Two Nassau to Miami ferry services could come on stream soon, according to Port Controller Anthony Allens.
Mr. Allens told the Bahama Journal recently that two services could become operation within months as officials from the Port Authority are negotiating with two Bahamian companies to start their operations.
Those companies are Bahamas Florida Express, a subsidy of Bahamas Fast Ferries Service, and Island Fast Ferries. “They are trying to finalize agreements for a start-up date and docking facilities,” Mr. Allens said. “It may be as early as next week when we could get some word on their plans.” Grand Bahama could soon have ferry service between that island and Florida, as well. The Port of Palm Beach recently announced the launch of its daily passenger ferryboat to Freeport Harbour.
The new Miami Company, known as Party Cruise Line, plans to start service aboard the 123-foot, 367-passenger ‘Cloud X’ in May.
Party Cruise Line General Manager Antoine Gurrey said that the company is working out details of the service. “We think [Grand Bahama is] a location which has a lot to offer,” Mr. Gurrey said.
The cost of the service would be about $100 to $140, he said. That’s about half of what it could cost to travel to Florida. The cost: $100 to $140 for a round-trip ticket, depending on the day. That’s about half what it costs to fly from West Palm Beach. But the trip by boat is much longer — about three hours each way.
Customers are anxious for the new service to start, said Jarra Gould, marketing director for the Port of Palm Beach. “We get calls daily from people who want to take a boat over to the Bahamas,” she said.
The ferry will also offer touch-screen gambling, food, and a duty-free shop, Ms. Gould said.
The Bahama Journal
