Koastal Karl
Voyager
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
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Post by Koastal Karl on Nov 24, 2007 10:06:09 GMT -8
They have sold out before when the Saanich has done a roundtrip in place of a Spirit. After all it is route 1! Those people who do the service notices need a good kick in the, well you know what I mean. The Tsawwwassen is scheduled to take over Monday on route 9 but guess what? No service notice yet. Is it that hard to put up a service notice. Obviously it is.
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Post by Hardy on Nov 24, 2007 15:29:40 GMT -8
But Saturday nights are one of the slowest times for BC Ferries, so it makes the most sense. They will not sell out even the Sannich. I was never questioning the "wisdom" (or lack thereof, as the case may be) of the TIMING of the 'Saanich taking over a SoVI run, rather the fact that it had not been "noted" in the service notices. If they can put out a notice about a 10 minute delay in a sailing time, then they should be able to muster some recycled electrons to put one out about a ship swap in the middle of the schedule. After all, it is not like they are swapping the 'Coq for the 'Surrey or something of equal size -- they are putting the 'Sandwich in for a Spirit boat ... that's quite the capacity decrease.
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,189
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Post by Neil on Nov 24, 2007 16:00:03 GMT -8
How many people outside of this forum actually look at BC Ferries service notices with any regularity, anyways? Yes, they should be noted in a timely fashion, but in terms of actually managing traffic, I really doubt that telling the public about a switch from a 'Spirit' to the 'Saanich makes much difference. Just gets the fans ruffled when they don't do it.
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Post by Mike C on Nov 24, 2007 17:48:14 GMT -8
I have noticed that a service notice doesn't exist, re. the Esquimalt's entrance into service on Route 30. Instead, they've just edited the Rte 30 schedule page. Dumb idea, really... if you're like my family, who memorizes the schedule, and can recite it off by heart, how are you supposed to know of a revised schedule? They only real reliable source of ferry info is from us ferry-geeks... and thanks to my family, they happen to have a ferry-geek conveniently located in their own home.
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Post by Retrovision on Nov 25, 2007 16:55:50 GMT -8
How many people outside of this forum actually look at BC Ferries service notices with any regularity, anyways? These people, and many like them... ... if you're like my family, who memorizes the schedule, and can recite it off by heart, how are you supposed to know of a revised schedule? ...After all, this isn't the beginning of the internet age, we're deep into it now and BCFS has always highly touted their being ahead of the curve. (Though I'm commenting moreso on the lack of ' Esquimalt notice, but it's a lack of notice just the same for the 'Spirit' being pulled, which we can assume could have been remedied with a few simple keystrokes and we can imagine that it is not the effort that is lacking but a want to not blemish the the service notice list with the truth)
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Post by Hardy on Nov 25, 2007 17:37:03 GMT -8
I agree -- the whole purpose of the service notices is NOT to give us something to POST about, but rather on the BCFERRIES website, for people (read: the general travelling non-ferry-geek community) to look up travel related information.
If people are advised that a boat with a lower capacity will be operating at certain times, they may well alter there discretionary travel accordingly, or be more willing to spend the money to make a reservation.
WRT the rte-30 change - yes again! This is a major change, as the whole schedule is out of wack with the 'Esq sailing on that route. You would think that someone would have posted the notice -- we know it was printed internally - we've seen it in the "deteriorating QoEsq" thread (page 3). Just no one dumped it to the internet website!
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Koastal Karl
Voyager
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
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Post by Koastal Karl on Nov 26, 2007 19:18:13 GMT -8
First day on route 9 and the Tsawwassen is having operational issues.
Sailing Delay - Operational Posted November 26, 2007
Updated at 8:32 am
Please be advised that the Queen of Tsawwassen is currently forty-five (45) minutes behind due to operational issues.
The vessel is not expected to make up the time this morning.
For updated sailing information please check our Current Conditions page or call toll free
1-888-BC-FERRY (223-3779).
We apologize for any inconvenience experienced as a result of this delay.
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,189
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Post by Neil on Nov 26, 2007 19:34:40 GMT -8
My wife isn't into ferries at all, and doesn't spend any time gazing at the BC Ferries website, but in planning a recent trip to the Island, she had no problem noticing the route 30 change in the "upcoming schedules" section. Plus it's in their regular schedule now, and it runs in the newspapers every day. There are service notices about everything, usually... this was nothing more than an oversight.
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Post by Ferryman on Nov 27, 2007 9:13:04 GMT -8
Here's an interesting service notice.
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Nick
Voyager
Chief Engineer - Queen of Richmond
Posts: 2,078
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Post by Nick on Nov 27, 2007 19:34:08 GMT -8
Well, she's a little late, but she's back. MV Northern Adventure Returns to Service Posted November 27, 2007 BC Ferries is pleased to announce the MV Northern Adventure is returning to active service on the mid and north coast regions on November 29, 2007. The vessel had been out of service since October 1 undergoing scheduled maintenance. During this time, upgrades were made to the vessel’s stabilizers translating to a more comfortable ride for our customers and crew. Enhancements were also made to some of our passenger cabins. The MV Northern Adventure’s return will allow the Queen of Prince Rupert to transit south for its annual refit. For additional information and schedule details, visit www.bcferries.com or call 1-888-BCFERRY (223-3779).
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Post by Northern Exploration on Nov 27, 2007 21:50:55 GMT -8
I wonder what he enhancements to the cabins were? Maybe the sewage issue has been resolved. That certainly would qualify.
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Post by kylefossett on Nov 28, 2007 17:44:40 GMT -8
First day on route 9 and the Tsawwassen is having operational issues. Sailing Delay - Operational Posted November 26, 2007 Updated at 8:32 am Please be advised that the Queen of Tsawwassen is currently forty-five (45) minutes behind due to operational issues. The vessel is not expected to make up the time this morning. For updated sailing information please check our Current Conditions page or call toll free 1-888-BC-FERRY (223-3779). We apologize for any inconvenience experienced as a result of this delay. being a smaller vessel then the queen of nanaimo this was probably a loading issue
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Nick
Voyager
Chief Engineer - Queen of Richmond
Posts: 2,078
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Post by Nick on Nov 28, 2007 18:01:17 GMT -8
Don't they usually say traffic delays then??
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Post by Coastal Canuck on Nov 28, 2007 21:33:32 GMT -8
Service Notices - Chemainus-Thetis Island-Kuper Island
Chemainus Carol Ship Sailing Posted November 28, 2007 Chemainus – Thetis - Kuper
On Saturday, December 8, 2007, the MV Kuper will make a special Chemainus Carol Ship sailing, departing the Chemainus terminal at 6:10 pm and returning to Chemainus at approximately 7:00 pm.
BC Ferries is pleased to offer this annual holiday event in cooperation with volunteers from the Chemainus Chamber of Commerce and the local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. To make this special event possible, the following sailings between Chemainus and Thetis Island are cancelled for Saturday, December 8 only:
Chemainus Thetis Island 6:10 pm (departure) 6:40 pm (return)
Tickets are limited and should be purchased in advance; Adults $7.00 and children under 10 years $5.00. To purchase tickets, please call the Chemainus Chamber of Commerce (250) 246-3944 or the contact below.
Participants onboard the Carol Ship will be treated to complimentary hot chocolate and performances from the Victoria Phil Harmonic Choir. All proceeds from the event will go to the Harvest House Food Bank. In addition, donations of non-perishable food items will also be accepted onboard. Participants are reminded to dress warmly.
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Nick
Voyager
Chief Engineer - Queen of Richmond
Posts: 2,078
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Post by Nick on Nov 28, 2007 21:42:54 GMT -8
ah, yes. I remember hearing that on that feature on CBC radio 1 a few weeks ago. If I lived in Chemainus or Duncan I might think about going.
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Post by Retrovision on Nov 29, 2007 12:27:42 GMT -8
This will be the first time that the Kuper will perform this duty.
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Koastal Karl
Voyager
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
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Post by Koastal Karl on Dec 1, 2007 11:38:20 GMT -8
Please be advised that the Queen of Tsawwassen's 9:30 am arrival and 9:40 am departure from Sturdies Bay on Galiano Island has been cancelled due to weather. The traffic travelling from Tsawwassen to Sturdies Bay will be transferred at Village Bay (Mayne Island) to the Queen of Cumberland for arrival into Sturdies Bay at 11:25 am.
For current sailing information, please call 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779).
We apologize for any inconvenience experienced as a result of this cancellation.
What I dont get is how come the Cumberland can dock in rough weather at Sturdies Bay and the Tsawwassen cant. Could the Nanaimo???
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Nick
Voyager
Chief Engineer - Queen of Richmond
Posts: 2,078
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Post by Nick on Dec 2, 2007 17:33:35 GMT -8
You know, I really have to wonder about this one. They don't post service notices for this route in the summer when they routinely run up to 45 minute behind just because of traffic, and yet now they post a notice for a 30 minute weather delay.
Sailing Delay - Weather Posted December 02, 2007
Updated at 3:30 pm
Please be advised that the MV Mill Bay is running approximately 30 minutes behind schedule due to adverse weather conditions.
For updated information please feel free to call toll free 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779).
We apologize for any inconvenience experienced as a result of this weather delay.
EDIT:
this one just came in my inbox.
Sailing Delay - Weather Posted December 02, 2007
Updated at 5:30 pm
Please be advised that the MV Mill Bay is running approximately 50 minutes behind schedule due to adverse weather conditions.
For updated information please feel free to call toll free 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779).
We apologize for any inconvenience experienced as a result of this weather delay.
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D'Elete BC in NJ
Voyager
Dispensing gallons of useless information daily...
Posts: 1,671
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Dec 5, 2007 4:39:38 GMT -8
Hmmm...70 mins late already... ;D
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Post by Retrovision on Dec 5, 2007 4:53:17 GMT -8
Oddly enough I've witnessed numerous Mill Bay notices as never before, both through here and CBC Radio One, so let's hope this is part of a new unending dedication to acknowledging all such delays in the future on the company's website; as you might have already surmised, I highly doubt that this is a sign of online openness to come on the company's part.
The weather is out of the company's control while mostly the summer schedule is in relative terms within their control based on a wide range of factors. Are we surprised? I certainly hope not.
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Post by Political Incorrectness on Dec 5, 2007 21:10:32 GMT -8
From BCFS website New Policy: Ticket Sales & Loading Cut-Off TimesPosted December 05, 2007 Effective Monday, January 7, 2008 All Minor & Intermediate Terminals In order to allow sufficient time for safe, consistent and clear Shore Closure Procedures, BC Ferries will be implementing new ticket sales and loading cut-off times effective Monday, January 7, 2008 at our minor and intermediate terminals. Similar procedures are already in effect at our major terminals. This policy will allow for an accurate passenger count prior to departure, allow safe on-time vessel departures resulting in more efficient fuel consumption and show respect to our customers who arrive on time. The new cut-off times for minor and intermediate routes are as follows: Vehicles: 5 Minutes prior to scheduled sailing time at the following terminals: Little River, Westview,, Saltery Bay, Earls Cove, and Snug Cove 3 Minutes prior to scheduled sailing time at all other minor terminals Foot Passengers: 5 Minutes prior to scheduled sailing time at all minor terminals All traffic that is ticketed or in the line prior to the cut-off time will be loaded if there is deck space available. If the vessel’s arrival is delayed, the cut-off time will be the vessel’s arrival time. Complete schedule information is available at www.bcferries.com or by calling 1-888-BCFERRY (223-3779) between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm daily.
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Post by Political Incorrectness on Dec 10, 2007 19:22:03 GMT -8
On her second to last day of service Service Notices - Tsawwassen-Southern Gulf Islands Sailing Delay - Mechanical Please be advised that the Queen of Tsawwassen is currently ninety (90) minutes behind schedule due to a mechanical issue as well as the closure of a berth at Village Bay. The vessel is not expected to make up the time tonight.
For updated sailing information please call toll free 1-888-BC-FERRY (223-3779).
We apologize for any inconvenience experienced as a result of this delay.
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Mill Bay
Voyager
Long Suffering Bosun
Posts: 2,886
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Post by Mill Bay on Dec 10, 2007 23:49:48 GMT -8
Now this is interesting: "What sailing did you say that was for?"
Customer Service Advisory:
Current Conditions information will not be available from 11:30 pm on Monday, Dec 10th through 3:30 am on Tuesday, Dec 11th (Pacific Time) while BC Ferries completes maintenance on the system.
We appreciate your patience during this brief outage.
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Koastal Karl
Voyager
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
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Post by Koastal Karl on Dec 11, 2007 16:05:04 GMT -8
HOLIDAY SCHEDULES DECEMBER 24 & 25
Prince Rupert – Skidegate
Please note that due to an absence of customer reservations, the following round trip sailing during the holiday season will be cancelled:
Leave Prince Rupert (westbound) December 24 Leave Skidegate (eastbound) December 25
Regularly scheduled service will resume on December 27 with the westbound sailing departing from Prince Rupert at 14:30.
BC Ferries wishes its customers safe travels during the holiday season.
So what does this mean?? Not enough reservations to make a sailing??? I have never seen that before!
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Mill Bay
Voyager
Long Suffering Bosun
Posts: 2,886
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Post by Mill Bay on Dec 11, 2007 23:23:58 GMT -8
On her second to last day of service Service Notices - Tsawwassen-Southern Gulf Islands Sailing Delay - MechanicalPlease be advised that the Queen of Tsawwassen is currently ninety (90) minutes behind schedule due to a mechanical issue as well as the closure of a berth at Village Bay. The vessel is not expected to make up the time tonight. For updated sailing information please call toll free 1-888-BC-FERRY (223-3779). We apologize for any inconvenience experienced as a result of this delay. In the course of my day, I also found out why the Queen of Tsawwassen was so late last night. She lost all power momentarily while holding position off Village Bay with her engines idling, waiting for the Mayne Queen to clear out. Apparently they had quite the trouble getting the old mirlees diesels started back up again, hence her running late afterwards.
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