misterjohnny

Some of it was paved, but most of it was dirt/gravel. The area closest to the terminal was paved.

Yes, that is correct. As for where the cruise ships go, I don't really know. But there weren't any other boats in the area we were so unlikely they went where we went. We did not see any underwater sculptures or objects, we only saw natural things (coral, fish, etc).

I know this is long after the original poster, but maybe this will help someone in the future. We took the Placencia lagoon manatee and mangrove tour on Harvest Caye. Big letdown. First, the boat was too crowded. 35 people, cheek to cheek. We were in the back by the engine and could never hear the guide. He had a microphone and speaker, but the speaker was around his neck and he was in the front. It is hit or miss if you see manatees. They stay more in the channel so they don't go into the shallows. We saw one manatee very briefly. Saw a lot of iguanas. We asked the guide about seeing more manatees and he recommended April/May during breeding season when they congregate together more. We saw people on the Stand up pedal boards and they were able to get in the shallows and get closer to the manatees. The big boat with two big props just can't get that close (for good reason) and the manatees don't like the noise of the engines. Would not do again, would try the Stand Up boards if I came in breeding season. If you can't do those, then this is an option but only during breeding season.

We just got off the NCL Joy and did the Daniel Johnson excursion. We drove around the island, hit a couple of chocolate shops that make their own, walked around for a little bit on the West End before they took us to the Hangout. Got to hold the sloth, monkeys jumping on and off our shoulders and head, and macaws on our shoulders like pirates. We opted for the snorkeling, so we changed into swimsuits at the Hangout bathrooms and departed on a little boat right there. Just the 6 in our group. They took us out to the west side of Big French Key and we had a guide in the water with us. They provided all the gear, noodles and life jackets if you wanted them. In the water for 45 minutes or so. We were tired at the end of our snorkel so it was a good amount of time in the water. The boat followed us around so it was a one direction snorkel and he picked us up off Little French Key. Great reef that has not been stepped on by tourists. Lots of reef fish and one big barracuda. We could have stopped at the beach for a while, but our ship was leaving early so we went straight back to the ship. Best value excursion on our 10 day cruise (but we made up for the great value by tipping everyone because they were all so helpful and nice). Definitely recommend Daniel Johnson.

We just got off the NCL Joy that went from Panama City (Pacific side) to Miami. We had 8 of us, so we booked a car service to get us from PTY airport to Casco Viejo (San Felipe on google maps). $95 plus tip. Great location. We booked an airbnb for three couples and the American Trade Hotel for another couple. Lots of coffee shops and restaurants, be sure to go to a rooftop bar at sunset. Casa Casco was right near our place and had great views. Went to the Panama Canal museum on Independence Square. Really interesting museum, the museum at the Miraflores locks is still under refurbishment so this is good. I was reading David McCullough's history of the canal and the museum filled in the blanks with pictures and stories. Took a uberXL to the Miraflores Locks, about $25, saw the IMAX movie which was good, then saw a Viking cruise line ship go through the locks with a couple of sailboats. The size contrast was amazing and the sailboats disappeared when they lowered the water. Our cruise ship went through the new locks but even if we went through the old locks seeing Miraflores from the shore would add to the experience. Had dinner at the Mercado de Marisco, got mobbed by the different vendors wanting us to eat at their sliver of the market. Good fish, very casual. Getting to the Amador port was relatively easy. We hired the same car service (for the same price) and they took us right to the terminal. It isn't complete, and we had to drive on a dirt road the last 1/4 mile, but it was fine. Dropped right at the entrance. A bit of a zoo, but aren't they all? We had two nights and one full day in Panama City (we arrived on a red-eye). I would have liked one more day, it would have been neat to ride the Panama railroad, and see the ruins of the old-old city. Leave something for next time.

We are staying in Casco Viejo, if that makes a difference.

We've got 8 of us arriving a couple days early for a cruise starting in Panama City. Any recommendations for a car service? Preferably one that could fit all 8 but we would take two groups of four if necessary. Thanks

We were there last week. We walked up to the beach bar and asked a waitress who to see about some chairs. They sent someone to us, no problem. Drinks were good. Mudslide and mai tai, plus a couple beers. Tough to keep the beers cold, so bring a koozie. Not cheap, of course. About the same as the ship after tax and tip. We took the bus. Very easy and a very nice bus ("Arubus", lol). Pay $5 at the window in the outside bus arrival area to get your round trip ticket.

We are thinking of taking a snorkel tour (catamaran) on one island and doing a beach day on the other. Any advice on which island to do which? Thanks.

Wow. Thanks for all the information. We are traveling with another couple, maybe the key is for each of us to get rooms on the same floor on opposite sides! Of course, that may lead to a lot of day drinking, lol.

Thanks Bill. I knew about the North /South thing but I figured it would be easier to talk west/east since we are going from the Pacific side (Panama City) to the Atlantic side. the cruise we are looking at is the NCL Joy in December. My thought is to be on the left side of the ship, as that will be in the shade in the morning as we head North through the canal. Of course, I don't know the exact timing of when we go through. We board the ship in Panama City on the 6th, and cruise through the canal on the 7th.

If you are choosing a balcony room for Panama Canal, should the room be higher or lower? I expect to be on the balcony for at least half of the transit. Also, north side or south side of the ship, or does it not matter? Thanks.