We are all to familiar with the rig moral of flying to your holiday destination; parking your car, transferring to the terminal and the lengthy queues associated with passing through security and boarding the aircraft, not to mention landing miles away from your final destination and actually getting to your resort.
Allow me to show you an alternative mode of transport which will take you right into the heart of the action and the benefits of travelling by ferry.
I'm heading to Guernsey to spend the night in an establishment located in the heart of St Peter Port, one of many premises featured in Condor Ferries short break brochure, for a little 'me time' and some much needed relaxation.
With Condor Ferries you can start relaxing from the moment you embark the ferry before heading south to the beautiful Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey.
The ferry terminal is literally a short walk from the town centre
- no transfers required here - which is why I chose these islands as a destination.
More on this to come but first, let's head off on our adventure.
The Portsmouth ferry terminal is not too dissimilar to a small regional airport with its modern décor of giant glazed windows and tiled flooring throughout plus a range of facilities; a coffee outlet, mini market, seating areas and WC facilities.
However, that's where the comparison to airline travel ends.
Grab a cuppa, curl up, get comfy and allow me to show you around Condor Ferries Commodore Clipper and new acquisition Condor Islander, the two vessels operating a merry-go-round circuit from Portsmouth to Guernsey to Jersey and back to Portsmouth.
Portsmouth is centrally located on the south coast of England accessible from the east, north and west by a good motorway network if travelling to the port by road.
Here is my vlog.
If travelling by coach the drop off zone is literally meters from the ferry terminal entrance and if driving like me, the long stay multi storey car park is located within the grounds of the port.
The Condor Ferries reception desk opened at exactly 0600hrs, three hours prior to the morning sailing; the shutters opening to reveal a trio of happy faces ready to welcome foot passengers as they approached to check-in for the ferry.
Foot passenger embarkation commenced around thirty minutes prior to sailing; foot passengers embarking the vessel by minibus having passed through port security only minutes prior.
Condor Ferries personnel were observed assisting passengers at the security screening machine - folding down children’s buggies to be put through the X-ray machine whilst parents held their youngsters. What excellent customer service!
Security screening was very swift and actually rather pleasant as the officers chatted with passengers as they passed through.
The journey between the ferry terminal and the berth took approximately five minutes; the minibus driving onto the vessels stern ramp then ascending to the upper vehicle deck via an internal ramp.
Both Commodore Clipper and Condor Islander are predominantly commercial driver orientated ferries which provide a vital lifeline to the inhabitants of the Channel Islands transferring produce from the mainland but offering a very high level of customer service and comfortable facilities for the tourist travellers aboard.
Travelling aboard a so called 'Ro-pax' has major benefits, namely smaller passenger numbers compared to other ferries enabling a much more personalised service where crew have the time to talk to you and have a good conversation.
Let's check-out their amenities
Both the 'Clipper and 'Islander offer a similar layout enabling the ships' company to provide continuity with its product but also providing a completely differing décor and ambience which gives each ferry their own identity which I found rather refreshing.
From the vehicle deck pedestrians ascend the ‘Green Stairs’ positioned on the starboard bow adjacent to where tourist cars are parked.
Being commercial driver oriented ferries, the wider lanes on the vehicle deck are a major bonus for tourist cars as you will have plenty of space if you have a child's buggy to offload plus any baggage you may need during your voyage.
Elevators to the passenger decks are available if persons have walking difficulties.
Now truly in the holiday mood I make my way to my own private cabin which enables me to store luggage not required during the voyage and also a place for me to relax and freshen up.
For my journey to Guernsey I was allocated a four berth superior cabin for sole occupancy with magnificent views over the bow - all this space just for me!
My cabin was fully carpeted, had plenty of storage space, vanity table and writing desk - it was like my home away from home.
The views were breath taking!
UK three pin power sockets with USB charging points came as standard in this Superior cabin, along with a TV, snacks and toiletries.
My cabin also benefited from having a power shower, sink and WC.
To give me even more space the beds not required can be stowed away; my four berth cabin converts to a triple......
...and a twin...
Here is an example of a 'standard' outside twin cabin with ensuite facilities aboard Condor Islander
Below, an 'inside' (no window) twin cabin with ensuite facilities aboard Condor Islander
If you are celebrating or simply wish to treat yourself, why not book the Suite aboard Condor Islander.
Located at the bow of the ship, this suite offers a separate lounge area with sea views over the port side, a security storage box and hot beverage machine.
Is this really a ferry?!
Access to your cabin is via a key card which can be obtained from the ships' reception upon boarding. Just pop along when you embark to collect it - the personnel within are particularly cheerful and will welcome you with a genuine smile.
Reception aboard Commodore Clipper
Reception aboard Condor Islander
If travelling with your pet, which of course travelling by ferry permits, aboard Condor Islander there are designated pet friendly cabins which benefit from having laminate flooring and direct access to the exterior deck where one can walk ones dog. How good is that!
Condor Ferries have thought of every detail - even placing a paw print on the door number to identify this cabin as being pet friendly.
Pet friendly exterior deck area aboard Condor Islander
If you are aboard Commodore Clipper - which doesn't have designated cabins for your furry friend - don't worry. You are permitted to leave your dog in your vehicle during the voyage and, subject to weather conditions, go down to the vehicle deck to make sure they are OK.
Announcements are made over the ships' public address system and you are escorted down to the vehicle deck by a member of crew.
Aboard Condor Islander there is also a designated cabin designed for wheelchair users which benefits from wider door frames enabling ease of access, emergency 'pull strings' to alert a member of staff if one needs assistance and ensuite facilities with conveniently positioned handrails.
Condor Islander has wheelchair accessible WC facilities on the main passenger deck close to the ship' public amenities together with hard flooring throughout making manual wheelchair use very easy plus, level access onto the exterior decks (additional ramps can be deployed where required) - Condor Ferries have thought of everything!
Speaking of exterior decks, both vessels have ample seating and a designated smoking area.
Below: Condor Islander
Below: Commodore Clipper
Time for a bite to eat - the sea air has given me an appetite.
Aboard Condor Ferries you are assured of a good hearty meal within the ships' cafeteria which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Light snacks can be purchased between mealtimes such as sandwiches and confectionary so you will not go hungry during the voyage.
The dining rooms aboard Commodore Clipper and Condor Islander are clean and comfortable; staff always on hand to wipe table tops and making sure chairs are perfectly aligned - they clearly take pride in their ship.
The dining room aboard Commodore Clipper has, like the rest of the vessel, a fully carpeted interior with wall mounted pictures, free standing and tub chairs together with high-backed plump sofas adorning one wall making this facility feel like home with a warm and comforting interior.
The same area aboard Condor Islander is bright, contemporary and modern with hard flooring throughout, white washed walls, up-lighting and and an abundance of glazing allowing magnificent views of the passing vistas. The colour pallet of off white and green gives a fresh, light and airy atmosphere with a relaxed vibe.
For those of you wishing to treat yourself why not try the more formal restaurant - I did, after all, I am on holiday!
One can select options from the table mounted menu.
Meals are freshly prepared and served directly to your table by attentive personnel.
Aptly named The Cove Restaurant; a nod towards the many coves and secluded beaches you will undoubtedly see on passage towards the Channel Islands, the views from the restaurant dining room with its floor to ceiling windows are simply outstanding!
Commodore Clipper
The Cove Restaurant aboard Commodore Clipper has an intimate atmosphere despite being open plan to the adjacent cafeteria owing to the warming tones of its décor, deep pile carpeting, linin table cloths, polished cutlery and planters.
Condor Islander
The same facility aboard Condor Islander would not look out of place in a trendy urban metropolis - the vibrant red coloured upholstery on the tub chairs pops against the cooling grey coloured bench seating, modern lighting, patterned floor tiles and floor to ceiling wine cooler creates a casual informal dining room - the perfect venue for a romantic meal whilst watching the world go by via the oversized windows.
The three course meal I sampled was simply outstanding - tender king prawns, juicy steak cooked just how I liked it and tangy fruit crumble with creamy custard.
After your meal why not retire to the comfort of the Club Lounge and relax in an oversized arm chair or plump sofa whilst chatting to family, making new friends and gazing out to sea.
Complimentary hot and cold beverages and light snacks are available and continuously replenished - just help yourself.
Access is by reservation only which means the lounge never gets busy and you are assured of a peaceful, relaxing place to sit.
Just pop along to the ships' reception if you wish to upgrade when aboard. Alternatively you can book a place when you make your ferry reservation or short break package.
The Club Lounge aboard Condor Islander resembles an airport executive lounge with an attractive neutral décor, carefully positioned works of art and comfortable sofas and tub chairs.
The lounge aboard Condor Islander occupies a forward position permitting uninterrupted views of the ships' bow - THE place to watch the sun setting below the horizon or watch your arrival into the attractive picturesque harbours of the Channel Islands.
Aboard Commodore Clipper the same facility is known as Club Class and is located at the stern of the ship within an impressive glazed conservatory allowing impressive views of the ships' wake and to watch the coastline slowly disappearing into the horizon as you head towards your holiday destination.
Unlike Condor Islander, aboard Commodore Clipper the seating arrangement is more of a 'table and chair' configuration.
An excellent alternative to having a cabin during overnight sailings, or to simply relax in a quiet environment on day time sailings, is to reserve a reclining seat in the Horizon Lounge - an oasis of calm with plenty of legroom.
The lounge aboard Condor Islander benefits from having a pull down table which is ideal if you have downloaded a movie to your personal device plus, the foot rest gives you even more comfort.
The Horizon Lounge aboard Commodore Clipper is positioned at the front of the ship affording simply magnificent views through the oversized windows which are on three sides.
Just look at the amount of leg room available!
Having crossed the English Channel and now passing the west coast of Brittany and the islands of Alderney, Sark and Herm with their beautiful coastlines, it's time for a cooling beer to watch the passing vistas which only ferry travel can provide.
The bar aboard Commodore Clipper is the social venue to sit with friends and family and savour the beautiful views through the floor to ceiling windows.
This facility is positioned at the stern of the ship in an elevated position affording stunning views of the ships' wake and passing vistas whilst sipping a cold beer.
Wall mounted TV monitors show complimentary movies as added entertainment.
Alcoholic beverages can also be obtained aboard Condor Islander - just head to the cafeteria then make yourself at home in one of the nearby seats.
Are you travelling with children on your family vacation or short break?
They are catered for too!
Aboard both vessels children have their own designated areas positioned next too seating areas so the parents can sit near by and watch their youngsters playing.
Below: Commodore Clipper
Below: Condor Islander
In need of some retail therapy?
Whether you are looking for a bargain, a colouring book to entertain the children or some travel accessories for your onward journey, you will find this in the onboard shop.
The small, though perfectly formed shops aboard Condor Islander and Commodore Clipper are more akin to an Aladdin's Cave of goodies plus, thanks to duty free you will be surprised at the savings compared to UK high street prices - I certainly was!
Top tip, if aboard Commodore Clipper you will find some additional travel games to occupy friends and family next too the ships' reception.
And there we have it, a full look around Condor Ferries two vessels operating from Portsmouth.
Even though I am a solo traveller I did not get bored during my round trip voyage.
Having freshened up in my cabin, had a hearty breakfast, a walk around the shop, lunch, a few cold beers in the bar, watched a movie and a walk on deck, I was arriving in Guernsey!
Disembarking the Condor ferry was swift, stress-free and within moments I was walking along the quayside to my hotel for the night; one of many establishments featured in Condor Ferries Short Break brochure.
That's right, the ferry moors right in the town therefore one can literally walk to ones hotel!
Having taken advantage of a three course meal offer within the hotel's gastro pub I was all set for bed (click for larger image).
My room was exceptionally clean, comfortable and I genuinely had the best night's sleep in the highly comfortable bed (click for larger image).
If only I had longer to explore the islands!
I will certainly be booking another Condor Ferries short break package.
Here are some links to Condor Ferries short breaks in Guernsey and Jersey - why not curl up and plan YOUR mini break?
Ferry travel truly is THE way to travel from A to B; where else will you be able to witness beautiful vistas such as this? Why travel from A to B any other way?
Why not [virally] come aboard and watch my journey vlogs and have a good look around through my eyes:
Portsmouth to Guernsey aboard Commodore Clipper
Guernsey to Portsmouth (via Jersey) aboard Condor Islander
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