Service by the Scotia Prince between Tampa and Cancun (Morelos), Mexico, has been discontinued, less than two months after the service began.
However, the Yucatan Express people and vehicle ferry service will continue on weekly basis between Tampa and Progreso near Merida.
A company representative said it was not because of low occupancy on the cruise, which began service November 22, 2002, but because of "operational and navigational factors."
Said a Yucatan Express spokesperson: "The channel (to Morelos) had to be dredged and as of yet it hasn't been done making it very difficult for the ship to dock. Therefore, we are offering our passengers the option to cancel and get a full refund with a 25% discount on a future booking or to change the departure port to Progreso."
However, other reports have noted that the ship was operating at much less than full capacity, with some trips being only 25 percent full. A previous attempt to start a ferry service between Tampa and Mexico ended after only a few weeks.
--Lan Sluder