Panama Excursion Should I or Shouldn't I - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

capecg · 03-06-2006, 07:05 PM

Do I want to do an excursion in Panama? We're doing the Panama Canal Cruise on Brilliance of the Seas and would like anyone's input and suggestions on whether to do a tour.

How does it work... I guess the option is to get off at Gaton Lake after going through the locks and do an excursion that will take you back to the ship at Cristobel Pier. I think I've heard people suggest to stay on the ship. Am I right in assuming we would just turn around and go back through the locks? How long does this take? Any ideas?

Thanks,
CG

jstducky · 03-06-2006, 07:07 PM

You're leaving in 10 days for your cruise to PC?

Or is that cruise clock for something different?

I've never been to PC, but would really like to, so I'd be interested in hearing your any opinions anyone might have!

Please post a review on your return. I will actually be on Brilliance later this year!

isujim · 03-06-2006, 07:14 PM

We did the same cruise you are on in 2004. We had an excursion booked and are we glad it turned out that way................stay on the ship.....the canal is the excursion......just my opinion..........we were on a balcony going though the locks and went down to deck 4 outside (maybe it is 5) and stayed there going back through the Gatun locks...........not sorry at all now that we had our tour cancelled. On the outer deck you are only 20 inches or so from the wall...........worth every minute.

The whole process began for us around 6am........and we went back through the locks and docked at Cristobal Pier around 4 in the afternoon.

I have pictures in the cruise gallery............

I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have.........and if you haven't been on the Brilliance.......you are in for a treat!!

Jim

isujim · 03-06-2006, 07:16 PM

Once you go through the Gatun locks......the ship will drop anchor in Gatun Lake and let passengers off on to tenders for those that have tours.........that takes about an hour or so........then you go back through the locks..........but it does take some time..........

jstducky · 03-06-2006, 07:19 PM

what is offered as the excursion? a tour of panama? or are there a number of different choices?

isujim · 03-06-2006, 07:25 PM

There are different choices..........fishing, tour of Panama City,........we took the train excursion which was to take us to the Pacific side and follows pretty much the canal........a key point here is that the train is the regular Panama Railroad.......runs on a time schedule just like any train.........our ship was late, so the train left.........as we looked back we are glad it happened.

motherchic · 03-06-2006, 08:00 PM

CG, thanks for asking the question.
Isujim, any info on any of these ports would be so helpful:Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, Costa Rica, Huatulco
I have looked and researched this forum and read cruise critic till i am blue and there is so little recommended or commented on. On past trips I have found tons of recomendations and great reviews on places to do or see or not see. Every one that i have taken has been excellent and I just cant find much for this cruise. any info you might have would be greatly appreciated
Nadine

isujim · 03-06-2006, 08:09 PM

Nadine

Suggest you go and order from Barnes and Noble.......Panama Canal by cruise ship by Anne Vipond.......easy to read and has maps which are easy to follow........each port you mentioned is listed and covered in depth.......

To date.......we have only been to Cabo........we did the partial........but will post to you our experiences there............

Our first full transit will be this October 7th for 15 days on the Radiance of the Seas..............

Really suggest you get that book...........best cruise book I have ever bought and read........

I will post shortly on Cabo

Jim

capecg · 03-06-2006, 08:34 PM

Yea, 10 days til takeoff! Can hardly wait...seems I've been waiting so long and now I have so many decisions to make!
Will definitely post a review on our return.

capecg · 03-06-2006, 08:38 PM

Thanks, Jim... I thought I had heard you recommend staying on the ship to absorb the whole Panama experience. And you're not the only one who has said that...
Now, what about Costa Rica? What did you do there?
CG