Cruise/Ferry between Florida and Nassau?

[Ayisha]

Hi everyone,

We are planning a trip in early May to Key Largo for a few days and then to Nassau, Bahamas for a few days.
I am wondering if there is a cruise or ferry from Florida (perhaps Miami or Ft Lauderdale) to Nassau?

We want to take a boat of some sort so that we don't lose a day of diving between Florida and Bahamas.

We found the Discovery Cruise and the Cat, but they both seem to go to Grand Bahama only. We heard there is supposed to be a cruise or ferry from Florida to Nassau, but I couldn't find it.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[daniel f aleman]

No ferry service between Florida and Nassau at the current time:

http://www.bahamas-mon.com/bahamaforum/general/3588.html

http://www.thenassauguardian.com/print/43118464639261.php

 

[Ayisha]

Thank you!

 

[Ayisha]

From Daniel's link, I looked into Imperial Majesty Cruise Line, which has a 2-night cruise that allows passengers to use the cruise ship just for transport at http://www.imperialmajesty.com
1-800-394-3865

So there is a way!
I was told that the prices change based on availability, etc. but this is what they told me for early May:

For each of 2 people, the prices start at $149, depending on the type and location of the cabin and berths.
There are discounts for a third ($40) and up to fourth ($50) person sharing.

You get the cabin and all meals included, as well as use of the pool, casino, nightclub, show, bars, beauty salon, and spa. You can depart and return on any 2 cruises.

The cruises are overnight, leaving Pt Everglades (near Ft. Lauderdale) at 5 PM, and arriving in Nassau at 9 AM. This cruise departs on odd days, i.e., May 3rd, 5th, etc.

The return cruise leaves Nassau at 6 PM, and arrives at Pt Everglades at 9 AM. This cruise leaves on even days, for example, May 4th, 6th, 8th, etc.

There are group rates if you book 8 or more cabins.

This cruise may be pricey, but you save the return airfare between Florida and Bahamas and 2 nights accomodation.

Hope that helps others. eyebrow

 

[Damselfish]

I remembered Imperial Majesty coming up before so went back and found this thread. That was mostly about a time share scam but it didn't sound like the ship was so great either. It may be a good way to get back and forth but I'd suggest at least looking into it carefully.

 

[djanni]

I have to say that based on your post I called then today. The information you list doesn't match what they told me. We are looking for a way to get from Ft. Lauderdale to Nassau because we can't get FF tickets the date we want to go.

The cheapest fare is $179 per person - not for 2 people. They do not allow you to use them for transportation only, so if you go 1 weekend and return a week later then it's considered 2 cruises so for 2 people it's $780.00

From Daniel's link, I looked into Imperial Majesty Cruise Line, which has a 2-night cruise that allows passengers to use the cruise ship just for transport at http://www.imperialmajesty.com
1-800-394-3865

So there is a way!
I was told that the prices change based on availability, etc. but this is what they told me for early May:

For each of 2 people, the prices start at $149, depending on the type and location of the cabin and berths.
There are discounts for a third ($40) and up to fourth ($50) person sharing.

You get the cabin and all meals included, as well as use of the pool, casino, nightclub, show, bars, beauty salon, and spa. You can depart and return on any 2 cruises.

The cruises are overnight, leaving Pt Everglades (near Ft. Lauderdale) at 5 PM, and arriving in Nassau at 9 AM. This cruise departs on odd days, i.e., May 3rd, 5th, etc.

The return cruise leaves Nassau at 6 PM, and arrives at Pt Everglades at 9 AM. This cruise leaves on even days, for example, May 4th, 6th, 8th, etc.

There are group rates if you book 8 or more cabins.

This cruise may be pricey, but you save the return airfare between Florida and Bahamas and 2 nights accomodation.

Hope that helps others. eyebrow

 

[Ayisha]

Thanks for the info, Damselfish.

The cheapest fare is $179 per person - not for 2 people. They do not allow you to use them for transportation only, so if you go 1 weekend and return a week later then it's considered 2 cruises so for 2 people it's $780.00

Don - reread my post: I said "For EACH of 2 people" - That means each person pays a given price.

First I emailed, and this was their response:

Thank you for your interest in Imperial Majesty Cruise Line.
It is possible to disembark the vessel and return at a later date. For
additional information regarding our cruise, pricing and availability,
please contact our reservations department at (954) 956-9505, and any
of our agents will be happy to assist you.

I then phoned the toll free number from the website rather than the number they provided, and informed the agent that I had received an email back saying that we could take the cruise only to and from the island.

I found it strange that she said the prices could change even if I called back minutes later, but, ok, whatever. :06:
These are exactly the prices and info that I was given for departure on May 3rd or 5th, and return on May 8th, 2006. You will be able to see how I summarized it for simplicity above.

Per person:
3-person cabin: $169 for each of 2; $129 for 3rd person
4-person cabin: $179 for each of 2; $129 for 3rd and 4th
2-person cabin: $169 each for double bed; or $149 each for upper and lower bunks; outside cabin is $239 each

You get the cabin and all meals included, as well as use of the pool, casino, nightclub, show, bars, beauty salon, and spa. You can depart and return on any 2 cruises.

The cruises are overnight, leaving Pt Everglades (near Ft. Lauderdale) at 5 PM, and arriving in Nassau at 9 AM. This cruise departs on odd days, i.e., May 3rd, 5th, etc.

The return cruise leaves Nassau at 6 PM, and arrives at Pt Everglades at 9 AM. This cruise leaves on even days, for example, May 4th, 6th, 8th, etc.

There are group rates if you book 8 or more cabins.

One thing I did not ask is if the price was one way or return. I assumed it was a return price, since she asked for both departure and return dates before she gave me the corresponding price. But maybe not...