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george

Jan 13, 2003, 9:08 AM

Post #1 of 2 (1480 views)

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Tampa Progreso Ferry

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Channel problems keep ferry from port
St. Petersburg Times; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Jan 7, 2003; STEVE HUETTEL;

Abstract:
The M/V Scotia Prince hasn't run aground while sailing at the Port of Morelos, south of Cancun, said Mark Hudson, a spokesman for Scotia Prince Cruises.

The Scotia Prince crew tried entering Port [Morelos] with less fuel and sailing more slowly to reduce the vessel's draft.

For now, the ship will likely stay in Tampa between weekly round- trip cruises to the Port of Progeso, he said. Scotia Prince is considering other options, Hudson said, including adding a second weekly trip to Progeso.

Full Text: Copyright Times Publishing Co. Jan 7, 2003

The owner of a cruise ferry will suspend weekly trips between Tampa and one of two ports in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula this week because the channel there is too shallow and too narrow.

The M/V Scotia Prince hasn't run aground while sailing at the Port of Morelos, south of Cancun, said Mark Hudson, a spokesman for Scotia Prince Cruises.

But the vessel was forced to divert to another Yucatan port in December and had to revise its schedule to leave Morelos more than an hour early to catch higher tides and safely navigate the channel, he said.

"We want to build the business, and if we go about inconveniencing customers we won't do that," Hudson said. "We regret having to make the decision, but we think it's the right thing do."

Three-quarters of customers with reservations to sail through Morelos after the final trip Wednesday have been rebooked to travel through the ferry's other destination, the Port of Progreso, Hudson said.

The rest will receive full refunds and a 25 percent discount on a future cruise.

Scotia Prince began a five-month trial run of the route Nov. 22 with the 600-cabin ferry that carries vehicles and cargo below deck.

Bookings were initially weak. Chairman Matthew Hudson said he'd be satisfied with as few as 200 passengers. The first cruise from Progeso to Tampa carried only 37 people. But a Dec. 20 trip had 260 passengers, and three since then each carried about 300.

The Scotia Prince crew tried entering Port Morelos with less fuel and sailing more slowly to reduce the vessel's draft.

But with lower winter tides approaching, Mark Hudson said, the company decided to stop going there until the agency that runs the port dredges the channel.

For now, the ship will likely stay in Tampa between weekly round- trip cruises to the Port of Progeso, he said. Scotia Prince is considering other options, Hudson said, including adding a second weekly trip to Progeso.

- Steve Huettel can be reached at huettel@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3384.

Sub Title: [SOUTH PINELLAS Edition] Start Page: 1E Dateline: TAMPA Personal Names: Hudson, Mark

gino

Jan 13, 2003, 10:57 AM

Post #2 of 2 (1396 views)

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That's Puerto Morelos port! Not Progreso's port!

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Hey George, could you please change your subject before is too late? The article you posted has nothing to do with the Port of Progreso (that's the good Port).

This ferry (Yucatan Express) had originally two routes: Tampa to Progreso and Tampa to Puerto Morelos. The company decided to suspend the route to the port South of Cancun, Puerto Morelos. This article is talking about this one, it is too shallow for big ships and the Mexican authorities from that port failed to prepare and condition Puerto Morelos.

Port of Progreso is in the northern coast of the Yucatan peninsula and very close to Merida. It has no problems for this ferry and other cruises, and is the longest port in the world (1 1/2 miles into the ocean).

People should explore Progreso, Merida, Campeche and other colonial cities from Mexico. Not Cancun beacause they don't show the real Mexico there... it is sad, but it was only built for tourists. ;-)

By the way, the last trip to take the ferry is April 23, 2003. After that date, the ferry goes back to its original route between Main and Nova Scotia. Let's see what happens on April. If the company decides to continue the service between Tampa and Yucatan, they will continue the service year around with another ship. If not, the service will only run from November to April. It is a great way to travel!

Thanks,
gino

(This post was edited by gino on Jan 13, 2003, 11:11 AM)