New Seascapes Lounge on BC Ferries
byStarting this summer, BC Ferries is launching the new Seascapes, a new on-board lounge featuring a selection of food and beverage options in a quiet, more relaxed setting.
New Seascapes Lounge on BC Ferries
In June, 2023, BC Ferries announced that the Pacific Buffet would not return. It closed down in the pandemic and the company decided against reopening the venture, which lost $1.2 million annually. [Source: Times Columnist] Customers were invited, however, to take part in a three-week survey, and more than 10,000 shared their ideas.
Located in the former Pacific Buffet space on board the two Spirit class vessels, Seascapes will be a paid-access dining lounge offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For an entry fee of $6 including tax, passengers can access the lounge and enjoy unlimited coffee, tea and fountain beverages.
A curated menu of high-quality dishes made from fresh ingredients and an assortment of local beer, wine and non-alcoholic craft beverages will be available for purchase separately.
Customer input was central to the development of Seascapes Lounge. More than 10,000 people participated in surveys to share what they wanted from the space, expressing strong support for premium food options and a quieter atmosphere. BC Ferries is delivering on this feedback while also exploring innovative ways to maintain its role as an essential public service.
Passengers travelling on the Spirit of British Columbia and Spirit of Vancouver Island will continue to have access to other onboard dining options, including the Coastal Café and Arbutus Coffee Bar.
Customer Feedback
BC Ferries placed customer and crew feedback at the heart of the Seascapes Lounge concept by conducting two extensive surveys:
June 2023 Survey: Designed to gather input on the customer experience and understand what passengers wanted in a replacement for the Pacific Buffet. Over 10,000 responses revealed strong support for creating a dining space that was distinct from the Seawest Lounge and cafeteria spaces.
Key feedback included:
- A dedicated dining space rather than repurposing the area for another use.
- Comfortable seating with scenic views.
- High-quality food options, including plated entrées, artisan foods, and desserts.
November 2023 Survey: A follow-up survey to gather more detailed input on menu preferences and pricing formats. Insights from this survey, combined with detailed research and analysis, informed the final menu design and concept for Seascapes Lounge.
“Customers have been clear in their feedback – they want a space that is special and distinct from the other dining areas, offering a quiet and comfortable setting,” said Melanie Lucia, VP Customer Experience. “Seascapes Lounge is designed to meet those expectations, offering an elevated dining experience with a curated selection of food and beverage options, while also reducing congestion in the Coastal Cafe.”
Seascapes Lounge is projected to generate approximately $1.3 million annually, directly supporting BC Ferries’ operational budget. Revenue from the lounge will help offset rising operational costs while maintaining BC Ferries’ role as an essential public service.
Seascapes Lounge will officially open ahead of the peak summer travel season, offering travellers an exciting new way to enjoy their journey.
BC Ferries will launch Seascapes Lounge on the Spirit of British Columbia and Spirit of Vancouver Island first, as these vessels require minimal modifications. The Coastal Celebration may follow based on the performance and reception of the lounge on the Spirit class vessels.
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