Ramón Llull Balearia
Ramón Llull
âš“ The Ramón Llull is one of the most versatile fast ferries in the Baleària fleet, able to cover a whole range of western Mediterranean routes at a service speed of up to 36 knots. She works mainly between Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, as well as on routes from Dénia to Ibiza and Formentera, linking Spain's eastern seaboard with the Pitiusas in very competitive crossing times. That operational flexibility makes her one of the ships Baleària turns to first when a busy seasonal route needs covering.
She was built at the Incat yard in Hobart (Tasmania, Australia), world specialists in high-speed aluminium catamarans, and delivered to Baleària in 2002. The operator bought her second-hand from the Australian company TT-Line. Over her working life she has been through a series of upgrades to improve both her performance and her onboard services, keeping pace with the operator's evolving standards.
A tribute to medieval philosophy and literature
The ship is named after Ramón Llull (Palma de Mallorca, c. 1232 – c. 1316), a Mallorcan philosopher, theologian, poet and missionary regarded as the first great writer in the Catalan language and one of the most prolific and influential thinkers of medieval Europe. He founded the school of thought known as Lullism and developed the Ars Magna, a combinatorial system of logic that some historians of computing consider a distant forerunner of the computer.
Llull wrote more than 265 works in Catalan, Arabic and Latin, among them the Llibre de contemplació en Déu, one of the longest philosophical works in medieval European literature. He stands as a bridge between the cultures and bodies of knowledge of the Mediterranean — values that sit naturally with Baleària's calling as a company that connects islands.
History and background of the ship
The Ramón Llull is the first of a pair of sister catamarans of the Aquastrada TMV 84 class, built at the Rodríguez yard in Pietra Ligure, completed in Messina and delivered on 9 May 2003 to Baleària. She entered service on 10 June 2003 on the Barcelona–Mahón–Alcúdia routes, although that same autumn she moved to the Strait of Gibraltar (Algeciras–Tangier). Over the years she has alternated seasons in the Balearics with spells on the Strait and in the southern Mediterranean, including the Algeciras–Ceuta and Dénia–Formentera–Ibiza routes. Between December 2004 and June 2005 she was out of service with mechanical trouble in her engines.
In 2025, after a brief charter to DFDS on the Algeciras–Ceuta route standing in for the Jaume I and a summer stint on Dénia–Formentera–Ibiza, she returned on 14 October to the Alcúdia–Ciutadella de Menorca route, which she had not worked since 2006. She takes her name from the Mallorcan philosopher, writer and theologian Ramón Llull (c. 1232–1316), a central figure in medieval Catalan-language literature and thought.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Fast ferry catamaran |
| Length overall | 86 m |
| Beam | 26 m |
| Draught | ~3.7 m |
| Service speed | ~36 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~900 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~200 cars |
| Propulsion | 4 diesel engines · waterjets |
| Hull material | Aluminium |
| Shipyard | Incat, Hobart (Tasmania, Australia) |
| Year built | 2002 |
| Joined Baleària | 2002 |
| IMO number | 9265736 |
| Flag | Cyprus |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Palma (Mallorca) | ~3 h 45 min | Varies |
| Palma (Mallorca) → Barcelona | ~3 h 45 min | Varies |
| Dénia → Ibiza | ~2 h 15 min | Varies |
| Ibiza → Dénia | ~2 h 15 min | Varies |
| Dénia → Formentera | ~3 h | Varies |
| Formentera → Dénia | ~3 h | Varies |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Exactly which route the Ramón Llull is assigned to depends on Baleària's seasonal scheduling. Confirm the exact timetable in our search engine.
The port of Dénia: getting there and what to bear in mind
When the Ramón Llull sails from Dénia, she leaves from the harbour in the north of Alicante province, some 100 km from Valencia and 90 km from Alicante. It is the closest embarkation point on the Spanish east coast for reaching Ibiza and Formentera without going round the south of the island. If your final destination is Ibiza town, arriving via Dénia can be the most direct option from the eastern seaboard.
We recommend arriving at the port of Dénia at least 90 minutes beforehand if you are travelling with a vehicle, and 45 minutes as a foot passenger. In high season (July and August) the boarding queues can be long, so it is worth allowing extra time.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A standard seat (Sirena) on the Ramón Llull starts at roughly €50–70 each way in mid season, depending on the route and how far ahead you book. In high season (July and August) prices can go above €100, particularly on the routes to Ibiza and Formentera.
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 most significant discount and applies to most crossings.
- 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 against 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 Mesa seat |
| Looking for extra comfort and a proper rest | VIP lounge |
| With a pet | Sirena + pet place |
| With young children | Sirena Mesa (near the children's area) |
Ramón Llull · Accommodations
Sirena seat · Standard
The cheapest option on board. Comfortable seats in a shared lounge, with access to all areas of the ship. Perfect for travellers who put price first without giving up comfort on crossings of two to four hours.
✓ Reclines, with a headrest
✓ Sockets for chargers
✓ Free SmartB WiFi
✓ Access to every area of the ship
Sirena Mesa seat
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 games during the crossing.
✓ Shared table for 4 people
✓ Reclines, with a headrest
✓ Sockets for chargers
✓ Free SmartB WiFi
VIP lounge · Premium
A restricted-access lounge with more comfortable seating and extra services. It includes personal service and access to an exclusive café. The ideal choice for anyone after a bit more peace and space during the crossing.
✓ Exclusive-access lounge
✓ More comfortable seating
✓ Personal service in the lounge
✓ Drink included
Ramón Llull · On-board services
Café and food service
The Ramón Llull has a café on board serving hot and cold food and drink throughout the crossing. What is on offer covers the basics for a journey of two to four hours: filled rolls, sandwiches, hot dishes and a good range of drinks.
Open-air deck
The Ramón Llull has an open deck area from which to enjoy the views over the Mediterranean while under way. It is one of the spaces passengers rate most highly, above all on the summer crossings to Ibiza and Formentera.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Ramón Llull has accessible entrances for passengers with reduced mobility. We recommend contacting Baleària in advance to arrange boarding and make sure the right assistance is in place for boarding, the crossing and disembarkation.
Connectivity and digital entertainment — SmartB
On board the Ramón Llull you have the run of Baleària's SmartB platform, the fleet's digital system:
- Free WiFi throughout the crossing
- Completely free WhatsApp, without using your data allowance
- Series and films on demand on your smartphone
- Digital magazines through the entertainment platform
- Free Spanish and international newspapers via PressReader
- Digital boarding pass with online seat allocation
- Real-time journey information on your phone
Frequently asked questions about the Ramón Llull
Which routes does the Ramón Llull fast ferry operate?
She works mainly the Barcelona–Palma de Mallorca route and the Dénia–Ibiza and Dénia–Formentera routes for Baleària. Exactly where she is assigned depends on the operator's seasonal scheduling.
How long does the Ramón Llull take from Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca?
The Barcelona–Palma de Mallorca crossing takes roughly 3 hours 45 minutes on board the Ramón Llull.
How long does the Ramón Llull take from Dénia to Ibiza?
The Dénia–Ibiza crossing takes roughly 2 hours 15 minutes. It is one of the fastest links from Spain's eastern seaboard to Ibiza and Formentera.
Does the Ramón Llull carry cars?
Yes. She has a car deck for roughly 200 vehicles. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the harbour at least 90 minutes beforehand. In July and August it is worth allowing extra time.
What accommodation does the Ramón Llull offer?
Three types: the Sirena seat (standard, the cheapest option), Sirena Mesa (with a shared table for four) and the VIP lounge (exclusive access with extra comfort and a drink included).
Is there free WiFi on the Ramón Llull?
Yes. Baleària's SmartB platform includes free WiFi, WhatsApp without using your data, series and films on demand, digital newspapers through PressReader and a digital boarding pass.
Is there a Balearic resident discount on the Ramón Llull?
Yes. Residents of the Balearic Islands are entitled to a 75% discount on the base ticket price, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
Are pets allowed on the Ramón Llull?
Yes. She has a dedicated pet area. You need to book a pet place when you buy your ticket. Check the maximum weight and the paperwork required with Baleària before you travel.
Is the Ramón Llull accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has accessible entrances for passengers with reduced mobility. We recommend contacting Baleària in advance to arrange boarding and the assistance you need.
What fuel does the Ramón Llull use?
The Ramón Llull runs on conventional diesel propulsion with waterjets. Unlike Baleària's newer fast ferries such as the Eleanor Roosevelt or the Margarita Salas, she does not run on liquefied natural gas (LNG).
How much does it cost to travel on the Ramón Llull?
A Sirena seat starts at around €50–70 each way in mid season. Balearic residents pay 75% less. Prices rise in July and August. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the harbour?
By car: at least 90 minutes beforehand. As a foot passenger, 45 minutes is enough. In July and August it is worth allowing extra time, particularly at the port of Dénia.
Where is the port of Dénia and how do I get there?
The port of Dénia is in the north of Alicante province, some 100 km from Valencia and 90 km from Alicante. It is the closest embarkation point on the Spanish east coast for reaching Ibiza and Formentera.
Who was Ramón Llull and why does the ship carry his name?
Ramón Llull (Palma de Mallorca, c. 1232 – c. 1316) was a Mallorcan philosopher, theologian and poet regarded as the first great writer in the Catalan language and one of the most influential thinkers in medieval Europe. His name stands for the bond between Mallorca and the Mediterranean — values Baleària carries through its fleet by naming its ships after distinguished figures from the Balearic Islands and Spanish culture.
