Panana Canal Railroad Tour

[showgirl85]

Going on a partial crossing Panama Canal cruise in November. Has anyone taken the DOMED railcar excursion? Would love to hear your comments as we are undecided about which tour to take. thanks

:confused:

[the2ofus]

I did the railroad tour a number of years ago and thought it well worth the price. There was good commentary during the ride. It does make a difference which side of the rail car you choose or you will be trying to see the view over the heads of the people with the canal-side seats. Choose the window seat/table to your right as you stand in the aisle facing forward toward the engine. Also, be sure you sit in the dome and not the lower part of the car. IMHO, even though the train was very old it was nicely refurbished. The ride was a bit rough but not unpleasant.

 

On our tour some people were smart and brought along snacks as it began very early and they expected not to eat until we reached Panama City. We had adequate time for a meal and a little browsing of the little station shops at the PC end of the line, but no time to visit the city itself.

[showgirl85]

great info. thanks very much

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have done the railroad and did sit in the Domed Car. At the time we did it, there were 2 levels of the domed car -- we chose to sit on the upper level which gave us great views. Back then the train went round trip from Colon. I know that tour doesn't exist any more. Train is only one way and the other way back to Colon is by bus.

We felt it well worth the money.

[the2ofus]

Hmmmm....KK raises an interesting point. If the rail trip is just one-way, does that mean that HAL offers two rail excursions at that stop? Does the bus take some pax to Panama City for the return trip by rail? If so, on that return trip be sure to sit on the left hand side of the car.

[Lady Chew]

We just took this excursion in February, and enjoyed it very much.

 

We tendered off the ship in Gatun Lake, had a quick bus ride to the train station in Colon ... rode the train to the Miraflores Locks Visitors Center ... rode the train back to Colon, and a quick bus ride to the port in Colon (no tendering to get back aboard)

 

We had a very good guide which really helped. The domed car offered very good views, but you should know that the seating is at tables, four people to a table, and two of you will be sitting backwards. Of course, if you keep the same seats on the return, you will be going forwards! Obviously the views were different on each side, but there was never any problem, people just stood up to look out the opposite side if they wanted to see something.

 

There were snacks & beverages available for a nominal price, and of course there was a restroom. A box lunch was included in the price of the tour.

 

There was a brief shopping stop (naturally, it was a ship's tour!) before boarding the train back to Colon.

 

All in all, it was really quite nice.

Edited May 4, 2015 by Lady Chew

[Krazy Kruizers]

I am glad to hear that HAL is now offering the train round trip again like we had several years ago.

I know that there were complaints about the bus ride.