Colon security

[CaroleSS]

We are slated to visit Colon later this year and are wondering about safety.

 

The state Department web site says that Panama is a "high crime rate" area. While I doubt that any cruiseline would intentionally put their passengers at risk (and knowing that I won't be wandering off the beaten path), does anyone have any concerns about visiting there?

 

This from the Sate Department's web site:

"Panama's cities experience violent crime, including shootings, muggings, theft and kidnapping; the city of Colon is particularly dangerous and Panama City has experienced kidnappings."

[sptrout]

I have no problem going there, we stopped by in January. The main things to consider IMO are:

 

1. Take a ship's tour if going to the Canal or other places in Panama. There are also private companies that are mentioned frequently on this site.

 

2. Do not walk into downtown Colon. It is an industrial port city and is not a typical Caribbean port stop, so there is really no reason to walk away from the port area.

 

3. If not taking any tours, there are a handful of shops both within the Port area, and just outside. All visible from the ship.

 

4. When we were there in January (our 4th visit to Panama), we just walked around the places mentioned above. We found some nice shirts for me just a few feet from the ship. Wore one yesterday in fact.

 

5. If you have never been to Panama before, take a tour and see the sites. The Canal is worth a visit if you are old enough to understand its importance. Panama is not to be missed especially if you are already there.

Edited April 18, 2016 by sptrout

[BillB48]

Colon is certainly not the type of place you would want to head out on foot to soak up the local color with your super expensive Nikon slung around your neck along with your diamond crusted Rolex on your wrist to ensure a timely return to the ship;)! The good thing is there is absolutely nothing in Colon for the tourist to immerse themselves in... however the Canal and the rest of Panama are definitely worthwhile.

 

 

There is nothing inherently unsafe about passing through Colon on a tour, whether it is a ship's tour, a privately arranged tour or even taking a cab to a specific destination. The shopping area connected to the pier is somewhat walled off from Colon proper and is safe for browsing or shopping... just normal precautions apply.

 

I completely agree with sptrout's items to consider.

 

One last thought, if you would like a little preview of Colon, have a look at the opening 30 minutes or so of the James Bond movie "Quantum of Solace"... the scenes of the city that is "supposed" to be Port-Au-Prince is actually Colon. Not exactly a glowing testimonial for Colon to be the stand in for Port-Au-Prince:eek:!

 

Go and enjoy!!

[CaroleSS]

Thank you both for your words of encouragement. We are so very exited about this cruise and would like to see the sites.

 

We do understand not to be "foolish", but were just a tad alarmed by the tone of the warning. We will stick with ship excursions and trust that they would not intentionally put us in harms way.

 

 

Thank you again for your thoughts!!!

Edited April 19, 2016 by CaroleSS