HammerMan
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Posts posted by HammerMan
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On 3/2/2024 at 9:32 AM, MarcelV said:
Hammerman, Hammerman, where are you?
Still here.. The Blue Dolphin shifted to Bangkok.
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The lack of posts is simply because of the lack of development. The vessel is sitting at anchor off Sattahip.. Many potential partners have been in discussion, but they're always frightened off by the hidden costs of business in Thailand. We did look at alternative ports, but the investment/paper work involved made the investment not viable. The current plan now, I believe, is to accept defeat and sell the vessel.
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The ferry completed the dry dock and endless surveys/inspections and is currently at anchor outside Sattahip port. The plan is still to revive the Samui service but there are ongoing discussions with various commercial partners, alternative port options etc. Bangkok was a bust as there is no suitable/practical jetty available. Delays have arisen due to changes is government departments, more rules and ongoing requests. During this month a final decision will be made, one way or another.
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FYG - Sunday is last sailing from Samui before vessel Blue Dolphin proceeds to dry-docking at Laemchabang .
Currently there are no sailings planned for July, but this is Thailand and things frequently change, and service to/from Samui will resume in August.At this point in time it's still undecided if this will be from Sattahip or Bangkok as options are still under discussion/negotiation.Further updates coming.- 1
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On 4/17/2023 at 6:58 PM, EVENKEEL said:This is the reason I wouldn't ride the Seahorse with family. Regardless the vessel it's the crew that worries me. Don't think an overnighter to Samui would be carefree.
Unbelievable comment.. Seahorse vessel is as good/safe and well managed as any of the big ferry companies worldwide. Its was recently audited by a US Coast Guard who rated it A+, especially for safety.
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On 4/14/2023 at 1:48 PM, moogradod said:
Line and Facebook do rather attract a younger clientele. I would never use it. I think you will loose quite some business by not having a professional website.
Granted, it seems to have a real good web design might pose a problem in Thailand for even large companies have terrible web designs - but I am sure this would help to boost the reputation, attractiveness and professionality of your service. But it must be visually attractive and not overloaded with dozens of fonts and colors, easy to use and for payment two factor authorization required etc.....
I wish you much sucess. May your cabins be available if you finally got your website working.
Thanks for the comment. You are totally correct and we are trying to resolve this ASAP. The delay is mainly due to the Banks linking payment methods, in particular credit card payments. Hopefully this will be resolved soon.
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On 4/12/2023 at 12:49 PM, nrasmussen said:
As a Hat Yai resident I do hope that you haven't completely abandoned all plans for a route to Songkhla. Please? ????
The problem with Songkhla is not really us, we see the potential there, but the issue is the fishing nets/posts strewn across the shipping channel, which make it difficult to safely navigate to the inner berth.
The berths near the entrance to the lake cannot agree with a fixed schedule, so it's "hit and miss" with their availability, that makes planning extremely difficult.
The local government are aware of these issues and are trying their best to find a solution to a complex situation. We meanwhile wait and see, but realistically with the current global situation and climbing oil prices, pricing will have to be significantly higher and therefore less attractive.
We definitely take the matter seriously and will happily cooperate with local representatives in Songkhla and Hat Yai.
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On 4/12/2023 at 7:00 AM, Bobthegimp said:
I'd happily join the 97% if there was a website that opened and I could see the schedule and book a ticket. Not a Facebook user; is there another option, perhaps a phone number or email? I rode my Honda Click up to Pattaya from Phuket and would prefer a boat ride to three days on that seat again.
Please try: https://lin.ee/t0PNYOR
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It's interesting to see the constant comparisons on prices.. Assuming say 2 people travelling to Samui from Sattahip by car the basic cost is Baht 2500/person and Baht 2000 for the car. This entitles the passengers to economy class style reclining aircraft seats in an air-conditioned area. Upgrades to VIP seating (business class type aircraft seats) or comfort sleeping pods are affordable. Rooms are limited and in very high demand, but despite the apparent high prices, please note that this includes the ticket price of baht 2500/person.. i.e. in reality not that expensive. Hidden savings are vehicle fuel cost/wear and tare, hotels enroute and finally you still pay for a ferry to the island. Flying is undoubtedly quicker, not necessarily cheaper and you have no car. Obviously you can't please everyone, but to date we've had a 97% success rate based on passengers ratings and comments. As someone in the industry for 50+ years I can say the vessel has the best safety equipment/training of any similar vessel in the world. The vessel was recently inspected by a retired US Coast Guard who complimented us on every aspect of safety. I understand for some people the voyage seems long, but it is overnight and there's lots to do onboard. We are limited to docking and undocking in daylight due to regulations, so my recommendation is to relax, enjoy the sea air and experience a mini cruise feeling.
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On 3/30/2023 at 10:26 AM, banglay said:
A spare of the moment decision . woke this morning at decided to book a ticket on today's (30th) sailing from Sattahip . ,The app is fairly simple to use and I got confirmation and a E Ticket back almost instantly . I used their LINE app the get some questions answered and again got responses back within 5 minutes ,, overall a good experience ...
I will post a full review from arriving at the checking in desk to disembarking at Koh Samui and all things in between "warts and all"
So, how was the experience?
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FYI- The Seahorse Website is currently down, temporarily, for relaunching a new, better and secure website in the coming weeks. All/Any communication can be through following links: https://www.facebook.com/fb.theseahorseferryofficial and https://lin.ee/t0PNYOR
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On 3/5/2023 at 12:02 PM, moogradod said:Unfortunately, you may be right. It becomes critical if an item is really only available using Line somehow. And if you need / want the item urgently. For an emergency I have my stepdaughter who has Line and may step into the breach for me. But in the long run ..... ????
It is the same as cancelling cash - this might happen, too, someday. But until that happens I remain stubborn and I would not become tired to explain the salesman that he just lost my business because his stupid Line or refusal of cash. It will not help, I know. He would not even understand my reasoning.
I assume the old age will slowly show its ugly face for me. I remember when Internet just evolved. I said at the time that I would never use it ????. I was as well wrong, very wrong.
Apologies for my apparent silence but have been on medical leave. I understand if people are reluctant to use Facebook or Line. You can email the Customer Service ([email protected]) and then communicate by telephone or call the CS team directly at 0858426021-23 and mention you do not use Line or Facebook. If any problems you can email me directly at [email protected].
I have been pushing for a direct online booking system on the website and payment by credit cards, but for reasons I truly do not understand, it simply hasn't happened so far.. T I T
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On 2/20/2023 at 4:15 PM, moogradod said:
The standard room has obviously no toilet in the cabin. Only from the Suite upwards it has a toilet. That is at least what I decipher from the room descriptions. So for us (wife and myself) the calculation would be (I am dependent on a toilet nearby for I cannot walk well) and the anticipated duration of the journey (12'000 X 2 + 2'000) X 2 = THB 52'000.-) round trip for two persons incl. car. Or is the price for the suite for 2 persons included ? There are only 2 suites available on board according to the website - so the possibilitites for being able to travel are a bit limited - everything must be organized very much dependent on the available dates of the ferry, but of course that is possible.
No idea how much a flight is nowadays. But of course HammerMan is right - another (better) experience with the boat and you can bring a car. Besides we reside in Sattahip - so near to the port, which is an advantage. Quite possible that we will try it some day.
Yes, as mentioned previously, room rates include passenger ticket. i.e. no additional 2,000 baht/person. Secret is to book early. There are wheel chairs on board and staff assistance if required, they are happy to assist if needed.
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On 2/22/2023 at 11:46 AM, banglay said:
I am going to book a passage next month .. and I was wondering is it worth upgrading from a standard seat to a VIP seat ? any feedback from anyone who has actually booked and tried either type of the seats would be appreciated .
or is it possible to book a pre standard seat then upgrade to a VIP once board ?
and are pillows and a blanket provide within the price of the seats?
The VIP seats are definitely more comfortable and the area is very quiet/secluded. Also closer to the restaurant/sky deck etc. Personally I would recommend it. Yes you can always upgrade on board subject to availability.
Pillows/Blankets/Towels are available, but I have to be honest I do not know off-hand if there is any charge, but if there is its reasonable and makes a great souvenir.
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On 2/21/2023 at 12:05 PM, banglay said:
What is the name of the port on Koh Samui that the ferry berths at ?
Nathon Jetty. Same location as the High Speed Ferries and next to the Seatrans Jetty.
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On 2/19/2023 at 8:24 AM, Henryford said:
I fancied using this service until i totalled up the cost of a return trip with a car, 2 passengers and a basic cabin, 30,000 baht !
Think you miscalculated.. Basic room is 8,000 (which includes ticket price) car 2,000 - So that makes 20K round trip. Flying is similar or slightly more but without the fabulous experience and the benefit of taking your own car.
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On 2/16/2023 at 11:15 AM, petermik said:Anyone with any sense would have pulled out of this venture a long time ago........
Why? Its has had many challenges yes.. but it's now fully operational with a fantastic response to date. All businesses have to start somewhere and with hard work and determination it can be very successful and profitable.
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On 2/12/2023 at 5:12 PM, pontious said:
When - you have had years to get a website working - you keep saying soon. WHEN ?
Absolutely agree.. I scream for the website everyday and I'm stonewalled with vague answers and suggestions its complicated.. totally ridiculous buy hey T I T..
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The Seahorse Ferry Co., Ltd., is pleased to announce the relaunch of our weekly service between Sattahip and Samui commencing Thursday 16th February 2023.
Booking office is now open for all bookings and we'll be posting on the Facebook page and Seahorse website full details, reminder of pricing and schedule dates/times.
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On 2/3/2023 at 7:16 AM, banglay said:A few questions I'd like answering before I book
1.. Which maritime agency has signed off on the repairs ?
2. has a certificate of seaworthiness been issued after these repairs and can you post a copy please ?
3. what sea trials will/were be carried out ?
4. will the ferry be accompanied with a support vessel for it's first sailing after these repairs?
5. can you confirm the next actual sail date from Sattahip?
6. what's the easiest way for me to book on the next passage and how ?
I thank you in advance for answering all these questions
The vessel was built under NK Class and is maintained under TG Class. A full and thorough safety inspection was made both by TG and the P and I Club (UK Club) surveyors and everything has been approved, we are currently awaiting issue of the new Safety Certificate. Everything has been thoroughly tested and carefully reinspected to ensure no issues. Due to awaiting issuance of the new safety certificate we are forced to reschedule sailing until February 16th 2023 from Sattahip to Samui. As I have stated numerous times everyone is more than welcome to visit the vessel at any time and see everything for themselves to satisfy any concerns or questions. Booking currently can be made through the following links:
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9 hours ago, kuma said:
Hey Hammer. We are on our Southern tour now, left early Jan and the ferry from Sattahip was not in service so we have been thinking about trying to take the Samui - Sattahip leg. I see here that the booking site is not 100% and that the first sail is now set as Feb 9, to Samui. What day would the return voyage to Sattahip be? We are still tripping around and will consider wrapping up on Samui and taking the service back to Sattahip if there is a solid departure date planned
Cheers
Departing from Samui Sunday 12th late afternoon and arriving Sattahip early morning Monday 13th. You can contact as follows:
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Thanks the comments which are all perfectly valid and something I have been chasing the Seahorse management on for a long time.
The delay in releasing the working website/on-line booking system etc.. has purely arisen from fear of releasing a sailing date only to be forced to reschedule again. Mechanically the vessel is all fully repaired. Also the vessel has had a tough "top to bottom" Safety Inspection by the Marine Department/Class and the Insurance Companies and fully passed. The current hick-up is in Samui, where some extra dredging work is needed, especially at the Nathong Jetty and the Samui authorities are demanding extra paper work/operating licensing etc.. etc.. which we are rushing to complete. We are still on schedule to resume services on the 9th of February and we will be making announcements both on Facebook and the website next week. We will outsource marketing so that we can include alternative booking methods with established travel sites also.
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Sailing on 9th February is confirmed.
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1 hour ago, NickyLouie said:Looking forward to using this service.
Very nice way to travel in Thailand.
We will restart the service commencing on February 9th 2023 sailing between Sattahip Chuksamet Port and Samui. Further notifications will be circulated very soon.
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Seahorse Ferry
in Pattaya
Posted
Obviously, there is the river passage to the berth which is quite time-consuming but may offer a unique experience of seeing the fabulous Temples etc. I'm told the demand from passengers is significantly higher in Bangkok and therefore worth trying.