New Ship to Cut Catalina Channel Crossing Time

Catalina Channel Express unveiled a new vessel last week that will carry passengers from San Pedro to Avalon in 75 minutes, 15 minutes faster than any other surface carriers crossing San Pedro Bay.

The Catalina Express, a 149-passenger, 90-foot-long, double-decked ship, has leather airline-type seats, a cocktail center, cabin attendants, color television sets and telephone service. It will begin daily service June 14 at a cost of $12.50 one way.

Catalina Channel Express also runs the Avalon Express and Channel Express, which take 90 minutes to make the cross-channel trip.

Catalina Cruises, the oldest and largest company providing service to Avalon, has daily runs on triple-decked ships that take two hours to make the trip.