Personally, we like doing the Eastbound itineraries. Being from the "Right Coast", (as you are), it's better to fly out to the west, enjoy the cruise, and once you're back on the Atlantic side, you're just a short plane ride home, instead of waiting for your butt to catch up with you after a 6 hour flight. IMHO
We are also considering a '26 Panama cruise. What have you been looking at, so far?