Cruising to Isla ?

I've only been home a month, but am already feeling like I could go back to Isla. So, I guess I'm falling into the pattern of someone who likes to come and go a lot, rather than stay a long while in either place. But now it's Steve's turn to go...



And thinking of getting there, for years we've been considering other ways to get there, and a couple years ago, prepared to drive down, but now with border being iffy, a bit cautious there. Mostly, we've been waiting patiently for the ferry which was to start up again, and I'm constantly on the lookout for when & where that is going to happen. I troll the internet often for news.
From what I can tell, it seems it may happen, and now from Tampa to Calica (S of Playa).  This is even better than Progresso, the previously mentioned port on the Mexico side.  Was hoping for 2011, then 2012, then this summer, & now just hoping for early 2013....
I'm prepared to wait, but eager to go this route. And then, maybe later, Cuba!!  would love that too  :-)
 
Most of the better info I've found comes from Cozumel sources, or the Tampa Bay news or Port Authority of Tampa.  Blogs, caribesunet.com   and enjoycozumel.com  have some info
 & this from TripAdvisor
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 Car Ferry from USA to Calica Soon? 

31 January 2012, 6:16

Destination Expert  

for Cozumel

According to news reports, the port facility on the mainland at Calica, which currently handles the car ferry from Cozumel, will be expanded to handle new car ferry service from Tampa, Florida. According to the company that will operate the ferry cruise, it would have an initial frequency of two runs per week from Tampa, Florida to Calica and back, each capable up to two thousand passengers and 600 vehicles. A similar service operated some years ago to Progesso, the port for Merida, some years ago.
It is indicated that the service could begin as soon as this summer.   (Later info has an update with delays, & now report early 2013. RT fares of $350 (cabin), and maybe $195 for just a seat on deck, though the crossing will be many, many hours. But hey, we could bring a car finally!)
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here's a link from Por Esto news:
http://www.poresto.net/ver_nota.php?...dTitulo=144824


And the English translation is as follows (from Google translator):

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, SOLIDARITY, January 30. - The port of Calica be expanded to receive ferry-cruise from Tampa, Florida, with a capacity of up to two thousand passengers and 600 vehicles, with the possibility of future expansion, according to the CEO of the company, Jorge Marquez Chabolla.
Interviewed Monday afternoon, the manager of Limestone Industrial del Carmen (Calica) announced that it resumed the proceedings before the proper authorities and in the course of the month and a half could be at hand and start the project, to be investment a third country.
He acknowledged that the project was stopped slightly year-end because everything slows down, especially in mid-December because there is almost no activity in the federal courts. "We've had some conversations, we have a statement from the SCT, we hope to reactivate in February," he said.
He said the idea is that the service may come to operate this summer, between June and July dates scheduled, unless there is a significant delay in the proceedings.
With respect to the adjustments of the current dock, the respondent agreed that additional investment would bring him a third, once having authorizations, because basically it would be a receiving terminal, although Calica adjustments apply resources in port, "we have an investment estimated, but nothing official that we could share right now, "he said.
Chabolla Marquez said that according to the company that will operate the ferry-crossing, would have an initial frequency, as they have been informed of two runs per week from Tampa, Florida, United States, to Calica and back, with capacity each up to two thousand passengers and 600 vehicles.
Clarified that there is a Home Port Xcaret as planned, but as a ferry terminal now has the crossing today to Cozumel, but with the only difference is international, which require other facilities such as customs and immigration issue, which will be open for further assaults in the future.
Meanwhile, he continued, a Home Port is a different concept which requires a robust infrastructure to handle baggage from 3000 to 4000 passengers are embarking there is, is a completely different investment-cruise ferry .
Finally, the CEO of Calica, Jorge Marquez Chabolla, denied that there is some damage to the seabed, reefs or natural resources, it is the same route you are driving with several runs a day. "From the environmental point of view there is no impact, so far we have not had any incidents in the story and hope that this is maintained," he said.
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We are keeping are fingers crossed, & praying to the proper authorities... whatever works...
We have totally enjoyed our ship time, and on Isla enjoy watching the cruise ships out on the horizon of the Caribe, esp at night, with all their lights beaming bright.
Just having logged some ferry & cruise ship time....I say...bring it on...cannot be soon enough.
Here we are in March on the Algeciras ferry crossing the Med, coming toward Gibraltar.

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