Tours at Panama Canal

[ippyndad]

Looking at two tours

One is (Authentic Embera Native Village to Colon) 6 1/2 Hrs.

Second is (Best of Panama to Colon) 5 1/2 Hrs, this must be new as there are no reviews, has any one been on this tour. The only differance we see is a boat ride around the lake to the area to get the canoes, also no lunch, compared to a bus ride through the jungle to get to the canoes, with a lunch.

Thanks to any one with any information.

[cb at sea]

I've never felt it necessary to get off the ship and do a whole day excursion! The ship's passage thru the canal IS an excursion!

 

If you feel the need to spend more $$ and leave the ship you've paid for...feel free....but it's certainly not needed!

 

It's HOT HOT HOT in Panama....and humid....it's nice to be able to navigate thru the locks, going inside the AC when it gets too hot.

[cruz chic]

I've never felt it necessary to get off the ship and do a whole day excursion! The ship's passage thru the canal IS an excursion!

 

If you feel the need to spend more $$ and leave the ship you've paid for...feel free....but it's certainly not needed!

 

It's HOT HOT HOT in Panama....and humid....it's nice to be able to navigate thru the locks, going inside the AC when it gets too hot.

 

The op is doing a partial transit so it won't be passing thru the canal.

 

Sorry i can't help you out op. Ive been thru the canal several time but I've only done a partial once.

[CaveDiving]

We found the experience of visiting the Embera village to be both interesting and educational. For us, seeing and experiencing a unique lifestyle is always a fascinating experience.

 

Also, their tagua nut carvings were worthwhile souvenirs.

 

Scott & Karen

[donaldsc]

We did the Embera Village but on a private tour and not a ship tour. It was very interesting.

 

DON

[Linda&Vern]

We did the Embera Village but on a private tour and not a ship tour. It was very interesting. DON

On a HAL cruise? I ask because I've always been told all excursions on Canal transit day had to be a HAL excursion or you would not be allowed off the ship.

[BillB48]

The HAL only excursion is normally when the ship is doing a partial transit, entering the Atlantic Locks, going only as far as Gatun Lake where the touring passengers disembark. If the ship is making a port call at Panama, then private tours are permitted.

[sapper1]

I've never felt it necessary to get off the ship and do a whole day excursion! The ship's passage thru the canal IS an excursion!

 

If you feel the need to spend more $$ and leave the ship you've paid for...feel free....but it's certainly not needed!

 

It's HOT HOT HOT in Panama....and humid....it's nice to be able to navigate thru the locks, going inside the AC when it gets too hot.

 

We have done one partial transit and two full transits.

 

On a partial transit if you want to see the whole canal it certainly is necessary to take a tour. There is a ferry that takes those interested right through to the Pacific. There is an inside air conditioned area in which to cool off when necessary. The passengers are then bussed back to meet the ship in Colon.

 

On a full transit there are no tours offered anyway.

[jamespebbles]

The Embera Indian tour is not to be missed. It`s wonderful. Book early. It fills up quickly.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We did the Embera Village but on a private tour and not a ship tour. It was very interesting.

 

DON

 

 

What cruise line were you on?

We have done several partial canal cruises where on Princess and HAL and you could not get off the ship unless you bought the ship's excursion. There are no vendors ashore -- just the buses to take you to your tours.

We have also done quite a few full transits -- there are no tours on those cruses offered for the Panama Canal.

[Krazy Kruizers]

The Embera Native Village excursion is excellent.

Many years ago HAL used to offer the train ride over to the Pacific, then you got on a bus for a ride around Miraflores Locks and a bit of Panama. Then we took the train back to Colon and then the bus back to the tenders where we got back on the ship in Gatun Lake. Back then the ship waited for us in Gatun Lake.

[sapper1]

What cruise line were you on?

We have done several partial canal cruises where on Princess and HAL and you could not get off the ship unless you bought the ship's excursion. There are no vendors ashore -- just the buses to take you to your tours.

We have also done quite a few full transits -- there are no tours on those cruses offered for the Panama Canal.

 

It has already been stated that private tours are no problem on a cruise that has Panama City as a port of call.

[kazu]

We did the Embera Village on our partial as well. HAL tour and was actually quite well done :) We enjoyed it.