This cruise was our eleventh with the Princess Line and Princess is still our first choice. The reason that we were really thrilled about doing this one was due to the Panama Canal portion, which was exceptional in many ways. I guess if I have one gripe about this cruise is that some of the ports of call were rather short in time allowed to visit and experience the local feel and traditions of each one and yes we were pressed for time in several of them. the shortness of time in certain ports made doing shore excursions a real test of endurance and patience and sadly created a bit of tension that we were not expecting.

Overall the entire cruise was a worthwhile experience and the onboard portion of it was quite enjoyable especially due to the fact that we had purchased the beverage package and the bar staff was truly a wonderful and happy addition to, as I stated earlier, a very worthwhile vacation. the cabin, which was a mini suite was quite roomy and our room steward was as usual excellent, friendly and efficient. i was somewhat disappointed in the buffet area as the meals offered were basically the same day after day with very little change in the menu offerings. The main dining room was quite nice and we enjoyed the various different nationality days offered and the staff was excellent with very good attention to detail. The entertainment was typical of cruise line offerings and was acceptable with fine performances by the actors and singers involved, The staff, with average service at the pursers desk who did not seem to be fully aware of changes made by the line, was very good and that would include wait staff, Lido Deck waiters and cleanliness throughout the ship.