Alasuinu ferry

MS Alasuinu is a Ro-Ro passenger ferry owned by STENA LINE and operated under charter by the Canadian company MARINE ATLANTIC. The ship accommodates up to 1,100 passengers and has cargo space for 470 cars or 120 lorries/trailers/trucks. She was launched in 2023 and is scheduled for delivery in November 2024.

Alasuinu serves the Canadian ferry route between Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, connecting Channel-Port aux Basques and North Sydney. The crossing takes approximately 6–8 hours depending on weather and operates daily, with MARINE ATLANTIC typically offering two sailings per day (morning and evening).

Note: For detailed construction milestones and information on E-FLEXER technology and machinery, refer to the ship's Wiki section.

Cabins

As a cruiseferry, Alasuinu offers 146 passenger cabins, including Family, Pet-Friendly, Truck-Driver, and Wheelchair-Accessible staterooms, as well as 40 sleeping pods.

All standard cabins are air-conditioned, include en-suite bathrooms, and are equipped with smart TVs (featuring free on-demand movies), hairdryers, and writing/dining tables. Bed linens, towels, and toiletries are provided. Additional accommodation options include 40 pods and reclining seats.

Pet-Friendly cabins (double and quad) feature linoleum flooring. Four-bed cabins are configured with either twin beds (fixed lower singles) or bunk beds (Murphy-style folding beds).

Truck drivers' cabins (located aft on Deck 8) do not have private bathrooms and use shared facilities.

Reserved lounge seating and baby cots (for infants under age 2) are available upon request.

All passengers must vacate their cabins 30 minutes prior to arrival at the homeport.

Out of the ship's 10 decks, 2 are dedicated to passenger cabins.

Shipboard Dining and Entertainment Options

Alasuinu offers the following onboard amenities:

• A La Carte Restaurant (120-seat venue serving locally sourced meals prepared by French chefs)
• (Deck 7) Azul Restaurant – the main self-service dining area. Buffet-style hot and cold meals are available. Ticket price includes one 3-course dinner and one Continental breakfast. The restaurant is open for breakfast (Continental, waiter-served), lunch (buffet), and dinner (3-course menu).
• Taberna de Tapas / Café Bar – serves light meals, tapas, sandwiches, cakes, and beverages. Tapas range from patatas bravas to regional Spanish dishes. The venue also offers waiter-served Continental or Spanish breakfast and, during summer, the inclusive 3-course dinner from Azul Restaurant.
• Plaza Mayor – a large bar lounge serving snacks, light bites, and beverages, including Spanish wines and beers. Afternoon Tea with coffee and pastries is also available. The space features a skylight and HDTVs streaming live sports and music.
• (Deck 8) Commodore C-Club Premium Lounge – an exclusive lounge with panoramic views, HDTVs, lounge seating, and two restrooms. Access is complimentary for Commodore-class passengers or available at an additional fee for others. Included are complimentary snacks and beverages served throughout the day.
• Two cinemas (tickets available at the Information Desk)
• (Deck 7) Kids Playroom – part of Azul Restaurant, with supervised entertainment such as digital games, arts and crafts, and physical activities
• Two additional indoor Kids’ Play Areas (midship on Decks 8 and 10)
• Games Planet (teen lounge with video games, air hockey, and foosball)
• Chance Planet (casino lounge with slot machines)
• Reading Lounge
• Two Reserved Seating Lounges (with reclining Pullman seats)
• Le Bar (serves fine French wines, cocktails, and hot/cold drinks)
• Les Boutiques (two duty-free shops offering gifts, spirits, wines, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics, clothing, and more)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi, ATM (next to Information Desk), accessible restrooms, Baby Changing Rooms, and a Baggage Room

Two passenger elevators (located forward and aft) provide access to all cabin and car decks.

Deck 10 (Sun Deck) doubles as a Helideck and includes shaded seating (tables and armchairs), sunbathing areas with loungers, an outdoor gym, and a children's playground.

The Lobby Hall features information kiosks (touchscreen terminals with free Internet access).

MS Alasuinu is MARINE ATLANTIC’s first ship offering shipwide VOD (video-on-demand) service, available via smart TVs in cabins or passengers’ personal devices using the onboard Wi-Fi.

All emergency instructions are displayed in cabins, on TVs, and at muster stations. Life jackets are available at assembly stations. Elevator use is prohibited during emergencies.

MARINE ATLANTIC Ferry Terminals

North Sydney (Nova Scotia) is located on Sydney Harbour’s north side, along Cape Breton Island’s eastern coast. It is the western terminus of MARINE ATLANTIC service linking the Trans-Canada Highway with Newfoundland (Port aux Basques and Argentia).

• The new terminal building (opened June 3, 2015; cost USD 20 million) includes complimentary Wi-Fi. Floor 1 features ticket counters, security, washrooms, waiting area with TVs, baggage area, gift shop, indoor kids' play area, Info Centre, and Atrium (lower level). Floor 2 includes a drivers lounge, quiet zone, staff lounge, Atrium (upper level with skylight), administrative offices, and an outdoor terrace.
• No food services are available at the terminal.

Argentia (Newfoundland) is a commercial port in Placentia, with a 3-km-long natural harbor. The ferry terminal opened in 1967 and since 1989 has been operated by MARINE ATLANTIC. Crossing time to North Sydney was reduced to 14–16 hours with Superferry service.

• Floor 1 includes ticket counters, baggage area, public restrooms (WC/showers), gift shop, indoor and outdoor kids' play areas, and a waiting hall with TVs. Payphones and an ATM are also available.
• Floor 2 features a TV lounge and outdoor patio overlooking the harbor.
• No food services are provided.

Port aux Basques (Newfoundland) is the island’s main ferry port and the western end of the Trans-Canada Highway.

• Floor 1 of the terminal has ticket counters, offices, a lobby lounge, restrooms, cafeteria, TV lounge, gift shop, and an Info Kiosk.
• Floor 2 includes another TV lounge, outdoor patio, reservations office, and administrative offices.
• Catering is provided by Cabot Catering.

The North Sydney–Port aux Basques route spans 178 km (111 mi) and has operated year-round since 1949. The North Sydney–Argentia route (520 km / 323 mi) is a seasonal (summer) service launched in 1967.

Pets on the Ship

Pets may travel in Pet-Friendly cabins or onboard kennels. They are not permitted to remain in vehicles.

Dogs must be leashed and muzzled outside the cabin or vehicle, including on the pet exercise area (Deck 7). Owners are advised to toilet their pets before boarding.

During check-in, the dog’s microchip is scanned and passport checked. A sticker is placed on the vehicle windshield for identification and must remain during the voyage. Pets are allowed only in designated areas: pet-friendly cabins and the exercise zone on Deck 7. Exceptions apply only to registered assistance dogs.

Dedicated crew greet vehicles carrying pets. Animals stay briefly in vehicles while owners check in. Before departure, pet owners are called to the Reception Desk and escorted with their pets to the cabin. One hour before arrival, an announcement instructs pet owners to return to their cabins and prepare to be escorted back to the car deck. Pets must stay in vehicles during disembarkation. Owners are not permitted to remain in the vehicles.

In rough weather, pets must stay in cabins; access to the exercise area is restricted.

There are 12 dog kennels available (small and large). Pre-booking is required. Small kennels suit breeds like Toy Poodle, Terrier, Jack Russell; large kennels are for breeds like German Shepherd, Labrador, Boxer, Pointer.

Car Decks

Safety procedures for car decks include:

• Passengers needing assistance should visit the 24-hour Information Desk.
• Apply the handbrake, place the vehicle in park or first gear, switch off ignition, alarms, electronics, and headlights. Shut off gas cylinders and lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand luggage.
• Note your vehicle’s location and deck/stairway number.
• Access to car decks is prohibited during the voyage.
• Smoking is not allowed on vehicle decks, in cabins, or lounges.
• Wait for the announcement before returning to your vehicle.

Engines must not be started until instructed to prevent air pollution.

The operator and charterer, MARINE ATLANTIC (fleet), was founded in 1986 and is based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. It is a federal Crown corporation operating ferry services between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland Island.