Blue Puttees ferry

MS Blue Puttees ferry is a Ro-Pax passenger vessel operated by the Canada-based company MARINE ATLANTIC. The ship has a maximum capacity of 1000 passengers and 570 cars (or 190 lorries). Launched in 2006, she currently operates on the Canadian (Nova Scotia–Newfoundland) ferry route North Sydney–Port aux Basques (crossing time 7 hours, year-round, 7 days a week).

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Blue Puttees has a total of 96 cabins (300 berths). All staterooms are air-conditioned and equipped with en-suite bathrooms. Each cabin accommodates up to 4 passengers and offers amenities such as an en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, single-sink vanity, mirror, 1 power outlet for shaving), LCD TV (in 2-bed and Deluxe cabins only), linens, duvets, pillows, towels, toiletries, mirrored vanity table (writing desk with stool, 1 power outlet), phone, hairdryer, and full-length mirror.

Blue Puttees stateroom categories include:

• (Deck 8) 2-berth / Twin Outside (2 lower beds)
• (Deck 8) 4-berth "Family Cabin" / Quad Outside (2 lower beds + 2 upper bunk beds)
• (Deck 8) 4-berth "Disabled Cabin" / Quad Outside (4 berths: 2 lower + 2 upper bunks, including 1 bed with grab bars; bathroom with wider door, wheelchair-accessible shower, grab bars, and alarms)
• (Deck 8) Deluxe Outside (1 queen bed, mini-fridge with complimentary beverages: juice, soda, bottled water)
• Pets (including those in carriers) are not permitted in passenger cabins.
• All 2-berth cabins offer TV monitoring of the kennels. Pet visits during the voyage are recommended.

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

For reserved seating, passengers may upgrade to the lounge with 500 reclining seats.

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

Blue Puttees offers the following onboard facilities:

• (Deck 7) MET Restaurant (buffet-style during the peak summer season, table service during the rest of the year)
• (Deck 7) Snack Bar (open 24 hours)
• (Deck 7) Riva Cafe
• (Deck 7) Barista Cafe
• (Deck 7) Video Games Room (arcade machines)
• (Deck 7) Children's play area (indoor playground) and Pirate's Hideaway Playroom
• (Deck 7) Reception Desk (passenger services)
• (Deck 7) Internet kiosk, Gift Shop, passenger washrooms, baby changing room
• (Deck 7) Promenade Deck (open-air viewing area with smoking section)
• (Deck 8) Public Seating Lounge (with flat-screen TVs and reclining seats)
• (Deck 7) Outdoor kennel area (with dog toilet and access for pet carriers)
• Free Wi-Fi service
• Helipad on the top deck (Heli Deck) for emergency helicopter landings
• All bars and lounges are equipped with large flat-screen TVs and comfortable seating

All onboard emergency instructions are displayed in staterooms, on TV screens, and at the ship's muster stations. Life jackets are issued at the muster stations. Use of elevators is prohibited in case of emergency.

MARINE ATLANTIC ferry terminals

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

• North Sydney Ferry Terminal features a new building (opened June 3, 2015; project cost USD 20 million) with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout.
• Floor 1 includes ticket counters, security offices, public washrooms, a waiting hall with satellite TVs, baggage area, gift shop, indoor kids play area, Info Centre, and Atrium (lower level).
• Floor 2 includes drivers lounge, quiet area, staff lounge, Atrium (upper level with skylight), terminal administration and staff offices, and an outdoor terrace accessible to passengers.
• Food service is not available at the terminal.

Argentia (Newfoundland) is a commercial seaport in Placentia, located on the island's southwestern coast. The port features a natural harbor approximately 3 km (2 mi) long. By the mid-1960s, all roads connecting Argentia with the Trans-Canada Highway (at Whitbourne) were upgraded.

• Argentia Ferry Terminal opened in 1967, originally serving a ferry from North Sydney NS with a crossing time of approx. 19 hours. Upgraded in the 1980s, it has been operated by MARINE ATLANTIC since 1989. The summer-only Superferry service reduced the crossing time to 14-16 hours.
• Floor 1 includes ticket counters, baggage area, public washrooms (WC/showers), gift shop, indoor and outdoor kids play areas (unsupervised), waiting hall with TVs, payphones, and an ATM.
• Floor 2 features a TV lounge and an outdoor patio overlooking the harbor.
• Food service is not available at the terminal.

Port aux Basques (Newfoundland) is a port town on the island's southwestern tip. It serves as the primary MARINE ATLANTIC ferry terminal and is the western terminus of the Trans-Canada Highway, which spans all 10 Canadian provinces.

• Port aux Basques Ferry Terminal’s Floor 1 includes ticket counters, offices, lobby lounge, public washrooms, cafeteria, TV lounge (waiting hall), gift shop, and Info Kiosk.
• Floor 2 includes a TV lounge (waiting hall), outdoor patio, ferry reservations office, and administration area.
• Food service is provided by Cabot Catering.

The North Sydney–Port aux Basques route is 178 km (111 mi) long and has been operating year-round since 1949. The North Sydney–Argentia (Placentia) route is 520 km (323 mi) long and has operated seasonally (summer) since 1967.

Car decks

Car decks (1 to 5) are accessible on two levels with vehicle entry from both the bow and stern. Passenger access to decks 3 through 8 is available via one aft elevator (red) and a stairway (red). Access to vehicle decks 1 and 2, as well as to decks 5 through 9, is available via a midship elevator (blue). A midship stairway (blue) connects decks 3 through 8. Access to vehicle decks is prohibited during the voyage.

Car deck safety procedures include:

• Passengers with disabilities or special needs should contact the Information Desk (open 24 hours).
• Apply the handbrake, place the vehicle in park or first gear, turn off the ignition, alarms, electrical devices, and headlights. Gas cylinders must be turned off. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand luggage from your vehicle.
• Note your vehicle's location and garage deck number/stairway before leaving the car deck.
• Access to vehicle decks during the voyage is prohibited.
• Smoking is not permitted on vehicle decks, in cabins, or in passenger lounges.
• Wait for the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.

To minimize air pollution, do not start your vehicle's engine until instructed.

The operator/ship charterer, MARINE ATLANTIC (fleet), founded in 1986 and headquartered in St. John's, Newfoundland, is a federal Crown corporation operating ferry services between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland Island.