Bahamas Express on Feb. 26 will launch "Bahama
Mama," a cruise ferry offering three-hour crossings
between Fort Lauderdale and Freeport Harbour,
Grand Bahama Island.
Bahama Mama replaces the Pinar del Rio ferry, which
offered the same route on a daily basis.
The 1,000-passenger cruise ferry features economy
and first-class seating, private suites, a pool, lounges, a casino,
entertainment, a restaurant, bars and cafes, duty-free shopping and cargo
capacity.
The daily schedule calls for an 8 a.m. departure
from Fort Lauderdale with arrival at 11 a.m.; the return trip departs Grand
Bahama Island at 7 p.m., arriving at 10 p.m.
Roundtrip prices effective March 1 are economy, $206; first-class, $250. Prices for suites on Bahama Mama are not yet
available.
There will be overnight hotel packages with
properties on Grand Bahama, although the prices have not yet been determined,
according to a spokesman.
Bahamas Express is part of Balearia Group, a
Spanish shipping company with routes in the Mediterranean.