Commodore Clipper ferry

MS Commodore Clipper ferry is a Ro-Ro passenger vessel operated by the Guernsey-based company CONDOR FERRIES. The ship has a maximum capacity of 500 passengers and 350 cars (or 92 lorries/12-m trailers). Launched in 1999, the vessel currently operates on the UK–Channel Islands ferry route Portsmouth–Jersey (crossing time 7 hours). The inter-island service between Guernsey and Jersey takes 2 hours.

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Commodore Clipper has 40 quad cabins (a total of 160 berths). All family staterooms are air-conditioned and equipped with en-suite bathrooms. The cabins (inside and outside) accommodate up to 4 passengers and are fitted with 2 lower and 2 bunk beds. Cots are available on request (subject to availability). The ferry company provides bed linens, towels, and toiletries.

• Two disabled cabins are specifically designed for wheelchair users. These are double cabins (maximum occupancy 2 persons) and offer access to a shared adapted bathroom (lockable for privacy).
• Passengers may upgrade to Superior Cabins (forward-facing, with larger windows) featuring a complimentary bottle of water, fruit bowl, premium linens, and additional pillows. Cabin passengers on overnight crossings receive a breakfast voucher for complimentary breakfast.
• All passengers must vacate their cabins 30 minutes prior to arrival at the homeport.

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

Facilities onboard the Commodore Clipper include:

• Casquetts Bistro: Self-service restaurant offering hot and cold meals, Full English breakfast, vegan, vegetarian, and healthy options.
• Clipper Brasserie: Pub-style restaurant serving hot and cold meals, sandwiches, salads, desserts, and beverages.
• Condor Traveller Bar: Panoramic bar and café offering sandwiches, cakes, pastries, and hot/cold beverages.
• 340 total seats across two lounges: Reserved Seating Lounge and Ocean Club Lounge (first-class). Both feature airline-style reclining seats. Ocean Club also includes work tables, steward service, complimentary newspapers, coffee, and tea.
• ADORE Duty-Free Shop: Boutique and convenience store offering gifts, souvenirs, alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics, leather goods, designer jewelry and watches, sunglasses, clothing, accessories, confectionery, toys, games, Crayola products, travel gadgets, and electronics.
• Kids Playroom: Indoor playground with toys, games, and a large TV. Also features baby changing rooms.
• Video Games Room: Arcade with game machines.
• Disabled Lifts: Elevators for passengers with reduced mobility. In case of elevator failure, stair-climbing devices are available to assist passengers in wheelchairs or pushchairs.
• Wi-Fi service and ATM (located near the Reception/lobby area).
• Helipad: Helicopter landing area located on the top deck (behind the Navigation Bridge), used for emergencies.
• Foot passengers may carry up to 25 kg of personal luggage free of charge. Luggage must be labeled with name and destination. After check-in, luggage is loaded and can be collected in the arrivals hall. Excess luggage is accepted subject to availability and charged accordingly. Cargo rates apply for camping gear, musical instruments, filming equipment, and surfboards.
• Foot passengers and cyclists must check in at least 40 minutes before departure. Car and motorbike passengers must check in 1 hour before. Disabled passengers must check in 90 minutes before departure (assistance is provided).
• To ferry caravans, motorhomes, or campervans from the UK to the Channel Islands, an entry permit is required. Bicycles travel free of charge (subject to availability) but must be pre-booked online.

All onboard emergency instructions are displayed in cabins, on TV screens, and at muster (assembly) stations. Life jackets are distributed at the muster stations. In an emergency, elevators/lifts must not be used.

Pets on the ship

The ferry company participates in the PETS (Pet Travel Scheme), which allows pets to travel between European countries without quarantine.

• In accordance with PETS, pets on UK–France and UK–Channel Islands crossings must have valid documentation.
• Pets must travel in pet carriers stored in a designated area on the car deck.
• Charges per voyage: GBP 10 (UK–Channel Islands) and GBP 25 (UK–France). Pets traveling inside vehicles go free.
• Guide dogs travel for free with valid documentation. They are permitted in all passenger areas and public spaces with their owners.

Car decks

Car deck safety procedures include:

• Disabled passengers or those needing special assistance should report to the ship’s Information Desk (open 24 hours).
• Apply the handbrake, place the vehicle in park or 1st gear, turn off the ignition, alarm, electrical equipment, and headlights. Gas cylinders must be turned off. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only essential hand luggage and valuables from the vehicle.
• Note the vehicle’s location and garage/stairway number before leaving the deck.
• Access to vehicle decks is prohibited during the voyage.
• Smoking is not permitted on vehicle decks, in cabins, or passenger lounges.
• Wait for onboard announcements before returning to your vehicle.
• To minimize air pollution, do not start the engine until instructed.

Condor Ferries (founded in 1964, headquartered in St Peter Port, Guernsey, part of Commodore Group/Macquarie Group) provides passenger and freight services between the UK, France, and the Channel Islands—Jersey (St Helier Port) and Guernsey (St Peter Port). The fleet includes fast ferries Condor Rapide (catamaran) and Condor Liberation (trimaran), along with Commodore Clipper and Commodore Goodwill.