The flight problems in Miami got us off to a challenging start to our trip, but the representative from the shipping company who was with us at the Miami airport was exceptional every moment. I cannot say enough words of praise about her.

The staff on the ship, as well as the naturalists were excellent relating to my grandson. Each of them made sure the scope was low enough for Hayden to see whatever we were looking at. They made sure he had food he liked. They were quick to answer his questions and listened to the information he had to share. He was so proud when he was able to point out a bird, lizard or monkey he located and they praised his knowledge of the names he knew. He is so excited about the trip. This is the fourth trip I have taken with this company and each of them have been very special in their own way, as was this trip.

The wait staff, bartender and cabin crew were all extremely friendly and polite and always in clean uniforms. They were hard working with a great sense of humor. This attitude and approach to customer service is hard to maintain over time and the general policy of 4 weeks on and 4 weeks off (or at least breaks from long times on board) shows up in "excellent service".

The ship was very well prepared. The first briefing was short but that was appreciated after some long travel hours. The welcome cocktail party was great. The night passage through the Gatun Locks is magic--this is a solid marketing point.

Zodiac instructions were good. There was a strong focus on safety in all operations. The stern platform works very well in these ocean conditions; The drivers were well trained and were as excited as the pax to spot wildlife. The open bridge policy worked well, as usual. The Captain and all the officers were most friendly and helpful and interested in speaking with the pax. It would have been nice to have had more information on the ship (i.e. water system, solid waste disposal, wastewater disposal, propulsion, history, etc.). Perhaps some tips on what to do in rough weather could be added--but this is certainly not UK weather or the Bay of Biscay.

Our 10 year-old daughter had a wonderful time and was treated like a princess. The Expedition Leader checked every morning for a special menu for lunch and dinner, and the bartender made her special frozen fruit drinks. The expedition staff went out of their way to do little things for her and tell her about their families back home. By day 2 the entire crew and the pax knew Claire. At disembarkation she came on the PA system and wished everyone a safe trip home and told them she would miss them "very much". This was quite an education and now we will see what imprints.