Enjoy Festive Fun With DFDS Seaways’ Offers
This festive season, UK-based DFDS Seaways are offering the perfect choice of famous European destinations and relaxation, with trips to the Christmas markets of Northern Europe, a Boxing Day short break to Amsterdam and the ultimate New Year experience. DFDS Seaway’s tailored festive short breaks are designed to offer the perfect experience. Whether it’s a shopping trip to the Christmas markets, a boxing day break to recuperate after the celebrations or a New Year City Cruise Break – DFDS Seaways really do have something to suit everyone’s needs.
Combined with a wonderful journey across the North Sea on board one of DFDS cruise ferries, a selection of these breaks come with the option of an overnight hotel stay. City destinations to choose from include Amsterdam, Bergen and Copenhagen. Sailings depart from either Newcastle or Harwich. Prices start from just £165 per person for a four- night Christmas Markets break to Bruges.
Cruise packages include:
Christmas Markets
-- Copenhagen – from £257 per person – 4/5 nights
• Entrance to the Tivoli Gardens Christmas Markets
• Return rail transfers Esbjerg Copenhagen
• Two or three nights bed and breakfast accommodation the Grand Hotel
• Departing Harwich – Esbjerg 21 November and 7 December 2007
-- Hamelin– from £179 per person – 4 nights
• Visit the Christmas markets at the fairytale town of Hamelin, home of the legendary Pied Piper
• Return coach transfers Ijmuiden Hamelin
• Two nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the Mercure Hotel (which offers a selection of bars, restaurants and a swimming pool and wellness centre)
• Departure Newcastle – IJmuiden 1 December and 8 December 2007
--Bruges—from £165 per person – four nights
• One day excursion at Zaanse Schans open air museum and a stop off at a cheese factory
• Return rail transfers Esbjerg Copenhagen
• Two nights bed and breakfast accommodation the Novotel Brugge Centrum Hotel (which is located in the heart of the city and offers a fantastic poolside food square providing local and international cuisine)
• Departure Newcastle – IJmuiden 17 November and 1 December 2007
Festive Breaks:
-- German Highlights Coach Tour – From £280 per person – five nights
• This Festive tour of Germany takes in the cities of Berlin, Lübeck, Schwerin, Wismar and Güstrow – with the opportunity to visit each city and enjoy the culture and festivities they have to offer
• Enjoy a guided tour of Berlin and make the most of some free time to explore the wonderful Christmas markets
• Includes all coach transfers including a sightseeing tour
• Three nights accommodation at the Nordic hotel Am Tierpark, Gustrow
• Departing Harwich to Esbjerg 30 November
-- Boxing Day Getaway – from £189 per person – two nights
• Excursion to the historic Dutch market town of Volendam where you will get a taste of the real Holland
• Includes a visit to Zaanse Schans open air museum and a stop off at a tradition cheese farm
• Two nights onboard ship including two breakfasts and dinner buffets
• Onboard spending vouchers to the value of £10 per person
• Departing Newcastle to Amsterdam 26th December
-- Cruise Into The New Year- from £239 per person – two nights
• Welcome in the New Year onboard one of the finest ships sailing the North Sea – The ms King Of Scandinavia
• Sight-seeing tour of Amsterdam and opportunity to explore this fantastic city, shopping, museums and art galleries – including coach transfers
• Includes breakfasts, dinner buffet, gala dinner buffet
• Also includes a free bar with selected drinks on both crossings and cake and champagne at midnight
• Two nights onboard ship
• Departing Newcastle to Amsterdam 30th December
The above cruises and short breaks are examples of offerings available from DFDS Seaways throughout this period. Additional sailings are available. For more information or to make a booking go to www.dfds.co.uk/festive or call (UK) 0871 882 0885.
Aker Yards To Build The World’s Largest Ferries For Stena
Aker Yards has today entered into a contract with Stena Rederi AB in Gothenburg (Sweden) to deliver two innovative Super Ferries. The value of the contract is approximately 400 million euros. Deliveries are scheduled for the first and third quarter of 2010. The contract includes options for two further vessels of the same type.
The contract is a genuine proof of Aker Yards ability to operate across borders and sharing competences between its three business areas: The basic design of these special ferries will take place in Finland and the building in Germany.
Although the yards traditionally serving the ferry business (Finland and France) were fully booked for the delivery dates requested by the client, Aker Yards with its17 yards co-operating across borders had the possibility to offer building of the ferries in Germany. Aker Yards, Germany has experience in building passenger ships and roro ferries, and the designer, Aker Yards, Rauma has experience in designing and building of passenger and car ferries for more than 20 years.
The 62,000 GT ships ordered will be 240 meters long and 32 meters wide. In each vessel there will be 5,500 meter trailer lanes and 700 meter car lanes of vehicle space, and the passenger capacity will be 1,200 in each. With main engine output of 4 x 8,000 kW (4-stroke diesel engines) they will reach a service speed of 22 knots
More Canadian Ferry Safety Fears
Public concern about the dependability and safety of the ferries operating between the Canadian provinces of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia have been re-enforced by the workers on the vessels. Unions representing the officers and seafarers on the ferries have declared the vessels are too old and need to be replaced before someone gets hurt. Union spokesman Mario Elrick says his members are continuing to complain about mechanical and navigational problems that “you wouldn’t have if you had newer vessels.” Politicians and business groups in Newfoundland, which depends on the Marine Atlantic ferry service to bring passengers and freight to the province, have been calling on the federal government for years to start replacing the ageing fleet. So far, Transport minister Lawrence Cannon has selected a chairman and four new board members for the company, mostly from Newfoundland, but hasn’t said anything about new vessels. Marine Atlantic has presented Transport Canada with a plan for replacing the ferries. The company operates four passenger/freight vessels and one dedicated freight ferry. One ship, the Caribou, is sidelined with mechanical problems while the Leif Ericson resumed sailing in late October after suffering an engine breakdown.
New UK to Norway Service Begins
A new ferry service commenced this month from the UK to Norway. The Newcastle-Stavanger-Haugesund-Bergen ferry service on the multimillion dollar refurbished Princess of Norway connects Newcastle in the North-East of England (UK) to the West coast of Norway. Website: http://www.dfds.co.uk/DSW/EN/Travel/Transport/NSHB.htm
Ferry And Cruise Advice For Travelers From PSA
People who have had to cancel holidays by air may find alternatives by sea according to the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA), the industry body for cruise and ferry companies in the UK. The Department of Transport Security and Contingencies Directorate (TRANSEC) has confirmed that maritime security levels remain unchanged and the PSA advised that ferry and cruise companies are continuing to operate as normal, but are reporting large numbers of inquiries. PSA Director Bill Gibbons said: "there are more than 18 ferry companies and 15 cruise companies that offer departures from UK ports. You can travel by sea to UK islands such as the Isle of Wight, Isle of Man, Scottish Islands and the Channel Islands as well as visiting Ireland, Scandinavia and continental Europe and beyond. "Although this is high season there is availability on ferry routes, particularly for midweek or off peak times and on some ex-UK cruises."
PSA websites with further information include the following:
-- www.sailanddrive.com shows maps of ferry routes within and out of the UK and has links through to the ferry companies. The ferry companies update the site regularly with latest deals and offers
-- www.discover-cruises.co.uk has a really useful cruise finder" service which you can use to check which cruise companies have holidays leaving from UK ports and when
www.exclusive-collection.co.uk has details of ultra-luxury cruises
-- www.specialist-collection.co.uk is a site highlighting adventurous and unusual cruises
Nonstop Service from Portland, Maine to
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Begins May 26
Traveling to Nova Scotia just got easier
than ever. Beginning May 26, 2006, The CAT will commence nonstop
fast ferry service from Portland, Maine to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia,
bringing travelers from the U.S. to Canada in just 5 1/2 hours.
This state-of-the-art ferry, featured as
one of the most amazing vessels in the world on a recent Discovery
Channel program, boasts an onboard casino, four TV-movie lounges,
a children's area, duty-free shop, and amazing panoramic views
from its spacious passenger deck. The giant fast ferry can accommodate
up to 775 passengers, 250 cars and 14 motor homes or tour buses.
"We hope that travelers from all over the U.S. will take
advantage of this new fast ferry service," said Mark MacDonald,
president and CEO of Bay Ferries Limited, which operates The
CAT. "With an enjoyable 5 1/2 hour crossing from Portland,
The CAT brings the province of Nova Scotia closer than ever."
The CAT will make the trip from Portland
to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia on Friday, Saturday and Sunday each
week from May 26 to October 16, departing at 2:30 PM. The ferry
will also continue nonstop service between Bar Harbor and Nova
Scotia Monday through Thursday. "Our service schedule provides
a wonderful opportunity for people to create great itineraries,"
said MacDonald. "For example, one can leave from Portland
on a Friday afternoon, spend a terrific weekend in Nova Scotia,
then return on Sunday via our evening trip to Bar Harbor."
Travel on the Portland to Yarmouth service
will be free for children under 6 and starts at $49 U.S. one-way
for children 6-13, $79 one-way for passengers 14-59, and $75
one-way for those 60 and over. The cost for automobiles starts
at $129 one-way plus a $25 fuel surcharge, but passengers will
save an additional $15 on the already-discounted round trip
vehicle fare if passage is booked and paid by May 24, 2006.
This vehicle discount is not valid for travel July 14 - August
20, and not combinable with other discounts or offers.
For passengers traveling without a vehicle,
The CAT is offering an adult walk-on round trip weekend rate
of $129 off season, and $139 peak season. From Boston, The CAT
offers a "Rail & Sail" special starting at $187
per person with Boston-Portland round trip on the Downeaster
and weekend walk-on round trip passage from Portland to Yarmouth,
Nova Scotia on The CAT. The ferry company is also working with
Concord Trailways to enable passengers to connect to the ferry
from the bus line. The rail, bus and ferry trips will soon be
available for booking online with The CAT at http://www.catferry.com.
The CAT is a wave-piercing catamaran car
and passenger ferry, manufactured by INCAT of Australia. The
vessel is 320 feet long, and is powered by four 9,500 horsepower
marine diesel engines that drive a water jet propulsion system
that could fill an Olympic sized swimming pool in 33 seconds.
The CAT can travel at speeds up to 55 mph, while its trim tab
and T-Foil ride control system ensures a comfortable ride for
passengers.
November, 2005
Plans Go Forward For Inter-Island Ferry
Service Beginning in April 2007
The US government recently approved a loan
guarantee to allow a Hawaii company to move forward on plans
to organize an inter-island ferry service starting April 2007.
Under the agreement, the government will guarantee 78.5 percent
of the estimated $178 million cost of building two high-speed
passenger and vehicle ferries to be used between Honolulu and
Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. The first of the two vessels,
with capacity for up to 866 passengers and 282 cars, is being
built by Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama. Currently, barge service
provides the only inter-island water link. The second ship will
follow in 2009. Hawaii the lasts ferry service 58 years ago.
Sea Containers To Reorganize Its Ferries
Division
The transport group, Sea Containers Ltd,
has issued a statement about a major restructuring of its ferries
division, which is made up of Silja Oy Ab, the Finnish based
Baltic operator of cruise ferries; ro-pax ships; fast ferries;
and cruise ships. The second is the company's car-carrying fast
ferries business with nine ships operating in European waters
other than in the Baltic. The smallest unit is SeaStreak, the
New York based commuter ferry service operating between New
Jersey ports and Manhattan.
Silja will reduce its core business of eight
vessels operating on three routes. Silja Oy Ab, is to be prepared
for possible sale.
Sea Containers will end operation of Hoverspeed
service on the English Channel and the Dover-Calais route will
cease in 2006. The ro-ro ferry MV Star will be sold or chartered
out. The Swedish flagged cruise ship, MV Silja will be sold
or chartered out for operation outside the Baltic after February,
2006, when Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony return from refit.
The MV Finnjet—currently on charter to Louisiana State University
Health Science Center through the US Federal Emergency Management
Agency in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, is moored in Baton
Rouge, Louisiana—will not return to the Baltic, but will be
sold or chartered.
Silja's three SuperSeaCat fast ferries will
be reduced to two for operation between Helsinki, Finland and
Tallinn, Estonia. The third SuperSeaCat will be returned to
Sea Containers Mediterranean service in 2006. Silja Serenade
and Silja Symphony, as mentioned above, are undergoing a US$12
million upgrade. Silja's largest vessel, MV Silja Europa, will
continue to operate on the Turku-Stockholm and Turku-Kappelskar
routes together with MV Festival which operates between Stockholm
and Turku.
Silja will reduce staff and offices in Finland,
Sweden and Germany, including up to 150 shoreside jobs. Further
reductions will take place among the 9 car-carrying fast ferries.
SeaStreak will be sold. Management of Sea Containers' container
services will likely be moved from London to Singapore.
-- Source: Maritime Matters
Travel Agencies Are Taking Off With Traghettionline.Net
Italy-based Traghettionline.net has created
an affiliation system where Travel Agencies can earn a commission
without even lifting a finger! The affiliation system regards
online selling and the agency's customer can book their ferry
passage directly, without having to relate to the agency. This
is made possible by a link created from the agency's site to
www.traghettionline.net site. Customers
enter the agency site that is available in four languages, and
click on the ferry button and automatically enter the traghettionline.net
booking page. They then can proceed with the booking process
selecting all the passage options and, at the end, pay by credit
card and receive the ticket fax directly at their address.
When the customer enters the traghettionline.net
site through the agency site, the system recognizes the source
and relevant commissions are assigned to the agency. The advantages
for the agencies are clear: wherever they may be located in
the world they can offer their customers the opportunity to
book ferries in the Mediterranean. It is a safe and effective
system to gain a profit without even having to open up a file.
New Cross-Channel Service Offers
‘No-Frills’ Service
Louis Dreyfus Lines (LD Lines), which is
headquartered in Paris, has announced a new cross-channel "no-frills"
service. The daily service will depart from Portsmouth, UK at
2300, arriving the following morning in Le Havre, France at
0730. It will then sail from Le Havre at 1700, arriving back
in Portsmouth at 2130.
LD Lines will be operating the 1992-built Norman Spirit (formerly
sailing under the names of Prins Filip, Stena Royal, Aquitaine,
Pride Of Aquitaine), which will carry a combination of freight
vehicles, cars, and passengers. Website: http://www.aferry.to/LD-Lines-ferry-ferries.htm
A new hi-speed ferry offers travelers a quick
and reliable way to experience Vieques and Culebra, two of Puerto
Rico's best kept secrets. The Puerto Rico Tourism Company (www.gotopuertorico.com
) and Island Hi-Speed Ferry are pleased to announce the introduction
of new service connecting historic San Juan with the enchanting
islands of Culebra and Vieques.
Each island has its own distinct appeal.
Culebra with its numerous nature reserves, blue waters perfect
for snorkeling and world famous Flamenco beach, and the slightly
larger Vieques with its charming seaside towns, remote beaches
and unique bioluminescent bay. Both islands offer visitors a
number of outdoor activities from surfing to mountain biking
to hiking, while at the same time giving them a chance to truly
get away from it all and experience the true essence of the
islands ... tranquil island life with no time restrictions.
Departing from Pier Two in Old San Juan,
the ferry reaches the small island of Culebra in approximately
one hour and 45 minutes, then continues on for the 30 minute
journey to Vieques. The hi-speed ferry operates one round trip
daily Monday thru Thursday and two round trips Friday thru Sunday.
For more information on the Hi-Speed Ferry,
call 1-877-CAT-EXPRESS or visit www.islandhighspeedferry.com.
St. Petersburg Plans Major Cruise-Ferry Facility
Increased demand is pushing St. Petersburg
into the planning stages for a development at Vasiljevskiy Island
which would include three to four cruise berths and, separately,
three to four large ferry berths, along with a cruise reception
and mixed-use commercial area offering retail, restaurants,
a theater and casino when the project is completed. A Miami-based
firm is serving as the lead master planners for the port portion
of the project.
The development involves dredging around
Vasiljevskiy Island to create a whole new waterfront area. The
government-funded dredging is beginning this spring on the new
channel to service the facility. The first construction phase,
which includes at up to two cruise berths and one for ferries,
is expected to be completed by late 2008 or early 2009.
---- Seatrade News
Sail and Drive, the campaign to promote the
ferry industry headed up by the Passenger Shipping Association,
has launched its new website—www.sailanddrive.com—including an in-depth
guide to family holidays available by ferry across Britain and
Europe.
The Great Guide to Family Holidays by
Ferry features 66 ideas to keep the kids amused in 17 destinations
across the Continent. Ideas include discovering seals and penguins
in Bergen’s Aquarium, classic fairy tales told by puppets in
Ireland, a giant science center in Holland and the Viking Trail
on the Orkney Islands.
Five new members have joined the Sail and
Drive campaign, including four operators to the British Islands.
Sail and Drive is a key partner in SeaBritain 2005 (www.seabritain2005.com)
and the Sea Vision UK campaign to promote Britain’s maritime
industry. The website provides detailed information on the Isle
of Wight, Isle of Man, Shetland & Orkney Islands and the
Western Isles of Scotland, for those wishing to discover the
highlights of the British Islands. “The new Sail and Drive
website will act as a central information source for consumers
wishing to find out more about the myriad of destinations that
can be reached by ferry, comments Bill Gibbons, director of
the Passenger Shipping Association. “With 14 companies on board,
serving destinations in ten countries, the site acts as a tool
to inspire people to travel by sea, whether it’s to the British
Islands, Ireland or the European Mainland. The Great Guide to
Family Holidays is just the first of a series of in depth packages
we are putting together to enable people to be better informed
about their holiday choices. Many people don’t realize that
ferries offer a great door-to-door alternative to airport delays,
cramped aircraft and car hire nightmares.”
The site will be regularly updated with news
and offers from each of the 14 operators involved in the campaign
and visitors will be able to sign up to receive regular email
bulletins from the campaign. Check www.sailanddrive.com for details.
P&O Ferries is offering foot passengers
the chance to see more of Holland when they book a new cultural
mini cruise on the Hull-to-Rotterdam service. From £60 per person,
based on two adults sharing an en suite cabin, mini cruise passengers
get two nights on board and a full day ashore, with return coach
transfers to The Hague and Delft and free parking in Hull.
The Hague is home to the Dutch Royal Family
and boasts many musical and cultural events. Highlights include
a visit to Mauritshuis art gallery, which houses works by Rembrandt
and by Vermeer, including his work “Girl With A Pearl Earring.”
Delft is only a short coach transfer from
The Hague and is well known as the home of the 17th century
painter Johannes Vermeer. Another key feature is its renowned
blue and white Delftware pottery.
These specialist mini cruises depart on a
selection of Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays through April
27, 2005 inclusive. For more information or to book call P&O
Ferries on 08705 20 20 20 in the UK, or visit http://www.sailanddrive.com.
From Dover, England, Calais Ferries announces
its lowest ever fare from just £25 each way! This amazing fare
is available to customers who book and pay for their travel
by April 29. 2005. This sensational fare is available for travel
throughout 2005 for a car and up to 9 passengers. Don’t miss
out—act now to take advantage of this great offer.
What’s more, this month SeaFrance is launching
its new superferry, the SeaFrance Berlioz, offering the
ultimate in luxury cross Channel travel. Sister ship to the
company’s flagship, the award-winning SeaFrance Rodin,
the new superferry has a capacity of 1,900 passengers and 700
cars offering a crossing in just 70 minutes.
To book, call SeaFrance on 08705 711 711
in the UK or visit www.seafrance.com and quote reference EWFA.
Terms & Conditions apply to all fares.
Last month the new Whitehall Ferry Terminal
in Lower Manhattan opened. The Whitehall Terminal provides access
to ferry service to the St. George Ferry Terminal in Staten
Island for approximately 65,000 travelers each day.
The project encompasses a total area of 200,000
square feet, including, a 19,000-square-foot waiting room (6,500
square feet larger than the existing one), 6,000 square feet
of concessions, 10,000 square feet of office space, and 10,000
square feet of ancillary support and ferry operation rooms.
The existing terminal building was badly
damaged by fire in September, 1991
The new Whitehall Ferry Terminal will include:
· A 75-foot-high entry hall with panoramic
views of the downtown Manhattan skyline and the waterfront;
· Five new escalators, three wide stairways
and one elevator inside the entry hall;
· Rooftop viewing decks with benches;
· Service/concession spaces available for
amenities such as cafés and other concessions;
· A new state-of-the-art heating and air
conditioning system, including a radiant floor;
· Photovoltalic solar panels that convert
sunlight to electricity to supply a portion of the terminal’s
power;
· Police and tourist information offices;
· New surfaces and fixtures including vandal-resistance
fixtures in bathrooms for ease of maintenance;
· State-of-the-art public address system;
· Easy connection to South Ferry Subway Station
(1 and 9 lines).
· Percent for Art is installing 28 granite
benches entitled Whitehall Crossing that mimics Indian canoes
crossing New York Bay. The work, designed by artist Ming Fay
will be installed in March.
Italy’s ferry terminal in Vado Ligure Forship
S.p.A., which administrates the ferry company Corsica Ferries,
operates a dedicated passenger terminal in the port of Vado
Ligure consisting of: a ground-floor ticket office, snack bar,
nursery, waiting hall in an area with facilities for children,
panoramic terraces and a bank office. The company's administrative
offices of Forship S.p.A. and the Corsica Ferries/Sardinia Ferries
Company (operating an annual service to Corsica since 1998)
are located on the upper floors.
Additional connections with Corsica are offered
in July and August with up to three departures per day. Crossing
time is six hours for traditional ships, four for the new Mega
Express and three for the Corsica Express ships.
Corsica Ferries/Sardinia Ferries, administrated
by Forship, is the top company among the lines to Corsica, in
terms of passengers transported, and the leading private company
offering liner services to Sardinia.
Connections with Corsica are operated year
round from Savona-Vado, Toulon, Nice and Leghorn, and it is
possible to reach Sardinia from Leghorn and Civitavecchia.
More information can be found at www.corsicaferries.com
To
celebrate the arrival of its new summer vessel, the Bahama Cat—a
600-passenger High-Speed Ferry—Bahamas Florida Express introduces
hotel-inclusive vacation packages starting at $320* per person
for three nights at Pelican Bay at Lucaya including round-trip
transportation through Sept. 6, 2004 (Labor Day). Bahamas Florida
Express adds the Bahama Cat to its fleet beginning May 9.
A comfortable and convenient alternative
to costly flights, the Bahama Cat speeds vacationers between
Fort Lauderdale and Grand Bahama Island in a little over two
hours. While on-board the new vessel, passengers enjoy the same
comforts they've come to expect from Bahamas Florida Express:
entertainment in the TV-movie lounge, gambling in the casino,
meals at The Cafe, cocktails and specialty drinks at the two
bars, shopping in the duty-free gift shop and spectacular views
from both the upper and lower decks.
With accommodations at Grand Bahama's newest
boutique hotel, Pelican Bay at Lucaya, travelers relax in contemporary
hotel rooms featuring Italian-tiled floors, separate shower
and tub, private balconies and daily breakfast. "The Bahama
Cat is a great option for families. Kids aren't confined to
a seat like on airlines, they can move freely about the spacious
cabin, get snacks in the cafe, color, draw or play "Go
Fish" at one of the many tables and watch kid-friendly
movies in the TV-movie lounge," said Gary Seabrook, Chief
Executive Officer, Bahamas Florida Express.
Round-trip ferry rates excluding hotel are
only $119* for adults, $99* for seniors and $70* for kids ages
3-17, per person. A variety of hotel inclusive vacation packages
are also available at six other leading Grand Bahama hotels
including the Westin and Sheraton at Our Lucaya and the Crowne
Plaza at Royal Oasis.
The Bahama Cat departs Port Everglades daily
at 3:45 p.m. arriving on island at 6:15 p.m. in time for dinner
and a night at the new Isle of Capri Casino at The Westin and
Sheraton at Our Lucaya (next door to Pelican Bay). The vessel
returns, leaving Grand Bahama Island at 9:45 a.m. (arriving
at Port Everglades at 12:15 p.m.), therefore, travelers will
not need to overnight in Fort Lauderdale prior to or following
travel in order to make connecting flights home.
To make a reservation on The Bahama Cat,
call 866-31-FERRY, a travel professional, or visit www.ferrybahamas.com
.
* All rates not including $31 port charges
and taxes.
A
recent Associated Press dispatch reports that a deluxe, five-story-tall
catamaran with
room for 774 passengers and 220 cars will
soon be zipping across Lake Ontario between Rochester and Toronto
at over 50 miles an hour. The Spirit of Ontario will
be the first car-and-passenger "fast ferry" operating
on the Great Lakes and only the second plying U.S. the waves
at speeds above 29 mph (25 knots).
The 284-foot-long, twin-hulled, Australian-built
catamaran, is expected to dock in mid April at its new home
port in Rochester, features two movie theaters, duty-free shopping,
a business computer center, a restaurant and a bar, and a children's
play area with padded jungle gym.
It will make the Toronto crossing in about
two hours and 15 minutes. The 171-mile road trip usually takes
three to four hours, but miles-long backups have become more
frequent at the border near Niagara Falls since the 2001 terrorist
assault. The fare will be $28 to walk aboard and $40 for most
cars.
The Spirit of Ontario is similar to The
Cat, a 55-mph Incat ferry that has hustled between Bar Harbor,
Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, since 1998. Accommodating
up to 900 passengers, 240 cars and 16 motor coaches, it runs
from May 21 to October 18.
Passenger-only fast ferries are already a
way of life for commuters in Boston, New York, Key West, Florida,
San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle. Three years ago, Boston
Harbor Cruises first brought its fast ferry service to the U.S.
Virgin Islands in the winter months.
Website: www.spiritofontario.com.
There’s a new way to get to Tasmania from
Sydney. The Spirit of Tasmania III takes passengers from
Sydney and cruises along the southeastern Australian coast on
its way to Devonport on Tasmania’s northern coast.
The service began this month on the 658-berth
car ferry cum cruise ship. The ship sails out of Darling Harbour
in Sydney at 3 pm on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and arrives
in Devonport by noon the next day. A buffet dinner and brunch
are included in the $201, at the rate of $1.30 Australian dollar
to the US dollar, through April 26 for hostel accommodations
divided into male and female areas with shared bathrooms. A
double cabin with porthole and shower costs $390. From April
27 to August 31, rates are from $182 to $350.
The vessel has a restaurant, indoor and outdoor
bars, lounges, a gift shop, movie theater, and a coffee shop.
Website: www.spiritoftasmania.com.au.
Rapid
Explorer, the provider of luxury, high speed transportation
between St. Maarten and St. Barths, has put the HC Milancia
into service in St. Maarten and join her sister, HC Katia. By
introducing the HC Milancia, which has the capacity of 150 passengers,
Rapid Explorer will be able to carry an additional 75 passengers
per trip. The addition was necessitated by increasing, heavy
demand from both the cruise lines and land-based markets. In
order to avoid turning away customers, the company had been
running additional trips daily using their second, smaller vessel,
Sea Shuttle 1. 