To mark the return to service of Red Osprey following her major £2.2 million refit, Red Funnel is offering a sneak preview of the ship’s exciting new look as part of a pecial Spring themed Open Day in Southampton on Thursday 26 March.
Isle of Wight artisan food producers, local arts and craft exhibitors, and many of the Island’s visitor attractions, as well as the star of the show the new look Red Osprey will be at Terminal One, Royal Pier, Southampton from 10am to 4pmto celebrate the ship’s return to service.
In addition to 35 stall holders from the Isle of Wight there will be lots of entertainment on offer, including face painting, competitions for young children and the amazing dinosaurs from Blackgang Chine, the Squawk birds from Robin Hill as well as live music. Visit Isle of Wight will also have a stand at the Open Day to showcase 101 Great Adventures on the Island in 2015.
Red Funnel’s charity of the year, UKSA, will be providing fun and games on the day, both at Terminal 1 and onboard Red Osprey.
There is also the chance to enjoy a mini-cruise onboard the refurbished ship. Red Osprey will operate two special free cruises on the day departing Terminal 1, Southampton at 11:00 and 14:25. Each cruise will last for approximately 2½ hrs and will give guests the chance to explore the new look ship, sample the new locally sourced food and drink menus and enjoy the onboard fun and entertainment.
Wave 105 presenter and ferry enthusiast Rick Jackson will be onboard for the morning cruise mingling with guests and offering the chance to win a bridge visit and other prizes, with morning show host Mark Collins joining the fun for the afternoon cruise.
Guests can apply for free tickets for both cruises from Red Funnel’s website, on a first come first served basis, as well as via media partners Wave 105 and the Southern Daily Echo.
Visitors to the Spring Open Day who miss out on a cruise aboard Red Osprey will have the chance of a whistle stop tour of sister ship Red Falcon which received a similar new look in spring 2014. These tours will take place from 11:30 to 12:00 hrs and 14:30 to 15:00 hrs whilst the ship is alongside in Southampton.