The new ferry Serenity was christened yesterday and the general public will have their first opportunity to test its creature comforts this weekend as free ferry rides from Hamilton to Rockaway dock are on offer.

The $2.5-million ferry will make the 17-20 minute trip tomorrow and Sunday, every hour on the hour, from noon till 4 p.m. All are invited to enjoy its amenities - cushioned seats, tables for reading, air conditioning and heating, large windows for harbour gazing and a concession stand provided by the MEF Group.

Commuters will now be able to sip their coffee with a Danish while they watch the news on any of the number of internal televisions, as opposed to battling traffic and road rage as their morning ritual.

The Transport Ministry hopes residents will prefer to gaze upon the turquoise Bermuda waters rather than the bumper to bumper gridlock and daredevil cyclists competing for space before and after their long workdays.

If the reaction of the roughly 200 VIPs and others who were treated to a harbour cruise complete with canapes and champagne yesterday can be considered a glimpse of the future, the ferry may well be a winner.

Serenity is slated to begin regular service next Tuesday and its sister, Resolute, is expected in May.

After a trial period, Government will make a decision on whether to buy another two of the 88-foot, catamaran ferries which were constructed in Massachusetts.

At the opening ceremony yesterday, Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown pointed out the ferry's arrival fulfils on of the PLP election platform promises in 1998.

“Our election platform listed specific objectives to improve transportation in Bermuda including the development of a high-speed ferry system, extension of the ferry system to Southampton, increased parking at ferry stops, further expansion of the minibus system and fine-tuning the coordination between the bus and ferry system,” he said.

“With the improvements to the Hamilton Ferry Terminal, the acquisition of the first two catamaran ferry boats, the opening of Rockaway ferry stop and the commencement of minibus service in the West End, we have taken a major step in fulfilling those objectives.”

Dr. Brown pointed out a bus stop has been placed in front of the Hamilton ferry terminal allowing a direct bus to city's ferry connection for the first time ever.

“As an added value, we will be providing a limited number of cycle parking spaces for commuters wishing to leave their bikes in Hamilton overnight, while using the ferry for their journey to and from home,” he added.

Dr. Brown also opened the new Rockaway ferry stop yesterday morning, specifying that the new service will offer two morning trips daily, arriving in Hamilton before 9.15 a.m.

“Market research conducted by the Ministry of Transport indicated that residents in Southampton and Sandys would use the ferry system if we provided more frequent schedules, parking, minibus connections and a faster service than that provided by private car,” Dr. Brown said of the decision to add the ferry stop.

“This stress-free trip will not only be faster, it will also be more comfortable,” he said, in contrast to an estimated 45-55 minute car trip from Southampton in early morning rush hour traffic.

“These ferry boats will provide a level of comfort that will equal, if not exceed, that provided by a private car,” he added.

There are 87 parking spaces at Rockaway, and passengers will also be able to take advantage of a minibus service to the stop.

“The minibus service will consist of two routes, with one route operating from Granaway Heights and Whale Bay to Rockaway and another beginning at Somerset Bridge and serving Woodlawn Road en route to Rockaway,” Dr. Brown said.

“The schedules are being designed to meet the ferry, so customers will only be a few steps away from transferring from the bus to the ferry. Now that is literally door-to-door service.”

He shared the ribbon-cutting honours at Rockaway with Southampton MP Reginald Burrows.

“For as long as I have know him, he has been a proponent of improved public transportation and was extremely active in his support of this project, for which I am appreciative,” Dr. Brown said.

Dr. Brown also expressed warm thanks to all those involved in bringing Serenity and the new docks to reality.

Premier Jennifer Smith officially christened Serenity in Hamilton later in the day along with Keaton Tannock - the student who won the ‘Name the Ferry' competition.

“Some people thought this day would never come,” she said to those gathered at the improved Hamilton ferry terminal.

The new vessel was blessed by Bishop Vernon Lambe, who expressed his prayers that the ferry would live up to its name for commuters; offering them serenity and tranquillity.

“Let there be no bad news or any catastrophe on this vessel,” he added.

Six pilots who have been specially trained to operate the new ferries were introduced to the crowd before the cruise took first-time passengers away on a perfect afternoon for the launch.

The experience was, truly serene.