Mill Bay
Voyager
Long Suffering Bosun
Posts: 2,886
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Post by Mill Bay on May 19, 2009 21:22:35 GMT -8
4. A very minor point, but the outside doors to the bridge still remain the old brown wooden ones. While I don't necessarily dislike that look, in comparison to the rest of the ship's makeover, I would have expected them to update those doors too, for consistency's sake. Makes me wonder if any of the $50 million + went into refurbishing the bridge (aside from technical updates). That should be considered a nice touch of authenticity. I think it is nice that they retained one small touch of her past and the small details that went into her original construction that tried to evoke the atmosphere of the old coastal liners. At least on her bridge, if nowhere else, she should be allowed to maintain a little bit of her dignity.
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Post by ferryfanyvr on May 20, 2009 19:43:52 GMT -8
There is also an original teak door remaining at the back of the cafeteria leading out onto the "galley flats" on the starboard side. I, too, think it's nice to maintain something from the New West's original days!
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Post by ferryfanyvr on May 31, 2009 23:01:27 GMT -8
I travelled today on the New West's 1400 sailing from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen and I'm pleased to report that the horn has been fixed!!!! After three repeated soundings (departing SB, entering Active Pass, and exiting Active Pass) the horn sounded fine all 3 times. I asked one of the deckhands and he said the horn had a broken diaphragm that had to be replaced.
On another note, now that we have some warm weather, it seems the ventilation on deck 5 leaves a lot to be desired. All of the deck 5 lounges were very warm and stuffy...and the emergency exit from the Seawest Lounge out onto the sundeck had to be propped open to get the air circulating.
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,196
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Post by Neil on Jul 6, 2009 21:38:03 GMT -8
Rather behind the times, I know, but I finally did an excursion on the 'New West, the 4pm from Tsawwassen, and the 6pm return.
I'm very impressed. She must be the newest looking 45 year old ferry afloat. Even the car deck ceilings gleam. I think they did an excellent job of making the very best use of space, especially on deck 5. I particularly like the side facing seating in the forward portside lounge. One thing I like about the 'New Westminster is that she doesn't have the spacious feel of the Coastals- some of the walkways are narrow, and you still get the feeling of being on an older ferry. I never quite understood peoples' affection for the unimproved old Vs, but with the 'New West's new look, you get the charm of the old Spaulding design, with a contemporary, refurbished look that will be much more palatable to tourists, and travellers in general.
I agree with the comments about the cafeteria- that's the downside of this vessel. Too small, and not scenic enough for those who've been spoiled by the vistas from the floor to ceiling windows on the Coastals. Can't have everything, I guess. Still, for those who were lamenting the departure of her older sisters, the Queen of New Westminster's impressive new look, and hopefully, her fifteen more years of service, should be a consolation.
Looking at the outer decks, I couldn't remember if she had the concrete patching junk before this refit. The deck plating looks new, or at least, very much improved. Anyone?
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Post by Low Light Mike on Jul 6, 2009 22:04:50 GMT -8
Rather behind the times, I know, but I finally did an excursion on the 'New West, the 4pm from Tsawwassen, and the 6pm return. I haven't been on that ship since early 2007. Hopefully sometime this summer I'll take a trip on an 8:00 am sailing from Tsawwassen.
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Post by Ferryman on Jul 6, 2009 22:07:35 GMT -8
Glad you made it out for a trip aboard her, Neil. I've still yet to go for a voyage aboard her. But yes, the New West used to have the shotty patch job of an outer deck, much like what you saw on the Vancouver/Esquimalt. It used to be particularily bad along that narrow passage on the upper sundeck beside the lifeboats. Photos from 3 years ago
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Post by WettCoast on Jul 6, 2009 23:21:40 GMT -8
I was on the Nanaimo today. Her outer decks are in need of much TLC. She did not get a proper refit this past year (as I recall?) and it is most definitely showing. As I gather they plan to get another 10 years out of her they need to do some work as was done on the QNWM.
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Post by bcferryfan87 on Jul 6, 2009 23:55:59 GMT -8
I was on her about 1 week ago from Vic. I was happy to get on her - made a point of it. They have really tried to make use of the space on her. I felt crammed in the cafeteria also - they've added this one area at the end of cashiers where they collect the trays - seems to take away a bunch of seating but I guess they had to do something /have some area like this on it.
As for the comment on why ppl liked the V's in their old style: simply put, it was memories. I remember being on the van, esquimalt etc in younger years. It was such a neat trip going from Van to Vic, and they were part of many many trips. They were like an old friend i grew up with. They were as much a part of the trip Tsaw to Swartz, as active pass itself. From backing out at Tsaw and having everything shake in the cafeteria on an early morning sailing, to the quaint little gift shop.
Side note, that pic that was in this topic, showing Deas dock with the three ex Queens. I wonder if they will take the Provincial circular emblem of the 2 v's before they are sold off ? Also, wonder how long those ships will be there, or if any plans are in place as to where they will move them to if not sold when they need those spaces again for refits?
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2011 0:08:22 GMT -8
So now that the Renaissance is coming to Tsawwassen (most likely on a permanent basis) where is the new west going? Will it be staying at Tsawwassen or will it be heading to another terminal?
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Post by gordon on Feb 3, 2011 7:22:28 GMT -8
The CR will i am assuming be the off season #1 on Route1 out of Tsawwassen and the route#2 #1 from departure bay in the Summer.
It may make sense at some point for BCF to add hoistable platform decks to the Rennie because Route #2 carries more cars the overheights & this would alieviate waits during the bsuiy times.
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on Feb 3, 2011 14:21:53 GMT -8
So now that the Renaissance is coming to Tsawwassen (most likely on a permanent basis) where is the new west going? Will it be staying at Tsawwassen or will it be heading to another terminal? As Gordon mentioned, the Renaissance will be the number one from Tsawwassen during part of the off-season. So the New West will remain number two from Tsawwassen during the Summer on Route 1. As for the off-season, here's the way I see it... For Routes 2 and 3, this will not change anything as the Coquitlam continues to be the extra. The only way I can see the New West being considered for use here would be if BCF decided to carry out two C-Class refits at a time (replacing the Surrey with the New West on Route 3 would make the most sense) or if there was a major breakdown. However, I believe the New West will likely spend the majority of her off-season tied up in Berth 1 at Tsawwassen. ...that is unless BCF decides to surprise us. ;D
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Post by Mac Write on Feb 3, 2011 15:07:32 GMT -8
Will the CR get a buffet for Route #1? What will happen with the SoBC?
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Post by Dane on Feb 3, 2011 15:24:36 GMT -8
BCF used to regularly lay up vessels in the off season. This new vessel placement plan will allow that to happen again. While it "sort of" happens now I do not think there's been a traditional lay up for over 10 years?
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on Feb 3, 2011 15:56:31 GMT -8
Will the CR get a buffet for Route #1? What will happen with the SoBC? No, the CR will not have a Pacific Buffet. The SOBC will go out for refit and will be idle for the off-season.
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