We chose this cruise for the itinerary. The ports of call and most of our excursions were wonderful and met our expectations. We chose the Panama Canal full transit on a Ferry excursion (booked through NCL) as our first excursion. Took a bus through part of Panama to board a ferry for transit through the Canal and ended up on the Pacific Ocean side of the Canal. Our bus was waiting for us at the end of the transit and took us back to the Jade. Long but great day was spent seeing how the locks work on the canal and learning about the history of the canal. Lunch was provided on the Ferry. We also went on other excursions in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize and Costa Maya. All were booked through NCL because we feel more protected and safe when booking through the cruise line even though I know they cost more. We had a mini-suite cabin (because of an issue with NCL), but would never book a mini-suite. The cost is more than a balcony cabin, and the only difference is a tub in the bathroom that is small and hard to step into and out of. Our biggest disappointment was the food. NO corned beef on St. Patrick's day (although all the bars were decorated and many served green beer). Very few beef entrees were served in either the main dining room or the buffet. There were many veal and lamb options. I don't know is this was an attempt to pay more to eat in a specialty restaurant or not. Buffet always included burgers, hot dogs and pasta made to order for lunch and dinner, and eggs or omelets cooked to order for breakfast. Plenty of food choices, just not what we would prefer.