Catalina Express - company profile and ships

Ally · 06-16-2007, 05:05 PM

More than one million p***engers set sail to Catalina Island each year on board Catalina Express. Catalina Express offers year round service and up to 30 departures daily from ports in Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point.

25 Years of Service

This year, Catalina Express celebrates its 25th year of service to Catalina Island. Started with only one boat and one phone, Catalina Express has emerged as the leader of marine transportation to Catalina Island. Each year, more than one million p***engers set sail to Catalina Island on board Catalina Express.

“It’s amazing to see how much the business has grown and changed over the past 25 years. I believe the success of Catalina Express has been made possible because of our loyal customers and employees,” says President, Greg Bombard.

Catalina Express began in 1981 when three Catalina Island residents realized the need for fast, reliable transportation to and from the island. Doug Bombard, his son Greg Bombard and long time colleague, Tom Rutter, worked tirelessly to make the vision a reality. Since then more than 17 million p***engers have set sail to Catalina Island on board Catalina Express.

In its first year of service Catalina Express operated with one, 60-p***enger vessel. The founders worked closely with boat builders to design vessels with innovative features like full ride control systems for stability, modern navigational systems, airline-style cabin seating, panoramic viewing windows, and on-deck seating, which won immediate acceptance from p***engers.

Today and Looking To The Future

Today, the fleet consists of eight high-speed vessels including four catamarans. The largest vessel in operation, the Catalina Jet has the capacity to carry nearly 500 p***engers across the channel. Catalina Express offers up to 30 round trips daily and operates from four different ports.

Concern for p***enger safety and comfort have always been high priorities for the owners, and they are constantly studying the most progressive technology in watercraft transportation. President, Greg Bombard is affiliated with several different ***ociations including the P***enger Vessel ***ociation, and his recent role as President of the Interferry ***ociation.

Bombard credits the company’s friendly service as another key factor to its success. “From the reservations agent to the captain and his crew, our goal is to offer p***engers more than a boat ride, but a memorable vacation experience,” says Bombard.

http://www.catalinaexpress.com/

Ally · 06-16-2007, 05:10 PM

Catalina Express,whisks p***engers to Catalina Island in about an hour.

The fleet consists of eight high-speed vessels including four large catamarans. Known for its sleek lines, the Catalina Express fleet has an unparalleled track record of reliability and safety in taking p***engers to and from Catalina Island. All eight vessels have high speed ride control systems operated by on board computers for a fast smooth ride.

Each vessel offers inside cabin seating, outside upper deck seating, full bar, refreshments, snacks and wheelchair accessibility. For an additional fare some offer private lounges, Commodore or Captain’s, which can be pre-booked and where p***engers enjoy increased privacy, a complimentary beverage and priority boarding.

Catalina Express' fleet boasts environmentally sensitive engines which reduce nitrogen oxide emissions and diesel particulate and are quieter and more fuel efficient. Roger McElroy, Vice President of Vessel Engineering and his team work 365 days a year to keep the fleet at top performance. “P***enger comfort, reliable service and environmental sensitivity are hallmarks of the Catalina Express vessel program. We work hard to provide that.” says McElroy.

Vessel names are...

Catalina Jet
Jet Cat Express
Starship Express
Cat Express
Islander Express
Catalina Express
Avalon Express
Super Express

VIP · 06-22-2007, 06:05 PM

This is a fun thing to do when in Long Beach after a Cruise or Before one!!!
I think I am going to do this on our Pride Cruise!!!

hockeyinsd · 09-07-2007, 11:46 PM

I know a lot too much about Catalina Express for my own good. My grandparents live on Catalina and my parents live part-time there as well. As a result I probably go back and forth at least once a month and have done so for my 28 years in existance. So here are some interesting tid-bits.
Below are pictures of the westfoil hydrofoil that Westport Shipyards and Catalina Express were working on back in the mid to late eighties. I probably still have some old brochures advertising this boat as "coming soon." In the end it never saw service, from what I understand it was just not a good fit, too complex, to expensive and in 89 or 90 Westport launched the Super Express which got the long beach to avalon crossing to an hour. Its a far cry from back in the early eighties with the original "Catalina Express" 50 p***enger boat (not the current one by the same name). To travel back in winter in those days . . . scary! BTW - I am fascinated by p***enger ferries, especially high speed ferries.

hockeyinsd · 09-18-2007, 07:18 PM

Here is the Westfoil Hydrofoil as it exists today. Pacific Marine bought the vessel and converted it to a partial hydrofoil. I had the chance to ride on it a couple of years ago. The vessel was used as part of a government funded commuter project. They used to vessel to take p***engers from Oceanside Harbor, Calif. to downtown San Diego via the open ocean. It was a very nice ride considering it was the open ocean (although coastal waters still), although I would have never paid to take it.

hockeyinsd · 09-25-2007, 08:17 PM

Here is the first boat Catalina Express had, orginally named "Catalina Express," then changed to "Channel Express."

hockeyinsd · 09-25-2007, 08:23 PM

The next three boats were all the same Westport 90' series, the Avalon Express, the Catalina Express (orginal 54' vessel renamed Channel Express) and the Two Harbors Express. The Original Avalon and 2nd Catalina Express were replaced in the early 90s with the current mono-hulls you see today.