Written by Chillie Falls for AccessAdventure.net, May 7, 2023
On May 5, 2023 the Norwegian Joy visited Colon, Panama.
I did not have an excursion booked and opted for my normal disembarkation and exploration to find a local bar/restaurant for a bite of lunch and perhaps an adult beverage.
First, let me point out that there are some wonderful excursions from Colon. Trips into the Canal, a train ride that visits both oceans, rain forest excursions and guided sightseeing tours. None are rated accessible. And those are recommended for the ambulatory guests.
I opted to roll off the ship and entered a large customs/port facility terminal. You were forced to enter and navigate a huge duty-free shop. This would interest many, but I am not a shopper.
Finally leaving the terminal building, I found, well, nothing. There was a huge mall like facility on three floors with probably 800 or so stores. All were vacant except one ice cream shop, one ladies apparel shop and one running shoes store. There were plenty of vendor promotors wanting to entice you to a cab ride. The fare to get to the nearest bar would be $50 each way. I found out later it was three blocks away.
I would have possibly gone exploring toward the downtown area but the sidewalks appeared a bit rough and not a ramp in sight. Plus, the area was quite sketchy.
My recommendation: If you are visiting Colon, book an excursion unless you are in the disabled community. If not, stay on the ship. There is literally nothing to do, except the duty free shop.