Sir, - I read John and Neanon Gullery's letter on Irish Ferries (November 1st) with increasing astonishment - and irritation. I have travelled between Ireland and France by Irish Ferries 24 times between 1980 and 1996 inclusive and have always found cleanliness to be 100 per cent - the brasses are regularly polished, ashtrays, etc., regularly emptied, used glasses removed from bars and corridors, cabins - linen, towels, soap, ashtrays - immaculate on arrival "private" and public washrooms are pristine (and, as I noticed this year, there is even a form in the ladies cloakroom which is signed by the person responsible who also notes the time when it was checked).
"I have always considered the choice and quality, for the price, of the breakfasts in the restaurant to be excellent value. This also applies to meals in the cafeteria, since microwaves were installed, as previously they could be slightly cold. I cannot understand how the catering, could be described as "primitive".
I agree the Tannoy can be a nuisance - but it does stop at a reasonable hour (I think about 8-9 p.m.) and doesn't resume until 8 a.m. Unless, I presume, there is a potential disaster, in which case I think even Mr and Mrs Gullery might not object.
As for "eviction of cabins/dirty laundry/vacuuming" - when do Mr and Mrs Gullery think cabins are going to be cleaned and reserviced and left in the condition which passengers expect on embarcation, when the ships are usually only in port for approximately three hours and passengers must disembark/embark during that time? I have just checked with Irish Ferries and find the St Killian carries a maximum of 1,600 passengers with a possible 1,250 berths to be reserviced, and the St Patrick carries a maximum of 1,200 with a possible 770 berths to be reserviced, plus cabins and basins, etc., to be vacuumed/ cleaned for the next passengers: to say nothing of public areas. When do Mr and Mrs Gullery assume these can be done?
I have no connection with Irish Ferries and do not know anyone who works for the company. I only know I am always delighted to travel with them, and in 16 years of sailings I have never encountered any member of staff (on ship or on shore) who was less than totally efficient, helpful and friendly. Indeed, we have always considered they do Ireland and Bord Failte a great service. - Yours, etc.,
Seafield Road,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.