2017 Panama Canal Transit Westbound

Celebrity Infinity Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 91

Overall rating:

5 out of 5
Verified Review
Celebrity Infinity

15 Night Panama Canal Westbound (Miami To San Diego)

Sail date: April 02, 2017

Ship: Celebrity Infinity

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8076

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

Transiting the canal was the highlight for us. Learning about the challenges faced by the builders and the future of the canal was definitely the highlight. The canal and port lectures from an expert enhanced the experience. Sea day activities for us were lacking but maybe that was just us. If gambling, trivia, dance instructions, art and future cruise sales presentations interest you, sea days will not disappoint. I would recommend this trip to my friends and consider this cruise again.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
Specialty dining was excellent. We recommend the Qsine restaurant for a unique experience. MDR food was OK but not impressed. MDR was a little noisy out in the middle which made conversation difficult. Areas along the outside of dining area were better.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
A little disappointing but perhaps it was just our tastes. There was an Easter Egg Drop contest that was pretty entertaining.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
All of the performers were excellent. Some were regular Celebrity performers and knew how to engage with the audience.

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Our stateroom attendant, Jose, was great. Seemed like he enjoyed taking care of us. Always accommodated our special requests for ice and pillows, etc.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Infinity is not a new ship and a few areas and staterooms are showing their age in spite of the renovation in 2015 (?). Crew was continually sanitizing handrails and dispensing Purell in the public areas.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Had a issue with the balcony door sticking but after bringing to the attention of our stateroom attendant it was repaired. A/C was never a problem. The bathroom always seemed to have an unpleasant odor. Bed was comfortable. Enjoyed a selection of pillows.

Ship tip

We purchased a Specialty Dining package prior to sailing at a discount. If you prefer Anytime dining consider making reservations a day or two in advance if you want a table for two.

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

5 out of 5

Cartagena, Colombia

5 out of 5
We booked a small group tour of the old and new city. Felt a little rushed but the ship sailed mid-afternoon so not much time to wander. A lot of vendors selling stuff at every corner.

Colon, Panama

1 out of 5
Do not venture out of the cruise port area by yourself. One cruiser tried to walk to the McD's, and was robbed. The excursions to the locks are safe. Most of the city streets were in the process of replacement making travel a little slow until we got outside of the city.

Panama Canal Transit

5 out of 5
Fascinating civil engineering work. Can be a little slow at times. The ship provided a person to narrate the operation and landmarks along the route - a plus.

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

5 out of 5
Trip on the Tarcoles River to view birds and crocodiles was great. Our excursion included a tram ride into the rain forest and a good lunch.

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

5 out of 5
We took an independent tour to Antigua. About 9 hrs. There is nothing at the port except a bar and dozens of craft shops.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

5 out of 5
Short visit. Ship departed at 2:30pm so plan accordingly. Enjoyed a brief bus/walking tour of the old city, new town and tequila tasting in the country.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

3 out of 5
Tender to the timeshare capital of the world. The Arches is the highlight of this port. Worthwhile, hopping a water taxi or glass-bottom boat to get a closer look. Expect to spend around $20/pp for 45min excursion. In the marina area, it's mostly people trying to sell jewelry or souvenirs.

San Diego, California

3 out of 5
Very convenient to the airport. Wish we could have stayed here longer.
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1 Comment

padlocke    7 years ago

Thanks for great tips...we sail on May 2nd.

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