10 day Panama Canal Trip on HollandAmerica

[sws49]

Is there someone that can advise on the excursions that should not be missed on this cruise. Is there any areas that are not safe for two older women? Thanking you in advance for any help that you may offer.

[cb at sea]

Don't know what your interests are, but you really don't need to spend money on excursions in the canal---there will be a navigator on the ship for the canal passage, and he will give running commentary on everything---the canal's operation, history, usage.....and by roaming about the ship--diofferent sides, and deck levels---you'll get a great overview of everything "canal"!

Panama is NOT to be done on your own---I doubt you could even try--most lines force you to use their own excursions. Staying on the ship is cheaper, and safer, and when many of the passengers depart, the ship is uncrowded and nice!

Crime for cruise passengers is almost non-existant, as long as you use due caution--don't go into areas that are "off the beaten path..." common sense goes a loooong way!

[Sundagger]

You can also ask on the HAL board here on CC:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=171

 

There are frequent threads on this topic since that 10 day Panama cruise is very popular. I think about the only stop you wouldn't want to wander around at is Colon, Panama. It's primarily a pickup point for persons taking one of the many popular excursions - you get off the ship in the morning in Gatun Lake after going through the locks, then the tours end up in Colon in the afternoon.