Stay in Panama City After Cruise?

[Flacruiser123]

We are a couple considering booking a Nov. 1st 2010 Royal Caribbean Grandeur repositioning cruise. The ship starts out in Ft. Lauderdale and ends in Colon, Panama.

 

We thought it would be nice to spend some time in Panama City for a night or two before flying back home. But I am beginning to wonder if this is a good idea after reading some of the comments on this board.

 

Is it safe? We do not speak Spanish. We love to experience other cultures but not at a lot of risk. I admit I know very little about Panama and would be most appreciative of any info from others who may have staying in Panama City recently.

[BillB48]

You should have no problems whatsoever. Panama, like most places has areas where you don't want to be, just be cautious as you would anywhere else you are not familar with. There are many reputable hotels in which to stay depending on your interests. Unless you are familiar with Panama I would not recommend renting a car but would engage a tour guide or at least hire a taxi as a guide. I have not used myfriendmario and am not recommending them, but judging by the number of times they are mentioned on this forum, most are very happy with the services provided.

 

As far as Spanish is concerned, English is widely spoken by the people in the tourist sector. Just one word of caution, don't judge Panama by what you see in Colon, where your ship will dock. Colon is truly not a good "frontdoor" for the country. Once you get through there, things will look a lot better!

[Flacruiser123]

Ok, I feel better about the possibility to stay a night or so in Panama City. Thank you so much!!:)

 

I rely so heavily on these boards for information on good hotels, excursions, travel escorts, etc., when I plan trips to other countries when cruizing. It just doesn't seem (from these boards) as though many people stay in Panama City before/after a cruise including the Colon port.

[SeattleJ]

We just returned from a week in Panama--spending almost all of it in Panama City. It was a great trip. The people were wonderful and the restaurants were great. I'd go back in a minute. There are areas to avoid as there are in any major city but the locals know where they are and will tell you. Enjoy!

[Flacruiser123]

Thank you John. Can you tell me where you stayed and what fun things you did while there?

[SeattleJ]

We stayed at the Marriott in the Financial District because I used points. Great hotel and within walking distance of a number of great restaurants. We went to Casco Viejo one evening for a walking tour followed by drinks and dinner, did a Zip Line, our daughter & son-in-law did a diving trip over on the Caribbean side, we did a rainforest tour with Ancon Expeditions, visited Miraflores Locks and the visitors center/museum, spent an evening in the restaurants & bars on the Amador Causeway and spent some time by the pool. We tried to mainly go to local restaurants and bars--staying away from chains and US based restaurants and used cabs (or walked) for all travel. All in all a really enjoyable visit.

[Flacruiser123]

What great ideas! How did you get around, drive? taxi? Did you arrange the tours through the hotel or on your own?

[CornMuffinsMama]

I've never been on a cruise or stayed in Panama on my own but I have been to Panama twice, on mission trips as a teen, one was to Colon and one was to Panama City. We were in Panama City for a month (well, minus some side trips to a jungle village we had to take a boat to get to and a trip to Aguadulce) and I loved my time in Panama City. I wanted to give my experiences but since this was 10 years ago or so I can't guarantee that it will still be accurate. :P

 

Cinco de Mayo (a street) was good for shopping. Somewhere around there was an indian market somewhere around that that sold all sorts of cool baskets, molas, purses, etc. We also go a chance to go up Ancon Hill, that was a pretty amazing experience with a BEAUTIFUL view at the top. You can take the taxis, just make sure you buckle your seatbelt b/c drivers in Panama can be a little crazy sometimes. :P

 

I would go back to Panama in a heartbeat if I could. My experience was that Panama City is a beautiful place and the people were always incredibly gracious, friendly, and hospitable to us.

[Flacruiser123]

Thank you for the ideas! Will seriously consider taxi's for transportation.

 

Still looking for hotel recommendations...

[pretykym]

My husband and I just booked that same cruise! There are a few of us in the roll call forum already. We are flying spirit air so have to stay over one night also. If u find a good hotel I would be interested!

[Mercruiser]

. . . We are flying spirit air . . .

 

You have my condolences.

Spirit Airlines CEO Defends Fees; Says Bags Are 'Not Essential' For Vacations

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[Flacruiser123]

Yeah, condolences to me too. We were very hesitant to book Spirit as well, but in the end, we did too.

 

We have selected La Estancia, a B&B. It is rated as the #1 B&B by Trip Advisor and seems to have had a lot of happy visitors on other sites as well. It is not fancy, but seems to meet all our needs as well as offer some local ambience. :) They have a travel company onsite as well.

 

Here is the link http://www.bedandbreakfastpanama.com/

[gayeavec]

We are booked on this cruise and are considering staying at La Estancia as well. We will be staying one night before flying home to New Jersey on Tuesday morning. Since we will be up in the hills, what would you suggest doing about dinner Monday night?

 

We have also been in contact with My Friend Mario and are considering taking the City and Canal tour in route to the hotel. Anyone else considering that one?

[Flacruiser123]

Similar, just not the same tour as you mention. We are booked with MyFriendMario to pick us up at the port, tour to the Locks, rainforest, and fort, and then deliver us to the B&B.

[lovetocruise719]

I am thinking of booking this cruise too. Before heading to Panama City, I would like to do the tour of the locks. Any suggestions on a plan to do the tour and then travel to Panama City since the railroad doesn't run on Sunday? And if anyone is interested in going together, we would be up for sharing a cab, etc.

[Flacruiser123]

Take a peek at our unofficial Meet N Mingle - we have come up with a few ideas. I would read the whole post because some good options that may better suite you are only listed once or twice for the whole thread... If you decide to book, welcome and please join us!!:)

 

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1182359

[Panama507]

We are a couple considering booking a Nov. 1st 2010 Royal Caribbean Grandeur repositioning cruise. The ship starts out in Ft. Lauderdale and ends in Colon, Panama.

 

We thought it would be nice to spend some time in Panama City for a night or two before flying back home. But I am beginning to wonder if this is a good idea after reading some of the comments on this board.

 

Is it safe? We do not speak Spanish. We love to experience other cultures but not at a lot of risk. I admit I know very little about Panama and would be most appreciative of any info from others who may have staying in Panama City recently.

 

You will have no problems at panama city !!

take advantage that you are in the atlantic side and do the tours like portobelo, sanlorenzo, gatun locks, from the ship, this will get you a better price ! etc...

 

then transfer to panama city and do tours or things that you like, embera, city tour, miraflores, el valle, beach etc....

 

panama you will love it !!!!