FAQs

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Bar Harbor - Yarmouth - Portland Service FAQ

General Travel

How far is Halifax from Yarmouth?

3 ½ to 4 hours

What time should I arrive for a crossing?

It is recommended to arrive 1 hour before sailing. Larger vehicles or vehicles requiring special assistance should arrive an extra 15 minutes. This allows us time to better accommodate your needs.

Can I stay (sleep) in my motor home in the terminal parking lot(s)?

No. Due to our security policies we do not allow people to stay in their vehicles overnight.

Are there lockers in the terminals or on board?

No. Due to security regulations we do not accept any unaccompanied baggage. Any baggage left unaccompanied is subject to search and possible confiscation.

International Travel

Will Customs let us in with ….?

We are unable to answer any questions related to Customs. Please contact the Consulate General (s). Both Customs and Immigration locations are unable to pre clear any passengers or answer questions regarding whether a person will be able to enter the country or not. Customs and Immigrations decisions on whether you will be admitted into the country are based on the interrogation process when you arrive.

What currency is used in Canada? Can I use U.S. currency?

Canada uses the Canadian Dollar. The value between the U.S. Dollar and the Canadian Dollar varies depending on the rate of exchange. For travelers spending more than one day, it would be best to exchange money. If you use your credit or debit card your bank does the exchange for you. Funds can be exchanged at banks or currency houses (money exchanges).

Can I transport firearms, bows, knifes, etc.

Yes. Handguns are strictly prohibited. Shotguns, rifles, bows, pellet guns, swords, and knifes are acceptable with the following restrictions. A. Persons should check with both ports Customs to make sure the items can enter the country. B. Items must be declared to personnel prior to getting in lane for loading. Items are then taken and tagged. These items travel with the ship secured from passengers. Ship personnel take items to Customs. The items can then be picked up after inspection by Customs.

Can we take pets?

Yes. All pets (cats and dogs) must remain on the vehicle deck in either the first come first serve kennels or in a vehicle. Special assistant pets are allowed on the passenger deck but must have their vest or papers that signify them as an assistant pet. You will need proof of vaccination for Customs. Pets other than cats and dogs need to be approved by Customs. Birds and livestock cannot be transported.

Can I buy a car, truck, boat, etc. and have it shipped on the boat without a driver?

No. Due to security regulations, we cannot accept any drop traffic.

Can we take a car with temporary plates?

Yes. As long as you have the paperwork to prove that the vehicle is yours.

Can a person under 18 travel alone?

A person between the ages of 14 and 18 may travel alone if they meet the following requirements: are between the ages of 14 and 18, have a photo id and birth certificate or passport, a letter from their parents giving them permission to travel abroad and a release of liability form from Bay Ferries Limited, which can be obtained from the terminals. Anyone under the age of 14 needs to be accompanied by someone over the age of 18.

Is there a tax refund for item purchased in the U.S.?

No. Unlike the HST tax refund, which operates on a federal tax, item purchased in the U.S. are subject to local taxes. Since each state has different taxes, there are no refund programs for foreign travelers.

Vessel

Can I smoke onboard?

Yes. Smoking is prohibited inside the cabin, but there is an outside aft deck for smoking.

Do we have access to our vehicle during the crossing?

No. There is restricted access to the vehicle deck during the crossing. It is recommended that passengers take all items that they will need during the crossing with them before going to the passenger deck. In the case of an emergency a crew member would need to escort the passenger to their vehicle.

How long is the crossing?

Between Bar Harbor and Yarmouth the crossing is just under 3 hours. Between Portland and Yarmouth is approximately 5 ½ hours.

Is there telephone / cellular service onboard?

No. There are no telephones for public use onboard. Cellular service, depending on providers is usually limited.

Do I drive my own vehicle onboard / what is the loading procedure?

Passengers drive their own vehicle onboard. We load vehicles according to size so loading procedure changes with each load. First on is not always first off.

Do I have to back my motor home / vehicle with trailer onboard the vessel?

Most Motor homes less than 40 feet in length can be turned onboard the ship. Vehicles over 40 feet are loaded to the discretion of the loading mate as to whether a vehicle is driven straight on or backed on. All motor homes towing vehicles are asked to separate the vehicle in tow and are loaded separately.

Will I get seasick?

Seasickness all depends on the person. The design of our vessel with the two hulls allows for a different ride then a conventional mono-hull ship. This generally allows for a smooth ride. As with any vessel at sea the chance of seasickness is always present. If you are prone to seasickness then we recommend taking a seasickness aid prior to sailing as a precaution.

Can I take my bicycle?

Yes. Bicycles and riders load in the same manner as vehicles. Bicycles are secured once onboard.

Can I take a Commercial vehicle (tractor trailer, etc.) onboard?

A vehicle that would require a Customs Broker cannot be transported. There are no broker facilities at the terminals.

What is onboard?

For food service there is a central cafe that services meals in accordance with the time of day. There are two bars (bow and aft) that serve drinks as well as light fare food such as sandwiches, hot dogs, and pizza. There is a casino that has slot machines and a few video poker machines. There are four TV / Movie lounges that show children movies / sports / news / and more adult movies that keep in mind the family environment. There is a duty-free shop that sells clothing, liquor, tobacco products, perfumes, and other small items.

Can we take oxygen tanks?

Yes. Oxygen tanks for private use such as breathing apparatus are expectable for transport.

Is there wireless / wi-fi / high speed on the ship?

No. Internet service is not available on board.

Are there power outlets onboard for public use?

No. Any power outlets onboard are Australian receptacles and operate on a different current.

What is in the casino?

Mainly slot machines. There are a few video poker machines. There are no gaming tables onboard. The gaming machines accept tokens, which can be purchased in the casino.

If I buy a car, truck, boat, etc. can I transport it on the ship?

Yes. The item needs to be driven on and off under its own power. An item on a trailer needs to be accompanied by a vehicle to tow it on and off the boat. As with any of the above items the person should check with both U.S. and Canadian Customs to get any import / export forms and information they will need. Any item beyond cars, trucks, motorcycles and boats such as: ATVs, riding lawn mowers, tractors, snowmobiles etc. should be directed to the terminals for approval.

Can someone that needs handicap assistance have accessibility while onboard?

The ships as well as terminals are handicap accessible. All amenities onboard are on one accessible level. For us to provide service to anyone needing special assistance, personnel should be made aware at the time of booking, checking in, and being put in a lane for loading. If the person is traveling with a vehicle that is less than 6’ 6” in height then they can be parked onboard close to the bow ramp that goes into the passenger area. Vehicles over the above height need to be parked below. A golf cart will then take the passenger to the bow ramp. As with any vehicle requiring assistance it is best if you can arrive 10 to 15 minutes earlier than the recommended time. This allows us time to accommodate loading of the vehicles. Please advise that if vehicles requiring assistance arrive after the recommended time, they may not be guaranteed a spot that allows accessibility. Once loading of cars begins, access to the bow ramp becomes limited, leaving stairs as the option for loading. Foot passengers requiring assistance should adhere to the above recommendations as well. Depending on the tides, passengers in wheelchairs may need to load via the vehicle ramp opposed to the foot passenger ramp. A golf cart is also available to transport people needing assistance from the terminal to the vessel. Please note that there are no elevators onboard the Cat.

Are there tie downs onboard for motorcycles?

Yes. If you do not have your own tie downs then they will be provided onboard. Our tie downs consist of a ratcheting strap that hooks into the floor. We will provide the straps and you will be responsible for tying your own motorcycle down. If needed a crew member will assist you.

Can we take food onboard?

Yes. Food and drinks are permitted onboard. Please note that certain items such as fruits, meats, and vegetables may not be allowed to enter either country.

Is there a currency exchange onboard?

No.

What can we use for payment onboard?

Everything onboard is priced in U.S. funds. U.S. and Canadian cash and Travelers Checks as well as major credit cards are accepted.

Can the captain marry us on board?

No. Our captain(s) need to maintain watch during crossings.

Miscellaneous

What side of the road do you drive on in Canada?

We drive on the right hand side of the road just as in the U.S.

If I drive a motorcycle do I need a helmet?

In Canada it is required that riders wear a helmet. In the U.S. regulations vary from state to state. Maine does not require a helmet. For information on other state requirements it would be best to check with a state Department of Motor Vehicle.

Where is the best place to see the tides?

The Minas Basin in the Wolfville area is where the recorded highest tide was.

What was the ferry that sailed before the Cat?

The Bluenose was the predecessor to the Cat. It was a conventional ferry that took 6 hours to cross from Bar Harbor to Yarmouth. It is now in service in Spain.

Why doesn't the Cat sail from Portland to Bar Harbor?

The Passenger Services Act of 1886 commonly known as the Jones Act prohibits a foreign flagged and/or build vessel from going from U.S. port to U.S. port.

Can we get the HST refunded for hotel packages?

No. A package including hotels purchased from Bay Ferries Limited does not include HST tax.