A trip aboard Fundy Rose

 It's been almost a year already since the Fundy Rose began service between Digby and Saint John.  Before then, questions lingered for how long ferry service on the Bay of Fundy between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick would last.  In 2006, there was concern the route would be discontinued until the Federal Government in Ottawa and the two Provincial governments helped out the ferry service that fall.  Since then, concern mounted on the age of the ferry at the time the Princess of Acadia, built in 1971 (link on one of my final trips here).  In 2013, it was announced the Federal Government would find a suitable replacement.  Finally, in late 2014, a replacement vessel was found and entered service the following summer.  The ship was formerly known as the iconic Blue Star Ithaki built in 2000 in Korea and connected Piraeus, Greece to many islands in the country.  As a regular user of the ferry service, here's the experience with a few photos from my recent trips aboard.

 Embarking the ferry on foot is almost like her previous routes in Greece, walking towards the stern ramp in Digby and taking the elevators to deck 6. There is also a shuttle bus for those wishing to embark the ship via bus and those needing assistance for embarkation/disembarkation.  There is also a luggage van for walk on passengers carrying luggage.  Car deck G5 is dedicated to passenger vehicle traffic while Truck deck G3 is dedicated to tractor trailers, but can take on cars/trucks if not a whole lot of tractor trailers.

 The open deck on deck 7 still features a bar area (only open during the summer peak season)  Now named the Crow's Nest, it was formerly the open deck Flocafe while operating for Blue Star Ferries.  Deck 7 also had cabins and a sickbay during previous service, now, all dedicated to the crew.

The majority of her interior from her Blue Star Ferries days remain intact, although there are name changes and perhaps different menu options.  However, a noticeable change in her interior is the air seats in the movie lounges and carpeting.  This one near the reception lounge, with now a Truckers lounge and business center with phone charging stations forward of the air seat lounge.  Business class lounge is now open to all passengers and named Fortune lounge, The midship Flocafe is now named Midship Cafe and proudly serves Starbucks beverages and coffee along with light snacks. The Hellenic Travel Shops is now named the Fundy Treasures Gift Shop and features momentos of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, the Bay of Fundy and the ship itself. Next to the air seat movie lounge on her starboard side is a children's play area supervised in peak season.  The former Goody's restaurant is now the Acadia Eatery, the main cafeteria aboard the ship.The small Flocafe next to the cafeteria is now a visitor information center.

 While in Greece, the majority (if not all) of her loading and unloading was at the stern.  Now, the ship loads/unloads from the stern in Digby and the bow in Saint John (pictured).  Since the opening in the front is narrower than in the back, it is highly recommended that boarding the vessel on foot is with the shuttle bus while in Saint John. (a crew member gives the signal for passengers walking off the ship and on the ramp).

With her days linking islands in Greece to the Greek mainland behind her, Fundy Rose makes the link between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick in approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes in peak traffic seasons and 2 hours 45 minutes in the shoulder seasons.

At the berth in Digby preparing to bring passengers and freight to New Brunswick.

Reviewing the Fundy Rose, she is by far the best and most pleasant ferry experience I ever had.  A modern interior, and enhanced amenities along with the same courteous crew from her predecessor.  It's safe to say, the former Blue Star Ithaki has found a friend in her new home and, as a regular user of the service, look forward to sailing aboard for many years to come.

More interior photos

 The seating in both hallways (minus chairs on the opposite side) remains unchanged from her previous service and all the amenities are clearly marked for passengers.

 The Midship cafe (former Flocafe midship) proudly serves Starbucks beverages and light snacks.

 Seating in the Acadia Eatery (former Goody's) and visitor information center (former small Flocafe).

The Fortune Lounge (former business class lounge) open to all passengers.  Named in honor of Rose Fortune.

Links on her career in Greece (and interior references)
ellinikiaktoploia.net (with photos of her interior and before/during Transatlantic crossing)
arxipelagos.com (ship interior)