Ferry service could boost tourism

On yesterday’s newscast we reported on efforts made by the Tourist Board to bring more visitors to Belize’s shores. Today a new development promises to assist that campaign and also provide new opportunities for Belizean travelers. The American Viking Line has recently inaugurated a twice weekly ferry service from Tampa, Florida to the port of Progresso near Merida in Yucatan. The four hundred and fifty-foot Scotia Prince can carry as many as a thousand passengers and two hundred cars. The five hundred and seventy-six mile passage takes two nights and one day and for the introductory round trip price of one hundred and forty-four U.S. dollars passengers get a cabin with private bath and shower. Kids under six travel free. Round trip for your car is one hundred and ninety nine U.S. dollars while a one way trip for a vehicle under sixteen feet long is only one hundred and fifty dollars. What this means is that Belize can expect an influx of U.S. tourists driving down through the Yucatan in their own cars while Belizeans who want to import a vehicle from the States can now do so easily by hopping the ferry from Progresso, purchasing the car in Tampa and bringing it right back, thus saving air fare to Houston and a long drive through the length of Mexico. When News Five spoke to a Viking American spokeswoman in Tampa she said that response to the new route has been encouraging. Those Belizeans wishing to take advantage of the service can buy tickets at the office of Carmen Travel in Progresso. The ship leaves every Wednesday at ten P.M. and on Sunday at seven-thirty p.m. Passengers should arrive at least an hour before departure and have their paperwork in order. Food is available on board or you can carry your own. There is also a casino aboard so better bring some spare cash. For more information the number of the cruise line in Tampa is 813-248-0670.