January 13, 2000
(Works, Services and Transportation)

The following is being distributed at the request of Marine Atlantic:

Ferry bookings available soon

Marine Atlantic expects to begin accepting ferry reservations for the 2000 summer season this weekend.

The company is now in the advanced stages of seeking a third passenger vessel to provide increased capacity to and from Newfoundland. However, it has become clear that some travellers are most anxious to make their arrangements early for what promises to be a very busy tourism season. To meet their concerns, booking requests will be accepted for selected sailings beginning on Saturday, January 15. Additional ferry crossings will be opened for reservations once arrangements for the new vessel have been finalized.

Reservation staff will begin computer data entry for the schedule very shortly. Once this process is completed, all customers will be contacted with their confirmation.

"We're very pleased at the prospect of being able to offer a major increase in available capacity during the peak season," said acting CEO Darrell Weaver. "This, we believe, will be a significant forward step for the tourism industry, commercial highway carriers and indeed for all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.

"With the capacity issue resolved, we will be able to concentrate on giving our customers the high quality ferry service that they quite rightfully expect."

Media contact: Ted Bartlett, Director public relations, (506) 851-3611

2000 01 13                                         12:20 p.m.