December 18, 2011
Bahamas Express Ferry Service Commences Between Lauderdale and Grand Bahama
Robert Doyle READ TIME: 2 MIN.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - The Bale�ria Group announced 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 R�o will operate the new service between the United States and the Bahamas, which undertakes the 76 mile crossing in two and a half hours. Bale�ria 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 Gran Bahama island.
The President of Bale�ria, 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, Bale�ria'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. Bale�ria 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 R�o, 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.
Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.
