A Great Travel Decision
We decided to look into how to travel on THE CAT Ferry when it was getting closer to our drive home. The drive back to Massachusetts USA from Digby, Nova Scotia is a 13.5 hour drive with no traffic, rest stops for food and the washroom. We probably would have cut the trip in half and stayed somewhere overnight, so the trip would be more tolerable.
We researched THE CAT on their website at http://www.ferries.ca They were offering a discount if we reserved online. THE CAT sounded like a good deal!
A Painless Embarkation Experience
It was a one and a half hour drive to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, where the port is located. We were greeted by port staff and the vehicles were arranged for our embarkation on The CAT.
Once on board, you must bring everything that you want/need during the journey, as you are not permitted on the vehicle deck once the ferry has left the port.
It was a foggy morning in Yarmouth and the seas were a little rough so all three of us took Dramamine to be safe. I am pleased to say that all three of us felt great during our ocean crossing.
Our Amazing Time On THE CAT
Our journey on THE CAT was approximately 5 1/2 hours long. We disembarked in Portland Maine, which for us is another 2 1/2 hours home. It was great being in Canada in the morning and arriving at home by late afternoon!!
THE CAT can transport at least 700 passengers and 200 regular commuting vehicles. This ferry also transport buses and RV’s.
They offer a comfortable and relaxing traveling environment. Upon entering THE CAT, we observed a large seating area as well as several televisions. The televisions were mounted down from the ceiling, for travelers enjoyment.
We found bench seating at the front of the vessel, so we were able to kick off our shoes, lay down and take a nap. THE CAT was truly a very comfortable traveling experience!
Delicious Food and Wonderful Entertainment
The ferry has the following three cafe’s for food, snacks, desserts and drinks: The Sip Cafe, Scotia Market Cafeteria, and Forchu Lounge. I had a marvelous coffee and a peanut butter cookie with chocolate chips. Yes, I am definitely adding that cookie to my list of favorites!
We also enjoyed the popcorn, while watching an onboard movie in the movie area. Jim also enjoyed a breakfast sandwich while onboard too.
THE CAT also offers the Forchu lounge, where they serve local wine and craft beer from Nova Scotia. You can pair your drink with cheese and crackers, scallops wrapped in bacon or other specialty treats.
The Scotia Market gift shop can also assist you with any last-minute souvenirs. Here, they also have a small travel consultant area. This area is to help with any travel plans you are scheduling upon your Nova Scotia arrival.
THE CAT didn’t forget the little ones either. They have a space for them too, called Little Mates Quarters. A great place for the children to play!!
Awesome Picturesque Ocean Views
There was also an open viewing area at the back of THE CAT. The area offered a seating and standing area outside the ferry. A nice area to enjoy the sea breezes and take in the ocean views. Jim enjoyed the ocean views as we made our journey across the sea.
Jim did spend a good share of time there snapping pictures and watching for whales and dolphins. He was lucky enough to see a few dolphin fins on the way back to Maine and THE CAT staff shared that it was not uncommon to see whales as well.
THE CAT is a beautiful ride into Portland, Maine. As you come into the harbor you are greeted by light houses, the beautiful skyline of Portland’s waterfront and so much more! Jim especially enjoyed taking pictures of the beautiful Portland waterfront.
An Outstanding Traveling Experience
We really enjoyed our experience on THE CAT and would highly recommend it! I know that I can get seasick easily, so I would take some Dramamine even on a calm sea day just to be safe. The time and expenses we saved made this traveling decision well worth it!!
Remember that you are entering another country when you take THE CAT so documentation of citizenship is required! We have passports, so those worked out just fine for us.
Have you had a chance to experience THE CAT? If not, this may be the perfect mode of transportation for either you or your family! We found the ferry to be a great deal all the way around and we would definitely travel on THE CAT again!!
Happy Travels!!
