Our History

Blog posts on Marine Atlantic ferries throughout history.

the ss charlottetown docked
The SS Charlottetown Named after the capital of Prince Edward Island, this vessel was the most powerful ice-breaker ferry of its time. The ocean-going steamship served the PEI-New Brunswick crossing from 1931 to 1941.
Learn More
the atlantica docked
The MV Marine Atlantica Along with sister ship the MV Marine Atlantica, this vessel tripled commercial capacity on the Cabot Strait when it was introduced in 1975. It serviced the Port aux Basques–North Sydney crossing until 1987.
Learn More
blue porthole on parchment paper textured background
Proud of our History - the SS Prospero
Learn more
people waiting to board the ss john hamilton gray
The MV John Hamilton Gray Named in honour of two Fathers of Confederation, this reliable ferry with icebreaker capabilities served the increased traffic travelling throughout Atlantic Canada from 1968 to 1997.
Learn More
blue bell on parchment paper textured background
Proud of our History - the North Sydney Terminal
Learn more
Image of the Princess of Acadia docking in Digby, Circa 1970s
The SS Princess of Acadia Able to carry up to 1,000 passengers, 120 cars, and boxcar freight, this vessel significantly increased capacity for the Bay of Fundy service from 1963 to 1971.
Learn More
Ship docked with hills covered in snow in the background
SS Patrick Morris Named in honour of the well-known 19th century Newfoundland politician, this large vessel significantly increased freight capacity on the Port aux Basques–North Sydney crossing between 1965 and 1970.
Learn More
Black and white image of the SS Bruce
The Original SS Bruce The first vessel to make the Port aux Basques–North Sydney crossing, the original SS Bruce was a reliable icebreaker. From 1898 to 1911, it made over 2,000 trips and transported 350,000 passengers.
Learn More
the mv vacationland sailing into port
The Vacationland Along with sister ship the MV Holiday Island, this vessel was built to manage increased summer tourism traffic to Prince Edward Island. It serviced the PEI-New Brunswick crossing from 1971 to 1997.
Learn More
blue life preserver ring on parchment paper textured background
Proud of our History - the MV Taverner
Learn more
blue lighthouse on parchment paper textured background
Proud of our History - the Newfoundland Dockyard
Learn more
the helene docked
The SS Princess Helene The first passenger car ferry between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, this vessel could carry significantly more passengers, vehicles, and freight than its predecessors and served from 1930 to 1963.
Learn More