Atlantic Vision ferry

MS Atlantic Vision is a Ro-Pax passenger ferry operated by the Canada-based company MARINE ATLANTIC. The ship has a maximum capacity of 961 passengers and 352 cars. Launched in 2002, the vessel currently serves the Canadian ferry route between North Sydney (Nova Scotia) and Port aux Basques (Newfoundland), with a crossing time of 6-7 hours. This year-round service operates daily.

During the summer season (June through September), Atlantic Vision also operates on the North Sydney–Argentia (Placentia) route, with a crossing time of 14-16 hours, three times per week.

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Atlantic Vision has a total of 150 cabins, offering 728 berths.

All staterooms are air-conditioned and feature en-suite bathrooms. Each cabin accommodates up to 4 passengers and includes an en-suite bathroom (toilet, shower, single-sink vanity, mirror, one power outlet for shaving), linens, duvets, pillows, towels, toiletries, a mirrored vanity table (writing desk with stool and one power outlet), phone, hairdryer, full-length mirror, and LCD TV (in 2-bed and Deluxe cabins only).

Stateroom categories include:

• (Decks 8-9) Twin Outside (2 lower beds)
• (Deck 8) Family Cabin / Quad Outside (2 lower beds + 2 upper bunks)
• (Deck 8) Disabled Cabin / Quad Outside (2 lower + 2 upper bunks, one with grab bars; accessible bathroom with wider door, roll-in shower, grab bars, emergency alarms)
• (Decks 8-10) Deluxe Outside (1 queen bed, mini-fridge with complimentary beverages such as juice, soda, bottled water)
• Pets (including those in carriers) are not allowed in passenger cabins.
• All Twin cabins provide TV monitoring of the kennels. Pet visits during the voyage are encouraged.

All passengers must vacate their suites 30 minutes before arrival at the homeport.

Passengers may upgrade to a reserved seating lounge with 200 reclining seats.

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

Onboard amenities include:

• (Deck 6) Movie Lounge (reserved seating with aircraft-style reclining seats), dedicated restrooms
• (Deck 7) Eggs Restaurant (buffet during peak summer, table service during the rest of the year)
• (Deck 7) Flowers Dining Room (seasonal fine dining)
• (Deck 7) Snack Bar (open 24 hours)
• (Deck 7) Mosquito Bar Lounge
• (Deck 7) Colors Bar Lounge (seasonal live entertainment)
• (Deck 7) Havana Games Room (casino)
• (Deck 7) Video Games Room (arcade machines)
• (Deck 7) Children’s Play Area and Pirate’s Hideaway Playroom
• (Deck 7) Reception Desk (passenger services)
• (Deck 7) Internet kiosk, gift shop, public restrooms, baby changing room
• (Deck 7) Promenade Deck (open-air viewing deck with smoking area)
• (Deck 8) Public seating lounge (TVs, reclining seats)
• (Deck 9) Hospital (first aid room)
• (Deck 10) Outdoor viewing deck with kennel stowage area (accessible from outside, includes dog toilet)
• Free Wi-Fi service
• Midship on the top deck is a helipad for emergency helicopter landings
• All bars and lounges are equipped with large flat-screen TVs and comfortable seating

Emergency instructions are posted in staterooms, on TVs, and at assembly (muster) stations. Life jackets are issued at assembly stations. Elevator use is prohibited during emergencies.

MARINE ATLANTIC ferry terminals

North Sydney (Nova Scotia) is located on the northern shore of Sydney Harbour, along the eastern coast of Cape Breton Island. It serves as the western terminus for MARINE ATLANTIC, linking the Trans-Canada Highway with Newfoundland (Port aux Basques and Argentia).

• The new ferry terminal building (opened June 3, 2015, USD 20 million project) offers complimentary Wi-Fi.
• Floor 1 includes ticket counters, security offices, public restrooms, waiting hall with satellite TV, baggage area, gift shop, indoor children’s play area, information center, and atrium (lower level).
• Floor 2 includes a drivers' lounge, quiet area, staff lounge, atrium (upper level with skylight), administrative offices, and an outdoor terrace for passengers.
• No food service is available at the terminal.

Argentia (Newfoundland) is a commercial port in Placentia, located on Newfoundland’s southwestern coast. It features a natural 3-km (2-mi) harbor. By the 1960s, roads connecting Argentia to the Trans-Canada Highway (at Whitbourne) were upgraded.

• The ferry terminal opened in 1967, serving regular North Sydney crossings. Initially, the trip lasted about 19 hours. The 1980s upgrades and the introduction of Superferry service in 1989 reduced crossing time to 14-16 hours.
• Floor 1 includes ticket counters, baggage area, public restrooms with showers, gift shop, indoor and outdoor children’s play areas, waiting hall with TVs, payphones, and an ATM.
• Floor 2 includes a TV lounge and an outdoor patio overlooking the harbor.
• No food service is available at the terminal.

Port aux Basques (Newfoundland) is a port town on Newfoundland’s southwestern tip. It is the island’s primary MARINE ATLANTIC ferry port and the western terminus of the Trans-Canada Highway.

• Floor 1 of the terminal building includes ticket counters, offices, lobby lounge, public restrooms, cafeteria, TV lounge (waiting hall), gift shop, and an information kiosk.
• Floor 2 has a TV lounge (waiting hall), outdoor patio, ferry reservations office, and administrative area.
• Food service 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 (Placentia) route covers 520 km (323 mi) and is a seasonal service (summer only) launched in 1967.

Car decks

Car decks (1 to 5) are dual-level and accessible from both the bow and stern. Passengers can reach decks 3 through 8 via one aft elevator (red) and one aft stairway (red). Midship access to decks 1-2 and 5-10 is via one elevator (blue). A midship stairway (blue) connects decks 3 through 8. Access to vehicle decks is prohibited during voyages.

Car deck safety procedures include:

• Passengers requiring assistance should contact the Information Desk (open 24 hours).
• Engage the handbrake, place the vehicle in park or 1st gear, turn off the ignition, alarm, lights, and electronics. Shut off any gas cylinders and lock the vehicle.
• Only bring valuables and essential hand luggage.
• Note your vehicle's location and deck/stairway before leaving the car deck.
• Access to vehicle decks is not permitted during the voyage.
• Smoking is prohibited on vehicle decks, in cabins, and in passenger lounges.
• Wait for the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.

To reduce emissions, do not start the engine until instructed.

MARINE ATLANTIC (fleet) is a federal Crown corporation, founded in 1986 and headquartered in St John's, Newfoundland. The company operates ferry services connecting Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.