Panama canal excursions

[CHIPMUNKS]

We are going to the Panama Canal on 5 March. Not sure what excursions to book for Curacao, Antigua, St Lucia and St Vincent. Does anyone have anything to recommend? Also anyone know if we will dock close enough to walk in at these places?

[Marmaduke]

Curacao, the ship usually docks within walking distance of the main town of Willemstad. If you want to go to the beach you can get a local bus from the bus station for 1$ US each way.

 

Antigua, ship docks at the cruise terminal at St Johns, not a great town for wandering around, not much to see. Shared taxi to Dickenson Bay is 3$ US each way. A trip Nelsons Dock Yard is worthwhile, either take a local taxi or ships tour.

 

St Lucia, ship docks in Castries or at the cruise terminal at Point Seraphine which is about a ten minute walk to town. Shared taxi to Rodney Bay is about 6$ US each way

[Johnthed0g]

Curacao, the town is interesting with lots of shopping, lots of bars & café's.

Disagree that St John's is not great I find it a fascinating typical Caribbean town, especially the further you go from the terminal, getting a taxi here is the least of your problems!! About the only place of interest is Nelson's dockyard to be frank, lovely beaches, Jolly Beach area is also nice with the adjoining Marina.

Castries is not really much of a place, the duty free are is good but "seen one" SL is a very green. jungly, natural island & I would do a tour to get the best of this side of the island. ''Cosol Tours'' seem good.

Only stopped briefly on St. Vincent, but it is a pretty, small island with gardens, some beaches, & a waterfall. They do trips to other islands too sometimes, like Mustique or even Tobago Keys.

[Merlin7]

Antigua: Nelson's Dockyard and Shirley Heights are well worth doing. Taxi is the best way to do this. Helicopter tour to Montserrat is excellent. You can do both in a day's visit.

 

St. Lucia: Private tour or ship's tour, incorporating both the land and sea elements of this fascinating island.

[Johnthed0g]

What is involved in a "partial transit " of the canal apart?... from the obvious!