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Cruise through the Panama Canal with Virgin Holidays Cruises.
Colon Port
Overview: Poised as the next big cruise embarkation port, Colon, at the north Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal, is a sprawling industrial city within close proximity to beautiful jungle landscape and the wonders of the Canal.

Of course, the most popular sites from Colon are the nearby Panama Canal itself including the impressive raising and lowering of ships in the Gatun Locks, including one's own, and the immense man made Gatun Lake.

Colon is attractive to cruise ships in part because of the new Colon 2000 cruise terminal allowing berths for several large ships and more than 2,500 passengers at once. The terminal offers a variety of shops but is a bit removed from the centre of downtown Colon. Some cruise ships dock at Cristobal Pier which has its own shopping terminal.
Contact:

Tel: 507 447 3197
Email: info@colon2000.com
Website: www.colon2000.com
Address: There is a tourist office at the Colon cruise terminal building.

Transport: Tour groups often ride the train from Colon to the visit the Gatun Locks which is the most beautiful route. Taxies can be hired from Colon 2000 and Cristobal with pre-set fares although they are more expensive than the local bus which is less safe but cheaper for longer excursions.
Attractions: The largest locks in the Canal are a short distance from Colon and offer great opportunities to see both the rising and lowering ships as well as the mechanics behind the operation. A bit farther into the canal is the Gatun Lake which can be fun to explore in smaller boats and kayaks or use for water activities like snorkelling and swimming. Many activities in Gatun lake can be arranged from Colon 2000 Terminal or from Cristobal.
Restaurants:
  • Colon 2000 grocery store - Stock up on favourite treats.

Best dish: Ship's meal of the day

Shopping: Shopping is mostly limited to the cruise ship terminal although the nearly 50 shops often provide much of what cruisers are looking for including local crafts. Cristobal has a similar shopping centre for crafts. The rest of the city has very limited shopping areas and is mostly directed at locals.

Best buy: Duty free luxury goods

Excursions:
  • Visit Panama City
  • Explore Portobelo
  • Take a Chagras River trip