I have always wanted to see the Panama Canal, but the idea of having to fly out or back from the other coast made the trip a lot less attractive. The idea of a taste of the place was just great - and isn't that what cruising to a destination is all about - tasting the destinations. If you love them, you will go back.
The addition of Aruba, Bonaire, Curaco and Caragena just made the trip better. While circumstance conspired against us enjoying Aruba (a medical emergency delayed arrival, resulting in the cancellation of most excursions) a visit to the beach at Bonaire was like snorkeling in an aquarium! Curacao is also a lovely island, with a rich history and wonderful places to visit.
The surprise of the trip was Caragena - it is a magnificent city, with so much history and culture to see. Our taste (via Voyages of DIstinction, and added Avoya perk on this cruise) really whet our appetite to come back.
The Canal was unbelievable - the size, scope and business bogle the mind, and our Captain Costas did a nice job at making sure that we were able to take it all in.
I have to say that the Edge is a beautiful ship, although I would caution any potential passenger to read the descriptions of it carefully - the infinite balcony is a nice window, but not a balcony; the four main dining rooms are really not four restaurants, but a main dining room divided into four rooms. But everything else was great.