Unlike current running mates St. Faith and Victoria of Wight, St Clare is a
double-ender meaning she has a central wheelhouse positioned amidships and therefore does not have to swing off her berth to face the direction of travel resulting in an unusual and striking appearance with both ends essentially mirror images of each other.
Her interior, just like her exterior is also mirrored with a central amenities block and lounges either end - it is also very much like Doctor Who's TARDIS, as upon boarding her interior is much larger than I was anticipating.
Her accommodation is located on Decks 4 and 5.
Shall we go for an explore?
I will meet you down on Deck 1, the lowest vehicle deck.
We are down on Deck 1. Having boarded from the Portsmouth Gunwharf Terminal we enter the cavernous vehicle deck.
Following the painted deck markings which lead us safely to the stairs, we can ascend up to Deck 4.
Wow, that was quite a hike!
We have made it - we are within the central 'core' of the ship. I must admit, I did no prior research as I wanted to have an unbiased view so I could describe St Clare to you with my first impressions - just as you would view her when you board for the first time. That's what FOREward Thinking, a nautical flavour, is all about.
First impressions are very good.
Very modern and contemporary - floor to ceiling black walls with illuminated Wightlink signage behind a crisp white angular desk on localised charcoal carpeting with free standing charcoal coloured seating on stainless steel legs, which makes them look like they are floating!
Entrance area
Forward/aft corridor with the exit to Greggs catering outlet
As St Clare is a 'double ender' which end is fore and which is the stern?
Fortunately for us both ends are (almost) mirror images of themselves.
Within this central core is a Greggs catering outlet which you can just see in the picture above. That is actually the exit and to gain entry we need to circumnavigate a void space and enter Greggs from the other side of the ship which is a little odd.
Exit of Greggs catering outlet taken from fore/aft corridor with void space and lounge beyond.
Void space and lounge
Greggs taken from the entrance and looking towards the exit and main fore/aft corridor. The main counter is out of shot to the right of the picture.
This Greggs outlet with counter service bar for hot beverages also has a range of reasonably priced snacks - nothing too grand as the crossing is only around 40min however, sandwiches, cakes and snacks were available.
Now, strangely the seating area for Greggs is at the other end of the ship adjacent to the the Family lounge past the ships' reception (a fair distance from the actual outlet)'. This area consists of simple furnishings; black and white seating positioned around circular white tables on hard flooring.
Beyond this adjacent to the forward windows (or they could be the aft windows depending on which way the ship is travelling) is a Family Lounge which is essentially the same as the seating area for Greggs, except with carpeting.
In one corner is a very well equipped children's playroom and within the same area a 'Teen Room', although this was out of use and just used as storage.
Doubling back on ourselves going past the reception area, Greggs and the 'void space', there is a very nice lounge at the other end of the ship, arguably the best aboard which offers very comfortable sofas decorated in greys which looks stylish against the white washed walls and the recessed blue light ceiling panels
Just off this lounge is an abandoned gaming arcade
Being very pet friendly, St Clare boasts two areas in which owners can bring their dogs aboard to prevent the dog from being on their own in the vehicle for the duration of the crossing.
Both areas are on Deck 4 - the deck we have just had a look around.
One of these pet areas is at one end and the second is at the other end meaning no escape - the noise of dogs barking was phenomenal! Being open plan, the noise spread throughout this whole deck and could be heard on the deck above.
Being a dog lover I did not mind the sight of dogs within the passenger areas, but the noise which echoed throughout was intense. Perhaps a single area (an area with walls and a door) would be more suitable as not all passengers like dogs or could even have allergies.
Anyhow, let's go up to Deck 5.
Well, here we are on Deck 5 and again each end is a mirror image of each other.
In the centre along the funnel casing is a long Costa Coffee counter facing the fore/aft hall. A counter and accompanying bar stools are positioned opposite and was primarily utilised by persons with laptops owing to this being the location of many power sockets.
At either end of this deck are comfortable chairs positioned around tables (the upholstery differing at each end).
Within one of these two areas is a separate lounge with differing carpeting and seating which consists of high-backed arm chairs where you can literally 'sink into'.
This is a great place to relax not least owing to the magnificent views obtained from the floor to ceiling windows.
It is divided from the rest of the coffee shop seating area by means of a half height solid divide thereby giving the illusion it is a completely separate area.
This is the seating at other end of the deck - note the differing upholstery to that of the other end of this deck.
St Clare offers a generous amount of exterior deck space with a large number of tables and chairs. The area on the upper most level offers a wrap around deck where you can circumnavigate the central wheelhouse and do a few laps, if you desire.
I was very impressed with St Clare. She is an imposing proud looking ship which certainly turns heads as she sails past.
She has a large amount of exterior deck space and internally she certainly has a sufficient amount of facilities to keep passengers occupied for the crossing, which is around 40min.
Lounges are comfortable and her décor is contemporary with use of dark grey and angular furniture. The open plan design is good and it is probably owing to this which causes the Doctor Who 'TARDIS effect' but also allows noise to travel freely, including dogs barking.
