This was our second Princess cruise; previously in 1992. I am in a wheelchair and previously was able to disembark using the tender; not so now. Even when at the dock most Princess shore excursions would not accept wheelchairs, unlike previously. We went ashore anyway and got our own tours with private operators. They were very accommodating...one had three of us in wheelchairs....and gave us a better, more personalized tour for less money!! We went to the same "tourist spots" as the big tours but when asked, they took us to out of the way places and explained life in their countries.
Bill Fall, a presenter on the cruise had very good sessions on what to expect while ashore and gave EXCELLENT presentations on the new and old Panama canals. The shows and activities were as expected, good musicians, magician, comedians and variety shows. Food was very good....buffet and dining room...but the extra restaurants were a bit pricey with a $25 extra charge for a meal no better than the regular free meals. Drinks were expensive...a charge for everything except regular coffee, iced tea and water. Unlike our first cruise, this one we were searched upon each boarding and not allowed to bring drinks aboard. There is a charge for internet....by the minute or package deals for bigger minute bundles.
The staff were always trying to sell something....jewelry, clothing, pictures, books, drinks, paintings etc Gratuities....tips...are charged for each transaction and are also set "by the day". I had heard before we went that Princess was "chincy" .Maybe if they charged a bit more for each fare they could cut out the "chincyness".
We had a handicap accessible room which was large enough with a good shower and toilet. For our purpose it was great. Service was good also.
Since Princess does not allow wheelchairs on tender boats, we had to settle for a walk in Colon. A few blocks of bars and junk stores....a grocery supermarket as well which was interesting for comparisons. Many of the bars/restaurants were overwhelmed by the number of cruiseship passengers and along with their apparent lack of English skills, service was poor though prices were quite low.
Princess does not take wheelchair people on tenders so I had to stay on board. Some of our party went ashore and looked around...took a taxi to the turtle farm.