The Nova Star ferry operates between Portland, Maine and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia where the family is destined for a one week vacation. The 1-year old Nova Star measures 528 feet in length and has a 30,436 HP engine which propels the vessel along at 21 knots. The over-night voyage takes ll hours during which we spent most of the time sleeping in our cabin. In addition to accommodations for 711 passengers, the boat features a casino, several restaurants, a Karaoke bar, a piano bar, and an outside dance floor. While waiting to board the ferry the kids entertained themselves playing hacky sack. We set sail at about 8pm with a pilot boat escorting us out of the harbor past Fort Scammell on House Island.