HSS

Another in the series of "Ferries I have travelled on". The HSS from Stranraer to Belfast was the fastest way to cross the north channel for some time, until they discovered that you could run it on 3/4 power, save 25% of the fuel, and take 30 minutes longer. The captive passengers then spent 15% more in the shops, and drank 20% more coffee. So ended the days of fast ferries to Belfast.

The new port at Cairnryan has now opened, and I wait to see it working properly. It does seem strange that when the boat docks from Belfast there are no Stena Staff around to meet and greet you.

Isn't it a good job that the carpark cash machines weren't broken and you could easily validate your parking ticket, and leave without having to get security staff to manually open the barrier to let out all the passengers.
 

After all, if that happened, you might find that customers decided to try an alternative carrier for their next crossing.

Luckily that didn't happen.

Or did it?