Panama City cruise terminal update

[Panhandle Couple]

From the Bliss that visited on 9 Dec. 

We used the new gangway and walked the upper level to from our excursion. Photos are from the return. No pavement yet but crushed gravel looks ready for it.

 

[Panhandle Couple]

AC and escalators are working, maybe 1 elevator. Main downstairs doors are still missing. Temp doors instead.

[BillB48]

At least there is some progress, thanks for the pics.

[Turtles06]

Thanks for the update and the photos! 

[Panhandle Couple]

A few more.

Scanning machines in place.

[Panhandle Couple]

Been back a few days, some more thoughts.

The whole driving and parking area had crushed and rolled gravel, which they were watering.  They limited the driving (taxi's and busses) to the first immediate pull up row (my guess, so they didn't disturb much of the rolled gravel before paving), which of course caused mass confusion for the limited amount of space.  It appeared that paving could start any day on the bus parking area and the street under the passenger walkway.

My wife pointed out that the final curbside entry doors were not there, only some locally constructed temp ones to keep AC inside.

As another CC poster commented, the overhead walkway had that "new concrete smell".  

I didn't get a picture of the 2 gangways, but they were cool looking devices, with adjusters for the up and down variations with the 12-15 foot tides.  They also had an elevator in the middle (but maybe in-op right now?) Apparently for the Bliss, they were in the upper position, as were used deck 7(!!) for on-off, vs deck 4 or 5.  I'm not certain how this will impact smaller ships.  Even on Bliss, the area they used for lines and scanning machines was makeshift, as those areas are outside of the theater or casino. 

 

The entrance off the street was also makeshift.  Seems like many taxi drivers don't even know (or didn't have a permit) about entry.  There was a guard there turning some away.  A bit of a walk from there to the building over a construction zone, with spare pipes and what not laying around.  No big sign at the street either, just a construction entrance, and makeshift fence. 

[Panhandle Couple]

Pictures from previous posts descriptions:

 

1. Terminal as we pulled away.

 

2. Terminal from Spice H20 while docked.  Note small truck on left side is watering the gravel.  The crane area shows where they walkway changes from open air to enclosed.

 

3. Open air walkway approaching the gangways.

 

4. Right side ground level entrance.

 

5. Enclosed walkway

 

6. Escalators inside entrance in picture 4.

 

7. Top of escalators, looking left into waiting area.  Scanning machines would be behind you.

 

8. Ground level left side entrance that we weren't using, and seemed to have some workers doing things.  Maybe future luggage drop off, retrieval area.

 

9. Top of escalators, approaching scanning machines.

 

 

[mrell345]

We are in today for a stop, we were using gangways with busses coming right to the ship.  The outside is still very much a construction zone 

[Essiesmom]

Thank you for the report and pictures.  EM

[mpdog42]

Hi,

Are there any shopping or bars near the Cruise Port? Would just like to shop and have a couple of beers near the port

thanks 

[BillB48]

The pier and cruise terminal are located on the top right portion of Perico Island, the bulk of any shopping, eateries and watering holes would be on the part of the causeway that links Perico Is. and Naos Is.  There are a few things towards Flamenco, but I have not been there other than I drive by.  The biggest question is the ease on which to get there, even though by all reports the terminal is open I do not know what transportation facilities are available.  Distance wise it could be walked, however I don't know if walking will be practical.

 

Edited March 17 by BillB48

[dmwnc1959]

From Norwegian Encore's Bridge cam this morning...