Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Bahamas-Express

On December 16, 2011, the 'Bahamas Express' successfully embarked on its inaugural roundtrip journey from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport, arriving back at Port Everglades around 10:30 p.m. This high-speed catamaran reduced the travel time significantly, completing each crossing in approximately three hours—much faster than the previous 'Discovery Cruise,' which took about five hours per trip. During its first voyage, the ferry transported 20 passengers to Freeport and welcomed 91 individuals on the return leg to South Florida. While passengers appreciated the vessel's sleek and contemporary design, some voiced concerns about navigating luggage up and down the stairs. Moreover, several travelers missed the entertainment amenities, such as the casino and buffet, which were a staple on the now-defunct 'Discovery Cruise' that halted its operations in September. The 'Bahamas Express' boasts a top speed of 32 knots and can potentially shorten the Fort Lauderdale-Freeport journey to 2.5 hours in calm conditions. Although initially set to begin service on December 9, the launch was postponed due to pending government paperwork. The ferry is scheduled to operate daily, excluding Wednesdays, but passengers should account for an additional 30 minutes or more at each port for customs and immigration procedures.

Starting December 9, 2011, travelers can enjoy a new ferry service operated by Bahamas Express, linking Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale to Freeport, Bahamas. The ferry will depart from Cruise Terminal 1, conveniently located near the Convention Center, with ample parking available at the Northport Parking Garage for passengers. The sleek vessel, named Pinar del Rio, boasts impressive speed capabilities, sailing at 32 knots and accommodating up to 463 passengers. Onboard, guests can take advantage of various amenities, including a bar, a duty-free shop, designated pet cages, and baby-changing facilities. The ferry will run daily, excluding Wednesdays, with departures from Port Everglades scheduled for 10 AM and returns at 10 PM. The journey duration varies between two to three hours. This service is provided by Balearia Group, a respected Spanish shipping company with over 13 years of experience in the Mediterranean. For additional details, visit www.ferryexpress.com.