THE Steam Packet’s computer system developed a glitch after the company launched a special offer this week.
One reader told iomtoday: ‘Yesterday they released an offer of 50 per cent discount on sailings for cars, drivers, etc.
‘Together with several other friends, I tried to access the website to book a sailing. From 6pm until 10.30pm the booking system constantly timed out.
‘This morning from 7am, the same problem.
‘If the offer does exist then their website needs some serious attention as it is not fit for purpose because it could not have attracted many thousands of hits that normally causes transactional websites to crash. It is the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, not Ticketmaster or similar.’
A Steam Packet spokesman told iomtoday: ‘The new offer was set up on Monday morning and immediately attracted considerable interest, and both the website and telephone reservations systems were very busy with large numbers booking the new offer.
‘Unfortunately, there was a technical problem with the website on Monday night (January 7) but this is being worked on by the company’s technical suppliers. In the meantime, bookings can still be made by calling telephone reservations on 661661 (from the Isle of Man) or 08722 992 992 (from the UK).’
The Steam Packet’s January sale offers a 50 per cent discount off standard vehicle fares for travel during 2013.
The discount applies to all vehicle types, excluding freight/commercial vehicles, for bookings made between Monday, January 7, and Thursday, January 31.
Passengers need to use January sale fare codes:
CJSF – 50 per cent off car and driver and any additional passengers standard return fare
DJSF – 50 per cent off car and driver and any additional passengers standard five-day return fare
Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward said: ‘Many people wait until Christmas and the New Year are out of the way before planning their trips for the year ahead, and this offer gives customers an ideal opportunity to get their bookings in early and make some substantial savings.
‘The offer applies to anyone using the January sale fare codes – so it could be island residents arranging a trip to the UK or Ireland during the summer, or visitors looking to make a trip to Manx shores, perhaps for one of the numerous festivals and events held here during the year.
‘We also hope that the offer provides the opportunity for people to visit friends and family for a special occasion, such as a Christmas gathering, wedding or birthday celebrations.’
Terms and conditions apply and subject to availability.
To make a booking, visit {http://www.steam-packet.com.steam-packet.com} and enter the fare code.
