Nova Star leaving Yarmouth for Florida this weekend

The Nova Star ferry is leaving Yarmouth on Saturday for Fort Pierce, Florida.

A spokesman for Nova Star Cruises says the move to a warmer climate will reduce operations and maintenance costs during the off season and ensure it is ready if winter work is secured.

Nova Star Cruises is in advanced discussion to have Nova Star operate a winter route this season, said Sean Lewis in an email.

Lewis says Nova Star Cruises is responsible for the berthing fees in Fort Pierce, but is not saying how much they will be.

In total, the ferry had 59,000 passengers in its inaugural season, well short of the companys goal of 100,000 passengers.

By July, Nova Star Cruises had already used up the $21 million in funding which it was promised by the provincial government.

The company announced in September that it would be shortening the sailing season by three weeks, with the final voyage taking place Oct. 13, rather than Nov. 2.

In October, the province committed another $5 million to the owners of the ferry, bringing the total investment to $26 million.