More details about the new downtown Vancouver to downtown Nanaimo ferry service launching this summer have been released online, including schedules, amenities and ticket prices.
Hullo will have two boats in service by early August, though an exact date won't be announced until July. They've finished sea trials in Vietnam and are on their way via a massive cargo ship to B.C.'s West Coast now.
The new company is planning up to seven round-trip sailings from the beginning, with the first sailing leaving Vancouver at 8 a.m. each day and the last leaving Vancouver at 9:30 p.m., though that is flexible depending on special events in the city. On the Nanaimo side, the first sailing leaves at 6 a.m. and the last leaves at 7:30 p.m. Trips will be 70 minutes.
How much are tickets?
Tickets will be split into three categories: comfort, premium and business. Comfort, the cheapest ticket, will be $40 one-way. The basic amenities include reserved seating and Wi-Fi access; comfort passengers will be limited to the main deck.
Premium tickets will be $10 more at $50. Guests get access to the upper deck, high-speed Wi-Fi and USB charging ports. Business class, the top tier at $60, adds priority off-boarding and complimentary snacks and beverages.
Infants will ride free in comfort, $30 for the premium tier and $40 for business class. Children's tickets will be $20 less than adult tickets. Seniors will get a discount on comfort tickets, which will be $20. For premium and business, it'll be the same for seniors as adults.
Pets, so long as they fit on a person's lap or in a carrier, will be allowed, as will bicycles (which will have a specific stowing area).
