Panama Canel was a bucket list cruise and over all very enjoyable although 21 days was a bit long for us. The ship was fantastic especially since it was half capacity at 2000 guests meaning no line ups for anything, ability to find a pool chair or lounger any time of the day, hot tub space, always an open bar stool, drinks tasty, complimentary dining options excellent, room comfortable and quiet, always something enjoyable happening at the atrium, observation deck is an excellent option on cold or rainy days with its plentiful windows for viewing the outside world. Negative thoughts specialty restaurants, bad coffee which maybe is to encourage StarBucks purchasing, buffet pizza, more variety in the Encore Theatre as well as more comfortable seats there. Oh and the embarkation process was absolutely embarrassing.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
New terminal but extremely slow moving line, told to get in the wrong line, computers crashed for 30 minutes so over 2 hours to get on the ship.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Other than Teppanyaki the specialty dining options lacked in quality and taste versus the main dining and buffet areas although service was much better. We did 5 different specialty restaurants(included in our package)and good to experience them in the future we would pass on them.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Water slides, hot tubs and pools all really nice and not very busy.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Beatles tribute band seemed popular but not to us, Choir of Man was a little long winded, left the magician show, one of the comedians was sick so the second one was forced into double duty unfortunately for her, Kinky Boots was excellent and a good show with a message for the times we are in, really enjoy Back in the Day(rock and roll tribute band) Temperature band was very enjoyable with a wide variety of music.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Very friendly and helpful but some waiters and waitresses seemed a little lost possibly new hires, bartenders were amazing, room steward was amazing as was the internet lady. Service was hit or miss on the pool deck area but a quick trip to the pool bars got things back on track.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Basically a new ship that sat for 2 years due to pandemic, well maintained with some paint, varnish being applied on the cruise, cleaning was top notch and always on going. Layout could improve with location of jogging track being in close proximity to lounging areas, entrances to slides etc.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Although small it was very well laid out with a comfortable king bed, first balcony for us and will probably not be the last. Some ports the view was amazing from the balcony and even watched 2 whales breaching while leaving Cabo San Lucas while enjoying a beer on our balcony.
Ship tip
Take the stairs as no social distancing quite often in the elevator.
Two beautiful days here, views of Alcatraz and Coit Tower from our balcony, excursion on Hop on Hop off bus which was very good but cold and windy especially going over the Golden Gate Bridge. Second day walked off the ship and did a nice long walk through China town, Lombard street, cable trolley, Grace Cathedral,Pier 39.
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