This is one cruise you want a balcony for, so you can see the locks going through the canal.  If you don't care about that, then just get a window.  The cabin was fine, beds were comfortable.  We had to learn how to use the shower curtain without getting water all over the bathroom.  That took some skill.  The shampoo stripped a lot of color out of my hair.

The dry sunny climate was so nice.  I did feel like the moisture was being sucked out of my skin by the air, though.  Everything about this excursion was terrific.  I loved being out on the water in the ferry that took us to the mini sub, which is where you climb into the bottom of a boat and look out the windows.  Our guide was fun and pointed out the ship wreak and 2 legged fish (snorkelers).

We were approached by people wanting us to buy souvineres.  I said, "We have no money" in Spanish and most of them backed off.  The guide took us in an air conditioned car, the seven of us, but had us walk around the town in the heat.   He took us to shops to look at Emeralds and tee shirts.  We saw a couple of churches.  We were not taken to see the monastery because the road was washed out, which annoyed people in our party.  Instead we were taken to a different church/monastery.  I was disappointed that we only looked at the big fort, and did not go in it.  It was probably too hot to walk up there, as there are no easy ways to get there, except to walk.

A bus took us for an hour ride to a 10 minute break at the ruins and tourist building.  We were given bread with cold cuts and cheese, one bottle of water, and a muffin for lunch.  We were taken through skyscrapers, to the old city.  The guide spoke poor English, and walked us around the city for four miles.  Then it was back to the bus for another 1/4 mile hike.  While walking in terribly hot humid weather, you could not look up very often, as there were holes in the sidewalk, uneven pavement, or you were stepping out into the street into traffic.  Unless you are used to walking, I would skip this excursion.  I was jealous of the people in the cabs who were in air conditioning and could look at the buildings while the cab driver drove.  I did see termite nests in the trees, which was new to me.  There was one building that was 400 years old that was beautiful.  We also saw a lovely church.  It was Sunday and a lot of things were closed.

Book a full day excursion in Panama, or you will be stuck waiting in Colon where the food and entertainment are poor after you are on the half day excursion and waiting until 4 p.If you go on an excursion in Panama, you will miss the ship going out of the locks after being in Gatun Lake.

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