We were to Panama a couple years ago, not on a cruise. We toured the locks and visited an Embera Indian Village. My husband found the locks fascinating; I was okay with them. I've seen locks here in Canada and to me they weren't that much different....sorry, just not my cup of tea. The Embera Indian Village, including the dugout canoe ride, was of great interest to both of us. We both thoroughly enjoyed that day.

You really have to do whichever you think will be of more interest to you.

We're sailing on the Coral Princess in January so please report back as I'd love to hear what you think of your cruise and the ship. TIA.

Last Mango

Last Mango, thanks for your response. My husband didn't think any of the shore excursions sounded that great, so we will probably stay on the ship as it retraces its course and then get off the boat when it re-docks at the pier. I'll let you know what the others say of their excursions in Panama as well as our observations at the other stops. Our ship will not be stopping in Cayman because of the damage from the hurricane.

In March we did the Ocean to Ocean tour with Princess and it really was the highlight of the trip for us. We travelled the whole length of the canal by small pleasure craft, passed through all the locks and went under the Bridge of the Americas before disembarking with Panama City just ahead of us. The tour was narrated pretty well the whole time and although it was very hot, we wouldn't have missed it for the world.
If you go onto www.cruisecritic.com and look at ports of call, there are lots of reviews of different trips, and this might help you.

I dont know how old this post is.

However, I can recommend

http://panamashoreexcursions.blogspot.com

you can find good offers and a trustworthy service!

is this your tour agency PTA?

If it is jacketwatch, he's about six years too late! lol