Colon--what to do for the day?

[salmn]

Ship is in Colon for the day after PC transit.  We are not interested in going to see the locks again and all of the ship excursions says hotel or airport drop-off. This is in the middle of an 18 day cruise and we are continuing on. Reviews say that it is not safe to venture off on own, but we will be on the ship all day the day before and the day after, so would like something to do other than stay aboard for three days in a row. Suggestions???

[PORT ROYAL]

3 minutes ago, salmn said:

Ship is in Colon for the day after PC transit.  We are not interested in going to see the locks again and all of the ship excursions says hotel or airport drop-off. This is in the middle of an 18 day cruise and we are continuing on. Reviews say that it is not safe to venture off on own, but we will be on the ship all day the day before and the day after, so would like something to do other than stay aboard for three days in a row. Suggestions???

Fact…. Friends thought to go “outside” the dock area to buy a Burger from a well known establishment.  On exit of the burger bar, wallet, cash, credit cards, Wife’s watch robbed at gun point.  All in daylight.   Police and witnesses not interested.  STAY ON THE SHIP!!!!!!!

 

[PORT ROYAL]

If one feels the need to go for a walk, then wear a full suit of body armour a Kevlar mask, helmet and carry a pair of fully loaded XM556

[salmn]

1 hour ago, PORT ROYAL said:

Fact…. Friends thought to go “outside” the dock area to buy a Burger from a well known establishment.  On exit of the burger bar, wallet, cash, credit cards, Wife’s watch robbed at gun point.  All in daylight.   Police and witnesses not interested.  STAY ON THE SHIP!!!!!!!

 

Any idea if the Colon 2000 mall or Super 99 stores are safe if we need to pick up something for the second half of our cruise. I think we dock in that area.  We are pretty travel savvy and only carry small amount cash, no credit card or jewelry when off the ship.

[PORT ROYAL]

54 minutes ago, salmn said:

Any idea if the Colon 2000 mall or Super 99 stores are safe if we need to pick up something for the second half of our cruise. I think we dock in that area.  We are pretty travel savvy and only carry small amount cash, no credit card or jewelry when off the ship.

No idea….. would not give any advice….. except STAY ON THE SHIP

[PORT ROYAL]

Travel savvy?
For what it’s worth.  I was a Shotokan 2nd, and competed.  I would stay on the ship.

[BillB48]

15 hours ago, salmn said:

Any idea if the Colon 2000 mall or Super 99 stores are safe if we need to pick up something for the second half of our cruise. I think we dock in that area.  We are pretty travel savvy and only carry small amount cash, no credit card or jewelry when off the ship.

That area is safe, just take the normal precautions that you would in any unfamiliar area as it appears you already do.  Just don't leave the mall area unless you are in a ship's tour, with a private tour or a taxi.

[Dobby36]

We got off there for a few hours and walked around. Went into a few shops and a grocery store for some local snacks and candy to bring home to the kiddos. Also spent an hour or two at the casino. All of these were within sight of the ship and we felt safe, even into the dusk hours.  There was a stream of (mostly older white folks from HAL) passengers doing the same walk a block or two and no one seemed to have any issue.  We got the same warnings about jewelry and taking precautions, and that was all that was needed!