Florida-Bahamas ferry

The first ferry service between the US mainland and The Bahamas is operating daily, except Wednesdays, with departure from Port Everglades Terminal 1 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, at 10 a.m. and from Freeport Harbour Terminal 1 in Grand Bahama at 7:30 p.m. The 463-passenger Baleària Bahamas Express’ ferry Pinar del Río makes the 76-mile crossing in 2½ hours.

A same-day, round-trip ticket costs $142 economy or $173 first class. If a traveler stays overnight, a round trip costs $193 econ./$223 first. These prices include $18 Bahamas departure tax and a $12.50 operational charge each way.

(In comparison, on the same route, Bahamasair charges about $250 for a same-day round-trip ticket, including taxes and fees.)

Check-in requires a passport. Guests can take two pieces of hand luggage at no extra charge. There is a café/bar aboard.

Tickets can be purchased from travel agencies, tour sellers or Bahamas Express (866/699-6988), which has an office at Terminal 1 in Port Everglades.