Still no ship movements to report, but starting the month of November with a big topic for the next few months as fall turns to winter: Cancellations during stormy weather. Over the last few years, none were more criticized about than Marine Atlantic on this end of the country, that being said, however, I am not critical of any decisions made of when or when not sailing as the conditions on the Cabot Strait are one of the most severe in this area when it comes to ferry services.The Highlanders (pictured above in this July 27, 2013 photo) and its sister ship Blue Puttees have been heavily criticized since arriving from Europe for not sailing as much as their predecessors in winter time, however, I've been hearing that they're pretty darn good ice breakers. I'm positive, in my mind, these two ferries can sail in the worst of winter, but for fuel consumption and passenger safety and comfort, it would not be the ideal conditions to sail in.
Now, to a ship specifically built for the Bay of Fundy, the Princess of Acadia (pictured above in this February 16, 2013 file photo) has had its share of weather related cancellations over her 42 year career between the ports of Saint John and Digby under three different operators. No matter what the ferry service, it's always the master (Captain) of the vessel who has the authority to make cancellations or sailing schedule changes under stormy weather and I truly respect their decision to head out or not. My philosophy, no matter what ship runs where, cancellations and schedule changes will arise no matter how much we dislike them.
Even in the summer time, Marine Atlantic chains down the drop trailers for safety. On board the Blue Puttees on July 28, 2013
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