Rec'd a text and email the day before travel to advise that sadly the 9.15am sailing to Swanage was cancelled due to a technical issue with one of the vessels. (Never mind, these things happen)
I called the reps mobile number who agreed to transfer us to the 10.30 sailing only to discover upon arrival the following morning that this had not been actioned (arrrgggghhhh) and was told this sailing was full (ARRGGGGHHHH) but we could transfer to the 11.45 sailing (or if we cared to wait around there may be a 'no show' on the 10.30 which luckily there was)
The boat left on time, all staff were courteous and polite and the commentary excellent.
I feel the booking system for the all in one 'Sea Train Aventure' could be better organised if there was provision to book a train departure time slot/seat. It seemed extremely chaotic upon arrival at Swanage railway station (peak time) and a 'first come first served policy' meant the number of passengers far exceeded capacity.
The return boat again was on time, clean and staff polite. The commentary was excellent and not just a repeat of the outward journey.
All in all a little frustrating start to the day, stressful at the station, but as they say 'worse things happen at sea' (thankfully not the day we travelled)