Does anyone have info/opinions on communications by either cell or email while at sea? We are expecting first grandchild during 14 day Panama Canal trip, don't want to miss the big event!!

Hi Penny1cent and welcome to cruise-chat,
first, congratulations on the first grandchild; being a grandparent is the greatest thing in the world.
Cell phones seem to be hit and miss; it all depends on who your carrier is and where you are--nothing dependable and nothing that works all the time; although I've heard of some that work worldwide.
e-mail works great, is dependable, and very expensive if you pay by the minute. But on most lines you can buy packages of time at a discount--still expensive, but with a grandchild coming, so what!
Wow!! A two week Panama Canal cruise and a grandchild all at the same time. Life is Good!