We choose this cruise because it was on sale and wanted to visit some new locations, such as the Panama Canal and Cartegena, Colombia. Went with a group of family members and friends between the ages of 30 - 70 and there seemed to be something for everyone to do. I would say the average age of most people on the ship was around 50-60, and many of the shows and activities were marketed towards that crowd.
This cruise only did a partial transit of the Panama Canal. The ship passed through the Gutun Locks at day break. Once anchored in Gutun Lake, only guest who booked an excursion through Norwegian were allowed off the boat. Mid-afternoon the boat transferred back through the Gutun Locks and then to Colon, where everyone who went on excursions got back on the boat. All guests were allowed off the boat in Colon.
My boyfriend and I (both in our 30s) did the Kayak Excursion in Panama so we could get off the boat. First stop was the Gutun Locks viewing area for an hour which we really enjoyed. Next they took us to a Hotel called Meliá Panamá Canal, where we kayaked for about an hour. This was the same location all of the Nature Boat Tours go as well. We saw very little wildlife, but it was fun to kayak. The downside of this excursion is that it is short and when it was over we were dropped off at the port around 2 o'clock and had to wait 4 hours for the boat to show up. Besides a few restaurants and souvenir shops there was zero to do at this port. I would recommended doing a longer excursion, otherwise you are stuck waiting around for the boat all afternoon, and then there is a huge line of everyone waiting to get back on the boat once it arrives.
Right at the port is a shopping/restaurant area with pool. For a more Mexican experience, take a shuttle or taxi to Mahahaul, where there are beaches, restaurants, souvenirs, etc.
If you want to go to Chacchoben Ruins, we would recommend booking through a tour group online before you go. We saw some online for around $55 per person which included water, snack, guide, etc. and wish we would have booked them. When we got off the ship the only option we could find to get to the ruins was to take a taxi, at around 60 per person and then you have to pay a fee for a tour guide once you get there.
Uber from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Port cost around $30.
Brand new development with white beaches and large pool. The boat docks at the port and you do not have to take a tender ashore. Lounge chairs and umbrellas free and in abundance. We could use our cruise card at swim up bar. Not a good spot for snorkeling, water was not very clear. Be sure to check out the nature area with butterfly house, lizards, birds and other wildlife. Only way to leave the island and explore the mainland is to take book an excursion through the cruise.
We toured the island with a guide my parents (islandertours.com) used before for around $25 a person for the day.
Carambola Gardens were enjoyable and had hiking trails beyond the garden. The mountain hike has a nice view at the top (wear bug spray).
Turquoise Bay Resort is a beautiful and peaceful resort if you are looking for a quiet day at the beach. I think you hang out there all day for around $15 a person.
West Bay was good snorkeling and lots of activity.
Gotta try a Monkey La La!
There is a small market at the port but not a whole lot to do in Limon itself. We got a tour guide for $40 a person for the day and headed south.
Puerto Viejo - Cute little tourist town on the coast.
Cahutia - Small town with a hotel and convenience store. Entrance to Cahuita National Park. Donation entrance to park. Saw iguana, sloth and monkeys.
Tree of Life - A wildlife sanctuary in Playa Negra. Highly recommend going here. One tour a day a 11am. Lots of wildlife to see and beautiful plant life as well. If you have time visit the beach here.
FYI...Local grocery stores did not carry any local chocolate.
If you book an excursion through the cruise you miss the best area of the port. We saw more animals right off the ship at this port than in any of the other countries we visited. There are flamingos, peacocks, monkeys, parrots, deer, and a wide variety of other birds on display. Also has a giant gift shop for any last minute souvenirs you want to take home.
Our group found a guided tour for $20 a person that took you to the fort (for 15 minutes), walled city and then on a walking tour. The tour was heavily focus on taking you to shopping locations. We split off from the tour and did our own thing after a while.
The old walled city had a European feel with narrow streets, plazas and balconies. Felt very safe in this area. Really good ice cream at Gelateria Paradiso.
Signed up for a free walking tour of the walled city online, but no one ever showed up.
This is the only stop on the cruise where the grocery store would not take our American Money.
Got a taxi back to the ship for $10 from the clock tower.