As of this past Monday, the M/S Nova Star, the ferry between Portland and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, is making its daily run. It leaves the city at 8 PM each evening and arrives in Canada at 8 AM the next morning. There's about 1 1/2 hour turn around time, and then it's on its way again. Back somewhere in the 70's, we took the trip aboard the M/S Prince of Fundy, the ferry at the time. We sailed in the morning and stayed at The Grand Hotel in Yarmouth overnight. My memory of the hotel was that it was adequate but in no shape or form was it 'grand'. Since 1970, there have been quite a few ships carrying passengers from Portland to Canada via this route. Along with the Prince of Fundy, The M/S Bolero, the M/S Caribe, the M/S Scotia Prince and The Cat, a highspeed catamaran, have all ferried passengers during the summer months. Last season (June to October) the ferry service struggled financially, and there was some question whether the Star would make a return engagement. It has and on Sunday the ferry gave free tours to showcase the ship's sailing amenities like its three restaurants, bars, casinos, fitness facility, on board entertainment, spa, and movie theater.
No, I didn't take advantage of the free tour.
I've sailed on Royal Caribbean's BIG ships, like the Allure of the Seas.
Once you go there, you can never go back!
Wow, that's huge. That would be a fun ride.
ReplyDeleteas a kid we took the ferry from seattle, or somewhere around there up to bc...loved bc!
ReplyDeleteThere is a small ferry in WI that takes psgrs and cars to Washington Island where we have often vacationed, and I love them Nothing as grand as the one you photographed, mainly because our ferry was just a very short trip on Lake Michigan. I would love to use this ferry from Portland to Canada, but I suppose if I ever got to Portand, I'd want to stay in Maine too! Never have a taken a cruise but it sounds as though you support them?
ReplyDeleteIt looks very nice. The only ferry I've been on was a small one in south Texas. But, you're right, you can't go back again. And it appears that might be a paintbrush for the "i" on the license plate. You have a sharp eye.
ReplyDeleteWow, I'd have taken that free tour, or even better, the voyage to Canada!
ReplyDeleteAnd speaking of Yarmouth, I've worked several archaeological seasons at Tel Yarmouth here in Israel. When I have to google, both places come up.
Love taking ferry boats, and this one looks grand. The best trips are not about the destination, but the travel itself. You need to take this ferry before it is discontinued.
ReplyDeleteI'll stick with flying!
ReplyDeleteA familiar sight in a different port!
ReplyDeletei think i'd like that trip!
ReplyDeleteQuite a big ferry!
ReplyDeleteI can remember taking the MV Bluenose from Bar Harbor to Yarmouth many years ago and then another ferry not long ago from Yarmouth to Portland. Don't remember the name of that ship, but I do remember that it was basically a floating casino.
ReplyDeleteThat's quite a ferry Birdman.. I was watching a programn on how tough Canadian customs are, wonder if that would include ferry passengers?
ReplyDeleteThat's quite a ferry Birdman.. I was watching a programn on how tough Canadian customs are, wonder if that would include ferry passengers?
ReplyDeleteGood stuff, must be fun.
ReplyDeleteI like riding on these big ferries!
ReplyDeleteI prefer riding to sailing :)
ReplyDeleteWe've done an overnight ferry once, Copenhagen to Oslo, and it was a lot of fun. No other opportunities so our ferry options are limited from the Battery to Staten Island.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great trip. The ferry is huge. Have a nice weekend ahead.
ReplyDeleteHappy June!
CM
I love taking ferries and boats of any kind.
ReplyDeleteThat vessel is giant. What an adventure!
ReplyDeleteJanis
GDP