We chose this cruise because of the itinerary, in particular, the full transit of the Panama Canal, as well as the other stops. By far, the Panama Canal transit was the highlight of the trip. Make sure you get up real early and are in position on the Lido Deck (5:00 - 5:30 am) to see the Panama Canal.

The other stops (Aruba with its beaches was fine; Cartagena was hot and humid - the fortress and city tour was OK, but nothing really outstanding; Costa Rica's ECO Jungle Tour was a let down in that we didn't see much animal life, and Chiapas with its Izapa ruins and small city of Tapachula was somewhat of a disappointment.

However, the cruise itself, the service, the staff and crew, the spectacular entertainment with such talented young people and the many activities aboard a not too large ship were all exceptional. The average age on this particular cruise was probably 65 - 70. However, that was definitely not a negative factor. Read more