ferry Nixe Balearia
ferry Nixe
âš“ The Nixe is one of the conventional ferries that Baleària runs on the routes between mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands. With room for more than 1,400 passengers and 500 vehicles, the Nixe is a mid-sized ship within the Baleària fleet, and a particular favourite with Balearic residents and anyone travelling with their own car. She offers a comfortable overnight crossing in a private cabin, as well as daytime sailings in a reclining seat, on the Barcelona–Palma and Valencia–Palma routes.
The Nixe was built at the Van der Giessen-de Noord shipyard (Netherlands) and launched in 1991. She joined the Baleària fleet after a series of refits and works regularly on the Balearic services, making her one of the longest-serving ships in the company. Her name, Nixe, comes from Germanic mythology: the nixies or nixes are water creatures of Nordic and Germanic folklore, associated with water and rivers.
History and background of the ship
The Nixe is one of a pair of catamarans built at the Marinteknik Shipbuilders yard in Singapore for Baleària. Her keel (build number 185) was laid on 30 November 2002, she was launched on 31 December 2003 and delivered on 16 May 2004, sailing to Spain under her own power. Since entering service she has worked mainly on the Ibiza–Formentera route, though in different seasons she has also covered the Dénia–Ibiza, Mallorca–Menorca and Algeciras–Tanger Med links.
Her sister ship, the Nixe 2, was sold to Taiwan in the summer of 2008, where she ran as the Ocean Lala and later as the Vista for a South Korean operator. The name of both ships pays tribute to Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria-Tuscany, who explored the Balearic Islands in the late nineteenth century aboard his yacht Nixe and wrote the monumental Die Balearen. Geschildert in Wort und Bild (The Balearic Islands: Described in Words and Pictures).
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Passenger and vehicle ferry (Ro-Pax) |
| Length overall | 176.9 m |
| Beam | 27.6 m |
| Draught | 6.3 m |
| Gross tonnage (GT) | 26,904 GT |
| Service speed | ~21 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~1,400 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~500 cars |
| Decks | 9 |
| Propulsion | Conventional diesel |
| Shipyard | Van der Giessen-de Noord (Netherlands) |
| Year built | 1991 |
| IMO number | 8919257 |
| Call sign | 5BQK3 |
| Flag | Cyprus |
| Operator | Baleària |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Palma (Mallorca) | ~7 h 30 min | ~23:00 |
| Palma (Mallorca) → Barcelona | ~7 h 30 min | ~11:30 / ~23:00 |
| Valencia → Palma (Mallorca) | ~8 h | Check by season |
| Palma (Mallorca) → Valencia | ~8 h | Check by season |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact time in our search engine.
The Port of Palma: how to get there and what to bear in mind
The Nixe works mainly out of the Port de Palma de Mallorca, the largest port in the Balearic Islands, right in the centre of the Mallorcan capital. Unlike the Port d'Alcúdia — where the fast ferries operate — the port of Palma sits in the heart of the city, with direct access to the seafront promenade and every tourist service you might need. It is the natural choice if you are staying in Palma or in the south-west of the island.
If you are taking the overnight sailing (departing at around 23:00), booking a cabin is the most comfortable way to arrive rested. On the daytime crossing, the reclining seats are more than enough for the seven and a half hours or so of the journey. We recommend arriving at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand if you have a vehicle, and 45 minutes if you are travelling as a foot passenger.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A standard seat on the Nixe starts at ~€35 each way in low season and can rise above €80–100 in July and August, especially if you are taking a vehicle. Cabin berths carry an additional supplement.
Available discounts:
- Balearic resident: 75% off the base passenger fare. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento). It is the most significant discount and applies on practically every crossing.
- Canary Islands resident: an equivalent discount if the ship works Canary routes in season.
- Youth card (Carnet Joven): reduced fare for passengers aged 14 to 30 on selected sailings.
- Baleària Club: the operator's loyalty scheme. Collect points on every trip and redeem them for discounts on future bookings.
- Large family: discount depending on the category (general or special), subject to proof.
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 | Reclining seat |
| Overnight, and wanting a proper rest | Inside cabin |
| With family or as a couple, wanting more comfort | Outside cabin (with window) |
| For maximum comfort and privacy | Premium cabin / suite |
| With a pet | Cabin + pet place |
| With small children on a short crossing | Seat (family area) |
| With reduced mobility | Adapted cabin (check availability) |
ferry Nixe · Accommodations
Reclining seat · Standard
The cheapest option on the Nixe. Reclining seats in a shared lounge, perfect for daytime crossings or for passengers who put a keen price ahead of privacy. Access to all the ship's public areas.
✓ Reclines, with headrest
✓ Access to the café and public areas
✓ SmartB WiFi on board
✓ Ideal for daytime crossings
Inside cabin
A private cabin without a window, available with 2 or 4 berths. The cheapest way to travel in privacy on an overnight crossing. A private bathroom with shower is included.
✓ Private cabin with a key
✓ Berths for 2 or 4 people
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individual air conditioning
✓ Ideal for overnight crossings
Outside cabin · With window
A private cabin with a porthole or window looking out to sea. Available with 2 or 4 berths. Brighter than an inside cabin, with sea views. Recommended for daytime trips in privacy, or for families who want more than a seat without paying suite prices.
✓ Private cabin with a sea-facing window
✓ Berths for 2 or 4 people
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Individual air conditioning
✓ Natural light on daytime crossings
Premium cabin · Extra comfort
The most comfortable accommodation available on the Nixe. A two-berth outside cabin with superior finishes, more space and, in some cases, a double bed instead of bunks. Aimed at couples or travellers who put rest and comfort first on overnight crossings.
✓ Roomier outside cabin
✓ Double bed or two-berth bunks
✓ Private bathroom with shower
✓ Superior finishes and fittings
✓ Individual air conditioning
ferry Nixe · On-board services
Café and food service
The Nixe has a café on board serving hot and cold food and drinks throughout the crossing. The menu includes sandwiches, set meals on sailings that fall at lunch or dinner time, pastries, hot and cold drinks and a selection of hot dishes. On overnight crossings the service may run well into the small hours.
Outside deck
The Nixe has an outside deck for enjoying the views over the Mediterranean during the crossing. It is the passengers' favourite spot in good weather, for watching the ship leave or arrive at the ports of Barcelona and Palma.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Nixe has lifts between decks to make every area of the ship easier to reach, as well as adapted cabins for passengers with reduced mobility (subject to availability, booked in advance). We recommend stating any special requirements when you book, so that the adapted cabin and the assistance you need for boarding and disembarking can be guaranteed.
Connectivity and digital entertainment — SmartB
The Nixe carries Baleària's SmartB platform, the fleet's digital entertainment and connectivity system:
- WiFi on board during the crossing
- On-demand series and films on your smartphone or tablet
- Free digital magazines and newspapers via PressReader
- Real-time journey information on your phone
- Digital boarding pass with seat allocation
The availability of all SmartB services may depend on the technical conditions of the route and on fleet upgrades.
Frequently asked questions about the Nixe
Which routes does the Nixe ferry operate?
She works mainly the Barcelona–Palma de Mallorca and Valencia–Palma de Mallorca routes, with daytime and overnight crossings depending on the season. Route assignments can change through the year according to Baleària's schedule.
How long does the Nixe take from Barcelona to Palma?
The Barcelona–Palma de Mallorca crossing takes roughly 7 hours 30 minutes. Overnight sailings usually leave at around 23:00 and reach Palma the following morning.
Does the Nixe carry cars and other vehicles?
Yes. The Nixe is a Ro-Pax ferry with room for roughly 500 vehicles on her vehicle deck. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand. In July and August it is worth allowing more time.
What accommodation does the Nixe offer?
She has reclining seats (standard), inside cabins (no window, 2 or 4 berths), outside cabins (with a sea-facing window) and premium cabins (more space and comfort). Every cabin has a private bathroom with shower.
Is there WiFi on the Nixe?
Yes. The Nixe has Baleària's SmartB platform, with WiFi on board, digital entertainment (series, films, magazines) and free newspapers via PressReader.
Are pets allowed on the Nixe?
Yes. The Nixe has a dedicated pet area. You must book a pet place when you buy your ticket. Pets may not enter the passenger areas or standard cabins.
Is the Nixe accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has lifts between decks and adapted cabins for passengers with reduced mobility (subject to availability, booked in advance). Tell us what you need when you book so that the right assistance can be arranged.
Is there a Balearic resident discount on the Nixe?
Yes. Residents of the Balearic Islands are entitled to a 75% discount on the base passenger fare, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
How much does it cost to travel on the Nixe?
A standard seat starts at ~€35 each way in low season. Cabins carry an additional supplement. In July and August prices go up, so it is worth booking ahead. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the port to board?
By car: at least 90 minutes before departure. As a foot passenger: 45 minutes is enough. In high season (July and August) it is worth allowing extra time, especially at the port of Barcelona.
When was the Nixe built, and what is her history?
The Nixe was built in 1991 at the Van der Giessen-de Noord shipyard (Netherlands). Her name comes from Germanic mythology: the nixies are water creatures of Nordic and Germanic folklore. She has been refitted several times since her launch and sails for Baleària on the Balearic routes.
Does the Nixe sail straight into the port of Palma de Mallorca?
Yes. Unlike the fast ferries that use the Port d'Alcúdia (in the north of Mallorca), the Nixe sails directly into the Port of Palma, in the centre of the Mallorcan capital, with direct access to the seafront promenade and every service the city offers.
