Panama
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Panama resides at a crossroads, a land between two oceans and two continents. While many know of Panama as a narrow country linking Central America with South America and playing a notable role in global trade and politics, for travelers seeking to cruise the Panama Canal, the locale is packed with culture, history, tropical beaches, and wildlife.
Whether looking for an adventurous cruise to the Panama Canal from Florida or a relaxing or romantic getaway, Panama can provide various experiences to suit virtually any travel style. From its vibrant history and culture to its renowned stunning and elegant landscapes, you have no shortage of reasons to consider UnCruise Adventures cruises from Panama.
Know Before You Go - Traveling to Panama
If you’re considering taking cruises from Panama and want to make the most of your adventure, you’ll likely want to know about the country before you set foot on the boat. Many travelers know the country due to the Panama Canal, an engineering marvel with its own palindrome. However, the country features far more than “a man, a plan, a canal—Panama!”
Don’t Worry About Exchanging Your Money
Panama utilizes its own coinage. However, a pleasant experience for American travelers is they employ the U.S. Dollar for all paper currency. Nonetheless, Panamanian coins come in 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50-cent denominations, as well as the one Balboa coin. These coins are the same weight, size, and color as U.S. coins, and they use them both relatively interchangeably.
Travelers on Panama Canal cruises from Miami can pay for goods and services in U.S. currency, and they’ll likely discover that even the ATMs in Panama spit out genuine U.S. dollars. Unfortunately, the ATMs here typically charge to withdraw cash, and banks may charge an exchange fee
Travelers should always bring cash from home. Smaller bills work best because local Panamanian vendors don’t always hold enough cash to offer change.
Panama Has a Storied History Beyond the Canal
Panama is a small country with a big story to tell. The country was once underwater, separating North and South America. Today, Panama connects the two continents as a land bridge the Spanish once used to transport gold from Peru to Spain.
Travelers on cruises from Panama can see the ruins of Panamá Viejo, the first city in the country, or walk the streets of Casco Viejo, a historic Panamanian city and the current heart of the country’s gastronomy scene.
Visitors looking to cruise the Panama Canal can also educate themselves on exciting pirate history, learning about famous pirates like Henry Morgan and standing in the forts they attacked. For over a century, one-third of the world’s gold has passed through Panama. Visitors can walk through the jungle on the original gold trail and experience a genuinely interactive history education.
Panama Features a Quality Transportation System
It's easier for travelers on cruises from Panama to get around as the country offers a good infrastructure system. Panama City features local buses and a new subway system. When travelers want to get out of the big city, the country also provides an extensive bus system with affordable long-distance options that travel to most of the country.
Visitors on a cruise to Panama Canal from Florida also have access to two international airports that reside at opposite ends of Panama City:
- Tocumen International Airport: Most international flights arrive at this location. Tocumen International Airport is a modern facility that continues to expand.
- Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport: Locals often call this Albrook Airport. This location serves Bocas del Toro and Guna Yala, in addition to San Jose, Costa Rica, and Mellin, Columbia.
Travel Safety Tips - Laws and Regulations
While Panama remains the safest country in Central America and a vital trade zone due to the namesake canal, guests on Panama Canal cruises from Miami should take note of some tips when traveling.
Alcohol and Drug Laws
It is a severe crime in Panama for anyone to be in possession of even minimal quantities of narcotics, including marijuana. In some situations, even being in the present company of someone using drugs is sufficient grounds for arrest.
Panama prison terms for drug sentences can reflect up to 15 years, and the legal system operates slowly, taking up to two years before accused individuals appear before a judge. Travelers may also find police checkpoints during weekends, located on roads between main cities. Guests should simply stop when requested and follow instructions.
Anyone over the age of 18 can buy alcohol in Panama. Although you may commonly see individuals consuming alcohol in certain public places, like beaches, the country prohibits public consumption in many metropolitan areas.
Taxis and Public Transportation
Many taxi drivers operate cabs as aspiring Formula One drivers, navigating at breakneck speed. Guests may also find it customary for the cab to pick up multiple passengers traveling alone on the same route.
Travelers should take caution, taking cabs in groups or entering cabs that already have passengers. Panama cabs also aren’t metered, so check the price before you enter to avoid potential disagreements.
7 Night Costa Rica & Panama Vacation Cruise
On our 7 night Panama and Costa Rica cruise between October and December, explore the Caribbean coast of Central America and its lush rainforest, secluded beaches, vibrant cultures and unique wildlife. Feel the soothing humidity of the tropical climate while you take in breathtaking views of the ocean, sky, and palm trees—painted in the most vibrant blues and greens. From exploring the national parks of Costa Rica and the ruins of Panama’s ancient walled cities, to kayaking through the Chagres River or taking a skiff through the mangroves, you will be surrounded by beauty and wilderness.
Experience howler monkeys, colorful hummingbirds, and the jungle, and take a step back in time as you discover unique villages featuring traditional art and crafts. With this 7 night Costa Rica and Panama cruise, you will make memories to last a lifetime.
Consider Traveling to Panama
Panama is a tropical, biodiverse paradise, hosting some of the most diverse and exotic species of animals on the planet in a stunning and picturesque locale. If you want to take advantage of what this beautiful country has to offer, consider visiting Panama with UnCruise Adventures.
Panama is a playground for adventure, including—but not limited to—the famous Panama Canal. Traveling on one of UnCruise Adventures’ cruises to Panama, you can experience mountains, islands, rich culture, and historical education with an opportunity for any adventure you choose.
UnCruise Adventures proudly provides guests with immersive adventure travel experiences that entertain, enlighten, and inspire them to appreciate local cultures and the natural world. Experience exciting cruises to Costa Rica, Alaska, and more!
To learn more about Uncruise Adventures and how we can help you make a trip to Panama a memorable experience, contact our friendly and professional staff today for additional information.