|
Post by Scott on Apr 18, 2008 21:00:36 GMT -8
Tonight I decided to make a reservation on a ferry trip for my family and I on the Queen of Prince Rupert. It's still a ways away, but I wanted to make sure we'd get on. So using the online reservation system, this is the basic information I filled out:
I chose the sailing departing Prince Rupert at 1:00PM (arriving in Port Hardy around 12:30 the next day), on the Queen of Prince Rupert with 2 adults, 2 children under 2, one undersized car, and an inside cabin on an overnight sailing. Total price expected to be around $450 give or take a bit. After filling out the form, checking it over twice, a page came up telling me it could take at least 48 hours to confirm the reservation.
At least they were prompt. A few hours later I got an e-mail confirmation:
Depart Prince Rupert 7:30 AM (On the Northern Adventure) Arrive Port Hardy 10:30 PM
2 Adults, 2 Children under 2, 1 oversized vehicle (My supersized Ford Escort), and an Inside Cabin Berth.
Total price charged - $935 (maybe they got my Visa wrong too;)
So they got the ferry wrong, the sailing wrong, and the car size wrong... and the price twice as much as it should be:) I guess I'll have to clear it up tomorrow. I don't know how they could screw up so badly. Do they not like people taking an overnight trip direct between Prince Rupert and Port Hardy when there is a day-trip direct between the two ports? I want to do it for two reasons.. I'd like to go on the Queen of Prince Rupert and 7:30 AM is too early for the girls and 10:30PM is too late for them.
|
|
|
Post by WettCoast on Apr 18, 2008 21:30:08 GMT -8
John, for the day trip they want you to be at the terminal 2 hours before sailing time (ouch!). I know why this is not too appealing.
BCFS's is supposed to be revamping their northern routes 'on line' reservation system - the current one is archaic. Having just gone through the process of making a reservation on the AMHS, and on BCFS's southern system (RBI), I can say that without a doubt the system currently used for reservations on our northern vessels is really bad!
I take it that you are planning to travel when the NorAd is on its summer day run service and the QPR is still doing once a week Inside Passage runs via various mid-coast stops.
Be persistent. Get what you want. Use the phone and talk to a human. The number to call is 1-800-BCFERRY. Wade your way through the choices to 'press xx for northern routes reservations'.
|
|
|
Post by Hardy on Apr 18, 2008 22:56:07 GMT -8
Be persistent. Get what you want. Use the phone and talk to a human. The number to call is 1-800-BCFERRY. Wade your way through the choices to 'press xx for northern routes reservations'. I second the talking to a human part. However, let me clear up a few things ... try calling 1-888-BCFERRY (223-3779) instead - dialing the right number will help. A few other numbers to throw at you too -- if you are calling on a cell phone, try *223 (*BCF) - airtime free call. Also, within the Metro Vancouver area, , the 'old' commercial truck reservation number of 604-444-2890 overlines onto 250-386-3431 (which is where the 888 number terminates too) - this just gives you one more way to call them in case you are behind a PBX or something that does not like 1+ calls. Menu options to reserve Northern Routes are: 1 - 2 ... Hope this helps clear things up for you!
|
|
|
Post by Scott on Apr 19, 2008 8:28:53 GMT -8
OK, I actually e-mailed them right after getting the confirmation and this morning they had it all fixed;) They got it so wrong that I found it funny:) I could imagine some people not looking at/knowing the details and really getting their travel plans messed up though.
|
|
|
Post by Hardy on Apr 19, 2008 20:43:52 GMT -8
OK, I actually e-mailed them right after getting the confirmation and this morning they had it all fixed;) They got it so wrong that I found it funny:) I could imagine some people not looking at/knowing the details and really getting their travel plans messed up though. Did they give you any kind of a reason how things got so badly messed up, or was that not part of your original email to them? If you do follow up with them again re: this mess up, I would be interested to learn what they attribute the foul up to ....
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on Apr 24, 2008 19:29:24 GMT -8
I made a northern-reservation online yesterday, and got the email confirmation today. No errors....so maybe I was lucky.
I even had a question answered on the email confirm (I had filled in the question-box on the online form.).
So a good experience for me. Sorry John. ;D
|
|
|
Post by ferryrider42 on May 17, 2008 9:10:06 GMT -8
Ferry reservations a hot item on InternetCindy E. Harnett, Times Colonist Published: Saturday, May 17, 2008B.C. Ferries' May long-weekend reservations are the new hot ticket in town, taking their place alongside Radiohead tickets and the Nintendo Wii in online commerce. Rebecca Domovitch of Vancouver fretted when ferry reservations to Victoria for yesterday evening were sold out. Then in a "random stroke of genius" she thought someone might be selling the hot commodities for an inflated price on the website Craigslist. She not only got her reservation, but she also got it at cost -- $17.50. B.C. Ferries sells reservations at its website by issuing confirmation numbers. At the toll booth, drivers show they have a reservation by handing over a B.C. Ferries printout with a confirmation number, the credit card used to buy the reservation, or a phone number that's linked to the reservation. Rozie Amos, an announcer at the Zone radio station in Victoria, was thrilled her friend Rebecca had secured a reservation to visit her by going online. She informed listeners there were more online. "I just think it's funny in this day and age of people selling Nintendo Wii's and concert tickets [online] that people are now selling ferry reservations. Are we really stooping this low?" she quipped. Amos found one traveller offering $100 for someone willing to give up a ferry reservation for the long weekend. © Times Colonist (Victoria) 2008 www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/story.html?id=7469f1da-d063-4f8b-bce8-d976ca3873df
|
|
|
Post by Hardy on May 17, 2008 21:53:31 GMT -8
This was also reprinted in a local paper (the Now, I think), but it also had a little further under it that even though BCFS is aware of the practice, and discourage it, they are not taking any enforcement action on it whatsoever. I don't have the article in front of me right now to quote directly, but that was the gist of it.
I believe, and I cannot remember precisely, but I think that there was another comment that if people actually reserved correctly (ie: for themselves, or cancelled unneeded reservations) that BCFS would be "better able to manage traffic demand".
While I can see the logic in the latter, the whole thing about re-selling reservations just seems to be making ferry travel more of an "elitist" thing by making it harder for regular non-reserved travellers. Not everyone has the luxury of booking a reservation -- either their plans are very fluid, or during peak times the reservations are SOLD OUT early.
|
|
|
Post by Mac Write on May 17, 2008 22:19:30 GMT -8
I think they should require the person making the reservation to give their name at time of reservation as well as their cars license plate (maybe allot for input of 2-3 if they have mutliple cars incase they change vehicles at the last minute etc). Then when they arrive, they must show their drivers license. This would stop the reservation scalping cold. BCF should also allow cancellations 2hrs prior to sailing with no penalty, but the person must change the reservation (or get a credit for another one which is good upto 6 months or something). This should really help the accurracy of waits etc.
|
|
|
Post by hwy19man on May 19, 2008 1:52:02 GMT -8
If BCF does not like this scalping situation, maybe they should terminate reservations except on the Northern routes.
|
|
|
Post by Ferryman on May 19, 2008 8:58:05 GMT -8
The last time I made a reservation, I thought for sure I found a statement on their website that they don't allow people "scalp" a reservation. I can't find that statement right now, as I'm assuming that's something it would tell you once you've given you credit card info, etc.
If BCF doesn't like it, no they shouldn't terminate reservations. But should track the scalper down, and terminate them.
|
|
|
Post by ferryrider42 on May 19, 2008 10:14:42 GMT -8
I’ve been poking around e-bay and Craigslist during the weekend to see how big this problem really is. So far, this really doesn’t seem to be a big deal. There appear to be very few people doing this. Of course, perhaps we caught on to this phenomenon too late to see the real magnitude. Likely, all the action happened in the lead-up too the long weekend. Those with reservations left have probably dropped their prices to between $15 and $17. There is however a least one person still selling a ride today between Duke Point and Tsawwassen on the 10:45 PM sailing; cost is $40. For those wanting to browse the action yourself, go to Craiglist and head over to the Vancouver section. Search for ‘ferry’. Link provided below. vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/search/sss?query=ferry
|
|
|
Post by ruddernut on May 23, 2008 12:46:06 GMT -8
I think they should require the person making the reservation to give their name at time of reservation as well as their cars license plate (maybe allot for input of 2-3 if they have mutliple cars incase they change vehicles at the last minute etc). Then when they arrive, they must show their drivers license. This would stop the reservation scalping cold. Agreed. Changing the car shouldn't be a problem if they tied the reservations onto the reservers' driver's licence info, instead of the plate.
|
|
|
Post by ferryrider42 on Jun 23, 2008 10:37:29 GMT -8
The Canada long weekend is approaching. And as expected, look what has turned up on Craiglist. If I am correct, it would have cost $15 to purchase the ticket listed below. $25 Horseshoe Bay to Langdale Ferry Reservation Saturday June 28th 7:25am Ferry vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/for/716633526.html
|
|
|
Post by Canucks on Jun 23, 2008 16:05:25 GMT -8
For $25 I'd expect a better time than 7:35! There is another sale for a Coastcard, why someone wouldn't want it is beyond me but for $1150 you too can be a proud owner of a BC ferry Coastcard.
|
|
|
Post by ferryrider42 on Jun 27, 2008 22:17:37 GMT -8
I have been keeping an eye on Craigslist hoping to catch some sort of action or excitement. But, for better or worse things have been very boring. Today, three tickets appeared; but most look to be last minute change of plans. So, once again, scalping appears to be a non-event. $30 (each I assume) HORSESHOE BAY to DEPARTURE BAY Saturday June 28 @ 0620 DEPARTURE BAY to HORSESHOE BAY Tuesday July 1 @ 2135 $20 6:55pm today, Horseshoe-Bay to Departure-Bay $20 5pm today, Tsawassan to Swartz-Bay vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/search/sss?query=ferry
|
|
|
Post by Political Incorrectness on Jun 27, 2008 22:41:39 GMT -8
That is a total rip off for a Saturday along with a Tuesday. Now for the $20 dollar reservations, those are not bad since it is peak time.
|
|
|
Post by Mike C on Jun 28, 2008 8:16:49 GMT -8
I've been thinking, BC Ferries' idea to have the reservation time change available on their website is porbably to prevent things like this from happening. People who's schedule changes at the last second do not wish to pay the $30-something cancellation fee, so they sell it on Craigslist to help pay the difference of the original $15 they paid for the reservation they won't be using.
|
|
|
Post by ruddernut on Jul 15, 2008 22:56:29 GMT -8
There's a cancellation fee on top of the lost reservation fee? Geez, you'd think a $15 donation would be good enough for a sailing spot that'll be used by somebody else anyways.
Just make them non-transferable.
|
|
|
Post by odissia on Feb 26, 2010 6:40:48 GMT -8
A Serious System for a Serious Business - Passenger Transportation Our Voyager Transit ferry reservation, bus booking or aircraft booking system helps your reservation departments by providing a high performance, value added, easy to use web based booking system that cost effectively allow online bookings, walk up bookings, on-board bookings and also allows commissionable bookings via travel agents. online ferry reservation and bus booking system is the only readily available ferry, bus and small airline reservation system designed around Internet technology allowing global access to your ferry, bus and airline booking and ticketing needs. An on-line, web-based ferry, bus and airline reservation service built directly into your own website providing advanced reservation and departure control solutions for booking and check-in that allows your customers to select multiple dates, choose ticket/route options, and make a payment, all online and in real-time. A reservation can consist of any number of journeys, point-to-point or multi-leg, for which you may book; > Passengers > Freight and passenger vehicles > Cabins and seats > Restaurants > Meetings and conferences > Goods and other miscellaneous services. - Generate bookings from your available inventory that can be immediately and automatically confirmed. - Powerful 'Mobile Reservation' option module available. Your clients can make reservations via mobile phones. - Automate display of a 'Featured Trips' on main page. - Barcode scanning - Check validity of your tickets upon passenger presentation. Also support for Bar Code Validation (PocketPC-friendly version) - Add-on option available for 'Active seat maps' which are maps of your boat, bus, ferry, event or campground, etc., that you can click on to make a reservation. For more information contact: ODISSIA Corporation Address: 5746 N Sheridan Rd, STE 401 Chicago, IL 60660 USA E-mail: info@odissia.net www.ODISSIA.net
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 26, 2010 6:56:19 GMT -8
Oh, it's nice to wake up to spam.
I invite you all to bombard this email address with your own spam
info@odissia.net
Have fun, and try your best to waste their time.
ps: I've deleted the spammers membership here, but I hope that you still send them a few emails to clog their system. ;D
|
|
D'Elete BC in NJ
Voyager
Dispensing gallons of useless information daily...
Posts: 1,671
|
Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Feb 26, 2010 7:30:35 GMT -8
And everyone should try to book Greek ferries...just to really rub it in!
|
|
Koastal Karl
Voyager
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
|
Post by Koastal Karl on May 28, 2010 12:03:27 GMT -8
I recently called BC Ferries to ask them about tranfering Gift Certificates to an Experience Card but they said you cant do that, and that you can either do it with cash or credit card. Now what I dont get is Gift Certificates are like cash so I dont see if you can use cash why couldent use a Gift Certificate! Anyone see what I saying? Anyone know, I dident think at the time to ask them. What are your thoughts???
|
|
|
Post by Scott (Former Account) on May 28, 2010 12:22:09 GMT -8
I recently called BC Ferries to ask them about tranfering Gift Certificates to an Experience Card but they said you cant do that, and that you can either do it with cash or credit card. Now what I dont get is Gift Certificates are like cash so I dont see if you can use cash why couldent use a Gift Certificate! Anyone see what I saying? Anyone know, I dident think at the time to ask them. What are your thoughts??? I don't see why they could not do this if you were doing this transaction at a major terminal... However, all I can suggest is to purchase some tic tacs or something of a low cost in the gift shop using your gift certificate and use the change to put towards an experience card...
|
|
Koastal Karl
Voyager
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
|
Post by Koastal Karl on May 28, 2010 12:40:05 GMT -8
Yeah I dont think I will worry about it. I have usually use them to pay for fares as I am tight on money right now so I dont really want to be using cash out of my pocket for fares. I will just wait till I can afford to reload my card. BC Ferries sure likes to make things difficult which you think would be easy! Gift Certificates are for BC Ferries services. Yeah I want to purchase money so I can put it on my experience card, lol!
|
|