
In May we excitedly reported a new ferry that was supposed to be crossing the Darien Gap. It kept getting delayed, and now we have word that it is canceled until further notice. Back to the shipping containers, folks!
For historical purposes, here is the original article we posted in May:
Could this be the end of the drama of the Darien Gap? We have received a recent report of ferry service starting between Panama and Colombia. Here is a rough translation of the press release that is found on many pages across the internet:
The Caribbean cities of Colon, Panama, and Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, will be connected by starting on May 10. The ferry will make the crossing in about seven hours, said the general manager of Adventure Company 2000, Augusto Terracina.
"The intention is to connect these two countries who have always had a good relationship, both tourist and commercial," said Terracina Efe, as part of a press conference to announce the launch.
Terracina said the ferry "Nissos Rodos" (part of the Panamerican Seaways cruise line) has a capacity for approximately 1,500 people, and will also carry loads of containers and automobiles.
He noted that the intention of Adventure 2000, which manages the Colon 2000 port in the Colon, is to open Panama tourism and commercial landscape.
"We will be able to bring many more tourists from other regions of Colombia, and hope this will become a product which attracts groups for conventions, trips and other activities in Panama," he said.
He said that the investment is more than $15 million, including the investment in the Colon 2000 port.
The inaugural departure is on 10 May from the city of Colon, and the next day there will be a similar ceremony at the port of Cartagena.
Trips are scheduled to depart from any of the two ports at 18.00 local (23.00 GMT) and arrive at 07.00 local (12.00 GMT the following day).
SIX WEEK TRAVEL
six trips were recorded, three from the city of Columbus and three from Cartagena. On Monday, Thursday and Saturday from the Panamanian port, and on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays from the Colombian city.
The journey via the Greek ship "Nissos Rodos" will costs from $99 (deluxe seat) to $508 (presidential suite), and the ship will have the capacity for 500 cars and 2,000 square feet for cargo.
Terracina said that the crew will be staffed by Greek sailors, who will be responsible for managing the boat, as well as by Colombian and Panamanian employees, who will be responsible for the restaurant, shopping and entertainment.
Awesome!
This is perfect, We are in Nicaragua now and heading south. We are planningto make the crossing around June. If the ferry is operational by then it would be great. I wonder how much it will cost per vechile, $99 per person is already close to $200 cheaper than a plane ticket.
James
http://homeonthehighway.com
please let us know when you do
We'd love to get firsthand info from people who make the passing with this new service.
Wicked!
Honduras heading south at moment...
Our rig is too big for a container so this could save us a whole load of $$$$$...
We're emailing around trying to get some more info...
Maybe we can all pool some information here or please get in contact:
[email protected]
www.earthcircuit.org/blog
facebook: earthcircuit
Andy
Right on time!!
We will be leaving Cancun by next week and keep a slow pace to be on this ferry!!
Ferry Service
Hate to burst anyones bubble but i just checked and it seems the ship "Nissos Rodos" is in dry dock in Greece. Not sure how it will make it across the Atlantic in 3 days.
hmmm
Seems fishy, definitely. Keep the info coming guys!
latest info?
Yeah, the bubbles are bursting all over - this ferry might be working for someone who needs to cross in about 6 months, I reckon...
A man on the scene down there says that the company is looking to start up at the end of June. Another person said "at the end of summer".
Can you post that link on how to find out where the ship actually is. Mr.vinb3514? That would be fun to look up...
nissos rodas
Hey all,
Check out http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/shipdetails.aspx?mmsi=240558000 this will get you to her current location. VB
Excellent article just
Excellent article just published by Drive Nacho Drive on the ferry details:
http://www.drivenachodrive.com/2012/05/first-look-new-ferry-from-panama-...
Includes prices, times and process. A few points still unclear, but thankfully Brad seems to be determined to find answers.
Regarding the marine traffic link above, the location says it was last updated 37 days ago. Probalby was in dry dock then. There isn't any current information on it's location. Hopefully it's in panama.
The suspense is killing me!
Can we get a prize together for the first person who sees the ship in Panama waters? Another for the first to disembark properly in Colombia?
This is worse than the building of the Amur Highway... Unknown route: Panama to Colombia?
Lets make a list!
Hey guys, as I can see we are many waiting for that ferry to start operating. It is still on the dry dock in Greece. I am trying to get local info on what its being done and a schedule, will post if I get anything.
In the meantime, what about making a list of who is heading that way and when, maybe we can help each other to share a container in case Nissos Rodos don't get to Panama.
I am in Roatan now, heading to Tegucigalpa tomorrow, rough schedule to be in Panama on May 28th
Please help spred this idea on other travel site you use to visit: Expedition Portal etc
We can use here as a hub to all names and dates and update all on a single list.
Cheers,
Renato
www.facebook.com/americas2011
www.americas2011.com
Trekoftheamericas Annual Expedition is reserving space for Augus
The group of RV Expedition Trek of the Americas via Pan American Highway, has reserved space for 10 vehicles in late August...they told me, as I am participating with them, they do not have the 10 vehicles as of yet, but will be paying for the space...possibly if there is extra space, you, or some other traveler may be able to use the "reserved space"?
If you need during this time period, I can check with them. We are all anxious to know about this NEW LINK, in the Pan American Highway, but it is not IMPOSSIBLE, to do it the old way - just a pain !!!
Best of Luck on your adventures, be sure to go to Ometepe when in Nicaragua....great!!! Are you camping all the way... have some good info... trektraveler
FERRY DELAY Aventura 2000: Offical Confirmed Ferry Delay
We called Ferry Aventura 2000 today MAY 24, 2012
On Panama country code (507) 380 0900
The company representative confirmed "NO FERRY OPERATIONS for People or Vehicles now UNTIL JULY 2012" I would like to ad to that quote "AT LEAST" the delay is being held up by governmental approvals.
If you are now considering going back to your original plan SHARING A CONTAINER we are currently in Panama City collecting quotes looking for another vehicle to share a container, contact daniel(at)adventuretheamericas.com
the ferry...IT IS IN FACT WORKING!
On 5/31/12, Betsy Camacho <[email protected]> wrote:
> Good morning mr. Granville Wells,
> The ferry departs from the port of Colon 2000 on Mondays, Thursdays and
>Saturdays. Port of Cartagena of Indias out on Tuesdays, Fridays and
> Sundays.
> The outputs of both cities are at 18:00 hrs. and arrival at the next port
> at
> 06:00 hrs. We have three types of occupations, which are: chairs, dorm and
> private cabins.
>
> Prices range from B/99.00 + tax. B/.95.00. The tax is the same in all
> prices
> occupancy ferry. Tickets are round trip, do not sell one-way. Reservations
> are made from the telephone 3800900. Reservations and prices are valid for
> 48 hours. Meals and drinks are not included in the price but you can
> purchase food services from your reservation for a total additional $ 40
> entitles you to dinner and buffet breakfast on both tracks. Children under
> 2
> years pay only taxes and over 2 pay regular rate.
>
> Required Documents:
>
> Panama: Passport valid for a period of at least 6 months. Foreign resident:
> Valid passport and immigration status (resident card) under the rules of
> migration. Foreign Tourists: Valid passport and immigration status under
> the
> immigration rules (solvency again when entering the country and plane
> ticket
> back to Colombia)
>
> Luggage: Two bags per person. Max.50 pounds each. If you exceed 50 pounds
> per bag or you will be charged an extra $ 35 that must be paid at the port.
>
>
> For all other inquiries please contact us
COST FOR CARS:
Betsy Camacho [email protected]
9:25 PM (0 minutes ago)
to me
The cost of that car is B/ 350.00 round trip. ( a dune buggy )
saludos cordiales!
Betzy Camacho
Agente de Reservaciones
Panamerican Ferry
Tel. 380-0903
LOGO
Visita virtual del ferry en:
http://www.hellenicseaways.gr/media/virtual/NisosRodos/index.html
SCHEDULE FOR JULY ( typical latin email exchange )
Betsy Camacho [email protected]
9:51 PM (0 minutes ago)
to me
Im realy sorry to say that our first trip is scheduled for July 2.
saludos cordiales!
Betzy Camacho
Agente de Reservaciones
Panamerican Ferry
Tel. 380-0903
Visita virtual del ferry en:
http://www.hellenicseaways.gr/media/virtual/NisosRodos/index.html
-----Mensaje original-----
De: Granville Wells [mailto:[email protected]]
Enviado el: miércoles, 30 de mayo de 2012 04:27 p.m.
HAS ANYONE ACTUALLY SEEN THE ACTUAL SHIP YET?
I mean actually eye-balled the actual ship in Colon, Panama waiting for all us lovelies?
negatory
We have seen the "AVENTURAS 2000" office but no boat. Don't count on this ferry going anytime soon and CERTAINTLY dont pay them a damn dime until you hear a confirmed report of the ferry actually making succesfull crossings.
Latest news is delayed until July 2nd. Dont be the test dummy ;)
Colon to Cartagena Ferry
Ok Roadtrippers, it is now July 8th. Does anyone have a report on the ferry service that was to begin July 2nd?
Thanks
Dale
forum post on this topic as well
Check out this forum post on the ferry between Panama and Colombia - last we heard mmcelv was trying to get their money back...
STILL AT DRY DOCK
I sure hate this...it is now Aug 1 and my car in in Caracas...10,000 KM from home... I want badly to drive and NOT ship it to Panama... hope they get the act together and sail across the Atlantic and go to work! The ship, according to Marinetraffic.com is still in dry dock.... http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/default.aspx?oldmmsi=240558000&zoom=10&...
LIARS!
ferry operation has been cancelled until further notice
Looks like everyone is out of luck:
*This is the latest letter I received from the ferry company. here is the translation I know everyone is as disappointed about this as I am hopefully in the future, there will be a service that will help us world travellers on our way much more easily.*
*Good day Mr. Hunter, regretfully, the ferry operation has been cancelled until further notice*.
Buenos días señor Hunter, lastimosamente la operación del Ferry ha sido suspendida hasta nuevo aviso.
Lic.Rodolfo Allen
Agente de Reservas
Panamerican Ferry
Tel: 380-0905
http://www.hellenicseaways.gr/media/virtual/NisosRodos/index.html [1]
Use Enlace Caribe
We just shipped our truck from Cartagena to Colon and used Enlace Caribe. Once we had a sailing date, they made the process easy. Yes, its more expensive then the ferry and will take a bit longer, but it's totally possible. Email me if you any specific questions.
Bert
more details please
hi, looks like you will beat me headed north! please be sure to post hic-ups you encounter...
I do THINK I have your contact regarding shipping via container.. is this the one? my ride is not a truck BTW.
Please post HOW LONG it took in total when you get there..
SAFE JOURNEY!
gl
Dear mr Wells,Many tks for your enquiry.
Can offer RO/RO ship as follows:
From/To: Cartgena to Manzanillo, Panama
Estimated time of arrival to Cartagena Aug 6th
Estimated time of departure from Cartgena Aug 7th
Estimated time of arrival to Manzanillo, Panama, Aug 8th
Price US$852 including ocean transportation, port expenses, documentation
and paperwork in Colombia. Local expenses at Panamá of around US$70 plus
assistance fees not included.
Please advise.
Brgds,
Luis Ernesto La Rota R.
Enlace Caribe Ltda.
Manga, Calle 28 No. 26-47, Of. 103
Cartagena, Colombia
Ph +57 (5) 660 8960
Mob + 57 315 758 5872
www.enlacecaribe.com
We'd love to get firsthand
We'd love to get firsthand info from people who make the passing with this new service.
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