Bahamas News Briefs: April 2015

The "Bahama Mama", now sailing between Fort Lauderdale and Grand Bahama Island. PHOTO CREDIT: Baleária Ferry Express Bahamas.
The “Bahama Mama”, now sailing between Fort Lauderdale and Grand Bahama Island. PHOTO CREDIT: Baleária Ferry Express Bahamas.

Grand Bahama

Baleária Bahamas Express’ new cruise ferry, the “Bahama Mama”, made its maiden voyage from Fort Lauderdale to Grand Bahama Island on February 26. The 1,000 passenger ferry offers economy and first-class seating, private cabins, a swimming pool, lounges a la carte restaurant, bars and cafes, duty-free shopping, and has cargo capacity for 200 containers. The vessel sails almost daily at 8 a.m. from Port Everglades Cruise Port, Terminal 1, arriving in Grand Bahama at 1 p.m. and departs Grand Bahama at 6 p.m., arriving back in Fort Lauderdale at 11 p.m. Baleária Bahamas Express has partnered with a variety of Grand Bahamas resorts to offer Ferry and Hotel packages beginning at $199 per night per adult. Day trip fares at press time were $119.00 per adult, which included operational charges and the $18 Bahamas Departure Tax. For Spring Break and last minute specials, follow Baleária Bahamas Express on Facebook. For sailing dates and reservations, visit www.ferryexpress.com.

Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour in West End, Grand Bahama is offering a Florida Residents Package through May 15, 2015 (new bookings only). The two-night package includes junior suite accommodations at a 25% savings over published rates, plus daily breakfast for two, as well as all taxes, fees and service charges. For package details, visit http://bit.ly/1Bp9AeF.

Abaco

The 41st Bahamas Billfish Championship series kicks off April 22-25 with its first leg, the Guana Cay Championship, hosted by Orchid Bay Marina.  Next up is the Green Turtle Cay Championship hosted by Green Turtle Club and Bluff House May 6-9. Treasure Cay Resort and Marina will host leg three of the series May 27-30. And the 2015 series will wrap up the season in Marsh Harbour at Abaco Beach Resort, June 10-13. The tournament is limited to 50 boats. For details or to register, visit www.bahamasbillfish.com.

Bahamas Tourism Office

The Bahamas’ popular Summer Boating Flings, held during June and July, fill up quickly. Trips depart from Bahia Mar Yachting Center in Fort Lauderdale, and in the past boats have also departed for the Grand Bahama and extended Abaco fling from Sailfish Marina in Stuart. All flings depart on Thursday and return on Sunday. There is a $75 non-refundable registration fee per boat. For more details, contact The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism at 1-800-32SPORT (7678).

Here are the dates and the destinations:

JUNE

4-7       Bimini (Bimini Big Game Club)
11-14   Grand Bahama (Port Lucaya)
18-21   Bimini (Bimini Big Game Club)

JULY

9-19     Extended fling to Abaco (Port Lucaya/Treasure Cay/Marsh Harbour/Green Turtle/Old Bahama Bay)
23-26   Bimini (Bimini Big Game Club)