Irene

I was told not to take the cat ferry from the states to Nova Scotia. I was told that people are always sick; it was a 'ride from hell; bathrooms are stopped up from people being sick; not enough rail space for people to get air and/or be sick. Is this all true. What is your experience on the'cat'. Should we just drive over. I get motion sickness really easy. Help!

lisa

We took the ferry from Bar Harbor, Maine to Nova Scotia in August '97. Can't remember the name of the ferry line -- is there more than one? Anyway, all I remember about the trip was that it took several hours but was delightful. Smooth ride, no one got sick, lots of us sat up on the top deck to get the sunshine and see the pretty views leaving Maine and arriving in NS where we were greeted by bagpipers and the lovely scenery. They sold food on-board but we had brought our own "picnic" of fruit and cheese which was fun. They showed a movie on board the ferry (inside) but we chose to stay out in the sun and wind. We passed the time writing postcards which we purchased on-board in the gift shop, and reading our guide books about where to go and what to do in Halifax. There were several whale sightings during our crossing which was exciting to see. Anyone who had a bad time must have either been on a much smaller vessel or been in a storm -- our ferry was enormous, we had smooth waters and a fine time.

HelenF

Lisa, I'm not 100% sure, but I think the "Cat" (catamaran) high-speed ferry was not yet in operation when you took your trip. I think it just started last year.

lisa

Yes, I guess ours wasn't a catamaran, just a regular ferry. Wasn't aware there was a faster option now!

Lil Luddy

I took the "Cat" from Bar Harbor to Yarmouth. I loved it, but then I don't get sea sick. Yes, there were alot of sick people as it was very rough. It only takes 2 hours and 45 minutes for the crossing as opposed to 6 hours or more. If you go on the "Cat" wear patches behind your ears, or take Dramamine, or wear the wrist bands for seasickness.

Rosanna

Irene, I just got back from Maine and Nova Scotia and took the Cat from Bar Harbor to Yarmouth. Yes, it takes 2 3/4 hours, and yes, I too get motion sickness easily. Fortunately, it was smooth sailing on the way to N.S. and I arrived in Yarmouth in good shape, but the seas were a bit choppy on the trip back, and I landed in Bar Harbor somewhat queasy, in spite of my ginger pills and Dramamine. Getting some air can be tricky for two reasons: the deck is relatively small, (most of the ship is enclosed), and if the seas are choppy, the winds can be ferocious. As for the bathrooms, I did not encounter full bathrooms on either end of the trip, in fact, the ship was maybe 1/2 full going (Aug. 25) and there were even less people on the return trip (Aug. 28), which surprised me, given that it is the high season. All in all, it worked out fine, although, in my opinion, a bit pricey: round trip for two people and a small car came to $422 (U.S.). Good luck, and have a great time, whatever you do.