Frequently asked questions

Is it really free?

Yes. FerryB’y is free to use — no paid tier, no trial, and we never take payment. If it saves your trip there's a tip jar, and that's the whole business model.

Do you book the ticket for me?

Never. When space opens we email you; you book it yourself on Marine Atlantic's official site, with your own account and your own payment details. FerryB’y stays out of the transaction entirely — you stay in control.

Are you affiliated with Marine Atlantic?

No. FerryB’y is an independent tool, not affiliated with or endorsed by Marine Atlantic. It was built by someone who rides this ferry and got tired of refreshing the booking page.

The sailing I need is sold out — how would space open up?

Plans change. Cancellations and released holds happen every day, right up to departure — sold out isn't final. The catch is that released space goes to whoever happens to be looking at that moment. A watch makes sure that's you.

How does a watch work?

You describe your crossing: route, travel dates with up to seven days of flex either side, who's travelling, your vehicle, and any cabin or kennel you can't sail without — plus a return leg if you need one. The watch then checks every sailing in your window and alerts you only when space matches all of it.

A watch runs for three days from the moment you create it, and it's one active watch per account. When it ends you get a short summary email — and you can start a fresh watch if you're still hunting.

How quickly will I hear about an opening?

Within minutes. One shared checker sweeps every watched sailing about every five minutes, around the clock — one polite, human-paced visitor no matter how many people are watching. The moment a sweep finds matching space, your alert is on its way.

What happens after the alert?

Move fast — released space can go as quickly as it came. Open Marine Atlantic's site and book. Your watch keeps running for the rest of its three days: you're alerted once per opening, never twice for the same space, and again if it closes and reopens or another sailing in your window opens up. Once you're booked, delete the watch and sail happy.

Which routes do you cover?

Both Marine Atlantic crossings, in both directions: North Sydney ↔ Port aux Basques, and the seasonal North Sydney ↔ Argentia run. The route list comes straight from Marine Atlantic's own booking system, so if they sell it, you can watch it.

Do I need an account, and what happens to my email?

Yes — alerts travel by email, so you register and verify the address they should reach. That's all it's used for: alerts from your watch and the account emails around them. No newsletter, no marketing, nothing shared with anyone — and every alert carries a one-click unsubscribe.