Bimini Sands HomeOwner has had a few questions from folks about the "fast ferry" that is supposed to connect Florida and Bimini Bahamas. The newspapers started writing about this almost a year ago and here is the latest article that I could find from the Sun Sentinal:
Bahamas Express ferry starts up with mixed reviews
December 18, 2011|By Doreen Hemlock, Sun SentinelJudging from its first-day crossing, the high-speed ferry linking Fort Lauderdale with the Bahamas holds promise for speed but faces hurdles on a route long fraught with problems, passengers said.
The Bahamas Express ferry company made Friday's first passenger trip in three hours each way, with customers asked to arrive at least 90 minutes before the trip and needing at least 30 minutes for immigration processing on arrival. That meant at least five hours from terminal entry to exit each way.
The ferry is faster than the former Discovery Cruise line, which took about five hours just to cross. But some passengers missed the casino, buffet and entertainment that made the hours seem to fly on the aging cruiser that had plied the Freeport route for decades before ceasing operations in September.
"If this ferry had some slot machines and food and drink included, that would be nice," said Geno Jones, 39, of Freeport, on Friday's trip to Fort Lauderdale, where he paid $3 each for a soda and chips.
The 242-foot-long catamaran ferry can reach a speed of 32 knots, or roughly 35 miles per hour. Operators hope that its velocity and modern amenities can attract Floridians and other vacationers leaving from Port Everglades to enjoy the beaches, water sports and leisure spots on Grand Bahama Island. And they aim to lure Bahamians who frequently travel to South Florida to shop because of bigger selections and lower prices.
A total of 20 people took the trip to Freeport and 91 traveled to Fort Lauderdale on Friday, mainly Bahamians eager to stock up for the holidays at such Florida spots as Sawgrass Mills mall, Walmart, Sam's Club and Toys '"R" Us. Bahamas residents said the ferry was cheaper than flying, and arriving in Fort Lauderdale was more convenient than taking the Celebration cruise to the Port of Palm Beach and driving south to shop.
But the maiden voyage had its glitches. Passengers bristled at slow check-in in the Bahamas, a lack of ice and bottled water for sale on board and the ferry's duty-free shop not taking credit cards. Most vexing, Bahamians complained about lugging their bags up and down stairs, suggesting the ferry company add more ramps, especially for coolers toted to be filled with frozen foods in Florida.
"They have to make it easier for people to handle luggage," said Cochise Parker, 32, of Freeport.
The Bahamas Express is operated by Spain's veteran ferry company, Baleària Group, with a South Florida partner, Miami's Capo group. Baleària operates 21 routes and more than a dozen ships in the Mediterranean. It is new to the Americas.
The company, offering a ship that can hold up to 463 passengers, is trying where other ferry companies have failed. One problem: choppy waters that can prompt seasickness among passengers. Larger ships cruising at slower speeds generally can handle choppy Atlantic waters better.
But seasickness did not appear to be a problem Friday on either crossing. Some passengers took precautions with motion-sickness pills. Bahamian Gail Zamor, 47, who often suffers from seasickness, dozed comfortably on the ferry's bus-like seats to Freeport, describing the trip "like a cruise."
The ferry has stabilizers to help cope with choppiness, area manager Pilar Lecha said in Fort Lauderdale.
The Bahamas Express is scheduled to leave Fort Lauderdale at 10 a.m. and depart Freeport at 7:30 p.m. daily, except Wednesdays. It features first-class and economy sections — first-class seats are more cushioned and recline — as well as a café, duty-free shop and three bars. It has no cabins and no casino.
Fares start at $49 each way for a one-day trip. With taxes and fees, the one-day round-trip costs $142. Trips that leave and return on separate days can run $200 or more. Travelers could fly between Freeport and Fort Lauderdale, but that's more expensive. Fares generally run about $250 to $300 round-trip on Vision Airlines and even more on charters, Bahamas passengers said.
The ferry company was supposed to start operations this summer between the Port of Miami and the island of Bimini in the Bahamas. But plans were delayed, partly because the Bimini seaport needs to be dredged and its pier improved to handle the ferry, Baleària executive Victor Terricabras has said.
Port Everglades has been courting international ferry companies for months as a prelude to possible service to Cuba, once U.S. laws allow ferry service to that island. Service to the Bahamas can help ferry companies get to know Port Everglades and build a name among Florida customers, port officials have said.
The Bahamas ferry company will not take cars or cargo for now, but plans to add those services later, executives said.I have been following the fast ferry progress for some time on Facebook:
Staff Writer Arlene Satchell contributed to this report.
http://www.facebook.com/ferryexpress
you can go there ( if you are logged in to facebook) to read the latest information ... both good and not so good ...
OK, it sounds like if they can get the "kinks" out of the system the fast ferry will be a terrific way to make the crossing from Florida to Bimini. For the folks that don't have a boat and want to travel it means an economical way to bring items from the states of to Bimini Bahamas. No expensive cruising permit required!
As for the dredging progress in the Bimini Channel .. I shot these yesterday ....
Bimini Sands HomeOwner will keep you posted will keep you posted on the latest ...
