NCL also dropped Costa Rica from the 12/4 Joy, Panama Canal itinerary and we too are bummed about it, but we've cruised long enough to understand that this stuff happens, unfortunately.
I'm currently searching for some options for excursions for Panama City. I had to cancel the one we booked for Costa Rica. They added Acapulco to our itinerary; also, not a great thing IMO...but it's been so long since we've been there that we are hoping for a better experience this time around