Panama Canal Cruises Sea Day Activities and Spa set ups

[chuhu143]

Hello all:

We are strongly considering a Panama Canal cruise in the next couple of years and I have a couple of questions based on my past experiences:

 

First, I know that NCL deploys the Jewel and the Pearl on these itineraries, at least in 2012... I loved my cruise on the Jewel, but it was a 5 day itinerary with only 2 days at sea. The big draw for me however is the Jewel class' spa facilities, they are simply amazing!

 

That said, my concern is that on a two week itinerary, that there may not be enough activities on board during the frequent sea days, ( as great as the spa is, I do have to leave eventually LOL) as NCL seemed to have a very laid back approach to days at sea. Can anyone shed light on this who has done an NCL canal transit?

 

Additionally, has anyone done Princess or RCI on this itinerary? What were the sea days like?

 

Also can anyone shed light on what the Spa (sauna and steam) facilities are like on the RCI and Princess Panamax ships from their experiences? Co-ed vs Non co-ed, quality, fee vs non fee?

 

I know this is a lot, but any advice would be appreciated!:D

[NMLady]

Hello all:

We are strongly considering a Panama Canal cruise in the next couple of years and I have a couple of questions based on my past experiences:

 

First, I know that NCL deploys the Jewel and the Pearl on these itineraries, at least in 2012... I loved my cruise on the Jewel, but it was a 5 day itinerary with only 2 days at sea. The big draw for me however is the Jewel class' spa facilities, they are simply amazing!

 

That said, my concern is that on a two week itinerary, that there may not be enough activities on board during the frequent sea days, ( as great as the spa is, I do have to leave eventually LOL) as NCL seemed to have a very laid back approach to days at sea. Can anyone shed light on this who has done an NCL canal transit?

 

Additionally, has anyone done Princess or RCI on this itinerary? What were the sea days like?

 

Also can anyone shed light on what the Spa (sauna and steam) facilities are like on the RCI and Princess Panamax ships from their experiences? Co-ed vs Non co-ed, quality, fee vs non fee?

 

I know this is a lot, but any advice would be appreciated!:D

 

Our Panama Canal transit was on the Sun and was 4 years ago but I know there were plenty of activities from which to choose on sea days.

We recently did b2b2b NCL cruises and on sea days there were plenty of activities ranging from Team Trivia to Golf Putting to Wii Archery to movies. Reading, using the gym, chatting with other passengers -- we

were never at a loss for things to do.

 

Maybe someone else can answer your other questions. We never use the spa so can't speak to that.