BRADES, Montserrat -- The Montserrat Tourist Board has announced the return of permanent ferry service between Antigua and Montserrat beginning on Wednesday, December 2, 2009. Operated by Anguilla-based MV Deluxe, the initial schedule will offer roundtrip service on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, December 2 – 5. Additional service will be added on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning December 7, until the end of the year.

Beginning January 2010, the MV Fjortof, a vessel which is partially owned by the Governments of Montserrat and Antigua & Barbuda and operated by Twin Island Ferries Services Ltd (TIFS) will commence regularly scheduled service. This ferry will offer two daily return trips between Antigua and Montserrat on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Additional ferry service to the destination will be added during peak travel periods and for special events taking place on the island.

With the return of ferry operations to Montserrat, travelers to the destination will once again have the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular views of the scenic coastline and the Soufriere Hills Volcano during the one hour and 15 minute trip to the island. Roundtrip fares are approximately $115 USD. Special day trip packages will also be available through day tour operators based in Antigua and Montserrat.

In addition to the ferry service and daily Winair flights arriving at the John A. Osborne Airport, FlyMontserrat, a new local airline company, will also provide daily roundtrip flights from Montserrat to Antigua. From December 1 - 15, 2009, the carrier will offer passengers one daily flight departing Montserrat at 12:30 p.m. arriving in Antigua at 12:50 p.m. The return flight departs Antigua at 5:30 p.m. and arrives in Montserrat at 5:50 p.m., giving ample connection time to visitors arriving from the cold embrace of the north. An additional flight will be added to the schedule beginning December 16, 2009, allowing travelers to depart Montserrat at 9:00 a.m. and arrive in Antigua at 9:20 a.m. The return flight departs Antigua at 10:00 a.m. and arrives in Montserrat at 10:20 a.m. Roundtrip fares start at $110 USD plus taxes.