WIGHTLINK'S new £30 million car ferry Victoria of Wight carried her first fare-paying passengers on Sunday — just over two weeks after she arrived in the Solent from the Cemre shipyard.

Over the last fortnight, staff have been working hard on the finishing touches to make her the most luxurious Isle of Wight ferry ever — as well as the most environmentally friendly.

Powered by hybrid energy, Victoria of Wight uses a combination of battery power and conventional engines to link Portsmouth and Fishbourne with minimal emissions and more quietly than the rest of the fleet.

Victoria of Wight can carry 178 cars and more than 1,000 passengers.

The Francis family from Hammersmith, London, were the first people to drive on board the 10.30am sailing from Portsmouth – the first crossing to Fishbourne by Victoria of Wight.

They are staying in a cottage in Brading for a week.

John Francis said: “When we booked our family holiday we had no idea we would be one of the first to travel on such an impressive ship. Victoria of Wight looks more like a cruise liner than a ferry.

“My wife Bernadette and I haven’t been to the Isle of Wight for many years and it will be Sam and Isobel’s first time. We’re definitely going to do the Red Squirrel trail by bike.”

Wightlink chief executive Keith Greenfield added: “This is an important milestone for Wightlink and I was delighted to welcome our first customers on board this morning. Victoria of Wight brings a new era of modern and environmentally friendly transport to the Solent.”

Now Victoria of Wight has joined Wightlink’s fleet, she will be regularly carrying passengers. However, more crews need to be trained to operate her and this will take place on quieter midweek days this autumn when she will be withdrawn from regular service.