Dec 3 Panama Canal Cruise *Pros & *Cons

Pros:

*Excellent service

*Lots of fantastic entertainment

*Deep swimming pools with chairs kept back.

*Real professionally made pizza.

*Lido often had quality 5 star food and a good selection.

*MDR service and staff was impeccable. Food was creative and served hot.

Cons:

*The ships layout is confusing. Even the staff got turned around.

*Food in the MDR usually lacked quality cuts of meat.

*'Unhappy Hour' still persists. No two for one drinks plus a dollar.

*Good tables for two should be standard. The MDR's are poor and 'too crowded'.

*Coffee is tepid, insipid coloured water! Who would serve that in Central America?

*There are 4 pools. Only a smaller spa one is designated just for adults?

*Shore excursion to the Masaya Volcano is a mistake; don't go.

Closing Comments:

Formal night is something to behold. There were people showing up wearing sweat pants and other apparel equally repulsive. It's amazing someone who wanted to experience fine dinning with table cloths, cutlery and service etc., would be that disrespectful. Putting the staff in a position to ask them to leave is awkward although, walking the plank should be justifiable.

Special thanks to Pianist, Kory Simon. This artist is better than any super star.

Special thanks to the Violinists; fabulous performances.

Special thanks to Head Waiter, Valentine N. and the Professional MDR Staff.

I've submitted this post in conjunction with listening to other experienced cruisers on the voyage who informed me that elegance is slipping on too many cruise ships.