Costa Rica/Panama for families?

[maryhou]

I didn't research our Christmas cruise as well as I normally do and booked an 8 day with these two stops. As I look at some other websites these areas do not look safe. We were really hoping to just spend the days being lazy at the beach on our own....... is this feasible here? Or should I switch from the Carnival Freedom to the Splendour? to visit St Thomas, LaRomana DR, and Nassau?

[lfgaynor]

We were in Costa Rica years ago and it was amazingly beautiful! The lush rainforests and tropical birds and monkeys were awesome -- something we'lll never forget. The living standard in both CR and Panama are rather high compared to the rest of Central America -- I say you should give it a try -- just use common sense as you would anywhere else!

Smooth sailing,
Luisa Frey
Family Cruise Editor