There are still a lot of doubts and questions. We are only paying the bill if we know where the ships are and everything is in order.

Martin posted this in Overlandsphere. So this is what we know or don’t know about this new service:
• The company is not the same as the one who operated Ferry Xpress
• The Owner of last years service and the port says it will not run ( he is a businessman in Panama and owns many tour related companies as well)
• They have pictures on their website and fb page of the SNAV Adricatico, the ferry used last year which is currently moored in the Med, and used by another company. They have confirmed this.
• After pointing this out to the company, they now say “oh we have different ship with the same name”? Really? They do not show up on any vessel tracking websites.
• On their websites they had a sailing two days ago, there is no evidence of these ships entering any ports.
• On their website they show these ships being in Panama on the 16th, on the arrivals and departures of all Panama ports theses ships are NOT detailed - I have asked for evidence that the ships exist on their website
• There are no photos of this services taking place – I have asked for these on their fb page
• FX operation, was organised, it had offices and English speaking staff, was advertised and there was a lot of media about their sailings.
• FX was loss making and it does not make any financial sense for another operator to pick up this route, the rates being charged are a flat rate for any service? And would not make a profit.
• They have not pre-organised customs to be present during loading and unloading, there were significant issues when it was organised.
• Nearly all sailings until mid December are marked full? How?

My initial thoughts on this is that they are genuinely trying to start a service but are unlikely to have enough bookings / commitment to start the service, or lease the ships.

They are trying to get peoples money in advance before sailing as an incentive / discount… How do you know you would get your money back if it did not sail, is this a genuine company?? Are they protected, are you protect through travel insurance?

As stated, I would not book this service until the following:
• They have proven that the ships exist, this can be verified by information on Marine traffic showing the current location of said ships
• If a sailing have taken place surely there are photos of this and can provide them
• They confirm that they have engaged with customs at each port or you will not be disembarking!! (ask for details of port fees as well)
• They have had at least one successful sailing embarking and disembarking.

Please do not be tempted to part with your money to save a $200… .you could loose it all !!!!!

I will not comment more on this issue until something more tangible is available, good luck everyone