The Interislander VIP Experience

Posted by Kayleigh Marquis on 30 November 2011 | 31 Comments

Tags: Wellington, transport, ferry, Picton, South Island, North Island

There are many who fear the thought of a 3 hour voyage on the turbulent seas with nothing but screaming children and queasy seasick travellers for company. This was not the case when I stepped into the Interislander VIP lounge on an overcast afternoon.

Although I am not one of the unlucky few who suffer on the seas, I still do not enjoy the experience of travelling on a cramped vessel for a long period of time and have often spared a thought for those ladies and gentleman from long ago, who often braved journeys lasting for weeks in far worse conditions!
 
I was to experience the Interislander VIP lounge. Setting you back an extra $45, I have travelled on the ferry before and was interested to see how the VIP lounge would compare.
 
Upon arrival I was greeted by a smart, smiling member of staff who guided me to the food area, which had been laid out with an array of nibbles to choose from. This included an assortment of both soft and alcoholic drinks too. She explained that everything was complimentary and that if I needed any assistance then I should ask. Being typically British I made myself a cup of tea and had a tuna and cucumber sandwich, which had been delicately cut into little triangles.
 
As I looked around me and made my way to my seat I noticed how different this cabin looked compared to downstairs. Instead of your typical aeroplane rowed seating with little leg room, the chairs were arranged in a more casual manner, creating a more relaxed and laid back feel, allowing plenty of much appreciated leg room. A glass coffee table, with magazines arranged neatly on top of them was placed in between each cluster of chairs and the walls were freshly painted a maroon colour. You could tell that it was a well cared for place and that the floors were taken care of and hoovered regularly.
 
Having trouble sitting down on long journeys, due to having clumsily fallen over whilst skating as a child and breaking my tailbone, I really appreciated the luxurious seating. Instead of being in pain for hours, I felt comfortable and with the added bonus of free cake I was well happy, as I expect were customers of the older persuasion!
 
Every now and then the staff would come over and check that everything was alright and would take plates away if needed. I also noticed they went over to a couple in the corner to check if the temperature of the room was alright which I thought was really attentive.
 
I wandered over to the coffee machine and grabbed a latte; being a barista I was curious as to what a machine made coffee would taste like. My expectations were not fantastically high as, let's face it, it's a machine making it not a human. Well it wasn't bad but it wasn't good either.
 
3 hours later and I was good to go. After a friendly goodbye from the staff and a full belly I made my way off the ferry feeling satisfied.