Of those who boarded, 25 stood for the 35-minute trip as all seats were taken.
"We thought that perhaps we could start bringing our own deckchairs for the aisles as this has been a regular occurrence.
"At $5000 a year for my ticket, all I can say is roll on some competition."
No details were available last night on just how competitive Explore's services and prices would be.
A spokesman said Explore was still finalising details and awaiting Auckland Transport approval to begin sailings on Saturday.
This would consist of running ferries between Auckland's Downtown ferry terminal to Waiheke Island 12 times a day, catering for the large number of commuters to and from the island.
Two boats would operate initially, led by Explore's flagship vessel D5. Another new boat, D6, will be added to the fleet before the end of the year to boost capacity during the busy summer months.
Explore chief executive Kit Nixon said the company had 15 years' experience in tourism in Auckland and was best known for its fleet of sailing boats on Waitemata Harbour.
Explore's catamaran D5 had been refurbished to give a sleek and comfortable ride and travellers would be able to recharge their mobile devices and laptops. The vessel would eventually be equipped with wi-fi.
Mr Nixon promised "great value" fares across the board, including a 42-trip pass for Waiheke residents, commuters and frequent travellers which would roll over to the next month if a customer did not use up all their days.
Customers could reserve a spot on a specific sailing to guarantee them a seat.
Fullers chief executive Douglas Hudson said it was going through a difficult fortnight with vessels Quickcat, Superflyte, Kea and Adventurer out of action and the delivery voyage of a new vessel delayed by weather.
He had not seen details of the rival's offering.
"But it's a competitive environment, Auckland harbour always has been and we have a lot of investment in plant and buses on Waiheke Island and we will continue to provide a comprehensive and reliable service."
Mr Hudson said the company had spent more than $10 million on building a new vessel, Te Kotuku, which would join the fleet in mid-October, and the company had also bought a near-new vessel.
"We have plenty of capacity - more than before."
Adventurer was expected to return to service today. Fullers vessels handled about 1000 passengers on weekday mornings and on busiest summer days, several thousand day trippers.
"But then we trade right through winter and get 40-odd passengers per trip," said Mr Hudson. Waiheke Local Board member John Meeuwsen said residents would welcome Explore's intention to offer a 42-trip ticket that could be rolled over. However, Explore passengers might not arrive on time to use Fullers buses.
Hope of rival delights commuting mum
Standing room only on the ferry sailing yesterday morning has Waiheke Island commuter Becs Ballard welcoming news of an alternative service starting from Saturday.
"I think it's great and they will get a lot of business," said Ms Ballard, who travels daily to Auckland City for work as a product designer with Vodafone.
"We have had boat problems in the last few weeks and I've been left three times on the city wharf because the 5 o'clock boat was full - you have to get in early to get a seat.
"And it's really expensive too, compared with what passengers pay for the other islands' ferry routes," she said.
"It's $355 a month and comparable journey lengths are $200.
"Waiheke and Devonport are the only routes not subsidised by Auckland Council and we residents definitely pay through the nose for it and a more comfortable, reliable and affordable service is needed."
Ms Ballard, who is a member of the Waiheke Island Local Board, said that being left on the city side at 5pm was a headache because it meant she had to wait for the next sailing and as a result had a shorter time with her two preschool children before they went to bed. Many working mothers who missed sailings had to hastily make alternative child-care arrangements.
A further irritation of having to stand in a queue and while on the boat was not being able to use a laptop and use the time productively.
"Fullers have given us $30 discount on the monthly pass for the next three months to apologise for all the issues but a lot of people think it is not much if you get left on the wharf a few times and you don't get a seat.
"I moved to the island two years ago thinking the ferry service was reliable but this has not put me off - I love Waiheke."
