ferry Rosalind Franklin Balearia
ferry Rosalind Franklin
âš“ The Rosalind Franklin is one of the most modern and sustainable conventional ferries in the Baleària fleet. Powered by dual-fuel Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) engines, she stands out as one of the first passenger ferries in the Mediterranean to adopt this technology, cutting polluting emissions dramatically compared with conventional vessels. She works mainly on the routes between mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands, linking Barcelona and Valencia with Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera, with room for up to 1,400 passengers and more than 300 vehicles.
The Rosalind Franklin was built at the Visentini shipyard in Porto Viro (Italy) and joined the Baleària fleet in 2021. She forms part of the operator's strategic commitment to decarbonising its fleet, in line with the European Union's sustainability targets and part-financed with European funds. Her name honours one of the most important scientists of the twentieth century, whose work was fundamental to the discovery of the DNA double helix.
A tribute to science: Rosalind Franklin
Rosalind Franklin (London, 1920–1958) was a British chemist and crystallographer whose contribution to the discovery of the structure of DNA was for decades systematically overlooked or credited to others. Her X-ray diffraction images — above all the one known as Photograph 51 — were decisive in allowing Watson and Crick to propose the double helix model in 1953, research for which they would receive the Nobel Prize in 1962, four years after Franklin's death.
Her name has since been reclaimed by the international scientific community as a symbol of women in science and of the female contribution to humanity's great discoveries. With its series of ships named after distinguished women scientists, Baleària pays tribute to that legacy on every crossing.
History and background of the ship
The Rosalind Franklin was built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire (France) and launched on 4 February 1989 under the name Bretagne for Brittany Ferries, the first ship built specifically for the company and its flagship until the arrival of the Val de Loire in 1993. Her interior, decorated in Breton style with works by the Scottish painter Alexander Goudie, set a new standard for onboard facilities among English Channel ferries. From 1993 until her withdrawal in 2024 she worked mainly on the Portsmouth–Saint-Malo route, with occasional cover on Cherbourg–Poole, Ouistreham–Portsmouth and other company services.
Withdrawn in November 2024 after 35 years of service with Brittany Ferries, she was bought by Baleària, which renamed her Rosalind Franklin in honour of the British chemist and crystallographer whose work was key to the discovery of the structure of DNA. The ship sailed from Le Havre on 18 March 2025 to join Baleària's Mediterranean fleet, where she currently works on the Palma de Mallorca route.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Conventional passenger and roll-on/roll-off ferry (Ro-Pax) |
| Length overall | 186 m |
| Beam | 26.4 m |
| Service speed | ~22 knots |
| Passenger capacity | Up to 1,400 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~300 vehicles |
| Propulsion | Dual-fuel LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) engines |
| Passenger decks | Several (seating area + cabins + public areas) |
| OPS system | Yes (shore power connection in port) |
| Shipyard | Visentini, Porto Viro (Italy) |
| Year joined the fleet | 2021 |
| Flag | Cyprus |
| IMO number | 9826971 |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona → Palma de Mallorca | ~7 h 30 min | ~23:00 |
| Palma de Mallorca → Barcelona | ~7 h 30 min | ~11:30 |
| Valencia → Palma de Mallorca | ~8 h | ~23:00 |
| Palma de Mallorca → Valencia | ~8 h | ~11:00 |
| Barcelona → Ibiza | ~9 h | ~22:00 |
| Ibiza → Barcelona | ~9 h | ~10:00 |
| Valencia → Ibiza | ~5 h | Varies |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact time in our search engine.
The port of Palma de Mallorca: how to get there and what to bear in mind
The Rosalind Franklin works mainly out of the port of Palma de Mallorca, the main ferry terminal in the Balearic Islands. Unlike the fast ferries that berth at Port d'Alcúdia, this conventional ferry arrives in the heart of the Balearic capital, barely 10 minutes from the centre of Palma by taxi or bus, which makes her the most convenient choice if the city is your destination.
If you are travelling by car, we recommend arriving at the departure port at least 90 minutes beforehand. If you are travelling as a foot passenger, 45 minutes is enough. In high season (July and August), always allow extra time.
The overnight ferry is a particular favourite with travellers: you board in the evening, sleep in your cabin and arrive in Palma in the morning, without losing a day of your holiday or paying for a night in a hotel.
Fares, discounts and how to book
Standard Sirena seat fares start at roughly €40–60 each way in mid season. Inside cabins can be found from €70–100 in mid season, and rise considerably in July and August. Booking ahead is advisable, especially if you are travelling with a vehicle 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).
- Ceuta and Melilla residents: a discount applies on routes connecting with mainland Spain, in line with the rules in force.
- 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 |
| As a family with children | Inside cabin (4 berths) |
| As a couple looking for privacy and a proper rest | Two-berth inside cabin or outside cabin |
| Looking for sea views during the crossing | Outside cabin with window or porthole |
| Maximum comfort and privacy | Suite or Premium cabin |
| With a pet | Sirena seat + pet place |
| On business or after extra comfort | Lounge or Club Lounge |
ferry Rosalind Franklin · Accommodations
Sirena seat · Standard
The cheapest option on the ship. Comfortable seats in a shared area, with access to every part of the vessel. Ideal for travellers who put price first or who prefer to move around freely during the overnight crossing.
✓ Reclining, with headrest
✓ Sockets for chargers
✓ Free SmartB Wi-Fi
✓ Access to every area of the ship
✓ TV in the shared area
Inside cabin
A private cabin without a window, available with 2 or 4 berths. Perfect for families or groups who want privacy and a proper rest without pushing up the price of the ticket too far. It has its own bathroom.
✓ Private, lockable space
✓ Own bathroom with shower
✓ Individual air conditioning
✓ Sockets and SmartB Wi-Fi
✓ Two- or four-berth layout
Outside cabin
A private cabin with a window or porthole facing outwards. The natural light makes it far more pleasant during daytime sailings. Available with a double bed or with berths. Own bathroom included.
✓ Window or porthole facing outwards
✓ Own bathroom with shower
✓ Individual air conditioning
✓ Sockets and SmartB Wi-Fi
✓ Mediterranean views
Suite · Premium
The most comfortable accommodation on the Rosalind Franklin. A spacious cabin with a double bed, an outside window and superior fittings. Ideal for travellers who want the best possible night's rest on an overnight crossing, or for a special occasion.
✓ Double bed
✓ Panoramic outside window
✓ Own bathroom with shower
✓ TV, minibar and toiletries
✓ More space and comfort
Club Lounge
An exclusive lounge with premium reclining seats and personal service. It includes a welcome drink and access to a quiet area set apart from the other passengers. Recommended for business travellers or anyone after a little more privacy without booking a cabin.
✓ Exclusive lounge access
✓ Premium reclining seats
✓ Welcome drink included
✓ SmartB Wi-Fi and sockets
ferry Rosalind Franklin · On-board services
Café, restaurant and places to eat
The Rosalind Franklin has a café and dining area serving cold and hot food throughout the crossing. On overnight sailings you can have dinner on board before retiring to your cabin. The onboard shop sells snacks, newspapers, souvenirs and travel items.
Open deck and promenade areas
The Rosalind Franklin has open decks where passengers can enjoy the views over the Mediterranean, particularly as she leaves and arrives in port. On daytime crossings, it is one of the best-loved parts of the ship.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
As a modern ship that joined the fleet in 2021, the Rosalind Franklin has facilities adapted for passengers with reduced mobility, including lifts between decks and dedicated spaces. We recommend letting Baleària know about any special requirements in advance, to make boarding and the time on board easier.
Connectivity and digital entertainment — SmartB
On board the Rosalind Franklin you have access to Baleària's SmartB platform, the most complete digital system in the fleet:
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the crossing
- Completely free WhatsApp, without using up your own data allowance
- On-demand series and films on your smartphone or tablet
- Free British and international magazines and newspapers through PressReader
- Digital boarding pass with online seat allocation
- Real-time journey information on your phone
Sustainability: LNG propulsion and environmental commitment
The Rosalind Franklin is one of the first conventional ferries in the Mediterranean to be fitted with dual-fuel Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion, which makes her one of the most sustainable Ro-Pax vessels in service. The environmental gain from this technology compared with conventional marine diesel is significant:
−20%
COâ‚‚ emissions
−85%
NOx emissions
−100%
Sulphur and particulates
The Rosalind Franklin also has an OPS (Onshore Power Supply) system, allowing her to plug into the shoreside electricity grid while alongside and cut emissions at the quay to zero. This combination of technologies makes her a concrete, measurable part of Baleària's push to decarbonise sea transport in the Mediterranean.
Frequently asked questions about the Rosalind Franklin
Which routes does the Rosalind Franklin ferry operate?
She works mainly on the Barcelona–Palma de Mallorca, Valencia–Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona–Ibiza and Valencia–Ibiza routes for Baleària, according to each season's schedule. Check real-time availability in our Balearic ferry search.
How long does the Rosalind Franklin take from Barcelona to Palma?
The Barcelona–Palma de Mallorca crossing takes roughly 7 hours and 30 minutes. As it runs largely overnight, booking a cabin is well worth it so that you arrive rested first thing in the morning.
Does the Rosalind Franklin dock at the port of Palma?
Yes. Unlike Baleària's fast ferries, which use Alcúdia, the Rosalind Franklin berths directly at the port of Palma de Mallorca, barely 10 minutes from the city centre.
Does the Rosalind Franklin carry cars?
Yes. She has vehicle decks for roughly 300 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 Rosalind Franklin offer?
Five types: the Sirena seat (standard), the inside cabin (two or four berths, no window), the outside cabin (with a window or porthole), the Premium Suite (double bed and maximum comfort) and the Club Lounge (an exclusive lounge with premium seats).
Is it worth booking a cabin on the Rosalind Franklin?
Yes, especially on overnight crossings. You board in the evening, sleep, and arrive in Palma in the morning without losing a day of your holiday or paying for a hotel night. For families with children or for couples, the inside or outside cabin is the option we recommend most.
Is there free Wi-Fi on the Rosalind Franklin?
Yes. Baleària's SmartB platform offers free Wi-Fi, free WhatsApp that does not use your data, on-demand series and films, digital newspapers through PressReader and a digital boarding pass.
Is there a Balearic resident discount on the Rosalind Franklin?
Yes. Residents of the Balearic Islands are entitled to a 75% discount on the base ticket fare, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
Are pets allowed on the Rosalind Franklin?
Yes. The Rosalind Franklin has a dedicated pet area. You need to book a pet place when you buy your ticket and meet Baleària's documentation requirements for your animal's species and size.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has lifts between decks and adapted spaces. We recommend letting Baleària know about any special requirements in advance so that boarding and the time on board can be arranged as smoothly as possible.
What fuel does the Rosalind Franklin use?
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), burned in dual-fuel engines. It cuts COâ‚‚ emissions by around 20%, all but eliminates sulphur and polluting particulates, and reduces NOx by up to 85% compared with conventional marine diesel. She also has an OPS system for connecting to shore power in port.
How much does it cost to travel on the Rosalind Franklin?
Sirena seats start at roughly €40–60 each way in mid season. Inside cabins from €70–100. Prices rise in July and August. Balearic residents enjoy a 75% discount. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I arrive at the port?
By car: at least 90 minutes beforehand. Foot passengers: 45 minutes is enough. In July and August it is worth arriving earlier still and allowing for queues at the entrance to the port area.
Why is she called Rosalind Franklin?
Baleària dedicates its most modern ships to distinguished women scientists. Rosalind Franklin (London, 1920–1958) was the chemist and crystallographer whose X-ray diffraction images of DNA — the Photograph 51 in particular — were fundamental to the discovery of the double helix. Her contribution was recognised posthumously after decades of scientific invisibility. The name is a tribute to science done by women.
