We started our journey flying from Teesside to Panama City with KLM via Amsterdam, a smooth and straightforward connection that made the long-haul feel very easy.

On arrival into Panama City, our private taxi was waiting to whisk us straight to the InterContinental Miramar for a two-night stay.

The next morning we woke to a beautiful sunrise over the city. Today’s plan was a full-day adventure to the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve, which turned out to be a real highlight. Our excursion included a thrilling speedboat ride along the canal, followed by an Aerial Tram journey and a walk up the Observation Tower, where we were rewarded with fantastic views and plenty of wildlife sightings.

The following morning we enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the promenade before heading to the cruise terminal to board Azamara Journey. Our balcony cabin was perfectly positioned overlooking the aft, ideal for watching the wake as we sailed. Transiting the Panama Canal locks was an unforgettable experience in itself, made even more exciting when we spotted a 6-foot crocodile in the water below.

Our first port of call was Puerto Limón in Costa Rica, where we had pre-booked what turned out to be the best excursion I have ever done: the Tortuguero Canal boat trip. Gliding quietly along the waterways, we spotted sloths, iguanas, a Night Heron, basilisk lizards, Howler monkeys, Caribbean swallows and alligators. It was a wildlife lover’s dream.

From there we sailed on to Roatán in Honduras. The purpose-built cruise terminal features shops, bars and a large swimming area with loungers. As the weather turned a little wet, we decided to head back to the ship and make the most of the facilities on board instead.

One of the things I loved about Azamara is what is included: beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks, plus their signature Aza-Amazing Evenings. Ours was a Mexican dance night, and we also enjoyed a glamorous “White Night” on deck. With only around 700 guests on board, the ship felt intimate and friendly, and we met so many lovely people.

Sea days were never dull, with a full programme of activities available: everything from crafts and card games to port lectures. Gratuities are also included, which made the whole experience feel very relaxed and easy.

Our next stop was Santo Tomás de Castilla in Guatemala. It was an interesting and very different port of call, but as it is a commercial port, it is essential to book an organised excursion rather than simply wandering off the ship.

We then enjoyed two ports of call in Mexico before sailing on to Miami. To round off the trip, I had arranged an airboat adventure in the Everglades. It did not disappoint: we skimmed across the water at speed until we reached areas where alligators were basking, and we also spotted cormorants, grackles and herons.

All too soon it was time for our journey to come to an end. We made our way to Miami Airport and flew home, in business class, via Amsterdam, arriving just in time for Christmas, with incredible memories of Central America, the Panama Canal and life on board Azamara Journey.