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We've done it all 3 ways...
1) bump and run (not into the locks at all on the cruise ship)
2) partial transit (via Atlantic side locks into Gatun Lake)
3) full transit (west to east)
Our favorite was #3, but that may have been colored a bit by the fact that it was a two week cruise and our first experience of a transit of any sort. I'd take that one again as a 1st choice simply because it implies that we're taking a longer cruise, not necessarily because of the full Canal transit.
#2 will certainly get you the experience of the Canal just about as well as #3. Personally, I like the entrance to Gatun Lake from the Pacific side better, and your Miami run won't take you there on your cruise ship.
#1 works, but isn't as much fun. You can take an excursion from outside the Atlantic side locks into Gatun lake and get the experience that way -- but it's not quite the same as taking a picture of your foot sticking out the railing at ground level to show that the gap between the lock and the ship is smaller than your foot (depends upon the ship, of course - and do NOT put your foot INTO the gap!!!).
In all cases, you can take the land excursion that will show you the locks operation.
The small boat excursions through the locks aren't of consistent quality. You'll want a good guide that informs and entertains, and some decent food aboard (it's an all-day affair in many cases). I can't help you much with picking the right operator with the best tour.
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