Panama Canal & Locks Transit by Boat Excursion Tips

We have booked the Princess Excursion "Panama Canal & Locks Transit by Boat" for our upcoming cruise.

Wondering if anyone had any tips or advise for this excursion?

Do we have any free time in La Playita, Panama City or is directly off the boat and on to the bus?

Thanks

Just have a good hat and sunscreen even though there is shade and some air conditioned sections of the boat.

I would doubt you will have any time at the Ft. Amador end of the trip for any other exploration. Your time on the excursion boat will be about 4.5 hours and the land transportation to and from the excursion boat will be 2.5 hours or so. The time on the excursion boat can run a little longer depending on Canal traffic, not uncommon for that portion of the trip to run longer.

When you return to the ship in Colon there is a mall in conjunction with the pier that you normally have a little time to browse... you will be able to get that obligatory T shirt!:)