The new standard on the Praslin–La Digue crossing
Cat Rose III is the newest and largest vessel in the Inter Island Ferry fleet, launched in 2019 by Commercial Marine Australia. At 27 metres, it is noticeably bigger than its two fleet sisters and was purpose-built to handle the growing number of travellers making the 15-minute crossing from Praslin to La Digue, while bringing a more modern standard of comfort and noise reduction to the route.
Ferry Info
Cat Rose III
Check-in
30 minutes
before departure
Luggage Info
1 small bag
1 checked bag
- Economy 30kg max.
Seating
Main Cabin A/C
Upper Outside Deck
Capacity
199 seats
All Cat Rose ferries depart Praslin from the ERO Passenger Terminal in Baie Sainte Anne. The terminal is shared with Cat Cocos, allowing easy connections for passengers arriving from or departing to Mahe. On La Digue, all vessels arrive and depart from the Inter-Island Ferry Jetty in La Passe, the island's bustling centre.
Whether departing from Praslin or La Digue, you should check in at least 30 minutes before departure. Boarding starts 10 minutes before departure, with the gate closing 3 minutes before departure. It is then a short 15-minute crossing between the islands.
Built bigger, built better. Where Cat Rose I & II were 24-metre and 19-metre vessels respectively, Cat Rose III stretches to 27 metres - enough to carry nearly twice the passengers of Cat Rose II. It was designed to retain the familiar look of the fleet but bring a thoroughly modern interior and a far higher standard of passenger comfort.
Engineered to be quieter. Noise reduction was a specific priority in the build brief. A Wavebar Quadzero sound control system was installed throughout the engine room, substantially reducing engine noise on the aft deck - a noticeable improvement for passengers travelling on the open upper deck.
Built to last with minimal maintenance. Marine-grade aluminium forms the primary structure, with full-length stainless-steel liners fitted in the stern tubes and rudderstocks to prevent future corrosion - a detail that reflects the operator's long-term approach to fleet reliability in a tropical saltwater environment.
A proper interior. The main saloon features a kiosk and bar for drinks service, three TVs for onboard entertainment, and custom lounge seating at the forward end of the cabin. Vinyl plank flooring was chosen for its noise-dampening properties and easy cleaning, and the ceiling is a Dampa tile system to keep the weight low.
Yanmar-powered, ZF-geared. Two Yanmar 6AYM-WGT engines transfer power through ZF gearboxes to the twin propellers, giving a maximum speed of 27.5 knots. For a 15-minute crossing, that's more than enough to run precisely to schedule in virtually all conditions.
Comprehensively monitored. A full Furuno navigation package sits at the helm, backed by a 12-camera CCTV system covering all areas of the vessel - a level of onboard surveillance more typical of much larger passenger ships.
