The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

BALEARIA’S fast ferry Bahama Mama may have been delayed for two hours on its maiden voyage to Grand Bahama from Fort Lauderdale yesterday due to rough and windy conditions but the vessel’s state-of-the-art amenities lived up to expectations for the passengers and guests on board.

Director General of Tourism, Joy Jibrilu, and Grand Bahama Tourism director, Betty Bethel, joined the ship’s executives, Rodolfo Pires and Herman Calvo, on the trip from Port Everglades.  

The 1,000 passenger ship, operated by Balearia Bahamas Express, has eight decks, a casino, 48 cabins, several restaurants and bars and a VIP seating section.

Mrs Jibrilu said the new cruise ferry, which represents “a new age in transportation for Grand Bahama,” will bring some 300,000 passengers annually to the island. The vessel, she said, will act as “a travelling ambassador” between Florida and Grand Bahama and that an advertising campaign will be launched specifically for the South Florida market.

She commended Balearia for involving the island’s primary school students in a competition to name the new vessel, which was won by Michaela Lewis of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.   

Chairman Rodolfo Pires said the newly constructed vessel will provide better performance, and increased passenger and cargo capacity. He said that the six days a week service is important for the progress of Grand Bahama. He pledged to continue working to promote the service and the island.

“We believe we have the ambition to grow in The Bahamas islands and in the Caribbean. We are confident that the service will contribute to the economic development of The Bahamas.” he said.

Freeport Harbour official Orlando Forbes welcomed the newer and larger vessel.

“We were honoured in 2011 when Balearia decided to call at Freeport  Harbour. We remember the challenges confronted by Balearia and its customers on bad weather days on the small vessel, and so the introduction of this vessel represents growth for Balearia, the harbour and the wider community of Grand Bahama.”