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Last Updated: Dec 29, 2011 - 2:18:31 AM |
 The Bahamas Express service, which belongs to the Baleària Group, links Grand Bahama to Fort Lauderdale (Florida)
The Baleària Group marks today a new milestone in its achievements with the beginning of the high speed maritime transport service between Fort Lauderdale (north of Miami, USA) and Grand Bahama island.The new service, which operates under the Bahamas Express brand, is a firm commitment to the internationalization of the company and also, therefore, to consolidating the company’s growth in the current economic climate.
The fast ferry Pinar del Río will operate the new service between Florida and the Bahamas, which undertakes the 76 mile crossing in two and a half hours. Baleària Bahamas Express operates on a daily basis, except on Wednesdays, departing from Fort Lauderdale at 10:00 and returning at 19:30, allowing US passengers to take day trips to Grand Bahama island.
The President of Baleària, Adolfo Utor, highlighted the potential of this area of the Caribbean and explained that it complements the routes which the company operates in the Mediterranean. Utor also pointed out that there is a market of over 200,000 passengers per year on this new route adding that the company is also working on opening another connection to the island of Bimini, also in the Bahamas. He also stated that despite the fact that at present the company only transports passengers, Baleària’s aim for the future is to bring to the United States the mixed route model (passengers, vehicles and cargo) that the shipping company works with in Spain. Baleària has invested 4 million Euros in the launching of this new route.
"The Bahamas Express service provides an important link between South Florida and The Bahamas" said David Johnson, director general of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. "It is an affordable and easily accessible option that appeals to a variety of travelers, particularly families and for those seeking a relaxing and hassle free route to The Bahamas. We look forward to treating guests to our Bahamian hospitality, whether coming for a day or staying for a week."
The fast ferry Pinar del Río, which sails at a speed of 32 knots, has a capacity to hold up to 463 passengers. Furthermore, the ship boasts different services such as a bar-cafeteria, duty free shop and tourist class and first class accommodation, among others. This ship sports a design by the well-known fashion designer Custo Barcelona on its hull. The interior will also be decorated with the same graphics, which depict the sea bed and are dominated by bright colors.
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