i.e. St. Malo have no problem with you, Guernsey have no problem with you etc..., I am absolutely disgusted to learn that Jersey harbours are not allowing you to operate from here.
How can all the other operating bodies approve you and Jersey refuse you? What is the so called "reason" for doing so. How many ten pound notes did that take I wonder? Or was it another hundred or so Condor shares?
To me it appears very strange that any company operating in competition with Condor Ferries always seems to have to wade through some very difficult situations and circumstances.
Condor Ferries are nothing short of a bunch of rip-off merchants that hike up prices the moment there is no competition. it is about time they took on-board what the Jersey public thinks of them and try to improve their service culture.
This was to be our first sailing with you and we were looking forward to waving goodbye to condor as we left the harbour. I think this sitution is absolutely discugusting. It is so blatantly political and the Jersey public as usual are losing out becuase of a bunch of dirty dealing so called politicians that do not have a clue how to run this island.
We are not blind and we are not stupid. We are not prepared to take things lying down and we are not all just numbers. We lead real lives that are affected by their games and this is why they are so distruted and despised.
HD Ferries - I wish you the best of luck inresolving this issue, not least of which because i have trusted in you for my return journey, but because you are obviously up against more than just the elements here; you also have to face the corrupt and cowardly politicians who operate secretly behind your back in search of extra lining for their pockets. Yours in total support.
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by A Resident from Jersey
Elephants never forget - a cautionary tale for Mr Provan
My first experience of Condor - November 1998, Remembrance Sunday. Set off from home at 2am, to find when I got to Poole that the fast catamaran wasn't running, but a replacement would go from Weymouth. Drove to Weymouth. Got there at 8am. Got on the boat - Havelet, which had just been dragged out of mothballs for the occasion - at 10am. Then there was an accident on the boat and a man was injured, but no-one said anything about Condor losing a ramp licence. Boat finally left Weymouth at 1.30pm. Arrived in Jersey at 11pm.
I'm delighted that I'm now able to take my business somewhere else!!
Posted on: 20 August 2007 by James from UK
Support for your company is very strong but you must be more honest with the travelling public otherwise support will vanish overnight. Almost everyone knew that you were having major technical problems that could not be fixed without taking the vessel out of service, yet still you continued with those ridiculous announcements from the captain on every trip trying to explain why you were running late. You should have come clean from the word go and we would all have understood and stuck by you. Be careful that you don't make the same mistake again because you wont get a second chance. You have superb staff and the right price structure but you must tell us everything. Good luck!
Posted on: 19 August 2007 by Bob from Jersey
HDFerries provides welcome competition to previously established operators to help keep fares low and service increased. Watch out for the competition's dirty tricks department who look as if they are getting out of their box!
Posted on: 19 August 2007 by Mike from FR & GB
I travel every so often on a day trip to Guernsey to stock up on duty free...Very impressed on my previous 2 trips, boat feels very fast and has a good choice of duty free goods. Always find that your prices are so much cheaper than the competition even if I book at the last minute!
Posted on: 19 August 2007 by Alex from Jersey
I have travelled with you twice up to now and thoroughly enjoyed the service and friendliness of all your staff, I wish you all well for the future, and hope you can soon overcome your problems with the HD1.
Posted on: 19 August 2007 by Dave from Jersey
Words cannot truly express our sincere thanks for your incredibly generous offer of the boat in order that Variety could entertain the children in such a truly lavish way last Wednesday 8th August.
The children without doubt probably had one of the best days of their lives thanks to you and your wonderful crew. And what a crew - it was really fantastic to seem them all join in the spirit of the occasion, dressed up as pirates and looking really superb.
Editor note: Click here to view pictures of the event.
The day was indeed memorable and I know that the publicity that we were able to achieve can only do your Company further much deserved praise. Thank you again and congratulations on having such a really devoted and caring team.
Posted on: 14 August 2007 by JimR from Variety Jersey
I am just writing to say how pleased my wife and I are with the excellent service HD Ferries offers.We have travelled several times on her and have very few complaints.However,will you ever be introducing a 'club class' service?
Last Saturday evening we travelled from St.Malo/Jersey and the vessel was full of rather noisy children(parents had very little control!) It is on occassions like that when I would be very happy to pay a supplement.I realise that you are offering a 'no frills' service and long may it continue,but I do feel that there would be a market for slightly superior section.
I look forward to your response,but in the meantime,long may you continue.
Posted on: 13 August 2007 by Jeremy from Jersey
I am just writing to say how pleased my wife and I are with the excellent service HD Ferries offers.We have travelled several times on her and have very few complaints.However,will you ever be introducing a 'club class' service?
Last Saturday evening we travelled from St.Malo/Jersey and the vessel was full of rather noisy children(parents had very little control!) It is on occassions like that when I would be very happy to pay a supplement.I realise that you are offering a 'no frills' service and long may it continue,but I do feel that there would be a market for slightly superior section.
I look forward to your response,but in the meantime,long may you continue.
Posted on: 13 August 2007 by Jeremy from Jersey
I am just writing to say how pleased my wife and I are with the excellent service HD Ferries offers. We have travelled several times on her and have very few complaints. However,will you ever be introducing a 'club class' service? Last saturday evening we travelled from St.Malo/Jersey and the vessel was full of rather noisy children (parents had very little control).
It is on occassions like that when I would be very happy to pay a supplement. I realise that you are offering a 'no frills' service and long may it continue, but I do feel that there would be a market for slightly superior section. I look forward to your response, but in the meantime, long may you continue.
Editor note: Currently the layout of the HD1 is not suitable for a "club class" lounge however it is something we would consider with a second vessel in the future.
Posted on: 13 August 2007 by Jeremy from Jersey
Just to say thanks to HD. Early on I pleaded for pipe baccy, got a nice note from Mr HD himself, and am now able to get it on board. Well done! We've now done a couple of "three-engine" trips and its still better than Condor!
Good luck with all your plans for Alderney and Cherbourg. HDII seems to be a good idea too. Here's to you!
Posted on: 11 August 2007 by Geoff from Jersey
Its a shame that it costs much more to leave the Island than it is to visit but im sure thats well out of your hands.
Editor Note: Each leg is based on demand so I would suggest you are looking at more popular sailings outward compared to return. There is certainly no specific pricing to make it more expensive to leave than visit.
Would be nice to see the prices come down a tad more though, as i certainly prefer traveling with yourselves than Condor... all smiles till they've got your money then your just a number. Most of your staff are helpful and its nice to sail with you to be honest. Used yourselves a few weeks ago, unfortunantly we were late boarding your vesel in st malo from 10pm to well past 12pm if i remember. Condors problem if i remember!!!! Please try to keep prices low!!!!
Editor Note: As you remark unfortunately we are sometimes delayed by other vessels in the harbour, which it out of our control. Please rest assured we are working very hard to keep prices as low as possible.
Posted on: 10 August 2007 by Jacob from Jersey
Just wanted to say that your "show support" is a great idea. I would also like to take this opportunity to say a big "well done" for implementing the changes regarding disabled/elderly passengers, which I commented on in May. The improvements were in place on my very next trip over to France.
Keep up the good work and lets hope them Gremlins have had their fun and can now leave you alone to get on with what you do best "fast, friendly, fairly priced, ferry service" !!!
Posted on: 10 August 2007 by Sheila from Jersey
I wish you all the best of luck but what I think you need is a 2nd ferry but all the best for coming years.
Posted on: 09 August 2007 by Sam from Guernsey
Keep up the good work. I wish you all the best and that you could go on the Guernsey to UK route as well!
Posted on: 09 August 2007 by Peter from Guernsey
Just wanted to congratulate you and your colleagues for getting past the those problems you guys have had. I look forward to travelling with you soon.
I run a gite here in France and I just thought it might amuse you to hear what our customers said about their "Condor experience":
Condor were their usual useless selves. What is the point of a "fast ferry" that is consistently 2 hours late? We got the usual load of old nonsense about port congestion and sea conditions but I think "hopless farts" is a bit nearer the mark. That's 4 crossings with them now & not one on time. We didn't get away until nearly 10 pm and didn't get back to Poole until 2 am (British time). We finally arrived home at 0430 but that's still quicker than the poor sods they left on the quayside at St Malo who there wasn't room for!
That just about sums up my experience of Condor as well, and they're very expensive! Anyway good luck with the future and I promise my support for your service.
Posted on: 06 August 2007 by Sean from St Malo
We just wanted to drop you a line to thank you all for your help, patience and courtesy during the past week.
We were due to travel from Jersey-St Malo on Friday 3rd but delayed to the evening of Sat 4th. Throughout the week, whenever we spoke to your telephone staff to ask about the situation, we had polite, helpful replies. On Saturday evening we were greeted by smiling staff at Elizabeth Terminal and the boat crew could not have been more helpful. Such a contrast to other operators!
We hope that you are able to sort out the recent technical problems and that the new Cherbourg route is a success. We look forward to traveling with you again.
Posted on: 06 August 2007 by Fred and Amy from Switzerland
Just wanted to express my support for you in very difficult situation.
Have travelled with you twice this year. Such a pleasure compared to Condor. Regret I had to book Condor this week due to your ship's incapacity and an appointment I can't change, obviously what they are counting on.
Always good to see the small company take on the big one, especially when we get your charming staff and much more pleasant conditions on-board! I sincerely hope your company succeeds, you deserve to.
Posted on: 01 August 2007 by Shiela
I am currently sailing on your delayed vessel from St Malo to Jersey, technical problems with one engine, that's life!
Many thanks to your Captain and crew for keeping us informed and for the complimentary tea & coffee, thanks especially to Relly (I hope I have spelt her name correctly), who enquired about our dogs and allowed us onto the car deck whilst still moored to check on them.
Posted on: 03 July 2007 by Chris from Jersey
Well done on your progress to date. We have used the Guernsey-St Malo-Guernsey route 3 times now with a 4th coming up shortly and a few more later in 2007. Great value and superb service from HD and Ship and Fly.
We look forward to trying the Guernsey - Cherbourg and return service.
Keep up the good work.
Posted on: 22 June 2007 by Mike & Jenny from Guernsey
I travelled from St Malo to Guernsey on Tuesday and I must congratulate you for bringing competition to the boat travel especially with the bacon baps they were great!
I know there have been comments on the speed and size of the boat but for a low cost ship it suited our family down to the ground (or sea bed). The only thing that concerns me is the fishing boats not have to manoeuvre out of your way. Unfortunately every fisherman in the bailiwick, Jersey and France appeared to be fishing through the course of the ship and the ship ended up having to chicane around them making the trip slightly bumpy (albeit entertaining).
Posted on: 31 May 2007 by Donna from Guernsey
I am contacting you firstly to congratulate you on an excellent service from the Channel Islands to France. Secondly, I would like to point out a couple of observations I have made whilst using your services:
1. There is no allocated disabled seating. Being a disabled person I find it easier to sit near to the lift and the disabled toilet facilities. However, these seats are sometimes occupied. Might I suggest that you allocate a few seats as "please give up this seat to elderly or disabled persons if required".
Editor note: We have now allocated seats at the rear of the boat for disabled passengers
The disabled toilet being on the main deck is used by everyone. I am not sure whether it is solely for disabled passengers or whether is it for general use, as the sign on the door has the disabled symbol and the men and women symbols. I ask this question as I have seen disabled passengers queueing with able bodied passengers to use this facility. Perhaps some passengers are unaware that there are toilet facilities on the lower deck as the sign is not very clear and you see passengers walking around looking for the toilets. Might I suggest a sign is placed near the disabled toilet to advise passengers of the other toilets on board.
Editor note: This is now controlled by the onboard staff.
Keep up the good work.
Posted on: 29 May 2007 by Shiela from Jersey
I just wanted to let you know what a pleasure it was to make the return (from St. Malo to Jersey and back) crossing with you yesterday. Yes, the sea was flat but I was so impressed by the cleanliness of the vessel, the friendliness of its crew and the HD service in general. It was good, too, to see ex-employees of the much-loved Emeraude Ferries working on board. I hope your service will continue and flourish - I for one will be promoting it wherever and whenever possible. So thak you for such a pleasurable ferry exprience.
Posted on: 23 May 2007 by Pam from Jersey
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to contact you. First: We did enjoy the Trip from St. Malo to Jersey and back ( 24 April to 30 April).
We found a very quick connection compared to the former expreiences with Emeraude and Condor and also a very affordable price too. You have also very helpful and gentle Staff on board. We will use your ferry service definitely again.
Posted on: 07 May 2007 by Daniel from Switzerland
My friend and I had the pleasure to sail on your new HD1 last week, leaving St Malo Monday 23th of April in the morning and returning Tuesday 24th in the evening.
We enjoyed our journey very much and we have to congratulate you for the comfort of your ship, your very convenient timetable, the kindness and efficiency of your staff.
I just have one remark and one suggestion to do.
On both trips, safety instructions were read (or played as it sounded as a tape) spoken in French, and only subtitled but not spoken in English. I suppose you already heard about this and now it should be improved.
Editor note: Our onboard safety video has been completely redone and is now much clearer for passengers.
Posted on: 01 May 2007 by Jean-Yves from St Malo
All of us ladies travelled from Callac 22160 for a day out in Jersey, we love your service!
Just one or two comments: it would have been nice to have something on the TV screens on the journey, and would it be possible for an onboard simple bureau de change? And last but not lest your toilets let you down!
Your staff are friendly helpful and all had smiles on there faces so it shows they are happy to work for you.
I wish you every success in the coming months.
Posted on: 27 April 2007 by Eileen from Callac
Sailed for about 10 days early April for the first time. I missed the opportunity of seeing the vessel when a public visit took place in St. Helier.
My partner is disabled therefore we always request placement of car near lift. No problems there, the staff provided directions for placing the car and helped in relation to using the lift. In this respect Emeraude were always helpful though I wont comment on what happened on one occasion using your current competitors. Helpful staff in relation to disabled passengers is essential and will always be appreciated by your customers, this is an aspect that would be worthwhile accentuating to those members of the crew whom, I'm sure would appreciate receiving thanks from customers.
Also, being last on board on the trip out, I wondered whether there might be an adequate supply of croissants on board (even Emeraude occasionally fell down here). The vessel was quite full but I noted that there were more than required. Both I and the very few passengers behind me in the queue were happy to see that the catering staff seemed to have all that was required for the journey. This too on our return later.
Your sailing times are well thought out giving passengers plenty of time after their arrival in France and before their return. No doubt very much appreciated for those wanting to have a day trip.
Yes, we saw a familiar face or two but not Phillipe, who I was told is also an ex Emeraude member of staff, so we hope to see him next time. Maybe you might consider in your "duty free" extending somewhat the "non-booze and baccy" area to provide a reasonable choice of confectionery and certain Channel Islands products. Which might be appreciated by passengers wanting gifts for friends.
Have understood that you have a conflict with powers that be, etc. in relation to height of waves that the ship can sail in, best of luck regarding this, hope you get the result that you need.
A good, reliable regular service with adequate provisions on board for the relatively short journey with information when necessary should please your customers. (Oh, just a thought, I recall that the volume of the PA on board could have been better). Best of luck for the future.
Posted on: 26 April 2007 by Mike from Jersey
We were delighted earlier this year with the announcement, and then in March with the arrival, of a new operator and alternative Ferry Service for the Channel Islands / St. Malo route.
We travel nearly every weekend throughout the year to France, and, since March 16th, have been using your ferry service which has been punctual and reliable, with just a few instances of delay which were beyond your control.
As regular users of your service, we ask if you would be prepared to offer us fixed price travel as opposed to the fluid fares. We wish you success with this venture and can assure you of our support.
Editor note: Currently HD Ferries will only offer fluid pricing as it allows us to provide the lowest fares on off peak sailings, however we may consider this option in the future.
Posted on: 19 April 2007 by Simon and Eileen from Jersey
I am writing with reference to a day trip taken saturday with my friend and 2 kiddies, we had a fabulous Journey, quick and very efficient. Your staff were extremely efficient, friendly and helpful on both Journeys from jersey to St. Malo and back and the boat was spotless (bathrooms) and your staff extremely happy. Just wanted to say well done and thank you.
Also the Jersey Harbour staff Monique and co staff were absolutely courteous and a pleasure to do business with... about time, we have needed a company like yourselves here for so long, I am a Jersey resident of 42 years, so well done and keep up the good work. We shall be using you all the time now and we travel many times to France with big parties from my Coffee Shop and we will look forward to it.
Posted on: 17 April 2007 by Vicki & Chantal from Jersey
I'm just writing to let you know how impressed I was with the efficient and friendly service provided by hd ferries on a day trip to France yesterday. A friend and I travelled with our car for £77... a long time since we've been lucky enough to find a fare like that...and were thouroughly impressed by all aspects of the trip. The friendliness of your staff was particularly impressive.
One idea...any chance of selling little models of hd on board...we have a rather keen ferry-watching 4-year-old travelling with us at the end of May who would be pretty impressed with that!
Looking forward to travelling with hd again soon...and thank-you once more for providing us with an affordable escape route again at last!
Posted on: 13 April 2007 by Taisie from Jersey
As I write this, I am sitting aboard one of your vessels in the port of St. Malo. It is my experience that people usually only contact the head of any company when they wish to complain. I, however, am writing to thank you for the outstanding service you are offering.
Not only has your company broken the monopoly Condor held over the people of Jersey for so long, not only are your ships faster and your prices better than theirs but your company is peopled with friendly and above all efficient staff who have made sure twice in the past week that I have arrived right on schedule, something which never happened in all the years I sailed with Condor.
I can only ask that you keep up the good work!
Posted on: 12 April 2007 by Nathan
My wife and I have recently returned from our first trip to France on HD. Very good. Excellent. Please keep it up and good luck! We're already booked for another trip in May and shall be going again at least once if not twice more this year.
BUT, please as a wicked pipe smoker, would you be kind enough to carry some pipe tobacco on board? Perhaps Gold Block or Clan or Mellow Virginia - even all three!
Posted on: 11 April 2007 by Geoff from Jersey
At last some decent competition for Condor. Just compared prices from
Jersey to France, 2 adults in a car, return. You quote £118, Condor quotes £247, same dates. Welcome welcome welcome to Channel Island waters!!!!
Posted on: 04 February 2007 by James from Jersey
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