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Mitch
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« on: July 10, 2008, 11:26:23 AM » |
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Has anyone visited the port town of Colon in Panama. Voyage accounts that I have read on the net indicate that it is not a suitable place to visit. In fact ship's officers discourage leaving the ship at this port.
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lunamara
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« Reply #1 on: July 10, 2008, 04:35:11 PM » |
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I've been there two times. It is known as a rough port. Take NOTHING of value ashore. No watch, sunglasses, etc. I hid a small amout of money for taxis and walked around the downtown area - no deserted side-streets. The main street was fine, lots of shops and people going about their daily lives. It is always hot, not pretty - very poor. I do speak Spanish which helps.
The sailors don't have the time or interest to go ashore. It is not like the old days for them.
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Mitch
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« Reply #2 on: July 11, 2008, 11:39:22 AM » |
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Thanks Lunamara,
I have subsequently discovered that many of the cruise ships call at this port for it's duty free shopping.There also seems to be quite a bit of history attached to the place and it is Pananma's second biggest city. Maybe it will be worth a visit after all provided one takes adequate precautions as you suggest.
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ISLANDMAN
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« Reply #3 on: August 06, 2008, 04:44:22 PM » |
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There is a Duty Free shop within the port limits at Manzanillo which passengers on Containerships are welcome to visit.
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Mitch
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« Reply #4 on: August 07, 2008, 02:14:06 PM » |
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Thanks Islandman for the info. Have you been there. I've looked at the place on Google Earth and the container terminal is on the opposite side of the port facilities. I suppose a taxi would be the best for of transport.
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ISLANDMAN
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« Reply #5 on: August 07, 2008, 06:17:15 PM » |
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The ships agent was very helpful at Manzanillo. It's not as far as it looks to Colon but I was advised to use a taxi in the town unless there are 4/5 going ashore together. The port security/police were also very friendly.
If you are going to Savannah beware the blonde female Immigration officer if she boards! The Port Police there were gents as were the taxi drivers who are allowed right up to the ship $18 to the city and I'd recomend Winstons Bar there for a drink and eating>
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ISLANDMAN
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« Reply #6 on: August 08, 2008, 04:06:12 PM » |
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I was there in mid February this year after transitting the canal on the Marfret Provence. We tied up at 2100hrs I did go to the duty free shop but was advised not to go into the city on my own at night. We were there until about 1100 the next day. I don't seem to be able to upload photos to this forum but I will be able to put one on the website Shipnostalgia which is very interesting if you intend taking a cruise on a container ship.
Cheers
Islandman
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Steve
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« Reply #7 on: August 08, 2008, 05:30:18 PM » |
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You can insert an image in a post - there is an 'insert image' icon on the post form.
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ISLANDMAN
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« Reply #8 on: August 08, 2008, 05:35:38 PM » |
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Cheers Mitch.I'll try and work it out. Computers and I don't work very well together!  |
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Mitch
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« Reply #9 on: August 09, 2008, 05:02:25 AM » |
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Thanks Islandman,
Yes I will be on CMA CGM Matisse from Tilbury to Melbourne next Feb/March.
I will be calling at Savannah hopefully. There is much information I am picking up from the various websites to do with freighter travel including a couple of good journals with photos prepared by generous travellers. I also view ships nostalgia so If you can provide the link I would like to view your photos when loaded.
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