Alan B
Latest Reviews
Pelee Island Ferry Service
Highly inefficient, as if run by inexperienced people from a different time.
1. Getting a ticket on line? You have to create a totally useless account on their website first to book passage, even as a pedestrian. Upon arrival, you still have to line up, show the email confirmation at the ticket booth to receive your physical printed ticket.
2. Walk-on on day of sailing? You have to fill out a small slip with name, phone number and email, and give them your Credit Card. They take it to a back room, process your ticket request, and if there is room, they send you an email with a PDF. You then have to go back to the ticket booth, show them the PDF, and they give you the tickets and return your credit card. You then simply hand the ticket to someone just before boarding. Handing your credit card to a stranger who works in a small room opens up potential credit card fraud.
3. This is a new ship. Yet terrible and inefficient design. Stairwells are steep and narrow. Upon arrival, passengers have to wait 15 minutes while vehicles disembark first. No separate/secure walkways. I've been on similar ferries around the world and this has never been an issue anywhere else.
4. When returning to the mainland, you have to go to the island ticket office, and either show them the email PDF confirmation, or give your name, where they print out tickets. These are then handed to an agent by the ferry when boarding. She will then, oh, see #5.
5. When returning from Pelee Island to the mainland, all purchased wine is confiscated. Any bottles in your backpacks? Your backpack will be confiscated and returned to you, along with cases purchased, after docking on the mainland. This also holds true for coolers containing any alcoholic beverages you bring from the mainland when boarding. Taken away and returned when arriving at the island.
6. I've been on multiple ferries in the US, Europe, Middle East and Asia. During the crossing, the canteen sells beer and wine. Not on this ferry. Completely forbidden. Announcements warn consumption of alcohol during the crossing is strictly forbidden. Canada, Eh?
7. Outside benches are the most uncomfortable anywhere.
The island itself is underdeveloped with very little to do. You can rent a golf cart for $200 for an afternoon. One restaurant near the dock that sells typical pub food.
If really curious, do this once to say you've done it, then go elsewhere next time.
1. Getting a ticket on line? You have to create a totally useless account on their website first to book passage, even as a pedestrian. Upon arrival, you still have to line up, show the email confirmation at the ticket booth to receive your physical printed ticket.
2. Walk-on on day of sailing? You have to fill out a small slip with name, phone number and email, and give them your Credit Card. They take it to a back room, process your ticket request, and if there is room, they send you an email with a PDF. You then have to go back to the ticket booth, show them the PDF, and they give you the tickets and return your credit card. You then simply hand the ticket to someone just before boarding. Handing your credit card to a stranger who works in a small room opens up potential credit card fraud.
3. This is a new ship. Yet terrible and inefficient design. Stairwells are steep and narrow. Upon arrival, passengers have to wait 15 minutes while vehicles disembark first. No separate/secure walkways. I've been on similar ferries around the world and this has never been an issue anywhere else.
4. When returning to the mainland, you have to go to the island ticket office, and either show them the email PDF confirmation, or give your name, where they print out tickets. These are then handed to an agent by the ferry when boarding. She will then, oh, see #5.
5. When returning from Pelee Island to the mainland, all purchased wine is confiscated. Any bottles in your backpacks? Your backpack will be confiscated and returned to you, along with cases purchased, after docking on the mainland. This also holds true for coolers containing any alcoholic beverages you bring from the mainland when boarding. Taken away and returned when arriving at the island.
6. I've been on multiple ferries in the US, Europe, Middle East and Asia. During the crossing, the canteen sells beer and wine. Not on this ferry. Completely forbidden. Announcements warn consumption of alcohol during the crossing is strictly forbidden. Canada, Eh?
7. Outside benches are the most uncomfortable anywhere.
The island itself is underdeveloped with very little to do. You can rent a golf cart for $200 for an afternoon. One restaurant near the dock that sells typical pub food.
If really curious, do this once to say you've done it, then go elsewhere next time.