00:00The Royal Daffodil has begun carrying passengers across the Mersey,
00:04after weeks without crossings between Liverpool and Wirral.
00:08The £26 million vessel arrived in September
00:11and is the first Mersey ferry to be built in 60 years.
00:15Its first passenger journey follows technical problems
00:18that left the Snowdrop out of service.
00:21The Snowdrop, known as the Dazzle Ferry,
00:23has been unavailable because of an ongoing mechanical issue with its engine.
00:26During the disruption, replacement buses operated during peak hours for affected passengers.
00:32The Royal Daffodil is now taking on the morning and evening commuter services.
00:36It will also offer sightseeing trips and evening cruises,
00:40giving the vessel a role beyond the daily journey across the river.
00:44Liverpool City Region Metro-Mersey Vrotherham says
00:47the new ferry is part of a responsibility
00:50to protect the iconic vessels for future generations.
00:53He said he's proud it's ready to become part of the area's long history of ferry travel.
00:59The boat was built in Beckenhead,
01:01bringing together the region's shipbuilding, heritage and facilities designed for modern passengers.
01:05On board, there's a lounge, catering facilities, open decks and panoramic windows.
01:10Accessibility and practical features include an on-board lift,
01:13USB charging points, baby changing facilities and cycle parking.
01:18The new vessel is expected to provide a different experience
01:20for commuters and visitors using the service.
01:22The Royal Daffodil's introduction restores passenger crossings
01:26while the snowdrop remains out of service.
