The Bowen Queen is back on the Crofton-Vesuvius route, but for a much longer duration this time.
The ferry once served as a temporary replacement for the MV Quinitsa from Dec. 1-9, 2019. It returned again on April Fool’s Day this year – not a joke – and is due to remain in service on the route until Oct. 11.
“The MV Bowen Queen has more vehicle capacity and has better operational speed than the MV Quinitsa,” noted Astrid Chang, manager of corporate communications for British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. “Passengers are advised the MV Bowen Queen has washroom facilities available on the car deck during the voyage.”
BC Ferries points out there is limited over height space due to the deck configuration of the Bowen Queen so all vehicles over 6’8” in height will be sorted to the over height lanes to maximize loading capacity.
“The Quinitsa has moved to Buckley Bay so the Baynes Sound Connector can undergo annual planned maintenance,” explained Chang.
The Howe Sound Queen that operated on the Crofton-Vesuvius route since 1992 was taken out of service in 2019. The vessel was sold in an auction.
Related story: Howe Sound Queen sailing toward retirement
The MV Quinitsa was put into service as its replacement after previously being on the Denman Island-Buckley Bay route.
The Quinitsa was built in 1977, making it about 13 years younger than the Howe Sound Queen, but with a slightly smaller capacity for vehicles. It will be back to take over for the Bowen Queen in the next round of ferry roulette after the Thanksgiving weekend.
For up-to-date sailing and departure information, customers can follow @BC Ferries on Twitter, visit the Current Conditions webpage at www.bcferries.com or call toll free at 1-888-223-3779.
