(MIAMI, July 3, 2013) – Resorts World Bimini, the newest destination resort in the Americas, will start offering round-trips between PortMiami and Bimini twice daily aboard the Bimini SuperFast cruise ship. Resorts World has committed to advancing the funding for upgrades at PortMiami’s Terminal H as part of a long-term lease agreement with the Port. The entire project represents a $100 million investment by Resorts World, and is projected to create more than 60 construction jobs and 250 direct and indirect jobs, in addition to the 300 jobs onboard the ship. Once upgraded, Terminal H will be a world-class facility capable of accommodating up to 3,000 passengers per day.
The German-built Bimini SuperFast, is a 32,000 ton ship, with speeds up to 30 knots. It is the fastest cruise ship in the Americas, capable of comfortably crossing the powerful Gulfstream separating Florida and The Bimini Islands in just over two hours. Bimini SuperFast features six restaurants and bars, the largest party deck in Florida, and superb service from an international crew.
Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners Chairwoman Rebeca Sosa applauded the new partnership.
“This Resorts World Miami service to Bimini is a welcome addition to our local economy and a sought after service for our residents and visitors,” said Vice Chair of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners; and Chair of the Economic Development and PortMiami Committee Lynda Bell. “The new service will not only foster job growth but provide an estimated $7 million annually in revenue to PortMiami. Nurturing this kind of international relationship and partnership is critically important to help stimulate economic development at a much-needed time in our economy and will solidify Miami-Dade's position as the Gateway to the Americas and to the world."
“I am pleased that Resorts World Bimini selected PortMiami for this great new service as it will be critically significant to the economic growth of the South Florida Area,” said Miami-Dade Commissioner Audrey M. Edmonson, District 3. “The new daily passenger service will help fortify Miami as a leader in tourism and trade while delivering much needed revenue and jobs to the county.”
“PortMiami is pleased to welcome the Bimini SuperFast cruise ship to our fleet,” said PortMiami Director Bill Johnson. “The twice daily service is a great enhancement to the cruise options out of Miami.”
The 10-hour “Day Explorer Cruise” aboard Bimini SuperFast departs Miami at 9am and returns at 7pm daily, allowing guests to explore Bimini during the day. The 8-hour “Night Party Cruise” leaves Miami at 9pm and returns at 5am the next morning, offering guests a chance to party on the high seas with live entertainment, DJs, dancing, dining and gaming.
“Many people in South Florida are familiar with Bimini, yet very few have actually visited due to a lack of convenient transportation options,” said Dana Leibovitz, President of Resorts World Bimini. “Now that Bimini SuperFast will provide two roundtrips between PortMiami and Resorts World Bimini daily, locals and visitors can experience the natural treasures of Bimini easily and affordably.”
For more information about the Bimini SuperFast cruise ship, visit www.rwbimini.com or call 888-930-8688.
About PortMiami
PortMiami is among America's busiest ports and recognized across the globe with the dual distinction of being the Cruise Capital of the World and the Cargo Gateway of the Americas. PortMiami contributes more than $28 billion annually to the South Florida economy and helps provide more than 207,000 direct and indirect jobs.
About Resorts World Bimini and Bimini SuperFast
Resorts World Bimini is a 750-acre beachfront resort property on North Bimini Island, The Bahamas, is located less than 50 nautical miles from Miami Beach. Bimini SuperFast is a 32,000 ton German-built cruise ship with top speed of 30 knots. Resorts World Bimini and Bimini SuperFast are members of The Genting Group (www.genting.com), one of the world’s largest Destination Resort operators with resorts and casinos in Malaysia, Singapore, Manila, UK, New York City and The Bahamas.