Straitsman
Operated by Bluebridge
Straitsman
Operated by Bluebridge
Operated by Bluebridge on the Picton Wellington route
Built in 2005 and joining the Bluebridge fleet in 2010, the Straitsman can carry up to 400 passengers and 150 vehicles on each of its voyages across the magnificent Cook Strait. This modern ferry has been designed with contemporary Scandinavian interior with comfortable lounges scattered throughout, including reclining seating areas and private cabins for those who want some sleep on their journey. The ship is designed for the smoothest sailing possible. It comes with High-tech navigation aids, stabilisers, two powerful bow thrusters and in-line high lift flap rudders for better manoeuvrability. As well as that it contains green features including greater fuel efficiency and utilisation of waste heat for heating hot water and passenger areas.
Bluebridge provide private cabins whilst travelling across the Cook Strait. The luxurious rooms deliver an ideal comfortable setting to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing and travelling and come with en suite facilities. As well as the private cabins, the ferry has spacious contemporary lounge areas aplenty, spread throughout the public areas. You can also find a designated Quiet Room to relax in and specialised family rooms. If you want to sit back and relax the vessel comes with reclining seating areas.
If you fancy a bite to eat or something to drink whilst making the crossing, head to the café. You’ll be spoilt for choice with premium L’affare coffee, freshly bakes breads, tasty cakes and a kiwi-inspired menu carefully prepared by the on board chefs. You can also treat yourself to award winning Marlborough wine as you enjoy your smooth Cook Strait sailing.
Extensive decking areas are located on the outside of the vessel meaning you don’t have to miss one inch of the fantastic Cook Strait vistas. Marvel at the majestic Marlborough Sounds as you travel between New Zealand’s wonderful North and South Islands. Bluebridge ships also come with complimentary free Wi-Fi, meaning you can surf the web as you surf the waves between New Zealand’s two magnificent islands. Bicycle storage is provided beneath the decks for those arriving to the port on two wheels. Lashings are provided to help secure the bike to rails and brackets with rags given for padding.
If you’re travelling with the little ones there are plenty of facilities to help ensure a stress free sailing. There are baby changing areas at your disposal and a family room to base yourself in.
Please Note: Whilst we have taken great care in making our Straitsman guide as accurate as possible, onboard facilities, services and entertainment may vary depending on the date and time of year that you travel, facilities mentioned may change without notification and ferry companies reserve the right to operate vessels other than those mentioned at time of booking without prior notification.
out of 5
75% of our customers recommended this ship
"Once in a lifetime opportunity missed"
Travelling NZ for the one a day only time so its a shame this ferry waw spoilt by the queue management and punctuality of sailing. We checked in early but due to vehicle cue mismanagement got loaded nearly last so most of the seats & tvles were already occupied by the time we got to sit down. No logic why loading stopped for over 20 minutes, my guess for late lorries, why weren't they simply put on the next ferry, resulting in departure 40 mins late. No apology, no explanation. And why we got put in the last row of cars loaded when we arrived before many many, others was very annoying.
"Am/pm "
At check-in for sailing was told ticket was for am not pm next next sailing @ 8pm.am/pm was not indicated on ticket!
"Worst crossing ever"
Delayed start and further delayed disembarking.
"Unseasoned traveler "
Perfect
"1st Timer"
Staff assistance was very much appreciated crossing was smooth seating comfortable and 2 silly films to keep us amused time past very quickly great all round.
"OK but not stellar"
The ship was late on arrival, at first it docked and then went back and apparently wandered around the harbor for an hour, no reason/explanation/apology given, and then docked at exactly the same spot as before, this time for real. Interesting concept. Fortunately, this did not affect our schedule too much. Otherwise, normal ferry, food OK and not overpriced, staff helpful. The return trip was late as well (about half an hour), but that was probably to bad weather, it is not a huge ship and it was swaying quite a bit, but again, no info/apology given. Maybe this is somehow considered normal order of business.
"Trip you hope for"
Check in straight forward, loading efficient and ship left more or less on time. Smooth crossing and atrived about 15 minutes later than scheduled. Disembarkment good. Food choice for breakfast and prices very reasonable.
"Travellers"
Simple and easy to book. Centrally located pier boarding. Plenty of seating and choice of snacks or meals on board
"The long way round! "
The staff we polite and helpful and the food better than on most ferries. The ship sailed two hours late and then took the longer northerly route to Picton adding another hour to the journey. Why this was necessary on a calm sea voyage I have no idea and no reason or explanation was given by the crew. Would prefer to use an alternative ship in future.
"No reply "
My trip was canceled by bluebridge so I wanted the refound of my tickets and I haven’t received a reply of directferries
"Personal"
I am not a good sea traveller so you don’t want to hear my views
"Facilities "
The facilities are quite old and could be renovated in my opinion.
"Excellent service"
Great service and enjoyable journey. I had left property on board by mistake. The customer service was so good that I was able to communicate with their staff to recover my backpack at 11o'clock at night !
"A Wonderful Experience. "
Very professional and polite members of staff.
"Wellington tp picton"
Superb sunny Sunday crossing. Beautiful Marlborough sounds. I have not yet received the money for the reimbursement of the car which dit not cross from the North to the South!!!
"SUPERB SAILING ON A MODERN COMFORTABLE FERRY"
Our trip was perfect in every way--easy to book online, easy to embark/disembark with our vehicle. The ship was very clean and comfortable, and all staff were extremely courteous and helpful Will definitely use Interislander again--its a 5 star service
