For anyone who has gone on a panama canal cruise, is it safe?

Question

my family want to go on a panama canal cruise this winter that goes to sounthern mexico, guatemala, nicaragua, costa rica, panama, and columbia. i was wondering if these places are safe or should we not even bother going there.

Answer 1

its safe , but pay attention.  petty theft is everywhere

Answer 2

It's safe.  Tourist attractions and beaches are pretty safe.  Just don't leave your wallet alone if you're going swimming.

Answer 3

We did the Panama Canal cruise a couple years ago and our cruise included Costa Maya, Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica.  It was supposed to include Columbia also but that stop was deleted due to unrest in the country.  Cruise lines do pay attention to what is going on in countries and make adjustments.  

The panama portion was great and safe.  We did a tour from the ship that included a train ride across Panama to the Pacific coast, a tour at the West coast locks and then back to the ship.  It was completely safe there.  

In Costa Rica we also went on a tour, a train ride through the jungle to a small village about ten miles from the port.  We got off there and boarded a bus back to town with a stop first at a banana plantation.  After the tour we walked around a little near the port and it appeared safe there too.

The one place that is not safe for you to go off on your own in is Jamaica.

Answer 4

Didnt do a cruise but visited all central america countries and colombia with own transport. Had 2 small kids (9and5) with me. Didn't go out at night or in 'dangerous' parts of the (big). We dont do that at home either. Just remember that where tourist are, there will always be people trying to take advantage of them, no matter what country you in! Organised tours tend to look at the countries situation which doesnt mean they have it all controlled but it is surely not in their best interest to go to place they think it is highly unsafe. Furthtermore it is up to the good common sense of the person himself to be carefull with danger goods (drinks, drugs, show off lots of welth) but dont loose sight of the purpose: having a good time, so dont let fear be the master of the trip.