We had never been to the Panama Canal, and we love Viking, especially the ocean cruises. The guests onboard the ship are so very intellectually stimulating that there is never a lack of friendly intellectual companionship and mutual education. We had a chance to make friends, eat great cuisine, lie by the lovely pool midship and get a tan. The crew bends over backwards to make you feel at home and comfortable. The shore excursions were stimulating and educational. The guides provided were superb. We saw many Mayan ruins, which we are fascinated by. We constantly found ourselves shopping for bargains in the artwork and crafts of our destinations. We always complimented the fine staff to their officers, for well served fine care they gave us. The only negative in this cruise was the sadness we felt in finally having to leave the ship at the end. I heartily recommend Viking to anyone of an intellectual bent looking for an educational mind expanding adventure.