Leif Ericson ferry

MS Leif Ericson is a Ro-Pax passenger ferry operated by the Canada-based company Marine Atlantic. The vessel has a maximum capacity of 500 passengers and 480 cars (or 100 lorries). Launched in 1991, she currently serves the Canadian (Nova Scotia–Newfoundland) route North Sydney–Port aux Basques, with a crossing time of 7 hours, year-round, 7 days a week.

Cabins

As a cruise ferry, Leif Ericson offers a total of 96 berths. All staterooms are air-conditioned and equipped with en-suite bathrooms. Each cabin accommodates up to 4 passengers and provides the following amenities: en-suite bathroom (WC, shower, single-sink vanity, mirror, shaving outlet), linens, duvets, pillows, towels, toiletries, mirrored vanity table (writing desk with stool and power outlet), phone, hairdryer, and full-length mirror. LCD TVs are available in 2-bed and Deluxe cabins.

Stateroom categories include:

• (Deck 6) 2-berth / Twin Outside (2 lower beds)
• (Deck 6) 4-berth Family Cabin / Quad Outside (2 lower beds + 2 upper bunks)
• (Deck 6) 4-berth Disabled Cabin / Quad Outside (2 lower + 2 upper bunks, including 1 bed with grab bars; accessible bathroom with wider door, roll-in shower, grab bars, alarms)
• (Deck 6) Deluxe Outside (1 queen bed, mini-fridge with complimentary drinks including juice, soda, and bottled water)
• Pets (including those in carriers) are not permitted in passenger cabins.
• All 2-berth cabins have TV monitoring of the kennels. Passengers are encouraged to visit their pets during the voyage.

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

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

Shipboard Dining and Entertainment

Onboard facilities include:

• The Pantry (buffet-style during peak summer, table service the rest of the year)
• Snack Bar (open 24 hours)
• Café Bar
• Video Games Room (arcade machines)
• Children’s play area and Pirate’s Hide-away Playroom
• Reception Desk (passenger services)
• Internet kiosk, Gift Shop, public washrooms, baby changing room
• Promenade Deck (open-air viewing, designated outdoor smoking area)
• Passenger lounge (with TVs and reclining seats)
• Outdoor kennel stowage area with pet access and a dog toilet
• Free Wi-Fi service
• Helipad (on the top deck, used in emergencies)
• All bars and lounges feature large flat-screen TVs and comfortable seating

Emergency instructions are displayed in staterooms, on TV screens, and at muster stations. Lifejackets are issued at the muster stations. During emergencies, elevators are not to be used.

Marine Atlantic Ferry Terminals

North Sydney (Nova Scotia) is located on the northern side of Sydney Harbour, along Cape Breton Island’s eastern coast. It serves as Marine Atlantic’s western terminus, linking the Trans-Canada Highway with Newfoundland.

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

Argentia (Newfoundland) is a commercial port in Placentia, located on the island’s southwestern coast, with a natural harbor approx 3 km (2 mi) long. Roads were upgraded in the 1960s to connect Argentia with the Trans-Canada Highway at Whitbourne.

• The Argentia Ferry Terminal opened in 1967, serving the North Sydney route. Originally a 19-hour crossing, upgrades in the 1980s and Marine Atlantic’s super ferry service (since 1989) reduced travel time to 14–16 hours.
• Floor 1: ticket counters, baggage area, public washrooms (with showers), gift shop, indoor and outdoor kids’ play areas, waiting hall with TVs, payphones, and ATM.
• Floor 2: TV lounge, outdoor patio with harbor views.
• No food service is available at the terminal.

Port aux Basques (Newfoundland) is located on the island’s southwestern tip and is the island’s primary ferry port. The town is also the western terminus of the Trans-Canada Highway.

• Floor 1: ticket counters, office, lobby lounge, public washrooms, cafeteria, TV lounge, gift shop, Information Kiosk.
• Floor 2: TV lounge, outdoor patio, reservations office, administration area.
• Food service is provided by Cabot Catering.

The North Sydney–Port aux Basques route (178 km / 111 mi) operates year-round and was established in 1949. The North Sydney–Argentia (Placentia) route (520 km / 323 mi) is seasonal (summer) and was launched in 1967.

Car Decks

Vehicle decks (1 to 5) allow loading on two levels with bow and stern access. Passenger access:

• Decks 3–8: via one aft elevator (red) and stairway (red).
• Decks 1–2 and 5–9: via one midship elevator (blue).
• Decks 3–8: via one midship stairway (blue).

Access to vehicle decks is prohibited during the voyage.

Car deck safety procedures include:

• Passengers with disabilities or requiring assistance should contact the Information Desk (open 24 hours).
• Apply the handbrake, place the vehicle in park or 1st gear, switch off ignition, alarms, lights, and electrical equipment. Turn off gas cylinders and lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand luggage.
• Note your vehicle’s location and garage deck/stairway before leaving.
• Smoking is prohibited on vehicle decks, in cabins, and in passenger lounges.
• Wait for the onboard announcement before returning to your vehicle.

To reduce air pollution, engines should not be started until instructed.

The operator Marine Atlantic (founded 1986, headquartered in St. John’s, NL, Canada) is a federal Crown corporation providing ferry services between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.