1. Why should I take the Fast Ferry versus driving?
2. What is the ships size?
3. What is the ship capacity?
4. How many round trips per day?
5. How long is the Ferry trip?
6. Must a guest disembark on round trips?
1. Is the ferry wheelchair accessible?
2. What is the pet policy?
3. Is there a smoking area?
4. In case of emergency?
5. In light of recent world events, what security measures are being taken?
6. Will there be gambling on board?
7. Will the Ferry be responsible for missed events or connections due to delays?
8. Should I make a reservation?
1. Where are the terminals?
2. Is there public transit from the terminals in Toronto?
3. Is there secure parking near the terminals? How much will it cost?
1. What type of identification is required?
2. Do I need my passport travelling between countries?
3. Where are Customs and Immigration located and what will the process be like?
Why should I take the Fast Ferry versus driving?
The fast ferry has been designed not as a replacement for driving but as an
exciting new alternative. It will provide a safe, reliable and stress free
method of traveling, all year round. The ferry will have eating and drinking
establishments, duty free shopping, a play area for kids, satellite television
throughout and 2 theaters with plasma screen televisions. It is meant to be a
total travel experience, and could become the best part of your trip. For those
that will be conducting business while traveling, the Fast Ferry will enhance
your productivity through access to wireless internet connections, phone
services and the comfort of a business lounge.
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What is the ships size?
The ship measures 86.563 meters (284 ft) in length and the width is 23.8 meters
(78 ft). To give you some idea of its impressive size, it is as tall as a 5
story building, nearly as long as football field, and bigger than a jumbo jet.
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What is the ship capacity?
The ferry holds approximately 750 people, up to 220 vehicles and up to 10 buses
or trucks in various combinations.
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How many round trips per day?
The Fast Ferry will operate year round. Our goal is to have 3 round trips every
day.
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How long is the Ferry trip?
It takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes from port to port. Approximate
time for loading and disembarking is 17 minutes respectively.
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Must a guest disembark on round trips?
Due to security reasons, government authorities have informed CATS
that everyone must disembark and re-board. Those passengers in vehicles who
came via their own means will have to be in their individual vehicles when
departing the ferry and will be processed as a group. Those who have walked on
will simply proceed to the arrival area and proceed through the customs
process.
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Is the ferry wheelchair accessible?
The Fast Ferry is wheelchair accessible and was built in accordance to the
American Disabilities Act as it applies to marine transportation. Further, to
make boarding and disembarking easier, there is an elevator connecting the car
deck to the passenger deck.
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What is the pet policy?
The ferry will not have any special accommodations for pets. Those traveling by
motorized transportation can leave their pets in their vehicle. However, once
the ferry departs NO guests are allowed on the vehicle deck. In addition, there
are individual certificates required by government authorities to transport
pets across the board. At a minimum, proof of rabies vaccination will be
required.
USA's Policy on Pets: http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/prohibited_restricted.xml#Pets
Canada's Policy on Pets: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/import/petse.shtml
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Is there a smoking area?
Smoking will be permitted on the exterior deck areas only. Smoking will not be
permitted on any of the enclosed decks or interior areas of the ferry.
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In case of emergency?
The crew will be trained to the highest standards and fully prepared perform
all emergency procedures. There will be life preservers for everyone onboard
and many others. The ferry is equipped with 4 emergency evacuation systems
equipped with life rafts which would be utilized if the ferry has to be
abandoned.
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In light of recent world events, what security measures are
being taken?
The Fast Ferry will be one of the newest border crossings between Canada and
the US. Border security procedures will be enforced under the auspices of the
US and Canadian authorities.
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Will there be gambling on board?
There will be no gambling onboard the Ferry, however there is a children's play
area, two movie lounges and a games room.
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Will the Ferry be responsible for missed events or connections
due to delays?
The schedule of the Ferry is designed to accommodate short delays due to
weather, etc. With regard to attending popular shows, games or flights, CATS
can not assume liability for missed commitments or connections.
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Should I make a reservation?
Availability onboard the ferry can never be guaranteed, however CATS encourages
"walk-on" passengers who plan on purchasing a ticket at the terminal to arrive
1 hour prior to the departure of The Cat.
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Where are the terminals?
The beachfront ferry terminal is located on the Genesee River in Charlotte,
about a 15 - 20 minute drive to downtown Rochester, NY. It is approximately 1
mile from the Lake Ontario State Parkway and the connecting national interstate
highway system.
Directions to the Terminal:
Rochester Terminal
1000 North River Street
Rochester, NY
The ferry terminal in Toronto is located at the end of Cherry
Street off of Lakeshore Drive, approximately 1 mile from the Gardiner
Expressway and a 1 1/4 mile taxi or shuttle ride to Yonge Street. The terminal
provides a dramatic panoramic view of downtown and the inner harbor.
Directions to the Terminal:
Toronto Terminal
8 Unwin Avenue
Toronto, ON
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Is there public transit from the terminals in Toronto?
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) will operate bus service every day between
the Cherry Street Ferry Terminal and Union Station, located in the heart of
downtown Toronto. Buses on the 72B and 172 routes will serve the ferry
terminal, and will be operating at approximately 15 to 20 minute intervals.
The bus will connect to the city subway system and pass a couple of
premier tourist attractions along the way, including the Distillery historic
district and the Esplanade area.
A one-way trip will take about 15 minutes. The cost is $2.25 CDN
and exact change is necessary. The TTC will accept U.S. coins but will not
provide exchange. The TTC also offers an unlimited day pass for $7.75 CDN.
Click here to see the Route Map.
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Is there secure parking near the terminals? How much will it
cost?
CATS will own the parking lot at the port of Rochester in Charlotte. There will
be paid parking but the cost has yet to be determined. The lot will protected
by closed circuit camera systems.
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What type of identification is required?
CATS is required to submit a manifest with all guests and crew aboard to the
authorities fifteen minutes after vessel departure. CATS is required to provide
the following information for each guest on the manifest: full name, date of
birth, passport number and/or visa number. If a passenger does not have a
passport, the passenger has the responsibility to provide identification to
verify citizenship or residency in either Canada or the U.S. CATS is not
responsible for identification.
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SDo I need my passport travelling between countries?
Travelers will be passing through Customs separate from CATS; however we
suggest that you bring your passport, the responsibility for ensuring proper
documentation rests with the passenger and not with CATS.
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Where are Customs and Immigration located and what will the
process be like?
There will be two customs/homeland security interfaces. The first will be prior
to boarding for security. The second interface will be disembarking at the port
of destination. CATS and customs are working together to have this process as
quick and efficient as possible. Guests should be advised that the process
similar to those they encounter at the border and at airports. Due to the
importance of security, CATS cannot predict the amount of time to clear
customs.
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