My husband and I spent a very relaxing 14 day tour of the Panama Canal and ports on Coral Princess's sail of Central and South Americas. We chose a balcony stateroom, anytime dining and purchased excursions for stops at Cartagena, Columbia, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, and San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua. We used public transportation for our short visits to Cabo and Aruba.
Positives: Coral Princess pays heavy tolls to go through the Panama Canal. They also provided an excellent historian to explain everything as we sailed through the locks and lakes. We also followed up with the historian's lectures throughout the two weeks. Again, it was an excellent way to understand this part of the world.The people we met were mostly retired and well traveled. We did not hear, for the most part, complaints or negative comments even though the heat and poverty in some of the countries was overwhelming.
We have cruised with Princess three times before and found the food to be good and the crew helpful. The entertainment was fine with the exception of the illusionist and hypnotist. The cruise director and staff tried their best to give us a good time. Most importantly, we had good seas and wonderful weather!! I slept exceptionally well on this cruise.
Our stateroom was located near the elevators, BUT it was very quiet and we both slept so well! The bedding and temperature in the room helped us to relax. The bathroom was tight- for this long a trip go to a mini-suite!