Three sisters and their husbands ("the six pack") sailed on Staten dam for a 17 day cruise thru the Panama Canal and up the west coast. We stopped in Aruba, then thru the Canal and six stops on the west coast of central America.
We originally planned to get off in Aruba, but some how never made it. A leisurely breakfast and a few minutes sitting at the back pool turned into a day long "lounge" so somehow before we knew it we were at a "sail away party"!
Now we got up extra early to be "there" for the transit. We loved every minute of it. During the day we went to different areas of the ship for viewing. As soon as we hit the Pacific I told my dh that I was ready to do it again. Next time I want to do a cruise that leaves Ft lauderdale does the whole cruise and then turns around and does it again! I have never experienced anything like the Canal. It is truly amazing.
Cabin 418 Aft Category D.
UPSIDE - Loved the view of the wake. The cabin is a bit larger than the standard cabin so a little extra room is a plus. The entry way is much wider.
DOWNSIDE - morning, afternoon and evening people are sitting outside the window smoking and blocking the view.