Easy off ... took taxi to beach, spent the day and retuned in time to shop the flea market on main street. (I think it only on weekends, but not sure.) NOTE: Taxi drivers will not take people in bathing suits and wet shoes. and no more than 5 in taxi. Very unhelpful drivers. Instead, look for "wild taxis" which are vans and run all the time on main bus routes ...cheap as bus fare and they stop whenever and wherever you are.
A delightful surprise! Many were worried about safety due to past reputation, but sticking to main tourist areas is no problem. The skyline of downtown Cartegena looks like Miami Beach ... lots of skyscrapers = lotsa money being poured into the city. Visit lovely restored old city and shopped at street vendors. Bargain! Great pier area
Next stop: Fuerte Amador ...another great surprise! Restoring old city..charming. Panama City ...same version as Cartagena with a lot more traffic. Head back to ship early!
Took taxi ride to jungle cruise with croc feeding. Portside shopping village with open-air manicurist! $5. for a polish change! (Yeah!)
Book in advance: Costa Rica Gamboa Rainforest Resort tours www.gamboaresort.com if not booking tours from the ship. Tours were full when we got there, but worth the taxi ride to see the resort itself.
Crowded at Xmas with vactioning Mexican families, but fun. Spent the day at the beach. Shopped the beach vendors..bargain!! Skip the central flea market ..overpriced. Stick to tourist areas.
Always good. Head to Peublo Bonita Blanco (White) Hotel ...use their beach and pool..best around. Happy Hour 2/1 drinks beginning at 11 a.m. Stick to beach vendors...expensive in town. Flea market is pretty good ...but bargain hard.
More 
