Wightlink ferry crossing/Portsmouth to Ryde,IOW
5
5
Date of visit: April 2014
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
Access granted at short notice when 48 hours normally required (plenty of space near door to lift on car deck needs to be allowed for wheelchair access). Ramp for wheelchair provided and friendly, helpful staff checked all was ok throughout the crossing. Wightlink provide a very useful leaflet explaining what to do, with phone numbers etc.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
Once parked with plenty of space around the car to get a wheelchair/rollator/sticks out of the car, a ramp is placed at the door leading to the lift area. At busy times, being able to park with plenty of room around the car may be difficult if there are a lot of cars with people needing access, hence normally needing to give 48 hours notice.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
When checking in, you put hazard warning lights on, so staff are aware you need access, you are directed to a special lane, then onto the ship, where you are guided to park near the door to the lift, leaving plenty of room to get the wheelchair/rollator/walking sticks out. This process runs smoothly and quickly.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
Once up in the lift to the passenger deck, there is a disabled toilet close by and friendly staff to direct you there.
Staff
Excellent
Very helpful, cheerful staff at all stages of the crossing. They are willing to help and don't make you feel as if you're being a nuisance.
Additional Information
I had used the ferry to go for a hospital treatment in Southampton. It was a long treatment and I felt exhausted, so it was important for me that access to the ferry ran smoothly. Wightlink treated me well and I felt as though my needs mattered.
