HammerMan

There are about 17 rooms of various sizes/styles as this was designed as a day ferry. But there are 80 sleeping pods, 80 VIP (Business Class) aircraft seats and around 350 standard aircraft style seats. A lot of people didn't sleep and instead sat drinking/talking all night in the restaurant and Sky Deck.

If flying makes you happy, go for it. From what I saw at the weekend passengers absolutely loved it, but the big plus for them was bringing their cars and motorbikes. Sailing in the evening and waking up in Samui is not exactly an unpleasant experience, but each to their own.

Unfortunately, like most things here, no one gets the importance of having these up and running ASAP.. I've been pushing them for months. Both are being upgraded and I've been told they'll be operating later in the week.. Fingers crossed.

Later this week under spcruise.com they will announce pricing and schedules. The berthing at Samui was quite difficult but doable, departing was much simpler. Rooms are expensive because of the limited numbers but aircraft type seating (Eco and VIP) are available as well as sleeping pods. The vessel has Wifi installed which seemed to be very effective. There is Sky Deck dinning/entertainment/drinks, a very nice restaurant, Night Club and bar, Spa and coffee shop. Vessel departs Sattahip 5pm and arrives Samui around 8-9 am. Return trip departs 4pm and arrives Sattahip 7-8am. Pricing for rooms is very high because of the limited numbers, but basic aircraft type economy seats expected to start at about Baht 2500/person. VIP seating about Baht 3,000/person. There's space for about 150 cars. More info will follow from our partner Samui Cruise later this week. Target start date is about 27th September to ensure all booking systems etc.. are fully working, but hoping for quicker. Hope this helps.

Interesting thoughts, but no, we have no conflict with Bangkok Airways and have good relationship with them. Perhaps Seatrans/Raja Ferries might feel the heat, but we're targeting different sector. We are promoting the on-board experience rather than simply offering a transport service to/from Samui. If it fails, well its time to admit defeat and move to Indonesia.

The Blue Dolphin has almost completed its renovations and should start its new service to Samui early September.. The booking/accommodation and onboard services were outsourced to a professional hotel and tourism company, so the vessel has 5 star restaurant, Sky Deck dinning and entertainment, nightclub, massage/spa treatment, additional seating, upgraded rooms (altho somewhat expensive), Karaoke, VIP areas and a coffee shop etc.. Vessel will sail late afternoon and arrive Samui early the next morning.. initially 2 sailings each way per week and will build from there. Songkhla maybe reinstated but as only one sailing per week. Your welcome to visit the vessel for more info.