Highlanders ferry

MS Highlanders 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 2007, 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, Highlanders has a total of 96 cabins (300 berths). All staterooms are air-conditioned and have en-suite bathrooms. Each cabin accommodates up to 4 passengers and offers amenities such as en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, single-sink vanity, mirror, 1 shaving outlet), LCD TV (in 2-berth and Deluxe cabins only), linens, duvets, pillows, towels, toiletries, mirrored vanity table (writing desk with stool, 1 outlet), phone, hairdryer, and full-length mirror.

MS Highlanders 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, alarms)
• (deck 8) Deluxe Outside (1 queen bed, mini-fridge with complimentary beverages such as juice, soda, bottled water)
• Pets (including in carriers) are not permitted in passenger cabins.
• All 2-berth cabins provide TV monitoring of kennels. Pet visits during the voyage are encouraged.

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

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

Shipboard dining and entertainment options

Facilities onboard Highlanders include:

• (deck 7) MET Restaurant (buffet-style venue in summer, sit-down table service during the rest of the year)
• (deck 7) Snack Bar (24-hour open food bar)
• (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 Hide-away Playroom
• (deck 7) Reception Desk (passenger services)
• (deck 7) Internet kiosk, Gift Shop, passenger washrooms, and baby changing room
• (deck 7) Promenade Deck (open-air viewing deck with smoking area)
• (deck 8) Public Seating Lounge (with flat TVs and reclining seats)
• (deck 7) Open-air viewing deck with kennel stowage (for pet carriers, outside access, with dog toilet)
• Free Wi-Fi service
• Midship on the top deck (Heli Deck) there is a helipad – used in cases of emergency
• All bars and lounges have large flat TVs and comfortable seating

Emergency instructions are displayed in all staterooms, on TV screens, and at assembly stations (muster stations). Life jackets are issued at the assembly stations. In emergencies, the use of elevators/passenger lifts is prohibited.

MARINE ATLANTIC ferry terminals

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

• North Sydney Ferry Terminal has a new building (opened June 3, 2015, project cost USD 20 million) with complimentary Wi-Fi.
• Floor 1: ticket counters, security offices, public washrooms, waiting hall with TVs (satellite reception), baggage area, gift shop, indoor kids’ play area, Info Centre, Atrium (lower level).
• Floor 2: drivers’ lounge, quiet area, staff lounge, Atrium (upper level with skylight), terminal administration and staff offices, passenger-accessible open-air terrace.
• No food service is available at the terminal.

Argentia (Newfoundland) is a commercial seaport in Placentia NL, on the island’s southwestern coast, with a natural harbor of about 3 km (2 mi). By the mid-1960s, all roads connecting Argentia with the Trans-Canada Highway (at Whitbourne) were upgraded.

• Argentia Ferry Terminal opened in 1967, serving the scheduled ferry from North Sydney. Initially, the crossing time was about 19 hours. In the 1980s the facility was upgraded, and since 1989 MARINE ATLANTIC’s Superferry service (summer only) reduced the crossing time to 14-16 hours.
• Floor 1: ticket counters, baggage area, public washrooms (WC/showers), gift shop, indoor and outdoor kids’ play areas (unsupervised), waiting hall with TVs, payphones, ATM machine.
• Floor 2: TV lounge, outdoor patio overlooking the harbor.
• No food service is available at the terminal.

Port aux Basques (Newfoundland) is a port town on Newfoundland Island’s southwestern tip. The MARINE ATLANTIC ferry terminal here is the island’s primary port. The town is also the western terminus of the Trans-Canada Highway, which runs across all 10 Canadian provinces (from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean).

• Terminal building Floor 1: ticket counters, office, lobby lounge, public washrooms, cafeteria, TV lounge (waiting hall), gift shop, Info Kiosk.
• Floor 2: TV lounge (waiting hall), outdoor patio, ferry reservations office, administration area.
• Food service at the terminal is provided by Cabot Catering.

The North Sydney–Port aux Basques route is 178 km (111 mi) long and has operated year-round since 1949. The North Sydney–Argentia (Placentia) route is 520 km (323 mi) long and seasonal (summer only), established in 1967.

Car decks

The ship’s car decks (1 to 5) can be loaded on two levels, with vehicle access from both bow and stern. Passenger access to decks 3–8 is via one aft elevator (red) and stairway (red). Access to vehicle decks 1–2 and decks 5–9 is via one midship elevator (blue). Passenger access to decks 3–8 is also via one midship stairway (blue). Access to vehicle decks is prohibited during the voyage.

Car deck safety procedures:

• Disabled passengers or those requiring assistance should visit the ship’s Information Desk (open 24 hours).
• Apply the handbrake and place the vehicle in Park or 1st gear. Switch off ignition, alarm, electrical equipment, and headlights. Gas cylinders must be turned off. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand baggage.
• Note your vehicle’s location and garage deck number/stairway before leaving.
• Access to vehicle decks during the voyage is prohibited.
• Smoking is forbidden on vehicle decks, in cabins, and in passenger lounges.
• Wait for the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.

To avoid air pollution, do not start the engine until instructed.

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