We chose this cruise because it went through the entire Panama Canal and ported at places we had not seen. It satisfied all those. Unlike Caribbean cruises, each and every port had different ethnic, social and landscape. We learned a lot about the history of the locality. We chose a variety of HAL sponsored excursions and three private tours. I highly recommend the private ones. The HAL ones were crowded and some were not staffed with adequately knowledgeable tour company staff.
The highlight of the tour was transiting the Canal. We did marvel at the engineering necessary by the French and Americans to complete the task. We did NOT like that the commentary by the 'expert' was doing from the Captain's deck was not able to be heard any place but the aft deck, the Promenade Deck and the Crow's Nest. It was not transmitted to other decks or onto balconies/verandas. Since this was for sure the main reason people took this cruise, it should have been. Also noted that daily morning announcements, times to disembark or other information - including emergency ones - were not able to be heard unless you had your cabin door open.
We encountered multiple incidents where information given to me by Guest Services was contradicted by information given to my husband. Also many of the GS attendants spoke with such an accent that it made understanding them and them me, difficult.
By virtue of deck chosen, we were in a stateroom with an HUGE veranda. It was approx. 17' x 10'. Perfect for sitting out on a lounger and still be shaded from the direct sun. It was very quiet being on the extreme stern; no passer-bys and relatively close to the stairs and elevators - but not too close-. Restaurants are all on the stern.
Plenty of room for hanging clothes and shelves for folded items. Bed was very comfortable and linens were quality. The end of the bed was about 12" from the wall which did make it a tad difficult to get around, especially at night.
The entryway to the room was very narrow and problematic. The bathroom door opened to within 3" of the closet. The closet doors all opened toward the entry door not the bedroom. ODD. Bathroom was smaller than most ships we have cruised on but adequate. Nice toiletries supplied.
Took the tour that went to the nature preserve that included the 'pyramids of the Mayans, a visit to a special museum with artifacts. We saw many birds and lots of flora. It was a half day trip so we had plenty of time to shop and sit on the beach that was right off the ship dock.
Nothing remarkable. Good tour guide to the Museum. Enjoyed the walk to the top of the cathedral. Did not like all the vendors hanging all over and talking when tour guide was trying to talk.