Royal Passenger Liner

📍 Location of Royal Passenger Liner 🚘 Directions to Royal Passenger Liner

About Royal Passenger Liner

The journey to Pattaya by ferry can be a mixed bag of experiences. Some travelers have reported less than satisfactory encounters with the ferry service, citing issues such as poor customer service and uncomfortable conditions. One such incident involved a pre-booked and paid ferry being cancelled without any prior warning. The passenger was simply given a contact number for a refund, with no apology or explanation offered. This lack of communication and disregard for customer convenience has left a sour taste in the mouths of some travelers.

The conditions on the ferry have also been a point of contention. The waiting area has been described as stifling, with no fans to alleviate the heat. The security booth, where baggage is x-rayed, is air-conditioned, but the comfort ends there. Passengers are left to sweat while waiting to board. The long walk to berth C at Bali Hai Pier, especially with luggage, can be quite a challenge. The ferry does provide a bottle of water to each passenger, but it is warm, not chilled. However, cold water can be purchased for 20 Baht. Despite these discomforts, the ride itself has been reported to be fine.

There have also been complaints about delays. Passengers are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure time, but the ferry often departs later than the ticketed time, resulting in an unnecessary wait in the heat.

Some travelers have had particularly negative experiences with the ferry service. One such incident involved a ferry cancellation due to bad weather, despite the weather being sunny. The ferry company refused to refund the tickets, offering only to change the date of travel. This was not a viable option for the travelers who were leaving Thailand. The staff was described as impolite and unhelpful, blaming the passengers for buying tickets on the official website.

The condition of the boats has also been criticized. Some passengers have reported ripped seats and rundown boats. One traveler paid 1500 Baht for a business seat, only to experience a rough ride due to bad weather. The ferry company refused to refund the ticket, offering only a bus ride or a wait for better weather.

Safety concerns have also been raised. One group of passengers bought tickets an hour before departure, only to experience a terrifying ride due to rough seas. Even some of the crew were sick, and a window broke from the massive waves. The ferry had to turn back to Pattaya, and the passengers were not refunded. They were offered a van ride for the same price as their boat tickets, resulting in a five-hour journey that could have been avoided.

However, not all experiences with the ferry service have been negative. Some travelers have enjoyed the ferry ride to Hua Hin. The new ferry service from Pattaya takes only two hours, a significant improvement over the five to six-hour coach ride. The ferry offers economy and business class seats, with the latter offering a nicer reclining seat, a complimentary cool drink, tea or coffee, a cool towel, and some biscuits. The staff has been described as friendly and efficient, and the journey smooth. Despite the higher price, some travelers find the ferry service a convenient and comfortable option.