FREEPORT, Grand Bahama Island– On Thursday, February 26^th, 2015, what can be described as a new era in South Florida cruise ferry transportation began for the neighboring shores of Grand Bahama Island. Over 100 special invited guests from throughout the travel and tourism industry climbed onboard the luxurious, state-of-the-art, 1000 passenger capacity vessel for the official inauguration ceremony of Balearia Bahamas Express’s newest addition, the “Bahama Mama” superfast Alhucemas.

Impressed with the service of the new vessel, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Joy Jibrilu stated that “This brand new ship will cut the time it takes to ferry passengers between us in half…” signifying “a most outstanding performance.” Jibrilu continued in mentioning that “With travel amenities that rival those of cruise ships, some 300,000 passengers annually, will bask in the luxury of this phenomenal ship” as they travel year-round between Ft. Lauderdale and Grand Bahama Island. Referencing the competitive edge that the commissioning of the new vessel now offers to Grand Bahama, Jibrilu also announced that “The Ministry of Tourism will be investing its efforts in increasing engagement in the South Florida area with a Grand Bahama Island advertising campaign. This campaign will be specific to the market and will help to improve awareness and showcase the vastness of events available to all visiting Grand Bahama Island. As I understand it, Balearia will also be participating in this co-op advertising campaign for many of our planned deliverables. With such a collection of talented minds, it’s sure to be marvelous success.”

The citizenry of Grand Bahama have been and will remain an instrumental part of the operation of this new vessel. Earlier last year, Balearia Bahama Express, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, joined together to create a strategy for deciding on the name of the new vessel. This project was taken into the local primary schools and out of the entire pool of submissions, Mickayla Lewis, winner, along with the three runners up, all received round trip tickets onboard the vessel.

The ceremony climaxed with a plaque exchange between Balearia Chairman, Adolfo Utor and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, signifying a continued partnership, with a service agenda focused on the revitalization of Grand Bahama’s Tourism economy.

Balearia’s Bahama Mama will sail every day from the Port of Fort Lauderdale to the Freeport Harbor.

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