The Breeze: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

The Breeze is the name of a ferry service across Lake Ontario linking Toronto, Ontario to Rochester, New York. It was launched June 17, 2004. The ship, whose formal name is Spirit of Ontario is an 86.6 metre catamaran constructed in Australia by Austal Ships. The ferry can carry 774 passengers, 238 cars or 10 trucks and 150 cars. Travel time is usually around 2.5 hours, plus security and customs processing.

Amenities aboard the ship include a cafeteria, two bars, two movie theatres, a children's play room, and an arcade. Additionally, television and Internet service are provided via satellite.

The launch of the service was originally scheduled for May 1, 2004, but the ship struck a pier while docking in New York City on April 1, 2004, requiring emergency repairs to the hull before it could continue through the St. Lawrence Seaway. The ship then required unrelated engine repairs before the launch of the service, delaying the launch date further and casting doubt about the reliability of the service.

Doubt about the long-term viability of The Breeze continues on both sides of the lake. The first few weeks of service were plagued by technical problems and low ridership.

Canadian American Transportation Systems, the operator of The Breeze, has recently applied for a Department of Transportation loan to expand their service offerings. They are also actively lobbying U.S. Customs and Border Protection for authorization to transport commercial tractor-trailer traffic aboard the ferry.