Hi there!
we're going on the Brilliance 11day canal cruise in December; this is my first 11day cruise (i've been on at least 10 7day cruises) and my first time going to the Panama canal;
any suggestins on the shore tours in Aruba, osta Rica, Curacao, and Panama? Any "shopping" pointers? I'd really appreciate all/any advice! Thank you!!!!

If you like snorkeling/diving, Aruba and Curacao have some great dives. We've taken some excursions through Princess for catamaran sail/snorkels in both ports that were great. Curacao was a wreck of a tug and we saw turtles as well. Aruba we did a wreck and a reef. The shopping in Curacao was pretty good and there's a good tour of the Curacao factory including samples-yum!! We only bought some t-shirts in Aruba, so can't really comment on the shopping there. Haven't been to Costa Rica or Panama, yet, but I'm sure someone else can fill you in. Have a wonderful cruise!!