Embarkation at Ft. Lauderdale was very smooth, we were on board and having lunch in the MDR by noon. Our room was ready when we boarded. Luggage was in the room after lunch. No complaints about the room, except the diverter in the shower for the tub didn't work. We told our cabin attendant and it was repaired when we returned later. We had fresh fruit also. I was very impressed, as the cabin steward was very friendly, always had ice in our bucket. One of the ladies on the Lido remembered our drink choice after just one order. That was impressive. The crew was smiling more than the passengers! We were at the 8 pm dinner seating. Attended the show which was fun. It was a get to know you show with some audience participation games & introductions.

The second day we had rain, and lots of it. There were some rough seas and dinner seating was not as crowded. There was a comedian for the show that night. The weather cleared about noon the next day. There was plenty of activities scheduled. The show featured the Zuiderdam Singers & Dancers. It was entertaining. We usually attend the 10 PM show because we had dinner at 8 pm. It was not crowded & seating was very good. Spent some time in the Casino, didn't do to bad.

The next day was our first port of call, Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. We had an excursion booked. We took a boat ride through the Tortuguero Canal and the Banana Plantation. It was fun. We saw some wildlife (howler monkeys, birds, bats, lizards) and the banana plantation was interesting. The tour guide was very good. We ate at the Lido this evening. The show was the Steel rum Band, who were awesome! We were up early for Panama Canal transit the next day. We also had an excursion booked from Gatun Lake. The transit was great. Our tour guide was awesome and we learned alot about Panama & the Canal. It is definitely something to see. We took a ferry through two more sets of locks to the Pacific Ocean, and then a bus back to Colon to catch the ship. The show that evening was a comedian/magician. I was pleased for the most part with the entertainment. Shane, the cruise director was a lot of fun. Read more