Modern and Accessible Design: On Board Marine Atlantic’s Brand New Ala’suinu

Marine Atlantic is showing off its newest vessel as it prepares to depart from Argentia for the first time.

With a backdrop of grey skies, fog, and a little drizzle, the the Ala’suinu stands tall in the harbour.

With just one crossing under its belt, having arrived in the port this morning, the vessel still looks and feels like new—from the blue and yellow paint on the floor of the parking area, all the way up through the ship.

There are numerous seating areas for passengers in both private and more public settings, recreational areas, and areas specifically designed for pet owners.

A private cabin on board the Ala’suinu (VOCM News)

A massive skylight brings in natural light to many of those areas.

The ship also has many accessibility features on board, including spacious hallways and stairways, accessible cabins—including specialized ones for people requiring medical care, and features for those who are visually impaired such as special flooring on the landings of the stairwells for people to know where they are.

A cabin specialized for those with medical needs (VOCM News)

The ship also puts a focus on local and Indigenous products in its giftshops and menu items, and Indigenous artwork adorns the walls in every stairwell.

Over 450 people are expected on tonight’s crossing to Nova Scotia.

An area dedicated to pets on board the Ala’suinu (VOCM News)