Nova Star Cruises has revealed the ticket prices for its yet-to-launch ferry service between Portland and Nova Scotia.
Depending on the season, round-trip fares will range from $158 to $258 for adults and $78 to $128 for children 5 to 12 years of age, according to a news release from the company. One-way fares are available for half those amounts.
But for those who may want to rest during the trip, assigned recliner seats will be available for between $19 to $39 per chair, and private cabins accommodating up to four travelers will be available for between $49 and $89.
The cost to bring an automobile aboard will range from $129 to $179, a motorcycle will be $49 to $89, and a bicycle will be $16 to $22.
Special combination rates that include round-trip passenger fare, plus a cabin and auto transportation both ways, range from $299 to $449 per person based on double occupancy.
I cannot say I'm not envious. ^_^I'm already booked for the first trip out of Portland...and really looking forward to that little vacation.
Not likely, even if the tracks are still there....there isn't even enough business to keep a standard bus running between them, any longer....Forgive me for daydreaming a little, but even if a more progressive federal government was to be formed, and if the heavens opened and rained down dollars on VIA Rail, does the infrastructure still exist to support a Dayliner or similar between Yarmouth and Halifax? Have the tracks been lifted?
:'(
I suspect that the main issue in June was, in essence, that the service was new. It sounds like it was largely just a slow start more than a fundamental issue with it. Of note: "Peak" season doesn't begin until partway through June, if I'm not mistaken.There has been a lot in the local media over the past few days on how the Nova Star has already burned through the $21 million subsidy that was suppose to last seven years.
Consultants said those initial costs would probably be in the $30 to $35 million range but the NDP government who had cancelled the subsidy to the original ferry operator 5 years ago was anxious to get the ferry operating again as part of their election platform last year. The NDP lost that election and the Liberals are in power now but there is certainly no sign they are going to 'pull the plug' anytime soon.
Passenger loads continue to climb with the sunny/hot summer we are having and hopefully they will have a good fall season too.
It was known from the start it would take awhile to build ridership again after a five year cancellation. Also by the time schedules and fares had been set for this season......they had missed being included in this year's tourist publications and bus tour operator's itineraries had already been set.
And just today the Halifax Chronical Herald is reporting passenger numbers are way up for August:I suspect that the main issue in June was, in essence, that the service was new. It sounds like it was largely just a slow start more than a fundamental issue with it. Of note: "Peak" season doesn't begin until partway through June, if I'm not mistaken.
I sure hope they choose Portland over Bar Harbor.....from a public transportation availability, Portland has the Downeaster, airlines, and plenty of intercity bus services. Bar Harbor doesn't have much more than taxi or on-demand van services to BangorNova Star Cruises won’t be back on the Portland ME <> Yarmouth NS run next year. The Nova Scotia Government is now in talks with NFL-Bay Ferries to take over the service. Currently they operate the Nova Scotia <> Prince Edward Island Ferry (and have since 1940) They also operate the new Fundy Rose between Saint John and Digby.
Bay Ferries operated the Yarmouth <> Portland “Cat” High Speed Ferry until 2009 and many said it was not the right ferry for that run. No word yet on what Ferry they would now use ....and not even if the US port would still be Portland as Bar Harbor is also a possibility. Stay tuned!
http://www.thevanguard.ca/News/Local/2015-10-29/article-4326226/Yarmouth-to-Portland-ferry-service%3A-Nova-Star-Cruises-out%2C-Bay-Ferries-in/1
Would have been a nice trip....only thing is I am wondering how you would have got from Yarmouth to Halifax?Sorry to hear this. I wasn't fast enough on the draw to get this trip done. A circle trip Boston-Portland-Yarmouth-Halifax-Montreal-New York was what I had in mind.
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