A Quick Jaunt to Bimini

As the Bahamas destination closest to the United States, Bimini is a popular getaway for those looking to kick off their shoes and socks pronto. Having charmed the likes of everyone from Ernest Hemingway to Jimmy Buffet, Bimini continues to draw the beach-loving glitterati with its world-class resorts, marinas, and mile-long sandy stretches.

It’s the beachfront Resorts World Bimini, with its 480 homes and villas, that create the hub for the three islands of Bimini. Having recently added a full-scale casino (the closet to Florida) as well as a 32,000-ton cruiser devoted to daily roundtrips between Miami and Bimini, the resort keeps the islands on the hotspot map. The ship, called the Bimini Superfast, would, by definition, be a ferry if it didn’t have its own casino and entertainment, which make the two-hour trip fly by in the name of fun. With ten stories, 180 cabins, an international crew of 300, and room for 500 passengers, the 669-foot by 82-foot German-built ship that cost $100 million to refurbish is extravagant to be sure. Add in its six restaurants and bars, party deck, and live action games (everything from blackjack to roulette), and you may not want to dock.

Cruising options on the Bimini SuperFast exist for all types, of course. The 10-hour Explorer Cruise leaves Miami at 9am, returning at 7pm, allowing for ample time to soak in Bimini’s sun. For night-owls and revelers, an eight-hour Party Cruise leaves Miami at 10pm, returning at 6am the next morning. Finally, for those who want both the daytime and nighttime experiences, the 20-hour All Day Cruise combines the two, leaving Miami at 9am and returning the following morning at 6am.