HI Superferry: Report and pics for 12/25/07

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21400600@N03/sets/72157603560500848/

These pictures are from 12/25 and 12/26 in the harbor and on the northshore of Maui. Conditions were not bad in the harbor on either day. Swell has to be from direct north to be disruptive in the harbor.

Ship came in late on 12/25 at 10:33am, was offloading by 10:46am. Swell had not arrived by then, but there was plenty of wind and wave out at sea.

Off loading: Only 18 cars from Oahu, 0 motorcycles, and 55 people offloading. On loading: Only 48 cars and 2 motorcycles departing Maui. One suspect car.

With the above numbers the company lost $18,000 on 12/25 considering fuel expense only. Company's fuel expense per round trip to Maui is at least $27,000 to $30,000. Company has to transport 220 cars and 460 people in total for the day to just cover fuel expense for one round trip, otherwise company is better off not running at numbers below that.

Very little security anywhere in the harbor on 12/25. Another observer, a visitor, went up to the gate and talked with those offloading in their cars. They told him it was a "rough" ride.

On 12/26/07 and 12/27/07 Superferry did not operate.

From: Dick Mayer
Subject: A-G-A-I-N + A-G-A-I-N ! !
Date: Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:17:03

From: http://www.hawaiisuperferry.com/
For Friday, and maybe even Saturday:

"TRAVEL ALERT
Voyage Cancellation (Updated: 2:00 pm, 12/27) 12/28 voyages have been canceled due to high sea conditions. Passengers on these voyages will be contacted to make alternative arrangements. Currently, voyage status for 12/29 is marginal."

"Information for Passengers on Canceled Voyage Updated: 2:30 p.m., December 27, 2007
If you were a passenger booked on a canceled voyage, our reservations agents will be contacting you to assist with either rebooking or to obtain a refund. Note that our call center is receiving high call volumes which may make it difficult to get through if you call in."

"Currently, voyages for Saturday 12/29 are considered marginal due to high sea conditions. Status for 12/29 voyages will be provided by 2 PM on Friday, 12/28..."

Aloha, Brad