Fast ferry Margarita Salas Balearia
Fast ferry Margarita Salas
âš“ The Margarita Salas is the fastest fast ferry in the Mediterranean and one of the most innovative and sustainable ships of her kind anywhere in the world. Operated by Baleària, she covers the Barcelona–Mallorca route (to Alcúdia) in just 3 hours and 30 minutes and reaches Menorca (Ciutadella) in 5 hours 15 minutes. She is the second fast ferry in the world to run on dual-fuel Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) engines and is rated 8.8 out of 10 by her passengers, one of the best-scoring ships in the whole Baleària fleet.
She joined the fleet on 10 July 2024, having been built at the Armon shipyard in Gijón — the yard's 1,000th vessel — for an investment of €126 million, with input from leading international specialists (Wärtsilä, Incat Crowther, Bureau Veritas, Marintek-Sintef) and Spanish ones (Cotenaval, Oliver Design, Jorge Belloch). Construction created more than 220 direct jobs over two and a half years. It was financed with European Union Next Generation funds (MRR) and CaixaBank.
The Margarita Salas is part of a series of five fast ferries that Baleària is building at Armon Gijón. The first two — the Eleanor Roosevelt and the Margarita Salas — are already in service. The third is under construction, and the last two will be zero-emission electric fast ferries. The full series will be operational in 2028.
A tribute to Spanish science
The ship is named after Margarita Salas (Asturias, 1938 – Madrid, 2019), a Spanish biochemist and one of the most influential scientists in Spain's recent history. She was part of the first research team at the CSIC's Centre for Biological Research in Madrid, where she introduced molecular biology as a field of research in Spain alongside Severo Ochoa.
Her greatest scientific contribution was the discovery and characterisation of phi29 phage DNA polymerase, which has many biotechnological applications thanks to its extraordinary capacity to amplify DNA. She left a legacy of more than 350 scientific papers, over 400 conference presentations and 8 registered patents.
History and background of the ship
The Margarita Salas was built as hull number G026 at the Armon Gijón shipyard for Baleària, designed by the Australian firm Incat Crowther as an Incat Crowther 123 class vessel. She was launched on 14 December 2023 and delivered on 7 July 2024. Hull and superstructure are aluminium, and the build cost came to €126 million.
She is a sister ship to Baleària's Eleanor Roosevelt, though with improvements drawn from that ship's time in service: more powerful engines (38,400 kW against 35,200 kW) and an extra passenger deck. She entered service in July 2024 on the Barcelona–Alcúdia–Ciutadella route. She takes her name from the Spanish biochemist Margarita Salas, a pioneer of molecular biology.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Fast ferry catamaran |
| Length overall | 123 m |
| Beam | 28 m |
| Maximum speed | 35 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 1,200 people |
| Vehicle capacity | 425 cars |
| Propulsion | 4 dual-fuel LNG engines · 9,600 kW each |
| Range on gas | 400 miles (1,000 miles in total with fuel) |
| Passenger decks | 2 |
| Onboard comfort | Stabilisation system + elastically mounted floating superstructure |
| OPS system | Yes (shore power connection in port) |
| Monitoring | Real-time sensors linked to Baleària's Control Tower |
| Construction material | Over 1,200 tonnes of aluminium |
| Shipyard | Armon Gijón (vessel no. 1,000) |
| Entered the fleet | 10 July 2024 |
| Flag | Cyprus |
| IMO number | 9969730 |
| Investment | €126 million |
| Passenger rating | 8.8 / 10 |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Alcúdia (Mallorca) | 3 h 30 min | ~16:30 |
| Alcúdia (Mallorca) → Barcelona | 3 h 30 min | ~10:00 |
| Barcelona → Ciutadella (Menorca) | 5 h 15 min | ~16:30 |
| Ciutadella (Menorca) → Barcelona | 5 h 15 min | ~08:30 |
| Ceuta → Algeciras | ~35 min | Several departures |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact departure time in our search engine.
The port of Alcúdia: how to get there and what to bear in mind
The Margarita Salas sails to Port d'Alcúdia, in the north of Mallorca, some 55 km from Palma (roughly 50 minutes by car). If you are heading for Palma or the south of the island, bear in mind that you will need onward transport. To reach Palma directly by ferry from Barcelona, see our Balearic ferry routes served by conventional ferries.
If you are travelling by car, boarding the Margarita Salas 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.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A Sirena (standard) seat starts at €74 each way in mid season, and can go above €100 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). This is the biggest discount of all and applies to almost every crossing.
- Carnet Joven youth card: reduced fare for passengers aged 14 to 30. Check availability when you book.
- Baleària Club: the operator's points 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 | Sirena seat |
| With family or a group of friends | Sirena seat with table |
| Looking for extra comfort and a proper rest | VIP or VIP Plus lounge |
| On business or for a private meeting | Executive lounge |
| With a pet | Sirena + pet place |
| With small children | Sirena with table (near the children's area) |
Fast ferry Margarita Salas · Accommodations
Sirena Seat · Standard
The cheapest option on board. Comfortable seats in a shared area with televisions and access to every part of the ship. Perfect for travellers whose priority is the price but who do not want to give up comfort.
✓ Reclining, with headrest
✓ Sockets for chargers
✓ Free SmartB WiFi
✓ TV in the shared area
✓ Access to every part of the ship
Sirena Seat with Table
A version of the Sirena with a built-in table for four. Ideal for families, groups of friends or anyone who wants to eat, work or play during the crossing.
✓ Shared table for 4 people
✓ Reclining, with headrest
✓ Sockets for chargers
✓ Free SmartB WiFi
VIP Lounge · Premium
A restricted-access lounge with top-of-the-range seats that recline fully at the touch of a button. They include a footrest that brings you almost horizontal, and the lounge has its own café with table service. The best comfort-for-money on the ship.
✓ Exclusive-access lounge
✓ Reclining seat with automatic footrest
✓ Its own café and service in the lounge
✓ A hot or cold drink and a snack included
VIP Plus · Front row
The seats with the most legroom on the whole ship. Set in the front row of the VIP lounge, they come with all its services plus extra room to stretch out in complete comfort.
✓ Front row of the VIP lounge
✓ Maximum legroom
✓ Every VIP Lounge service included
Executive Lounge · Private
The most exclusive accommodation on the Margarita Salas, and unique in the entire Baleària fleet. Two private lounges — one with its own bathroom — for up to 6 passengers. Perfect for business meetings, VIP groups or anyone who expects the very best on board.
✓ Private lounge for up to 6 passengers
✓ Catering, minibar and a dedicated attendant
✓ Sofa, table and private TV
✓ Its own bathroom (in one of the two lounges)
✓ Priority disembarkation
Fast ferry Margarita Salas · On-board services
Café, shop and places to eat
The Margarita Salas has three places to eat and drink: a large café with hot and cold options, a fresh juice bar and an outdoor food truck on deck. The onboard shop sells snacks, souvenirs and travel goods throughout the crossing.
Outdoor terrace
The stern terrace on the Margarita Salas is larger than the one on the Eleanor Roosevelt, thanks to the ship's improved design. It has an open-air area with covered chill-out sofas and a snack and drinks service. The perfect place to enjoy the Mediterranean as you sail.
Children's area
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Margarita Salas is fitted with two lifts and an escalator running from the car deck up to the passenger deck, as well as special anchor points for wheelchairs. She is one of the most accessible fast ferries in the Mediterranean.
Onboard comfort: the engineering behind it
The Margarita Salas has specific technology on board to reduce the discomforts of the sea during the crossing:
- Stabilisation system: cuts the ship's movement considerably for greater comfort, particularly on windy days.
- Elastically mounted floating superstructure: high-tech insulation that minimises vibration and noise on board.
- Real-time sensors: they monitor fuel consumption and engine efficiency, adjusting speed and course to the state of the sea to keep passengers as comfortable as possible. They are part of Baleària's Control Tower project.
Connectivity and digital entertainment — SmartB
On board the Margarita Salas you have Baleària's SmartB platform, the most complete digital system in the fleet:
- Free WiFi throughout the crossing
- WhatsApp completely free, with no data used from your plan
- Series and films on demand from your smartphone
- Digital magazines through the entertainment platform
- Free Spanish and international newspapers via PressReader
- Digital boarding pass with online seat allocation
- Real-time trip information from your phone
- Pet video monitoring from your own device
Sustainability: the real-world figures
The Margarita Salas is the second fast ferry in the world with dual-fuel gas engines and one of the most sustainable ships in service in the Mediterranean. Her environmental footprint compared with conventional ferries is markedly smaller:
−30%
COâ‚‚ emissions
−85%
NOx emissions
−100%
Sulphur and particulates
In concrete terms, the Margarita Salas emits 13,000 tonnes less COâ‚‚ a year than the previous fast ferry on the Barcelona–Balearics route, which works out at 22% less COâ‚‚ — and half as much per passenger, thanks to her greater capacity. Baleària estimates that each ship in its LNG fleet avoids more than 11,000 tonnes of COâ‚‚ a year.
The ship also has an OPS (Onshore Power Supply) system for plugging into the electricity grid while alongside, eliminating emissions at the quay, and she is built from more than 1,200 tonnes of aluminium, a material that reduces overall weight and fuel consumption and is highly recyclable at the end of her working life.
Margarita Salas vs. Eleanor Roosevelt: every difference
The Margarita Salas is the second generation of the Eleanor Roosevelt and her direct evolution. These are all the differences between the two ships:
| Feature | Margarita Salas | Eleanor Roosevelt |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger decks | 2 | 1 |
| Power per engine | 9,600 kW (+10%) | ~8,700 kW |
| Bow thrusters | Yes | No |
| Stern terrace | Larger | Standard |
| VIP Lounge seats | Upgraded | Standard VIP |
| Passenger capacity | 1,200 | 1,200 |
| Length overall | 123 m | 123 m |
| Fuel | LNG (dual-fuel) | LNG (dual-fuel) |
| Year built | 2024 | 2021 |
| Place in the series | 2nd of 5 | 1st of 5 |
Frequently asked questions about the Margarita Salas
Which routes does the Margarita Salas fast ferry operate?
She operates the Barcelona–Alcúdia (Mallorca) and Barcelona–Ciutadella (Menorca) routes all year round for Baleària. In season she also works the Ceuta–Algeciras route.
How long does the Margarita Salas take from Barcelona to Mallorca?
The Barcelona–Alcúdia (Mallorca) crossing takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. She is the fastest ferry in the Mediterranean on that route. To Ciutadella (Menorca) it is approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes.
Does the Margarita Salas call at the port of Palma?
No. The Margarita Salas sails to Port d'Alcúdia, in the north of Mallorca, some 55 km from Palma (50 minutes by car). To reach Palma directly you need a conventional ferry.
Does the Margarita Salas carry cars?
Yes. She has a car deck for up to 425 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 Margarita Salas offer?
Five kinds: the Sirena seat (standard), Sirena with table (a table for four), VIP (an exclusive lounge with footrests and its own café), VIP Plus (the VIP front row with extra space) and Executive (a private lounge for up to 6 with catering and Priority disembarkation).
Is there free WiFi on the Margarita Salas?
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?
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 Margarita Salas?
Yes. There is a climate-controlled area with access to water, a walking area and video monitoring so that owners can watch their animals from their phones. You need to book a pet place when you buy your ticket.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has two lifts and an escalator from the car deck to the passenger deck, plus special anchor points for wheelchairs.
What fuel does the Margarita Salas use?
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), burned in four dual-fuel 9,600 kW engines. It cuts COâ‚‚ by 30% and NOx by 85%, eliminates sulphur and particulate emissions, and saves 13,000 tonnes of COâ‚‚ a year compared with the previous fast ferry on that route.
How much does it cost to travel on the Margarita Salas?
The Sirena seat starts at €74 each 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 Margarita Salas?
Yes. There is a children's area with interactive digital games, designed to keep children entertained for the whole crossing.
How early should I arrive at the port?
By car: at least 90 minutes beforehand. As a foot passenger, 45 minutes is enough. In July and August we recommend allowing extra time.
When did the Margarita Salas join the fleet?
The Margarita Salas made her first commercial crossing on 10 July 2024 on the Barcelona–Alcúdia–Ciutadella route. She was built at the Armon shipyard in Gijón for an investment of €126 million.
What is the difference between the Margarita Salas and the Eleanor Roosevelt?
The Margarita Salas improves on the Eleanor Roosevelt with a second passenger deck, 10% more power (9,600 kW per engine), bow thrusters, a larger stern terrace and upgraded VIP seats. They share the same length (123 m), capacity (1,200 passengers, 425 vehicles) and LNG propulsion.
