Seahorse Ferry

[treetops]

4 hours ago, theshu25 said:

I have never ever seen such a know it all in any forum ever.

I find it's more like the pub drunk, wandering from table to table giving his uninformed comments on whatever the subject matter being discussed is.  The pub drunk is always an expert on all subjects in his own mind.

 

He gets indulged until he goes too far then gets all indignant when he's contradicted so wanders off to annoy the next table.

[SAFETY FIRST]

2 hours ago, treetops said:

gets indulged until he goes too far then gets all indignant when he's contradicted so wanders off to annoy the next table

I notice that alot. 

 

A couple of AN members go from thread to thread making annoying comments. 

 

[Leaver]

7 hours ago, Olmate said:

Simple should be easy for you then.Now your most recent trip experience? 

 

Ok, st there are only 15 rooms onboard, and a percentage of those 15 rooms would be the 17,000 baht a night rooms.

 

Say there are 10 or 12 of the more affordable rooms available, and you don't think one should book well in advance to secure one of those rooms.  Why is that? 

[PoorSucker]

Get rid of one car deck and make cabins.... 

[Leaver]

13 minutes ago, PoorSucker said:

Get rid of one car deck and make cabins.... 

 

If the company truly wants to create "an onboard experience" as stated by HammerMan, they definitely need more rooms, otherwise, it's just transport that takes hours, that is more expensive than flying with an airline that flies out of a nearby airport, and only for expats wishing to take a vehicle, which is a small segment of the market. 

 

Edited September 29, 2022 by Leaver

[Rimmer]

Personal attacks leading to bickering have been removed

[HammerMan]

As always it interesting and appreciated to read all the comments. There are basically two types of ferries, Day Ferries and Night Ferries. Day ferries tend to be smaller with limited rooms whilst Night ferries are larger (hence many rooms) and travel longer distances.  As explained previously, we are limited on the depth of water around Thailand and thus there are limited berth options.  We 'have' added extra rooms and there are the options of sleeping capsules/VIP seating etc.. also.   Unfortunately adding more rooms by converting the Upper Car Deck would require a massive investment, mostly in getting the Class approvals/stability calculations and tests/major revisal of safety systems etc.. We are talking probably months of rebuilding and several million dollars, for what is ultimately only a 10 hour voyage. Financially it makes no sense.  As I've suggested many times the best way to understand all this is to come and look for yourself and I believe you'll be well impressed.

 

[Espanol]

On 8/18/2022 at 1:34 PM, HammerMan said:

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.

Any updates about this?

Today September 30th.

[treetops]

58 minutes ago, Espanol said:

Any updates about this?

Today September 30th.

Read page 3 of the thread for an update.

[blackshadow]

do not think this will last for long......probably SINK.....out of lack of passengers due to  prices !!

[kuma]

5 hours ago, HammerMan said:

As always it interesting and appreciated to read all the comments. There are basically two types of ferries, Day Ferries and Night Ferries. Day ferries tend to be smaller with limited rooms whilst Night ferries are larger (hence many rooms) and travel longer distances.  As explained previously, we are limited on the depth of water around Thailand and thus there are limited berth options.  We 'have' added extra rooms and there are the options of sleeping capsules/VIP seating etc.. also.   Unfortunately adding more rooms by converting the Upper Car Deck would require a massive investment, mostly in getting the Class approvals/stability calculations and tests/major revisal of safety systems etc.. We are talking probably months of rebuilding and several million dollars, for what is ultimately only a 10 hour voyage. Financially it makes no sense.  As I've suggested many times the best way to understand all this is to come and look for yourself and I believe you'll be well impressed.

 

Thanks Hammer but no need to explain imo, those with genuine interest understand - it is just some w out any real background, or interest, getting some twisted sense of enjoyment lol - so be it.

I for one was looking forward to the southern route, but can make this work as well, given we love to overland. In the new scenario we can ferry Sattahip to Samui, visit the island, then ferry to Surat Thani and carry on south as we so desire then return either by highway or repeat the ferry journey, nice to have options. I need a relaxation in vax requirements before we can try so will watch for that. The VIP seats are more than enough for such a short journey, you have had enough hassle til now, would not look at scrapping parking and adding berths at this point.

Hope it all is smooth sailing for here on out!

[HammerMan]

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0W6kxernfjDojJ8wvDVEm9uUwz6wVuB7wD45DtjwarUZggrH4xEejhiB3cyBiTAcql&id=100039530196080

[treetops]

Pic from Facebook.

 

Are the suite prices per person or for the suite (2 people or 4 people if I understand the room arrangements correctly)?

 

 

The SP Cruise website still has the wrong pricing.

Edited October 3, 2022 by treetops

[HammerMan]

On 10/3/2022 at 5:57 PM, treetops said:

Pic from Facebook.

 

Are the suite prices per person or for the suite (2 people or 4 people if I understand the room arrangements correctly)?

 

 

The SP Cruise website still has the wrong pricing.

Room pricing inclusive of the allowed persons per room.. additional people in the room pay the standard ticket price.

[HammerMan]

[HammerMan]

https://www.facebook.com/100039530196080/posts/pfbid02b5HsRZBGj1DD884Bo18rxmoHRakkVeFa62JFMSfCzRJPsHFYV5j9ASpftrLgEM6al/

[Leaver]

On 9/30/2022 at 1:10 PM, kuma said:

Thanks Hammer but no need to explain imo, those with genuine interest understand - it is just some w out any real background, or interest, getting some twisted sense of enjoyment lol - so be it.

 

Yeah, right, and who would they be?  Those that weight up time and price on their 2 week holiday???? 

 

Sit in a chair over night on a boat, or fly and be sitting in a chair on the beach 2 hours later, for cheaper. 

 

Once again, what market is being targeted, and is that market big enough to make this route sustainable? 

[pontious]

On 10/4/2022 at 7:23 PM, HammerMan said:

https://www.facebook.com/100039530196080/posts/pfbid02b5HsRZBGj1DD884Bo18rxmoHRakkVeFa62JFMSfCzRJPsHFYV5j9ASpftrLgEM6al/

Can you post the menu and prices of food and beverages.?

[HammerMan]

On 10/11/2022 at 8:54 PM, pontious said:

Can you post the menu and prices of food and beverages.?

Apologies for slow response.. Seahorse tried outsourcing the marketing, catering and entertainment aboard the ferry, but sadly it would appear the partners decided to pull out or are struggling to handle this. As a result we have had to quickly step in a devise a limited menu until a resolution with either the partners is resolved or an alternative catering partner is found. Anyone who has followed this project will know we are constantly set challenges, which we step by step overcome.

[HammerMan]

On 10/10/2022 at 12:48 AM, Leaver said:

 

Yeah, right, and who would they be?  Those that weight up time and price on their 2 week holiday???? 

 

Sit in a chair over night on a boat, or fly and be sitting in a chair on the beach 2 hours later, for cheaper. 

 

Once again, what market is being targeted, and is that market big enough to make this route sustainable? 

Why do you keep pushing this agenda? each to their own.. Do what makes you happy. If flying is your preference then go ahead we're not stopping you.

[pontious]

33 minutes ago, HammerMan said:

Anyone who has followed this project will know we are constantly set challenges, which we step by step overcome.

You certainly have but people who booked for today,s sailing expecting 1st class dining might be slightly annoyed. Are the swanky bars still open.?

[banglay]

are there secure lockers to story your luggage whilst aboard? 

[josephbloggs]

On 10/10/2022 at 12:48 AM, Leaver said:

 

Yeah, right, and who would they be?  Those that weight up time and price on their 2 week holiday???? 

 

Sit in a chair over night on a boat, or fly and be sitting in a chair on the beach 2 hours later, for cheaper. 

 

Once again, what market is being targeted, and is that market big enough to make this route sustainable? 

You're so right.  And what about the people who aren't going to Samui?  What use is this ferry service to them??  Absolutely no use at all.  Have they considered that in their business plan?  I know thousands of people who aren't going to Samui, what a missed opportunity.

If only you worked for them with your business brain it would cater for those people who aren't going to Samui, everyone would get a room (for free probably), beer would be 30 baht a pint, it would only take an hour, and the sun would shine all the way.

By the way, I know you keep banging on that they dare to say it is "transport" but you do realise a boat is a kind of transport?  You can offer transport and an onboard experience.  Who'd have thought?

[HammerMan]

10 hours ago, banglay said:

are there secure lockers to story your luggage whilst aboard? 

Yes.. and secure lock up areas.

 

[HammerMan]

Unfortunately a mini disaster struck this evening when all the generators suddenly died whilst trying to sail from Sattahip on the Blue Dolphin.. the vessel was then forced to re-berth and ultimately, for safety reasons, the voyage had to be canceled.. Whilst this obviously created a total logistical nightmare and major inconvenience for passengers aboard, they all appeared to accept the situation and fully understood the first priority for us as the vessel owner/operators was everyone's safety. Hopefully we can set sail again on the 20th.

[josephbloggs]

15 minutes ago, HammerMan said:

Unfortunately a mini disaster struck this evening when all the generators suddenly died whilst trying to sail from Sattahip on the Blue Dolphin.. the vessel was then forced to re-berth and ultimately, for safety reasons, the voyage had to be canceled.. Whilst this obviously created a total logistical nightmare and major inconvenience for passengers aboard, they all appeared to accept the situation and fully understood the first priority for us as the vessel owner/operators was everyone's safety. Hopefully we can set sail again on the 20th.

Wow, you really do seem to have the worst luck.  But good of you to share openly.

Now over to the bashers....

[kinyara]

Out of curiousity if you are okay to share how did the occupancy % turn out on the first attempt ?  Hopefully you'll get a smooth and successful run next time.

[Rimmer]

Troll posts removed

[aussiexpat]

@HammerMan any chance on doing shorter runs during off days to Sumui?

 

I personally don't like Samui but would love a ferry from Pattaya to Koh Chang. Would use it regularly actually instead of the 5-6 hour drive

[HammerMan]

On 10/14/2022 at 7:36 AM, kinyara said:

Out of curiousity if you are okay to share how did the occupancy % turn out on the first attempt ?  Hopefully you'll get a smooth and successful run next time.

We had approximately 70 passengers/ 20 cars / 8 big - 5 small bikes / all rooms booked and many sleeping capsules taken. The first voyage to Songkhla in comparison had 20 passengers / 3 cars and grew to about 450 passengers before issues with the berths/fisherman etc.. forced us to pull out. So why numbers may look low we were feeling very positive and are hoping this setback will not create too much negativity.