GULF OF MAINE — The Nova Star’s maiden voyage is in the books. The ship returned to Portland on Friday night, after leaving for Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Thursday night.
The voyage marked the return of luxury cruise-ferry service across the Gulf of Maine.
Dot Starkweather from Biddeford said, “I think it’s absolutely wonderful. The Nova Scotia people need this tourism, they really do. And Portland does, too.” Passengers told WGME they were impressed with the ship, and all she has to offer. There was live music, fine dining and a buffet, a spa and a casino.
Bob and Muriel McGuire told WGME this sure beats driving to Nova Scotia. Muriel McGuire of Gorham said, “I think it’s great. It saved us two and a half days of travel.”
Passengers woke up Friday morning to the ship cruising into the harbor of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. With no ship to bring tourists here the last four years, Yarmouth’s economy suffered. People in Yarmouth are again looking forward to tourist season. Hundreds of people waved flags and greeted passengers.
Pam Mood, the mayor of Yarmouth, said, “I kind of lost it on the ship when I saw the response. But I expected it. It’s a great community and they’re just so happy to see this ship.” Mayor Mood told WGME businesses were hiring, adding that the Nova Star has instilled hope back in the people of Yarmouth.
On the return trip to Portland, a number of Nova Scotians brought cars with them. Charles and Joe LeBlanc say even with the car and a cabin, the price is less than half what it costs to fly.
Charles LeBlanc, who lives 12 miles from Yarmouth, said, “That’s not bad at all. If you fly it’s $1,600. And then you get to Portland, you don’t have a car.” He went on to say “I think people from Portland and from the states, and from Yarmouth, everybody should try it.”
The Nova Star has been a dream, four years in the making. The managing partners and the Province of Nova Scotia have invested a great deal of time, energy, and money into this venture. And they are hoping it pays off this summer, and many summers to come.