Boarded cruise in Panama City - lessons learned

[misterjohnny]

We just got off the NCL Joy that went from Panama City (Pacific side) to Miami.

We had 8 of us, so we booked a car service to get us from PTY airport to Casco Viejo (San Felipe on google maps). $95 plus tip. Great location. We booked an airbnb for three couples and the American Trade Hotel for another couple. Lots of coffee shops and restaurants, be sure to go to a rooftop bar at sunset. Casa Casco was right near our place and had great views.

Went to the Panama Canal museum on Independence Square. Really interesting museum, the museum at the Miraflores locks is still under refurbishment so this is good. I was reading David McCullough's history of the canal and the museum filled in the blanks with pictures and stories.

Took a uberXL to the Miraflores Locks, about $25, saw the IMAX movie which was good, then saw a Viking cruise line ship go through the locks with a couple of sailboats. The size contrast was amazing and the sailboats disappeared when they lowered the water. Our cruise ship went through the new locks but even if we went through the old locks seeing Miraflores from the shore would add to the experience.

 

Had dinner at the Mercado de Marisco, got mobbed by the different vendors wanting us to eat at their sliver of the market. Good fish, very casual.

 

Getting to the Amador port was relatively easy. We hired the same car service (for the same price) and they took us right to the terminal. It isn't complete, and we had to drive on a dirt road the last 1/4 mile, but it was fine. Dropped right at the entrance. A bit of a zoo, but aren't they all?

 

We had two nights and one full day in Panama City (we arrived on a red-eye). I would have liked one more day, it would have been neat to ride the Panama railroad, and see the ruins of the old-old city. Leave something for next time.

[Turtles06]

Thanks for the update. It’s good to know that you were able to embark at Fuerte Amador itself. 

[Trish Traveler]

Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences!

[Panhandle Couple]

Have they paved any of the area around the terminal and parking lot?

 

It seemed like it was ready on Dec 10th.

 

[misterjohnny]

On 12/22/2023 at 5:27 PM, Panhandle Couple said:

Have they paved any of the area around the terminal and parking lot?

 

It seemed like it was ready on Dec 10th.

 

Some of it was paved, but most of it was dirt/gravel. The area closest to the terminal was paved.