Jaume III Balearia
Jaume III
âš“ The Jaume III is one of the large-capacity conventional ferries in the Baleària fleet, built for the routes between the mainland and Mallorca. With room for more than 1,500 passengers and 400 vehicles, she works mainly the Barcelona–Palma de Mallorca and Valencia–Palma de Mallorca links, offering both overnight and daytime crossings with a wide range of cabins and seats to suit every kind of traveller.
The Jaume III is named after James III of Mallorca (1315–1349), the last king of the Kingdom of Mallorca, in keeping with Baleària's tradition of naming its ferries after historical and cultural figures from the Balearic archipelago. The ship belongs to the historic core of the operator's fleet and has been one of the mainstays of the link between eastern Spain and the Balearic Islands for years.
History and background of the ship
The Jaume III is an 81-metre catamaran built in 1996 by Incat Tasmania (hull 041). She first ran as the Holyman Express and the Holyman Diamant for Holyman Sally Ferries on the Ramsgate–Ostend route (1997), and later as the Diamant and the Seacat Diamant for Hoverspeed on the Dover–Ostend and Newhaven–Dieppe routes (1998–2005). After Hoverspeed ceased operations in November 2005, she was briefly chartered to the Isle of Man Steam Packet for the TT festival (2006).
In June 2006 she was bought by Baleària and renamed Jaume III, entering service that July on the Palma–Barcelona route. During her time with Baleària she has also worked Algeciras–Ceuta, Algeciras–Tangier and Ibiza–Palma. From 2025 she was assigned to the Ciutadella–Alcúdia route, until the Jaume I took over from her in April 2026.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Conventional ro-pax ferry |
| Length overall | 176 m |
| Beam | 26 m |
| Service speed | ~21 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~1,500 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~400 cars |
| Passenger decks | Several (seats + cabins) |
| Propulsion | Diesel engines |
| Operating company | Baleària |
| Flag | Spain |
| IMO number | 9232527 |
| Year built | 2002 |
| Shipyard | Hijos de J. Barreras (Vigo) |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Palma de Mallorca | ~7 h 30 min | ~23:00 (overnight) |
| Palma de Mallorca → Barcelona | ~7 h 30 min | ~23:00 (overnight) |
| Valencia → Palma de Mallorca | ~9 h | ~23:30 (overnight) |
| Palma de Mallorca → Valencia | ~9 h | ~23:30 (overnight) |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
The port of Palma de Mallorca: how to get there and what to bear in mind
The Jaume III sails from the port of Palma de Mallorca, the island's main harbour, just minutes from the city's old town. Unlike the fast ferries that use Alcúdia, the port of Palma has excellent transport links to the centre of the Balearic capital and to the rest of the island, via the city and intercity bus networks (EMT and TIB) as well as taxis and car hire firms.
If you arrive on an overnight sailing, the ship usually berths in the small hours or first thing in the morning, which leaves you a full day in Mallorca. We recommend arriving at the departure port at least 90 minutes beforehand if you are travelling with a vehicle, and 60 minutes as a foot passenger.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A standard seat on board the Jaume III starts at roughly €35–50 each way in low season, and can go above €80–100 at the busiest times of year (July and August). Cabins cost extra depending on the category you choose. Booking ahead is advisable, 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). This is the biggest discount of all and applies to virtually every sailing.
- Large family: discount according to category (general or special), on production of the relevant card.
- Carnet Joven youth card: reduced fare for passengers aged 14 to 30. Check availability when you book.
- Baleària Club: the operator's loyalty scheme. Collect points on every trip and redeem them for discounts on future bookings.
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 |
| As a couple or with one companion, overnight | Twin inside cabin |
| With the family (children in tow) | 4-berth inside cabin |
| Looking for maximum comfort and sea views | Outside cabin |
| Looking for privacy and premium service | Suite / Premium cabin |
| With a pet | Seat or cabin + pet place |
Jaume III · Accommodations
Seat · Standard
The cheapest option on board. Reclining seats in the public areas, with access to every part of the ship. Ideal for shorter overnight hops or for travellers whose priority is the price.
✓ Reclining, with headrest
✓ Access to every part of the ship
✓ Free SmartB WiFi
✓ Access to the café and restaurant
Inside Cabin
A cabin without a window, available as a twin or a four-berth. Perfect for travelling overnight in complete privacy and getting a proper rest. The most popular choice among families and groups.
✓ Single beds with bed linen
✓ Private bathroom
✓ Air conditioning and heating
✓ TV in the cabin
✓ Available as a twin or a four-berth
Outside Cabin
A cabin with a window or porthole looking out to sea. You get natural light and views throughout the crossing. Available as a twin or a four-berth.
✓ Window or porthole facing the sea
✓ Single beds with bed linen
✓ Private bathroom
✓ Air conditioning and heating
✓ TV in the cabin
Suite / Premium Cabin
The most exclusive accommodation on the Jaume III. More space, better fittings and, in some categories, access to preferential areas or services. The best choice for anyone after maximum comfort on an overnight crossing.
✓ More space and quality fittings
✓ Full private bathroom
✓ Views outside
✓ TV and toiletries included
Jaume III · On-board services
Café and restaurant on board
The Jaume III has a café and a restaurant service available throughout the crossing, with a wide choice of breakfasts, hot plates, set menus, sandwiches and hot and cold drinks. One particular advantage of the overnight ferry is that you can have dinner on board before turning in to your cabin.
Lounges and leisure areas
On board the Jaume III you will find several passenger lounges with televisions and seating areas, ideal for resting or passing the time during the crossing. The ship also has vending machines and an additional rest area for anyone travelling without a cabin.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Jaume III has lifts between decks and adapted areas for passengers with reduced mobility. We recommend telling Baleària when you book so that they can look after you properly and allocate suitable accommodation (an accessible cabin, priority boarding and so on).
Connectivity and digital entertainment — SmartB
On board the Jaume III you have Baleària's SmartB platform, the operator's digital entertainment and connectivity system:
- Free WiFi throughout the crossing
- WhatsApp completely free, with no data used from your plan
- Series and films on demand from your smartphone or tablet
- Digital magazines through the entertainment platform
- Free Spanish and international newspapers via PressReader
- Digital boarding pass with accommodation allocated online
- Real-time trip information from your phone
Frequently asked questions about the Jaume III
Which routes does the Jaume III ferry operate?
She mainly operates the Barcelona–Palma de Mallorca and Valencia–Palma de Mallorca routes for Baleària. Route allocation can change from season to season.
How long does the Jaume III take from Barcelona to Palma?
The Barcelona–Palma de Mallorca crossing takes approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes. It is normally an overnight sailing: it leaves at night and arrives first thing in the morning, which leaves you a full day at your destination.
How long does the Jaume III take from Valencia to Palma?
The Valencia–Palma de Mallorca crossing takes approximately 9 hours, again usually overnight.
Does the Jaume III carry cars?
Yes. She has a car deck for approximately 400 vehicles. 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 Jaume III offer?
Four kinds: the Standard seat (the cheapest), the Inside Cabin (twin or four-berth, no window), the Outside Cabin (with a window or porthole) and the Suite/Premium Cabin (more space and better fittings).
Is it worth booking a cabin on the Jaume III?
On overnight crossings of 7–9 hours, booking a cabin is well worth it if you want to sleep properly and arrive fresh. The twin inside cabin is the most popular option for its value for money. A seat is enough for anyone travelling alone or keeping costs down.
Is there free WiFi on the Jaume III?
Yes. Baleària's SmartB platform includes free WiFi, free WhatsApp with no data used, series and films on demand, digital newspapers with PressReader and a digital boarding pass.
Is there a Balearic resident discount on the Jaume III?
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 Jaume III?
Yes. The Jaume III accepts pets in a dedicated area. You need to book a pet place when you buy your ticket and meet the operator's health documentation requirements.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has lifts between decks and adapted areas. We recommend telling Baleària when you book so that they can look after you properly and allocate suitable accommodation.
How much does it cost to travel on the Jaume III?
Standard seats start at roughly €35–50 each way in low season. Cabins cost extra depending on the category. Prices rise in July and August. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I arrive at the port?
By car: at least 90 minutes beforehand. As a foot passenger, 60 minutes is enough. In July and August we recommend allowing extra time.
Is there a café and a restaurant on the Jaume III?
Yes. The Jaume III has a café and a restaurant on board with hot dishes, set menus, sandwiches and drinks available throughout the crossing. Dinner on board before turning in to the cabin is a good way to start the trip.
Why is this ferry called the Jaume III?
The ship is named after James III of Mallorca (1315–1349), the last king of the Kingdom of Mallorca. Baleària has a tradition of naming its ferries after historical and cultural figures from the Balearic archipelago.
