Crossing the darien gap new service!!!!

[lorraine]

It's looking like the ferry service is starting again on May 10th! FINALLY!!! It's been what, 15 years?????

Crossing the Darien Gap: Ferry Service to Start Between Panama and Colombia

[lorraine]

So COOL! And so everyone doesn't have to click on the link it says:

With each day that passes, it really seems like the world is becoming more and more interconnected; starting May 10th, Panama and Colombia will also be making that step as Aventura 2000 will be starting a ferry service between the ports of Colon, Panama, and Cartagena, Colombia. Yes, that ferry service includes vehicles. For the longest time the biggest hurdle for overlanders wishing to drive the PanAmerican highway has been the Darien Gap. Many have tried to penetrate the jungle between Panama and Colombia, and with the exception of explorers such as John Blashford Snell, many have failed. It's natural that this ferry will quickly become the transport of choice for Overlanders; replacing the container, or RO-RO (Roll-On, Roll-Off) methods of shipping.


Traveller's will initially have the choice of three departures from each port. The ship will leave Colon on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, and from Cartagena on Sunday, Tuesday and Friday.
Prices for the overnight journey will range from $99, to $508 for a presidential sleeper cabin. There's no word yet on what it will cost to transport your vehicle, or if motorcycles will be allowed.


The Greek-manned ship, Nissos Rodos, has the capacity to carry 750 vehicles in it's garage, with an additional 1600 passengers.

[brclarke]

There's no word yet on what it will cost to transport your vehicle, or if motorcycles will be allowed.

Well, let's keep fingers crossed....

[Barcelona Pat]

Just had a quote from them of $170 return for the bike - plus immigration costs and taxes etc. They won´t sell one way tickets. I think you also need to then pay the $95 plus taxes per person - plus extra if you opt for a chair, dorm or private cabin.

They sent me the attached info.

I´ve gone back to them with the obvious questions - and will update this thread as i head north.

Interesting.
Pat

[markharf]

I've been watching these ferry threads simmer and bubble in various places.

Despite all that claimed capacity for passengers, cars, trucks and freight, I haven't yet seen any sign that anyone is booked for the claimed maiden voyage next week. What I have seen are posts saying the company now says it is "sold out" until sometime in June. This strongly suggests that the first voyage is now planned for June. I mean, if ever.

There was also a post from someone who traced a Greek ferry by the name given and found it in scheduled service in Greece at the moment. This makes as much sense as the press releases issued by the company claiming incipient service between Panama and Colombia despite the apparent fact that no tickets have been sold and no boat has been seen.

I'm glad I'm not in transit somewhere, counting on a ferry ride. It'll be interesting to see how this all pans out.

Mark

[pbekkerh]

Last known position 5 apr. 2012 Greece



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