Board the Isthmian Railroad whose tracks run parallel with the Panama Canal and is destined for Panama City. Next, your bus tour will go to the Causeway and through the former U.S. Military base and the Canal Zone before returning to the train station for your journey back (this bus tour does not go into Panama City). Train ticket and complimentary beverages and snack are included. A one hour visit will be made at the Miraflores Locks Obvservation Center.
This is a truly a unique experience, discovering Panama by air conditioned train. Your adventure begins after a brief bus transfer to the train station. Here you will board the Isthmian Railroad destined for Panama City. The tracks run parallel with the Panama Canal considered the 8th wonder of the world. Along the way, experience the extraordinary beauty of flora and fauna, tropical rainforest and spectacular views of Gatun Lake. As you cross the Continental Divide, you are now on the Pacific side fast approaching Panama City. On arrival in the outskirts of Panama City, you will board a bus for a tour that will go to the Causeway and through the former U.S. Military base and the Canal Zone before returning to the train station for your journey back to Colon (this bus tour does not go into Panama City). You will also be able to visit the New Miraflores Locks and Observation Center. Train ticket and complimentary beverages and snack are included. Note: This tour will commence via tender from Gatun Lake and end at Cristobal Pier. Minimum age to participate is 2 years old.
My DH and his father did this when they did a land tour in Panama. They liked it and said they would do it again! (Fair warning, they are train buffs LOL)
Did they tell you if there was a guide in the train car with them to tell them about what they were seeing . . . some local stories or history or something like that?
What did they tell you about their time at the locks and observation center and what they were able to see and learn there?
Did they tell you if there was a guide in the train car with them to tell them about what they were seeing . . . some local stories or history or something like that?
What did they tell you about their time at the locks and observation center and what they were able to see and learn there?
He said, they didn't take the tour version, but others had and they had a guide. He said the locks were very interesting with allot of history to learn. So as far as the tour goes I cant help you But he did say the views we nice, lots of greenery
We did NOT take this but made a point of talking with those who did! I'm always nosey about ALL shore excursions.
If you're NOT doing a FULL transit (like on a particle ... turning around in Gatun Lake ... or a port stop in Colon, Panama) this is a very good way of seeing ALL of the locks.
Most cruise lines for the "Two Ocean Railroad" offer the Regualr and the Dome. While the Dome has a better view, it can get quite warm up there (glass enclosed sort of thing). There were tour guides. Some were better than others. Eat a good breakfast ... food was minimal. It was not a "Party Train" as far as dirinks go. Smokers: It's a long trip. The good news is they do have little outdoor platforms where smoking is allowed.
This was of no interest to us because we'd already been on a Full Transit. Had we not, I'd have probably wanted to do it to see the Pacific side.
Sorry, that's all I know. Hopefully, someone who has actually taken this excursion will respond. (I do keep in contact with someone via email who did this so I should be able to ask them if there are questions ... may be a time lag since they travel lots ....)
After going through the Gatun Locks, we anchored in Gatun Lake and took tenders to shore. From there we boarded buses to go to the train. The guide that was on our bus was also our guide for the train and everywhere else. We were fortunate to get the dome car. After touring Panama City and Miraflores Locks and Observation center. Our tour also included the train back to the pier. At the time we did this tour, we went back to where our ship was anchored in Gatun Lake. This has sinced changed as the ships no longer stay in Gatun Lake but go to Cristobal pier where most of the tours now end.
On our recent Ryndam cruise, we overnighted at anchor at Amador. The train was offered. Many were disappointed. After taking the train over to the Caribbean side, they were bused back to Amador with no stops at the Miraflores Locks or tour of Panama City. The buses got stuck in heavy traffic and it took 3 - 4 hours for some of the buses to get back to the tender pier.
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But he did say the views we nice, lots of greenery 
about ALL shore excursions.
Sorry, that's all I know. Hopefully, someone who has actually taken this excursion will respond. (I do keep in contact with someone via email who did this so I should be able to ask them if there are questions ... may be a time lag since they travel lots ....) 
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