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The CAT Announces New Nonstop Service from Portland,
Maine to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Beginning May 26
Portland, Maine (May 1, 2006) –
Traveling to Nova Scotia just got easier
than ever. Beginning May 26, 2006, The CAT will commence nonstop
fast ferry service from Portland, Maine to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia,
bringing travelers from the U.S. to Canada in just 5 ˝ hours.
This state-of-the-art ferry, featured as one of the most
amazing vessels in the world on a recent Discovery Channel program,
boasts an onboard casino, four TV-movie lounges, a children’s area,
duty-free shop, and amazing panoramic views from its spacious passenger
deck. The giant fast ferry can accommodate up to 775 passengers, 250
cars and 14 motor homes or tour buses.
"We hope that travelers from all over the U.S. will take
advantage of this new fast ferry service," said Mark MacDonald,
president and CEO of Bay Ferries Limited, which operates The CAT. "With
an enjoyable 5 ˝ hour crossing from Portland, The CAT brings the
province of Nova Scotia closer than ever."
The CAT will make the trip from Portland to Yarmouth,
Nova Scotia on Friday, Saturday and Sunday each week from May 26 to October 16,
departing at 2:30PM. The ferry will also continue nonstop service
between Bar Harbor and Nova Scotia Monday through Thursday. "Our service
schedule provides a wonderful opportunity for people to create great
itineraries." MacDonald said, "For example, one can leave from Portland
on a Friday afternoon, spend a terrific weekend in Nova Scotia, then
return on Sunday via our evening trip to Bar Harbor."
Renowned for its hospitality and charm, Nova Scotia
welcomes visitors to more than 800 festivals, celebrations and cultural
events throughout the year. A principal attraction for U.S. visitors is
the unique culture and heritage of the province, experienced through
sumptuous local cuisine, colorful traditions and distinctive Celtic and
Acadian music. Bay Ferries offers a wide variety of CAT vacation
packages from 1- to 7-nights or more, with accommodations at top Nova
Scotia resorts and hotels across the province, from Yarmouth to Halifax
and Cape Breton. Vacation packages are also available for nearby New
Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
Travel on the Portland to Yarmouth service will be free
for children under 6 and starts at $49 US one-way for children 6-13, $79
one-way for passengers 14-59, and $75 one-way for those 60 and over. The
cost for automobiles starts at $129 one-way plus a $25 fuel surcharge,
but passengers will save an additional $15 on the already-discounted
round trip vehicle fare if passage is booked and paid by May 24, 2006.
This vehicle discount is not valid for travel July 14 – August 20, and
not combinable with other discounts or offers.
For passengers traveling without a vehicle, The CAT is
offering an adult walk-on round trip weekend rate of $129 off season,
and $139 peak season. From Boston, The CAT offers a "Rail & Sail"
special starting at $187 per person with Boston-Portland round trip on
the Downeaster and weekend walk-on round trip passage from Portland to
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia on The CAT. The ferry company is also working with
Concord Trailways to enable passengers to connect to the ferry from the
bus line. The rail, bus and ferry trips will soon be available for
booking online with The CAT at www.catferry.com.
The CAT is a wave-piercing catamaran car and passenger
ferry, manufactured by INCAT of Australia. The vessel is 320 feet long,
and is powered by four 9,500 horsepower marine diesel engines that drive
a water jet propulsion system that could fill an Olympic sized swimming
pool in 33 seconds. The CAT can travel at speeds up to 55 mph, while its
trim tab and T-Foil ride control system ensures a comfortable ride for
passengers. Constructed of enough high-strength aluminum to
produce 32 million beverage cans, The CAT is a technological marvel.
Reservations and information are available by calling 1-888-249-SAIL, or
by visiting www.catferry.com
Contact:
Risteen Masters
BAY FERRIES LIMITED
(207) 288-3879
marketing@catferry.com
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