In November, we wrote about the planned Tampa, FL to Mexico ferry service . All indications point to

In November, we wrote about the planned Tampa, FL to Mexico ferry service . All indications point to the fact that the ferry service is moving closer to becoming a reality. Por Esto!, budget travel to costa rica the main daily paper in the region, reported today that the permits to add facilities to accommodate an international ferry service in the port of Calica, just south of Playa del Carmen, have been filed. budget travel to costa rica If everything goes well, the article goes on to say, the ferry could be in service  early as June/July 2012  in early   summer 2014  October 2014 (updated 3/6/14).
Knowing budget travel to costa rica how long these type of projects budget travel to costa rica take in Mexico, a June/July completion date is likely aggressive. But, this is exciting news nonetheless. Each year in Cozumel, we get lots of visitors who make the car trip down the coast of Mexico from the US or Canada. A ferry service that can get these visitors, and their car/pets/belongings, here in 1/2 the time that the overland trip takes, would be oh so convenient.
The past year has not brought a lot of forward momentum with the ferry project in spite of the interest of three different ferry companies and many false start dates.  The scandals which precipitated personnel changes at the Progreso Port Authority certainly didn t help the situation either, however, things have been happening behind the scenes and from what I understand a number of feasibility studies have been done in the Tampa area showing the ferry project is viable but the inability to do a feasibility study within the expatriate community continues to be a stumbling block especially with investors.
Having learned from the mistakes of the previous ferry services in the area and responses from the previous expat surveys, the original budget travel to costa rica plans have been modified.  Super high speed ferries are now being considered to shorten the crossing time, frequent user plans, and even free vehicle bonuses are being considered.  A year round weekly crossing schedule with frequency based on use patterns and peak seasons will be offered.  As this service will take some years to become profitable investor backing will be the key to success.
The past year has not brought a lot of forward momentum with the ferry project in spite of the interest of three different ferry companies and many false start dates.  The scandals budget travel to costa rica which precipitated personnel changes at the Progreso Port Authority certainly didn t help the situation either, however, things have been happening behind the scenes and from what I understand a number of feasibility studies have been done in the Tampa area showing the ferry project is viable but the inability to do a feasibility study within the expatriate community continues to be a stumbling block especially with investors.
Having learned from the mistakes budget travel to costa rica of the previous ferry services in the area and responses from the previous expat surveys, the original plans have been modified.  Super high speed ferries are now being considered to shorten the crossing time, frequent user plans, and even free vehicle bonuses are being considered.  A year round weekly crossing schedule with frequency based on use patterns and peak seasons will be offered.  As this service will take some years to become profitable investor backing will be the key to success.
Project budget travel to costa rica still very much alive. We had hoped to be announcing our start date in specific by now but we have had a few delays. We are still shooting for the last months of 2013 to have the first voyage
Its taken much longer than I had hoped it would as a result of many thing International that are out of my control. But I feel we are getting to the finish line and will be establishing the start date  soon.
If you all are planning to travel I would not delay any other travel arrangements in any way before these dates  We also will have some special rates and deals for all of you that have been so patient.
You and your friends who live in the Yucatan and Q.R. will be our most important customers budget travel to costa rica and be assured we will treat you all as special guests everyone budget travel to costa rica you sail with us. We will have special rates for all of you that go frequently that will significantly reduce the cost of travel budget travel to costa rica and of course make it safer as well. I know you will all miss going to the airport to be abused!!
We still plan for the ship to hold a minimum of 1000 passengers and probably budget travel to costa rica closer to 2000. It will carry cars, RV s, containers and even passenger cargo bins that the seasonal residents of the Yucatan coming from North America can use at a very low lost to bring their larger personal items that will not fit into their personal vehicles. Bedding, furniture, electronics etc. All will be a lot easier now to bring.
PLEASE let me know when/if budget travel to costa rica the ferry service will OFFICIALLY start to run and from where in Tampa to where in Cozumel, and the price r/t, as well as the length of time it takes. Will you have a brochure?
Thank you for your tenacity in putting budget travel to costa rica together this Project. Please forward your rate/date chart for all services including cargo, and the entry requirements for Mexican and or American vehicles when finalized. Good Luck and God Speed!
So excited! I had traveled several times on the previous ferry service and have been waiting ever since for this new one! I will be a frequent budget travel to costa rica passenger. Thank you so much for making this dream become a reality for all us expats!
Sign me up! We would be regular customers guaranteed. I hope you can realize this dream sooner than later. We are patiently waiting for this service before planning our trip mexico. What a dream to be able to bring the dogs with us. Please notify me of any updates. Thanks in advance.
It is Jan. 2015, is this really going to be a reality, or is this so far out there it is never going to hit the seas. Spoke to Bruce and most of the ideas seem to be up in the air with no foundation to anything. Especially animals on the ship. Please up date me.
I m looking forward to this furry because I have many friends in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel who travel back and forward as least twice a year. I to would like to visit down there myself with my wife from time to time.
I was just in Mexico and crossed from Calica to Cozumel and back on the local Ferry. There is no action at the Calica port facility that would indicate they are preparing to receive a much larger ship and to handle the significant immigration and customs required for the large number of vehicles and people that would disembark from the ferry.
Once approved it would take at least 2 years to design and construct a facility that would handle the influx of vehicles and people. (I ve work on construction in Mexico, 2 years is an aggressive schedule.)
If this ferry service does happen I would be at least 2.5 to 3 years before it is in service. If there is better and more accurate information available someone please let us know. It has been 1 year since anyone related to the proposed ferry service budget travel to costa rica has made any statement.