ATLANTIC

New Yarmouth ferry will cut transit time to under 6 hours: Bay Ferries

The Associated Press Published Monday, April 11, 2016 7:50AM ADT Last Updated Monday, April 11, 2016 7:51AM ADT

Nova Scotia has inked a 10-year agreement with Bay Ferries Ltd. that will see the company operate a high speed ferry between Yarmouth and Portland, Maine. Bay Ferries has a lease agreement for a vessel owned by the U.S. military's Sealift Command. (Bay Ferries)

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SANFORD, Maine - Passengers who ride the ferry from Portland, Maine, to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, will be missing some amenities from last year. But there will be less time to enjoy them.

Bay Ferries, which is taking over the route, says its high-speed catamaran travelling at 40 mph will cut the transit time to 5 1/2 hours from 10 hours.

The Nova Star had 162 cabins, three restaurants, a casino and two bars in a 528-foot ship.

Mark MacDonald, president and CEO, says the emphasis on the 349-foot Cat is speed but that it will still be a pleasant place to ride. It will have a place for passengers to watch a movie or television, a mid-priced restaurant, a gift shop and two bars.

Tickets go on sale this week.