Colon, Panama

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alphamark

Guest
Hi,
We are in the process of booking a group cruise to the Western Caribbean aboard the Horizon. The itinerary includes Colon, Panama. One guidebook called this city a "wasteland, which the average traveler should avoid." Has anyone experienced this destination? Any comments?
Mark
 
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SFennell

Guest
Hi Mark
I have been there and the city of Colon is not too great. We took the 2 ocean train excursion, which takes you along side of the canal and to the locks. This tour also had a city of Panama tour at the end. It was rather pricey, but very interesting. The train has been redone and is quite nice. This was on Celebrity, but I think the other lines offer a similar tour. Hope this helps. If you have other questions ask away!
Sherry
 
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Spender Nui

Guest
I second the 2 ocean RR tour. Gives an opportunity to actually go to the Miraflores locks in addition to transiting the continent from Atlantic to Pacific. A completely different perspective than we had on our 4 transits of the canal.
 
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TomS

Guest
Just returned from Western Caribbean to Panama on the Horizon. Panama was probably the second worse port next to Costa Rica (IMO). If you really need to see the locks go for it. What we found to be good there was the Colon Free Zone, where you can buy virtually anything for a bargain (be aware though that quite a few things are also made very cheap). Friends of ours also visited Panama and did some Tribal tour thing, they were very pleased with it. If you do book.... definitely go to the beach in Roatan Honduras.... very nice!!

Tom.
 
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Nanatravel

Guest
I definetly vote for the Ocean to Ocean Train tour at Colon. There is a lot of crime outside of the port area including the Free Zone. The train was beautiful with an English speaking guide on each car and on each motor coach. The ability to have a narrated explanation of the workings of the Miraflores Lock was very interesting giving a land and sea perspective. Driving and stopping at various places including the Balboa Yacht Club and the Panama Bay area where wonderful experiences not to be missed.

Also, I enjoyed my private tour at Limon, Costa Rica. We went with the Tortugera Canal and Banana Plantation tour which we purchased at the Tented area with a complete sign listing the tours with the prices. Therefore, you don't need to haggle. we made many stops for photo opportunities and the fare included the canal boat ride & tour and a thorough walking tour inside the Dole Banana Plantation. Our guide Humberto even took us to a local supermarket at my request. We shared our taxi with another couple and had a great safe day at $45 per couple.

Bon Voyage
 
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