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  QUOTE FROM PAUL WATKINS: So Ed they crossed at 55 minutes today. Is that the official crossing schedule or does it show what can be achieved if you don't keep them at sea for commercial retail/hospitality purposes? Watty UNQUOTE
  
  I would think neither, Paul. Fuel prices are sky high and every ferry company is employing all means possible to reduce fuel consumption. There is no way that the Spirit of Britain will be hurtling back and forth at 25 knots in normal service. Different matter on her maiden voyage with VIP's. They may also want to cut down the seatime at first to give her more time on turnarounds to iron out any unexpected problems that surface. For example, I see from Dover Ferry Photos Forum that she is going to Arno's on the 24th to have remedial work performed on her Calais gangway foot passenger exit as it does not fit correctly in one or more of the berths in Calais.
  
  Regarding keeping ferries at sea for commercial retail/hospitality purposes. I would have thought that this was a thing of the past when booze and fags were cheap and there were masses of daytrippers. There would have been some very unhappy passengers if they were still queuing when the shop closed. Prices are much higher now which will presumably have eliminated much of the daytripper custom and I would imagine that the extended seatime to economise on fuel would now give ample time for everybody to get served. Not something that I can speak of with any authority as I sail on the DFDS ferries where there are no footpassengers or daytrippers and the two hour voyage to and from Dunkerque West gives plenty of time for any shoppers.

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