Balearia Bahamas Express - Paradise Just Became Closer

Online, April 17, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Miami, FL - Balearia Bahamas Express, owned by Spanish ferry operator Balearia, and the Capo group, announces the first ferry service between mainland America and the picturesque shores of the Bahama Islands. The hi-speed vessel, christened 'Pinar del Rio', operates daily except Wednesday, between Fort Lauderdale and Grand Bahama Island. Decorated in vibrant colors depicting the seabed, Pinar del Río bears a design by famed Spanish fashion designer, Custo Barcelona. The service offers travelers the opportunity to begin their vacation before they arrive at their destination.

Balearia Bahamas Express, accommodating 463 passengers, is an appealing alternative to air travel. Sailing at a comfortable 32 knots, the vessel undertakes the 76-mile crossing in just two and a one-half hours. With a convenient schedule, the service is ideal for a one-day excursion or overnight adventure. Departing from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades Terminal One at 10 a.m. bound for the breathtaking isle of white sand and blue skies, the ferry arrives into Freeport Harbour at 12:30 pm. The return trip departs at 7:30 p.m. and arrives into Fort Lauderdale 10 p.m.

Balearia Bahamas Express offers two types of seating areas: Economy and VIP 1 Day/First Class. Day-trippers can choose either the Economy day rate of $49.50 or the VIP 1 Day rate of $65 and overnighters, the Economy rate of $75 or the First Class rate of $90. First Class seating provides passengers large reclining seats, extended legroom, and privacy.

Additional charges comprise a Bahamas Departure Tax of $18 and operational charge of $12.50. Children up to six years of age only pay the operational charge. In addition, starting April 1st, Balearia Bahamas Express will allow kenneled cats and dogs, with valid vaccination documentation, to travel along with their guardians at the price of $80 or $100 depending upon weight.

Check-in requires a valid passport and guests are allowed up to two pieces of hand luggage at no extra charge. To ensure passengers travel in comfort and style, the onboard amenities include; a cafe-bar stocked with a variety of delicacies, audiovisual equipment for movie viewing, a baby changing station, and a duty free gift shop offering a wide selection of gifts and keepsakes. And for those who prefer to take in all the sights the voyage holds, spacious decks to relax and unwind. Balearia Bahamas Express, where the ride is as fun as the vacation.

Reservations can be made at www.ferryexpress.com; the Balearia Bahamas Express ticket office at Port Everglades Terminal One in Fort Lauderdale; the Port Offices on Grand Bahama Island or by calling the U.S. Reservations Office at (305) 370-2323.

About Balearia Bahamas Express
Balearia Bahamas Express is a company dedicated to maritime transport, that offers fast-ferry service between Port Everglades (Florida) and Freeport (Grand Bahama). It is owned mostly by the Spanish group Balearia and the local partner, the Capo group.

Balearia is the leading Spanish shipping company in the passenger and goods transport sector in the Spanish Mediterranean. The company operates regular services in the Balearic Islands and also in the Strait of Gibraltar, where it is the second largest operator in terms of passenger traffic. Balearia has been characterized from the outset by its continual growth and expansion, both due to the opening of new markets and routes and due to the incorporation of new ships.

The company was created in 1998, and currently employs a staff of approximately 1000 people. During 2010 it transported close to 3 million passengers and 3 million lineal meters of cargo, with a fleet of 15 ships.