February 3, 1997
(Works, Services and Transportation)
The following is being distributed at the request of
Marine Atlantic:
Ferry space readily available for Cabot 500
summer
There's still ample opportunity to reserve passenger and
vehicle space on Marine Atlantic's Newfoundland ferries this
summer. Company president Rod Morrison told the annual convention
of Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador over the weekend that
bookings to date for June, July and August amount to 9.7 per cent
of the available vehicle deck space.
"There is no doubt we will carry more people between this
island and the mainland in 1997 than ever before," Morrison
told the tourism industry gathering. "The only question is
by how much will we break the record."
In recognition of the Cabot 500 celebrations, Marine Atlantic
began accepting reservations for the coming summer season back on
November 12, several months earlier than usual. As of last
Friday, there were 11,411 vehicle spaces booked on the
superferries Caribou and Smallwood between North Sydney and the
island during the three summer months. Associated with these
vehicles were 32,435 passengers.
Analysis of projected demand by both the ferry company and the
provincial transportation department indicate that there should
be ample capacity to meet demand. But, Marine Atlantic is
suggesting that passengers should book as early as they can.
"Rumours that the ships are already sold out are
completely unfounded," Morrison emphasized. "Although a
few sailings in mid-summer are approaching their booking limit,
none are yet at capacity."
He added that the company continues to monitor the booking
levels, but there is as yet no indication that volumes will
exceed the anticipated levels.
Contact: Ted Bartlett, Director of Public Relations, (709)
772-5731, or (506) 851-3611.
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