We are in SBA after an incredible 15 night Panama Canal cruise from Fort Lauderdale to LA. The transfer to the next cruise in LA yesterday wasn't handled very well. There were only 9 of us going on including a ship's officer and it took over two hours. CBP was very slow -- of course we HAD come from Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico…
We are at the house doing some laundry and watering and just generally checking things out. It's not a very nice day here -- overcast and cool but the good news the blockage at the harbor from our last storm has been cleared.
While we were crossing the Isthmus (We made NO stops in Panama itself.) I twice saw what looked like a pretty nice train traveling a route parallel to the Canal. It had what looked like a full dome and also a car with an outside viewing are. I need to research this for a future trip.
Frank in cool and overcast SBA
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
and a disclaimer: reporter holds long position KSU
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
I didn't know that you were getting off of one ship and onto another! Since you're at home temporarily, I think this means you're doing a California Coastal cruise?
I'll hold off on sending you those pics until you let me know.
Bill I believe will be posting a Panama train trip report soon.
Although all are worthwhile reading, my current favorite trip report is his London to Tehran.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Smitty--
We stayed on the same ship -- different cabin, though.
She was here yesterday -- with a whole new complement of guests.
We were supposed to pick up our favorite bar server for a quick tour of SBA but they didn't allow any crew off because of difficulty with tendering. The wind picked up and it really slowed down in the afternoon.
Frank in sunny and cool SBA
All--
Thanks for the Panama Railway info. From the company website it sounds as if there are people who use the train to commute from Colón to Panamá City.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Frank---Are you back home now for a while? I've got those pics to send when you're ready.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Smitty--
I'm ready! We leave again on 04/19/14 for a TA on Celebrity Silhouette from FLL to Rome. Three days is Rome and then home on the 8th of May.