Fast ferry Chenega Menorca Lines
Fast ferry Chenega
âš“ The Chenega is the fast ferry that Menorca Lines uses for its quick link between the Spanish mainland and Menorca. Built for brisk, comfortable crossings in the western Mediterranean, she stands out for carrying passengers and vehicles in appreciably less time than the conventional ferries on the same route. Her name recalls a seafaring tradition of fast ocean-going craft, and was chosen to reflect the commitment Menorca Lines has made to a modern, traveller-focused service.
The Chenega is a high-speed aluminium catamaran that has spent years working fast links in the Mediterranean. Built around a high-speed hull, she is designed to cut crossing times without giving up passenger comfort, thanks to her active stabilisation systems. Her lightweight aluminium structure lets her reach speeds well beyond those of conventional ferries, which makes her a favourite with travellers on a tight schedule and with anyone who would rather keep time at sea to a minimum.
History and background of the ship
The Chenega (IMO 9274236) is the direct sister ship of the Fairweather, also built in 2003 at the Nichols Bros. Boat Builders yard in Freeland (Washington, USA) for the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS). Her name refers to the native village of Chenega, wiped out by the Alaska earthquake of 1964. Like her sister, she spent more than a decade connecting remote communities in south-east Alaska — Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Bellingham — through the spectacular fjord landscapes of the Inside Passage.
Bought by Menorca Lines in 2019 and adapted for the Mediterranean, she works in perfect tandem with the Fairweather on the Barcelona–Maó (Menorca) route, giving the island an unprecedented number of daily departures. Together the two form the only regular high-frequency fast ferry service between the mainland and Menorca, with crossing times that comfortably beat those of conventional ferries on the link to Alcúdia (Mallorca).
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Aluminium fast ferry catamaran |
| Propulsion | High-speed diesel engines with waterjets |
| Service speed | ~35 knots |
| Onboard comfort | Active stabilisation system |
| Build material | Marine aluminium |
| Operating company | Menorca Lines |
| Main routes | Barcelona – Maó (Menorca) |
* Some technical details are still awaiting official confirmation from Menorca Lines. They will be updated as soon as they are available.
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Maó (Menorca) | ~5 h 30 min | Check timetable* |
| Maó (Menorca) → Barcelona | ~5 h 30 min | Check timetable* |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
The port of Maó: how to get there and what to bear in mind
The Chenega sails from the Port of Maó, at the eastern tip of Menorca, widely regarded as one of the longest and best-preserved natural harbours in the Mediterranean at more than 5 km from end to end. It sits just a few minutes from the old town of Maó, which makes arriving on foot extremely easy for travellers without a car.
If you are travelling by car, the route to the ferry terminal is well signposted from the main road. Arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand if you are bringing a vehicle, and 45 minutes if you are travelling as a foot passenger. In high season (July and August) it is worth allowing extra time and booking your vehicle space well in advance.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Fares on the Chenega vary with the season, the type of accommodation you choose and whether or not you are bringing a vehicle. As a fast ferry with less capacity than the big conventional ships, space — particularly vehicle space — can sell out quickly in high season.
Available discounts:
- Balearic resident: residents of the Balearic Islands are entitled to a discount on the base fare. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento). Check the percentage in force when you book.
- Large families: discounts apply under the regulations in force. Check availability when booking.
- Early booking: Menorca Lines usually offers cheaper fares to those who book well ahead. Booking as early as possible is a good idea, especially for trips in July and August.
You can compare prices and real-time availability directly on I Love Ferry.
Which accommodation should you choose for your trip?
| If you are travelling... | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| Alone or as a couple, looking for the best price | Standard seat |
| With family or a group of friends | Seat with table |
| Looking for extra comfort during the crossing | Preferente / VIP lounge (where available) |
| With a pet | Seat + reserved pet place |
| With small children | Seat with table (more room and comfort) |
| With reduced mobility | Ask about adapted places when booking |
Fast ferry Chenega · Accommodations
Standard seat
The cheapest option on the Chenega. Individual seats in a shared lounge, with access to every area of the ship. Ideal for travellers who put price first and value a quick crossing.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to every area of the ship
✓ Café area available
✓ The most competitive fare
Seat with table
Seats arranged around a table. Perfect for families, groups of friends or anyone who wants to eat, work or play cards during the crossing.
✓ Shared table for groups
✓ More room for families
✓ Ideal for eating during the crossing
✓ Access to every area of the ship
Preferente lounge
A more comfortable area with wider seats and extra services. The option to go for if you want to enjoy the crossing with more space and privacy.
✓ Wider seats
✓ More privacy than the standard area
✓ Priority service on board
✓ Priority disembarkation
Fast ferry Chenega · On-board services
Café and food services
The Chenega has a café on board serving hot and cold food and drink throughout the crossing. You can buy sandwiches, snacks, soft drinks and coffee along the way. You may also bring your own food on board and eat it in the designated areas of the ship.
Sun deck and outside areas
As a high-speed catamaran, the Chenega has an open deck area from which to enjoy the Mediterranean during the crossing. Access may be restricted in poor weather for safety reasons.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Chenega has facilities for passengers with reduced mobility. If you have particular accessibility needs, we strongly recommend contacting Menorca Lines when you book so that adapted places and the assistance you need can be arranged for boarding and disembarkation alike.
Technical comfort on board
The Chenega uses specific technology to make the crossing as comfortable as possible — something that matters all the more on a high-speed fast ferry:
- Active stabilisation system: reduces hull movement while under way, damping the effect of the swell and improving passenger comfort on windy days or in a rough sea.
- Aluminium catamaran hull: the twin-hull configuration is more stable than a conventional monohull at the same speeds, reducing roll.
- Waterjet propulsion: waterjets allow smooth running at high speed with less vibration passed into the ship's interior than conventional propeller systems.
Frequently asked questions about the Chenega
Which routes does the Chenega fast ferry operate?
She works mainly on the Barcelona–Maó (Menorca) route for Menorca Lines, covering the crossing in roughly 5 hours and 30 minutes. Check up-to-date availability in the I Love Ferry search engine.
How long does the Chenega take from Barcelona to Menorca?
The Barcelona–Maó crossing takes roughly 5 hours and 30 minutes. As a catamaran fast ferry, she is noticeably quicker than a conventional ferry on the same route.
Does the Chenega carry cars and other vehicles?
Yes. The Chenega has a vehicle deck. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand and book your vehicle space in good time, especially in July and August.
What accommodation does the Chenega offer?
There are standard seats, seats with a table (ideal for families and groups) and a Preferente lounge with more space and extra services, including priority disembarkation.
Where is the port the Chenega uses in Menorca?
The Chenega sails from the Port of Maó, at the eastern tip of Menorca. It is regarded as one of the longest natural harbours in the Mediterranean and lies a few minutes from the old town of Maó.
Is there a Balearic resident discount on the Chenega?
Yes. Residents of the Balearic Islands are entitled to a discount on the base fare, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento). Check the percentage in force when you book.
Are pets allowed on the Chenega?
Yes. Menorca Lines handles pet transport. You must book a specific place for the animal when you buy your ticket and carry valid paperwork (health record, pet passport, vaccinations).
Is the Chenega accessible to passengers with reduced mobility?
The Chenega has facilities for passengers with reduced mobility. We recommend contacting Menorca Lines when you book so that adapted places and the assistance you need are arranged for boarding and disembarkation.
How early should I get to the port?
By car: at least 90 minutes beforehand. As a foot passenger, 45 minutes is generally enough. In high season (July and August) it is worth allowing extra time.
Is there a café on board the Chenega?
Yes. The Chenega has a café on board serving hot and cold food and drink throughout the crossing. You may also bring your own food on board and eat it in the designated areas of the ship.
What kind of propulsion does the Chenega use?
The Chenega is an aluminium catamaran powered by high-speed diesel engines driving waterjets, which allow her to reach service speeds of around 35 knots with less vibration than conventional propeller systems.
Does the Chenega run all year round?
The Chenega runs mainly in spring, summer and autumn. The exact pattern can change from year to year. Check up-to-date availability in the I Love Ferry search engine.
