Looking to take a non Carnival ferry tour

[hertz4319]

My partner and I will be on the Freedom on Jan 15th. We are going to Panama and thinking about booking a non Carnival panama canal ferry tour. I am concerned because I have read that the tours in Panama frequently come back late. Does Carnival and the other tour providers use the same ferry? If so then if the Carnival group comes back late everyone comes back late? Just wondering. I want to make the best decision. Thanks Stewart.

[Richard in Panama]

If you can find another ferry tour that fits your schedule fine, but typically the tour operators lock up all the space when the ships are in port, and you can't book independently. Same on train. Generally there isn't enough equpment/space for everyone who might want it. If you are doing an independent sightseeing, then it's different. Regards, Richard

[BillB48]

It has also been my experience that the ferry assets are dedicated to the ships in most cases, as Richard pointed out. If it is possible to book an independent tour, you may not be out of the woods and still have a timely return to the ship even with you being on the same ferry as other passengers on a ship's tour. The ferry being delayed by Canal traffic is only one consideration. Transportation to and from the ferry involves 2 to 3 hours on a bus at considerable distance from Colon with all the perils of traffic and mechanical issues. Many of the tours at the Colon stop use a large portion of your time in port with little or no extra time at the end of the tour. This is one stop where you are better off using the ship's tour even if it's a little more pricey IMO.

 

Have a great cruise!