fast ferry Eleanor Roosevelt Balearia
fast ferry Eleanor Roosevelt
âš“ The Eleanor Roosevelt is the world's first fast ferry powered by dual-fuel engines running on liquefied natural gas (LNG), and the longest high-speed catamaran in the world in her class. Operated by Baleària, she covers her main route, Dénia–Ibiza, in barely 2 hours and links up with Palma de Mallorca in around 5 hours (via Ibiza). She is a pioneering smart ship that monitors her own efficiency and emissions in real time, and she made maritime history worldwide when she entered service on 1 May 2021.
She was built at the Armon shipyard in Gijón with an investment of €90 million, financed by CaixaBank and backed by a project co-funded by the European Commission's CEF (Connecting Europe Facility) fund. Construction began in December 2018 and she was launched in September 2020, with world-class international teams involved: Wärtsilä (engines and propulsion), Incat Crowther (naval design), Bureau Veritas (classification) and Marintek-Sintef (tank testing), alongside Spanish firms such as Cotenaval, Oliver Design and Jorge Belloch.
The Eleanor Roosevelt is the first of a series of five fast ferries that Baleària is building at Armon Gijón. The second — the Margarita Salas — has been in service since July 2024. The third, the Mercedes Pinto, is undergoing sea trials and is expected to join the fleet in May 2026. The last two will be zero-emission electric fast ferries.
A tribute to human rights
The ship is named after Anna Eleanor Roosevelt (New York, 1884 – 1962), a writer, campaigner for gender equality and civil rights, and one of the most influential figures of the twentieth century. She was First Lady of the United States throughout the four terms of her husband Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933–1945) — the longest-serving in that role — and the first chair of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, one of the driving forces behind the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Eleanor Roosevelt is the sixth Baleària vessel to pay tribute to women who were pioneers in their respective fields, in keeping with the operator's commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women as a sustainable development goal.
History and background of the ship
The Eleanor Roosevelt is an Incat Crowther 123 class Ro-Pax catamaran, designed by the Australian firm Incat Crowther and built as hull number G021 at the Armon Gijón shipyard for Baleària. Her keel was laid in June 2019 and she was launched in September 2020. Built in aluminium for both the hull and the superstructure, she cost €90 million. She was delivered on 26 April 2021 and entered service on 1 May on the Dénia–Ibiza–Mallorca route.
She is considered the world's first dual-fuel fast ferry and was named the outstanding shipbuilding project of 2021 by the Spanish Association of Naval and Ocean Engineers. Her sister ship, the Margarita Salas, followed her, fitted with an extra passenger deck and more powerful engines. The ship takes her name from the American human rights campaigner Eleanor Roosevelt.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Catamaran fast ferry (Super-Fast Ro-Pax) |
| Length overall | 125 m (118.80 m at the waterline) |
| Beam | 28 m |
| Depth | 7.80 m |
| Maximum draught | 3.79 m |
| Gross tonnage (GT) | 12,262 GT |
| Lightship weight | 2,060.79 tonnes |
| Service speed | 35 knots |
| Top speed | 40+ knots |
| Passenger capacity | 1,200 people |
| Vehicle capacity | 450 cars (or 250 cars + 500 linear metres of lorries) |
| Garage clearance height | 4.85 m |
| Main engines | 4 × Wärtsilä 16V31DF dual-fuel · 8,800 kW each (35,200 kW total) |
| Propulsion | 4 × Wärtsilä LJX1500SRI waterjets |
| Range on gas | 400 nautical miles (1,900 miles in combined gas/diesel mode) |
| Passenger decks | 1 |
| Onboard comfort | Retractable bow T-foil + stern interceptors + elastically mounted floating superstructure |
| Monitoring | Real-time sensors integrated into the Baleària Control Tower (CEF co-funded) |
| Construction material | Aluminium (hull, decks and superstructure) |
| Naval design | Incat Crowther (Australia) |
| Interior design | Oliver Design |
| Shipyard | Armon Gijón |
| Construction started | December 2018 |
| Launched | 20 September 2020 |
| Entered service | 1 May 2021 |
| Flag | Cyprus |
| IMO number | 9863637 |
| MMSI | 210049000 |
| Call sign | 5BPC5 |
| Classification society | Bureau Veritas |
| Investment | €90 million |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Dénia → Ibiza | 2 h 00 – 2 h 15 min | ~17:00 |
| Ibiza → Dénia | 2 h 00 – 2 h 15 min | ~09:00 |
| Dénia → Palma (via Ibiza) | ~5 h 00 min | ~17:00 |
| Palma → Dénia (via Ibiza) | ~5 h 00 min | ~07:00 |
| Ibiza → Palma | ~2 h 30 min | Depends on the call |
| Palma → Ibiza | ~2 h 30 min | Depends on the call |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. The Eleanor Roosevelt may also work other routes as fleet requirements dictate. Confirm the exact time in our search engine.
The port of Dénia: how to get there and what to bear in mind
The Eleanor Roosevelt normally sails from the port of Dénia, in the Marina Alta district of Alicante province, about 95 km from Valencia (roughly an hour by car on the AP-7) and 100 km from Alicante. It is the fastest link between mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands: just 2 hours and you are in Ibiza.
If you are travelling by car, boarding is quick and well organised. We recommend arriving at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand with a vehicle, and 45 minutes as a foot passenger. In July and August it is worth allowing more time than that.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A standard seat on the Dénia–Ibiza route starts at roughly €63 one way in low and mid season, and can go above €130 in July and August. We recommend booking ahead, especially in summer.
Available discounts:
- Balearic resident: 75% off the base fare. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento). It is the biggest discount available and applies to almost every crossing.
- Carnet Joven youth card: reduced fare for passengers aged 14 to 30. Check availability at the time of booking.
- Baleària Club: the operator's points scheme. Earn points on every trip and redeem them for discounts on future bookings.
- Large family: discount applied in line with current regulations.
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 friends and want a little more room | Superior Seat |
| Looking for extra comfort and a proper rest | VIP Lounge |
| On business or holding a private meeting | Exclusive Lounge |
| With a pet | Standard + pet place |
| With small children | Superior (near the children's area) |
fast ferry Eleanor Roosevelt · Accommodations
Standard Seat
The cheapest option on the ship. This is the fast ferry's main space, with comfortable seats in a shared area and access to every part of the vessel. Perfect for travellers who put price first without giving up comfort on a 2-hour crossing.
✓ Comfortable seat with headrest
✓ USB sockets for chargers
✓ Free SmartB WiFi
✓ Access to every area of the ship
Superior Seat
More legroom and wider seats than the standard option. Ideal for anyone after a little extra comfort without going all the way to VIP, especially on the longer Dénia–Palma run.
✓ More space between seats
✓ USB sockets for chargers
✓ Free SmartB WiFi
✓ Access to every area of the ship
VIP Lounge · Premium
A restricted-access lounge with reclining seats and footrests for extra comfort. It comes with its own café and attentive service, plus a hot or cold drink and a snack included in the ticket. The best comfort-for-money on the ship.
✓ Exclusive-access lounge
✓ Reclining seat with footrest
✓ Its own café and table service
✓ Hot or cold drink and a snack included
Exclusive Lounge · Private
The most exclusive accommodation on the Eleanor Roosevelt. Two entirely private lounges seating 6 and 8 passengers, with their own bathroom, catering, a dedicated attendant and a Smart TV. Perfect for business meetings, VIP groups or anyone who expects the very best on board.
✓ Private lounge for 6 or 8 passengers
✓ Catering and a dedicated attendant in the lounge
✓ Own bathroom, Smart TV and internet connection
✓ Priority boarding
fast ferry Eleanor Roosevelt · On-board services
Café, shop and places to eat
The Eleanor Roosevelt has three food and drink venues: a large café with hot and cold options, a fresh juice bar and an outdoor food truck on the stern terrace. The onboard shop sells snacks, souvenirs and travel goods throughout the crossing.
Outdoor terrace
The Eleanor Roosevelt's stern terrace is one of the best-loved spaces on the ship. It is an open-air area with a food truck serving snacks and drinks, and it is the perfect spot to take in the Mediterranean views on the crossing between Dénia and Ibiza.
Children's area
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Eleanor Roosevelt was the first fast ferry in the Baleària fleet to have a lift and an escalator running from the vehicle deck up to the passenger deck — features unheard of on a ship of this type. She also has special wheelchair anchor points. She is one of the most accessible fast ferries in the Mediterranean.
Technical comfort on board
The Eleanor Roosevelt uses purpose-built technology to keep the motion of the sea to a minimum during the crossing:
- Retractable bow T-foil + stern interceptors: they improve course stability and seakeeping, making it easier to sail in rough conditions.
- Elastically mounted floating superstructure: high-tech insulation that keeps vibration and noise on board to a minimum.
- Real-time sensors: they monitor fuel consumption and engine efficiency, adjusting speed and course to the state of the sea. They form part of Baleària's Control Tower project, co-funded by the European Commission's CEF fund.
Connectivity and digital entertainment — SmartB
On board the Eleanor Roosevelt you have Baleària's SmartB platform, the digital system that made her the fleet's first smart ship:
- Free WiFi throughout the crossing
- Completely free WhatsApp that uses none of your data allowance
- On-demand series and films on your smartphone
- Free Spanish and international newspapers via PressReader
- Digital boarding card with a QR code and online seat allocation
- Café orders from your mobile device
- Pet webcam monitoring accessible from your device
- Real-time journey information on your phone
Sustainability: the real-world impact figures
The Eleanor Roosevelt is the world's first fast ferry with dual-fuel natural gas engines and one of the most eco-efficient vessels in service in the Mediterranean. Her environmental impact compared with conventional ferries is striking:
−30%
COâ‚‚ emissions
−85%
NOx emissions
−100%
Sulphur and particulates
In concrete terms, the Eleanor Roosevelt is reckoned to cut COâ‚‚ emissions each year by the equivalent of taking more than 8,900 conventional cars off the road, or of planting almost 27,000 trees. Running on LNG alone, the fuel cost saving compared with diesel operation is 35–40%, according to Wärtsilä. The engines produce no visible smoke at any load or on start-up, which benefits air quality for passengers and for people living around the port alike.
The vessel is built entirely of aluminium, a material that greatly reduces total weight and fuel consumption and is highly recyclable at the end of her working life. Her LNG tanks give her a range of 400 nautical miles in gas mode, rising to 1,900 miles in combined gas/diesel mode.
Eleanor Roosevelt vs Margarita Salas: every difference
The Eleanor Roosevelt is the first ship in the series and the Margarita Salas is her improved evolution. Here are all the differences between the two vessels:
| Specification | Eleanor Roosevelt | Margarita Salas |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger decks | 1 | 2 |
| Power per engine | 8,800 kW | 9,600 kW (+10%) |
| Bow thrusters | No | Yes |
| Stern terrace | Standard | Larger |
| VIP Lounge seats | Standard VIP | Upgraded |
| Passenger capacity | 1,200 | 1,200 |
| Length overall | 123 m | 123 m |
| Fuel | LNG (dual-fuel) | LNG (dual-fuel) |
| Year built | 2021 | 2024 |
| Place in the series | 1st of 5 | 2nd of 5 |
| Investment | €90M | €126M |
Frequently asked questions about the Eleanor Roosevelt
Which routes does the Eleanor Roosevelt fast ferry operate?
She mainly operates the Dénia–Ibiza–Palma de Mallorca route for Baleària. She may also work other Balearic routes depending on fleet requirements and the season.
How long does the Eleanor Roosevelt take from Dénia to Ibiza?
The Dénia–Ibiza trip takes roughly 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes. It is the fastest link between mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands. From Ibiza she carries on to Palma de Mallorca in about two and a half hours more.
Does the Eleanor Roosevelt call at the port of Palma?
Yes. The Eleanor Roosevelt works the port of Palma de Mallorca on the Dénia–Ibiza–Palma route. Unlike the Margarita Salas (which serves Alcúdia), this ship sails straight into the Mallorcan capital.
Does the Eleanor Roosevelt carry cars?
Yes. She has a vehicle deck for up to 450 vehicles (or 250 cars plus 500 linear metres of lorries), with a clearance height of 4.85 metres. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand. In July and August it is worth allowing extra time.
What accommodation does the Eleanor Roosevelt offer?
Four types: Standard Seat (shared area), Superior Seat (more room), VIP Lounge (exclusive access with footrests and its own café, snack included) and Exclusive Lounge (two private lounges for 6 and 8 passengers with their own bathroom, catering, Smart TV and Priority boarding).
Is there free WiFi on the Eleanor Roosevelt?
Yes. Baleària's SmartB platform includes free WiFi, free WhatsApp that uses no data, on-demand series and films, digital newspapers through PressReader, café orders from your phone and a digital boarding card with a QR code.
Is there a Balearic resident discount?
Yes. Residents of the Balearic Islands are entitled to a 75% discount on the base fare, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
Are pets allowed on the Eleanor Roosevelt?
Yes. She has climate-controlled kennels and webcam monitoring so owners can watch their pets on their phones at any point in the crossing. A pet place must be booked when you buy your ticket.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She was Baleària's first fast ferry with a lift and an escalator from the vehicle deck to the passenger deck — unheard of on a ship of this type. She also has special wheelchair anchor points.
What fuel does the Eleanor Roosevelt use?
Liquefied natural gas (LNG), burned in four Wärtsilä 16V31DF dual-fuel engines of 8,800 kW each. It cuts COâ‚‚ by 30% and NOx by 85%, and does away with sulphur and particulate emissions. That is the equivalent of taking more than 8,900 cars off the road or planting 27,000 trees a year.
How much does it cost to travel on the Eleanor Roosevelt?
A standard Dénia–Ibiza seat starts at roughly €63 one way in mid season. Balearic residents pay 75% less. Prices rise in July and August, so it is worth booking ahead. Compare real-time prices here.
Is there a children's area on the Eleanor Roosevelt?
Yes. She has a children's area with interactive, educational games set aside just for younger passengers, to keep them entertained throughout the crossing.
How early should I get to the port?
By car: at least 90 minutes beforehand. Foot passengers: 45 minutes is enough. In July and August we recommend allowing extra time, given the volume of traffic at the port of Dénia.
When did the Eleanor Roosevelt join the fleet?
The Eleanor Roosevelt made her first commercial crossing on 1 May 2021 on the Dénia–Ibiza–Palma route. She was built at the Armon shipyard in Gijón with an investment of €90 million, and her keel was laid in June 2019.
What is the difference between the Eleanor Roosevelt and the Margarita Salas?
The Margarita Salas improves on the Eleanor Roosevelt with: a second passenger deck, 10% more power (9,600 kW per engine against 8,800 kW), bow thrusters, a larger stern terrace and upgraded VIP seats. They share the same length (123 m), capacity (1,200 passengers, 450 vehicles) and LNG propulsion. See the Margarita Salas page.
