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Nieuw Amsterdam Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 7

Overall rating:

5 out of 5
Nieuw Amsterdam

16 Night Panama Canal Westbound (Ft. Lauderdale To San Diego)

Sail date: April 09, 2017

Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 524

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

Touring Cartagena,Colombia's new and old sections of town was amazing as was cruising the entire Panama Canal. I've been to locks before, but nothing compares to this. I sat on my balcony with the door cracked open so I could listen to the guide. I set my TV on View from bow and got the whole narration.

 

 

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Ship tip

When you check in,tell the spa receptionist that you do not want a strong armed sales pitch by your attendant after the message.

Ports of call

Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

3 out of 5

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)

3 out of 5

Cartagena, Colombia

3 out of 5
From what I had read, I was almost afraid. Not to worry. This is a bustling major city, but I was most interested in the walked in old Town, and will take a cab their next time to explore. Horse and buggy ride was very informative for first timers.

Enter Panama Canal At Cristobal

3 out of 5

Panama Canal Transit

3 out of 5

Exit Panama Canal At Balboa

3 out of 5

Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica

3 out of 5
Prices in the market are cheaper the further you walk. And, cross the street and enjoy a good meal at one of the open air restaurants.

Puerto Corinto, Nicaragua

3 out of 5
Eat at Espigon Restaurants a $5 bike/taxi away from market. Don't take the bike tour from the ship port. They charge a fortune. Oh, if you go to Espigon, take your swimsuit​. They have a beach.

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

2 out of 5
Don't take the "Best of Antigua" tour.

Puerto Chiapas (Tapachula), Mexico

2 out of 5
Port itself is nice, but don't bother going to Tapachula.

Huatulco, Mexico

3 out of 5
This port is now one of my favorites. Skip the initial set of stores and go left to the plaza with a church and then turn right.. You'll see a park and there is an artisan market beyond that.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

3 out of 5
Take a cab to the Malecon and enjoy the day on your own. In the evening join the "Rhythms of the Night" excursion. Best trip ever. There is a small climb, so I would not recommend this if you have trouble walking. Ferry ride, dinner, and show were all wonderful.

Traveler Photos

Rythms of the Night Rythms of the Night El Espigon private beach. Fun and inexpensive taxi service. Best Restaurant
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