Read Authentic Ratings for the Jaume-Ii

In a distressing turn of events, numerous Bahamians seeking refuge from the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian were unexpectedly removed from the ferry "Jaume II" on September 9, 2019, simply for lacking a visa to enter the United States. As the vessel was set to depart from Freeport, Bahamas, bound for Fort Lauderdale, an announcement was made requesting all passengers without the appropriate documentation to disembark. "All passengers that don’t have a US visa, please proceed to disembark," the message stated. This incident came just a day after approximately 1,500 evacuees successfully traveled to the US on a different ferry, the Balearia, without needing visas, as long as they possessed a Bahamian passport and a clean police record. According to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Bahamian citizens may enter the US without a visa under specific conditions, including having a valid, unexpired passport, no criminal record, and a police certificate issued within the last six months. On September 9, CBP reported being alerted about the unverified number of passengers about to board in Freeport. They urged the ferry's operator to coordinate with US and Bahamian authorities in Nassau prior to departure. A CBP spokesperson emphasized, "Everyone who arrives in the United States from another country must present themselves to a CBP officer for inspection at an official CBP Port of Entry. All persons must possess valid identity and travel documents." The agency also highlighted its Preclearance operation in Nassau, reaffirming its dedication to ensuring lawful international travel while facilitating the safe arrival of individuals affected by the hurricane. However, CBP previously criticized the ferry operator for failing to arrange the evacuation process adequately. Balearia Caribbean expressed regret over the situation, apologizing for the inconvenience caused to the 119 passengers from Grand Bahama who were unable to board. The company explained, "We boarded these passengers with the understanding that they could travel to the United States without visas, only to later be advised that prior in-person authorization from the immigration authorities in Nassau was required." In the wake of the tragedy, US President Trump emphasized the need for strict documentation, stating, "Everybody needs totally proper documentation. I don't want to allow people that weren't supposed to be in the Bahamas to come into the United States - including some very bad people and very bad gang members." The devastation left by Hurricane Dorian, which made landfall as a Category 5 storm, has claimed over 40 lives in the Bahamas. For further coverage, visit [CNN](https://edition.cnn.com/2019/09/09/us/bahamas-dorian-evacuations-monday/index.html).

On August 7th, Baleària Caribbean proudly launched the Incat 81-meter wave-piercing catamaran, JAUME II, marking the company's entry into a new route within the Caribbean. This vessel signifies a fresh chapter for ferry operations in the region as Baleària Caribbean assumes the role once held by FRS Caribbean for the Bimini service.

Baleària's Caribbean division is gearing up to enhance its services with the introduction of the fast high-speed ro-pax catamaran, JAUME II. This new ferry will operate on the vital route connecting Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to the bustling Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, starting in mid-January. Offering rapid transit and modern amenities, the JAUME II aims to improve travel options for both locals and tourists looking to explore the sunny Bahamas from Florida.