New Ferry Service for the Eastern Caribbean
I used to feel a little envious when my aunt would talk about the island hopping she and her friends did when they were at the University of the West Indies. Back then, the best way to travel among the islands was by boat. The trip she talks about often took place the year she graduated. She and some of her class mates decided to accompany those from different islands who were returning home. Whenever they reached the island home of a member of their group, they disembarked and did that until they arrived at their last stop, Port of Spain in Trinidad & Tobago.
My aunt never revealed what they did while they were on board or after they disembarked, but from the smile on her face when she tells the story now, I know they had a blast.
Unfortunately, that service ceased operating in the 70s.
Now, a new service, announced by Trinidad & Tobago’s Transport Minister Devant Maharaj is set to launch later this year and will be based in Port of Spain. It will be operated by a Barbadian consortium, Fast Ferry Ltd.
The  first phase would connect the islands of Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados. Ferries would leave Port of Spain, at 6:00 a.m. and arrive in Bridgetown, Barbados, its last stop, at 6:00 p.m.
The proposed average price of tickets for Trinidadian citizens would be between US$25 and US$35, however, 100,000 seats, priced at $10, would be available annually.
Photo from the Internet
The service will join already established ferry services that make travel within the US and British Virgin Islands, and the Bahamas possible. There is no ferry service connecting the larger islands – Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
About Marcia Mayne
Marcia Mayne travels a world full of books, music, art, fun people and great food. She raves about them constantly. Currently, she is journeying through Jamaica, her home country, to discover the places she missed.
Twitter: andrewgphotos
says:
That looks great, Marcia. Hope I can ride on it one day!
Andrew Graeme Gould recently posted..Santiago, San Francisco, Sydney, Alice Springs: People and art
Yes, me too, Andrew!
Twitter: hikebiketravel
says:
What a bonus that would be to people living in the islands and what a great way for a visitor to cover more territory. Love it.
Leigh recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday: Climbing to the Roof of Africa
Yes, it is. Can’t wait to take a ride on one.
Twitter: www.totsymae.com
says:
Your aunt got into some good fun. Too much for your young ears. Bet she’s smiled really well looking back on those times.
totsymae1011 recently posted..Queen of Southern Drama
Yes, she did! You know, we always think our elders never had fun when they were younger but they did. They had a good ole time!
Twitter: sichree23
says:
In Seattle, the ferry system is very much part of our lives as a primary means of transportation. In fact, we have the largest ferry system in the US right here in Washington. And although it is not a means of transportation to another country, it certainly feels like you landed in another place when you step off the ferry. I love the views and the tranquility of floating on water. I would love to try island hopping via ferry in the Caribean one day, too (the water & air would certainly be warmer).
Sherry recently posted..“Sightseeing Above Kauai”
I didn’t know that about Washington. Pretty cool, isn’t it?
There are ferries that connect Manhattan to Staten Island, Brooklyn and New Jersey. You’re right: it does make you feel as if you’ve landed in another country when you get off.
Twitter: elizobihfrank
says:
I gues you can now take the ferry and imagine what your Aunt and her friends did. Method acting if you decide to test it.
ElizOF recently posted..Super Bowl XLVI: Ten Tips For A Fun Night…
Hahahahaha, I didn’t even think of that.
You know, the first thing she said when I told her was that I should send her the information.
I hope one day all american can travel from florida to puerto Rico, same person can not
traval by plane?
A ferry service from Florida to PR would be great, especially for people who don’t like to fly.