Enchantment - DEPARTING FROM: COLON, PANAMA in 2008, 2009 (MERGED)

[skiiergirl]

Hi Skiiergirl! Roger and I sailed with you on Serenade Nov. 2006. It's good to see your name on the boards. I see you're still sailing on Serenade! We're booked on a Panama Canal cruise on Brilliance in January 2008. Can't wait.

 

I have personally made the transfer between Colon and the Panama City airport after finishing a Costa Rica/Panama cruise on small ship CruiseWest last March. There is definitely nothing to see/do in Colon. It simply is the starting/ending point for cruise ship passengers. I don't remember exactly how long the bus ride took to reach the Panama City airport but I don't believe it was as long as 1 1/2 to 2 hours. I defiitely would have remembered that!

 

Kathy

 

Hey Kathy! I remember you both! Yes, we are still doing SR and will continue to sail her as long as they keep her on this southern route out of SJU. We love the ship, crew, and itinerary!

[SeaDays]

We've done the bus ride.

 

The roads in and around Panama City are just fine. But then it's mostly a two lane ride with plenty of bumps, long lines behind slow trucks, and some "interesting" (but not necessarily scenic) sights. Rainly weather creates havoc. Our Panamanian guide indicated that the government has been promising a fix-up to the highway for years, but there's little evidence so far.

 

I think the ports are fine, mainly since, like many others, we're looking to reach beyond the usual. But I couldn't imagine staying in Colon the night before departure.

[KikiKruiser]

I'm thinking it's an expensive flight from anywhere in the Continental U.S.

 

Yes - keep your fingers crossed for air/sea specials !!!:)

[skyking]

I honestly dont think RCCL is going to have any major air specials for these sailings for us in the US. Judging by the press release this cruise is not even really intended for the US customer market, but more for the people of South America who cant travel to the US because of restrictions. Another lame move by the RCCL team. Guess this is what they get for flooding the Caribbean market. I am not happy with some of the changes that are being made.

[LAKaye]

Just announced today...

 

http://www.creative.rccl.com/Sales/royal/Caribbean/Flyers/07008702_EN_Deployment.pdf

 

 

BILL

 

Bill,

 

Thank you very much for bringing this to our attention. I would love to sail on the Enchantment on a Southern Caribbean voyage, and these ports of call are places that I would love to see either for the first time or again. It seems that it has been a while since I've seen Bonaire as an RCI port of call. (Or I need to pay more attention! :p )

 

I'll fly anywhere..... :)

 

Leslie

[Mark]

If RCCL wanted to sail the southern route, why didn't they move Enchantment to some more civilized port like Aruba where folks go to on vacation anyway and are happy to book pre and post hotel stays....this is definitely not the case in Panama...I heard they still have armed bandits on the roads there just like in Mexico!:cool:

[negc]

If RCCL wanted to sail the southern route, why didn't they move Enchantment to some more civilized port like Aruba where folks go to on vacation anyway and are happy to book pre and post hotel stays....this is definitely not the case in Panama...I heard they still have armed bandits on the roads there just like in Mexico!:cool:

 

Guess you'd have to ask them.:rolleyes: We sailed out of Aruba once and thought it was a great place for a pre-cruise stay. I am sure that RCI considered a number of possible ports of departure, but none of us is privy to the factors that went into their decision.:)

[negc]

I honestly dont think RCCL is going to have any major air specials for these sailings for us in the US. Judging by the press release this cruise is not even really intended for the US customer market, but more for the people of South America who cant travel to the US because of restrictions. Another lame move by the RCCL team. Guess this is what they get for flooding the Caribbean market. I am not happy with some of the changes that are being made.

 

If I had to guess, the folks running RCI don't feel an obligation to keep any of us happy with their every move, as long as they feel that the decisions that they make are in the best overall interests of the corporation. They continually emphasize that they are a global company and this decision is just more evidence of the fact that, as important as the US market is, it is probably not quite as important as we would like to think it is. I'm not sure what you mean by flooding the Caribbean market since many of their ships have been repositioned elsewhere for long periods of time due to a weak Caribbean market. It does prove that they can't please everyone.

[Mines]

The programme is now out on the RCI web site:

[isujim]

If I had to guess, the folks running RCI don't feel an obligation to keep any of us happy with their every move, as long as they feel that the decisions that they make are in the best overall interests of the corporation. They continually emphasize that they are a global company and this decision is just more evidence of the fact that, as important as the US market is, it is probably not quite as important as we would like to think it is. I'm not sure what you mean by flooding the Caribbean market since many of their ships have been repositioned elsewhere for long periods of time due to a weak Caribbean market. It does prove that they can't please everyone.

 

Bill I tend to agree with you and enjoy your posts..........and while I agree RC is repositioning itself (as well as their ships:) ) as a global company, I do believe in the long run, we as consumers will ultimately decide in the free market place what RC's position will be. If these sailings don't fill or they have to really cut prices to fill them with the "local" SA market, then I look for them to correct their position and you will see once again a shifting back to more profitable sailings. Now whether that means back to the Caribbean or someplace else remains to be seen. We are probably at least a year away from seeing if this global positioning......at least for this ship and market is the right move.

 

For me I'm glad they are trying something different. After 13 cruises and 4 more booked the itineraries were getting pretty stale. This particular itinerary doesn't appeal to me at all........but at least they are trying something. And let's not forget, their research has to tell them something, they just don't throw darts at a world map and say put the Enchantment here.

[Schplinky]

I agree that this move is more in line with the interests of RCL's stock-holders than anything, and what serves those interests best is to place the ships where they can make the most money. I don't think keeping the same ship in the same port year after year is a good way to do that. I also think that as North Americans, we have to get used to the fact that the world does not spin around us and our vacation plans, either. I am willing to bet all my onboard credit that the per diem fares for Enchantment out of Panama will exceed what they have been making out of Florida. This will be the only ship based there, compared to the dozens of ships available within a half day's drive of FLL.

 

Indeed, some will choose to sail out of Panama precisely because the ship is not sailing out of the U.S., although that has clearly not been a problem for us. Others will appreciate the shorter travel time to the ship while others who are already experienced RCL cruisers may welcome a new itinerary.

[negc]

Bill I tend to agree with you and enjoy your posts..........and while I agree RC is repositioning itself (as well as their ships:) ) as a global company, I do believe in the long run, we as consumers will ultimately decide in the free market place what RC's position will be. If these sailings don't fill or they have to really cut prices to fill them with the "local" SA market, then I look for them to correct their position and you will see once again a shifting back to more profitable sailings. Now whether that means back to the Caribbean or someplace else remains to be seen. We are probably at least a year away from seeing if this global positioning......at least for this ship and market is the right move.

 

For me I'm glad they are trying something different. After 13 cruises and 4 more booked the itineraries were getting pretty stale. This particular itinerary doesn't appeal to me at all........but at least they are trying something. And let's not forget, their research has to tell them something, they just don't throw darts at a world map and say put the Enchantment here.

 

At the risk of this becoming a mutual admiration society, I feel the same way about your posts and I agree that should this itinerary prove to be less successful than they hope, they will probably act quickly to correct the situation. I'd love it if they only offered itineraries that I like, but it isn't going to happen, nor should it. The very fact that they are expanding their scope and attracting the new cruisers that they need to keep filling their ships is important to me as a stockholder as well as a satisfied customer.:)

[BillB48]

http://www.solmelia.com/solNew/reservations/jsp/C_Search_Availability.jsp

 

I'm sure most everyone has the impression that from what they have seen of Cristobal/Colon, (which is Christopher Columbus is Spanish) from the pier area or returning to the ship from a tour, it pretty much is a dump. That impression would be accurate. Now for those who are concerned about a pre/post cruise, I'm sure the link above would play into their plans. This facility is on one of the old US Army bases on the Atlantic side. I think it is on old Ft. Gulick but I might be wrong and it could be on old Ft. Davis. It would be a very nice place to launch all the tours that they offer when you do a partial transit and the ship dumps you off in Gatun Lake. The tours sure could be conducted at a much more leisurely pace.

 

As far as Colon being a good move for RCI, who knows, I'm sure their marketing tells them there is a potential for some underserved cruisers. Panama has very good airline connections with all of the Americas and don't forget the local currency is the US Dollar. While the Dollar maybe having some hard times it still is a favorite of your neighborhood dictator. If the EOS doesn't put out the numbers they are looking for, I'm sure they won't have a huge investment down there that they just can't gin up a new itinerary.

 

There are also some pretty nice beach places on the Pacific side they could incorporate into the pre/post cruise agenda.

 

PS You will have to enter the country, Panama to show the facility.

[Mines]

http://www.solmelia.com/solNew/reservations/jsp/C_Search_Availability.jsp

 

 

PS You will have to enter the country, Panama to show the facility.

 

Seems like a nice hotel. And at $110 per night for 5*, not bad.

 

This group is Spanish, operating mainly for the Spanish speaking market, in Europe and Central and South America. They are investing heavily in the Caribbean, including Cuba. As RCI cannot go to Cuba (yet) Panama could be a good alternative.

 

The Spanish cruise company, Pullmantur, ran a number of ships from Cuba exclusively for the European market and did quite well. This company has been bought by RCCL and they cannot go to Cuba anymore. The older ships are now all in Brazil in the European winter, so maybe this is RCL's way of providing a replacement for the Spanish.

 

Just a thought to try to explain why they may have chosen what seems at first glance like a strange choice.

[nmcrzer]

If RCCL wanted to sail the southern route, why didn't they move Enchantment to some more civilized port like Aruba where folks go to on vacation anyway and are happy to book pre and post hotel stays....this is definitely not the case in Panama...I heard they still have armed bandits on the roads there just like in Mexico!:cool:

 

Have you been to Panama? My father was born there and just got back from a 3-week trip. He drove all over the country. He said it was beautiful and that he felt safer there than in Mexico (which he has driven all over as well). Granted that is just one person, but...

 

Speaking of one person, we could jump to the conclusion that since something happened to Natalie Holloway in Aruba, then it isn't safe for American tourists.

 

On the bright side, maybe if Colon is as crime ridden (and bad for cruisers) as people are saying, then it would take the spotlight off of Jamaica. And I can just see it now... Colon: the Next Montego Bay / Ocho Rios...

[Cruiseman2003]

You know I believe that the move to Colon was a bad idea also. Yes, I know that RCI is going for the SA market and European market but I believe that the ship would have been better suited in Barbados than Colon. Princess has based a ship in Barbados for their European passengers. I read a review where one Brit said it was much easier for them to travel there versus in the states. Of Course, Barbados is goverened by Britian.

 

I believe they could of done a western caribbean tour and a more southern route including the ABC islands and the Panama Canal.

[Schplinky]

You know I believe that the move to Colon was a bad idea also. Yes, I know that RCI is going for the SA market and European market but I believe that the ship would have been better suited in Barbados than Colon. Princess has based a ship in Barbados for their European passengers. I read a review where one Brit said it was much easier for them to travel there versus in the states. Of Course, Barbados is goverened by Britian.

 

I believe they could of done a western caribbean tour and a more southern route including the ABC islands and the Panama Canal.

 

Interesting thought. I do think Barbadoes is exorbitantly expensive (from a North American perspective) whereas I think Panama is not but I would guess a big part of the equation is which port was willing to build the infrastructure for the cruise line. Panama might be more motivated to invest the millions required.

[BillB48]

We all will just have to wait and see how long it takes RCI to initiate some deep discounts to fill empty berths. I think the key in deciding on Colon can be found in transportation both from the North as well as South America and to provide a deep Caribbean itinerary with a 7 day cruise. Panama's airline even has non-stop service from Washington DC and Orlando in addition to Miami. Panama is also well served by AA, Continental and Delta. Many of the SA airlines stop in Panama as well. I found this in the CC news section, "Enchantment of the Seas' trips from Colon in 2008/2009 will call at Cartegena and Santa Marta in Colombia, and the Southern Caribbean's "ABC" islands, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. As an added benefit, particularly for Dutch Antilles and Colombian residents, passengers can also embark in Aruba or Cartegena for these cruises -- but they must sail roundtrip (disembarking in the same port they joined the cruise). However, all cruises are also available to North Americans.'' Looks like they are trying to cover a bunch of bases.

 

Colon is probably a better port to provision a ship with the Colon Free Zone a stone's throw away.

[logan1_2000]

We all will just have to wait and see how long it takes RCI to initiate some deep discounts to fill empty berths. I think the key in deciding on Colon can be found in transportation both from the North as well as South America and to provide a deep Caribbean itinerary with a 7 day cruise. Panama's airline even has non-stop service from Washington DC and Orlando in addition to Miami. Panama is also well served by AA, Continental and Delta. Many of the SA airlines stop in Panama as well. I found this in the CC news section, "Enchantment of the Seas' trips from Colon in 2008/2009 will call at Cartegena and Santa Marta in Colombia, and the Southern Caribbean's "ABC" islands, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. As an added benefit, particularly for Dutch Antilles and Colombian residents, passengers can also embark in Aruba or Cartegena for these cruises -- but they must sail roundtrip (disembarking in the same port they joined the cruise). However, all cruises are also available to North Americans.'' Looks like they are trying to cover a bunch of bases.

 

Colon is probably a better port to provision a ship with the Colon Free Zone a stone's throw away.

 

The embark option at Aruba sounds like just the ticket! I would welcome the chance to get to some new itineraries, within a 7 day cruise (sorry folks, we travel w/ our well behaved Jr High DS and a school calendar and sports schedules and my legal practice make anything more than a week at a time nearly impossible. Someday, well into the future, I will pursue a longer stay at sea.

 

No interest in going ashore or flying into crime ridden dumps. Colon--Just say NO!:eek:

[GMoney]

I agree that this move is more in line with the interests of RCL's stock-holders than anything, and what serves those interests best is to place the ships where they can make the most money. I don't think keeping the same ship in the same port year after year is a good way to do that. I also think that as North Americans, we have to get used to the fact that the world does not spin around us and our vacation plans, either. I am willing to bet all my onboard credit that the per diem fares for Enchantment out of Panama will exceed what they have been making out of Florida. This will be the only ship based there, compared to the dozens of ships available within a half day's drive of FLL.

 

Indeed, some will choose to sail out of Panama precisely because the ship is not sailing out of the U.S., although that has clearly not been a problem for us. Others will appreciate the shorter travel time to the ship while others who are already experienced RCL cruisers may welcome a new itinerary.

 

I don't disagree with any of this, but I also don't believe that RCI's new-found "globalism" is mutually exclusive with providing some more varied itineraries for those of us in the US.

[Mark]

When someone mentions flying down to Panama....I think of two groups of Americans...group one are Panamanian Americans with friends and family in Panama and group two are government employees such as military and other 'specialists" who are going on an assignment and going to work there...I can't see anyone else paying money and using precious vacation time to go to a place like Panama...I have nothing against the country or the people but it is not a tourist destination!

 

On the other hand, if the US ever lifts the embargo on Cuba, I will be the first one to get in line and book a vacation there as will many other Americans.:cool:

[isujim]

I agree that this move is more in line with the interests of RCL's stock-holders than anything, and what serves those interests best is to place the ships where they can make the most money. I don't think keeping the same ship in the same port year after year is a good way to do that. I also think that as North Americans, we have to get used to the fact that the world does not spin around us and our vacation plans, either. I am willing to bet all my onboard credit that the per diem fares for Enchantment out of Panama will exceed what they have been making out of Florida. This will be the only ship based there, compared to the dozens of ships available within a half day's drive of FLL.

 

Indeed, some will choose to sail out of Panama precisely because the ship is not sailing out of the U.S., although that has clearly not been a problem for us. Others will appreciate the shorter travel time to the ship while others who are already experienced RCL cruisers may welcome a new itinerary.

 

I certainly tend to agree with you. The per diem probably will be much higher if I had to guess than your typical Caribbean cruise. RC by shifting the ship to Panama has no competition (yet at least) thus creating demand for the ship vs. those available in Panama and also reduces again another ship serving the Caribbean market.......

 

If the ships they are moving around fill up.........I would bet a further reduction of ships in certain areas will follow.

[PH8]

I certainly tend to agree with you. The per diem probably will be much higher if I had to guess than your typical Caribbean cruise. .

Actually, right now, they look to be about the same as a typical caribbean cruise......

[COMBOY]

FYI - Pamana is becoming a major permanent home for American retirees. I saw a whole news story on TV where american are moving to Panama due to the cheaper cost of living in droves. Pamana City is in a major the building sprees of condos and apartment for american retirees. There are even gated retirement communities just of American in Panama. Maybe RCCL believe these american retirees might also what the convenience of a cruising directly from Pamana vs flying to Miamia or San Juan.

 

I found this article:

 

Panama is fast becoming one of the world's top retirement destinations and also a world class tourist location - particularly for adventure and ecotourism. Long overshadowed by its neighbors such as Mexico and Costa Rica where mass tourism is now the norm, Panama has been relatively unknown except to travelers with special interests such as world record deep sea fishing, birding, river rafting and rain forest experiences. All these exciting opportunities together with gorgeous beaches and great surfing, kayaking and diving, ensure Panama has something for everyone. It has an interesting cultural background, from stone age indigenous peoples (still in evidence) to the history of conquistadors and now a modern society with infrastructure that is first world. Panama is still a country where you can see a myriad of birds including a quetzal while sitting alone in a rainforest, rather than having to join many tourists viewing one quetzal. From the Caribbean to the Pacific, imagine these choices on your doorstep! In addition Panamanians are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. All this makes Panama and ideal location for retirement or a second home.

 

Little surprise then in the May/June issue of Modern Maturity magazine (the AARP magazine with the largest circulation of any consumer magazine in the world, upwards of 20 million subscribers) rated Boquete , Panama , the fourth best retirement destination in the world. International Living rates Panama even higher on their list at No.1. As well as the picture perfect highlands of Boquete , Panama has a perfect location for every taste; from a cosmopolitan capital city to palm fringed beaches, cool mountain climates and tropical resorts, however the best fact is that it is affordable! There are many financial incentives for retirement. If you are looking for a second home or a retirement option , then Panama should be at the top of your list. A smart choice indeed!

 

With an US style infrastructure, Panama offers an easy transition particularly for US retirees. 75-80 million Baby Boomers will reach retirement age in the next 10 years in the US alone. US Government statistics show that most of them will not be able to sustain their current standard of living by relying on savings, assets or pensions. More than ever before, U.S. baby boomers are considering retirement outside the U.S.A. Having traveled far more extensively and being more active and adventurous than previous generations, they are also identifying the need to maximize their diminishing retirement incomes, so the idea of overseas retirement is appealing to many. Discovering a less stressful environment also has a definite allure! The families of the North Americans who lived in Canal Zone during the 90 years of North American presence look back at their “Paradise Lost” and very often return. Living and retiring overseas was once an option available only for the wealthy, it is now an affordable trend.

[isujim]

Actually, right now, they look to be about the same as a typical caribbean cruise......

 

I hadn't actually looked Kathy, just assumed the previous poster on this had checked. I"m glad to see the per diem is about the same.......I would also guess airfare to Panama wouldn't be very cheap........thanks for letting me know.:)