Nova Star ferry that runs between Maine, Nova Scotia will end season a few weeks early

The Nova Star ferry that runs between Portland, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, is ending its first season a few weeks early.

Company officials said Monday that the ferry will depart Portland for the last time on Oct. 14 instead of Nov. 2, as originally planned.

Mark Amundsen, president and CEO of Nova Star Cruises, said the company decided to wrap up the season early to "focus our efforts on building business for next year."

Business got off to a slow start in the spring but is picking up. Nova Star had more than 20,000 passengers in August.

The 650 passengers hurt by the early cancellation will get a full refund, along with a free reservation for the remainder of the current season, or half-price on a booking next season.