You talking tile or cultured marble? Tile you will want to use color match caulking(it will be sanded like the grout) and for cultured marble (or any solid surround) you will want to use silicone.
Liquid nails sells a specific TUB SURROUND CAULKING...see image. This will definitely be the best bet for plastic surround panels as you can be sure the caulking won't bleed through the plastic panel as some other caulking can. It should be available at any home depot or lowes store.
In terms of the "GAP" between the tub and the plastic surround, I'd recommend 1 or 3 hour shower caulking by GE (see image)....fast drying and mildew resistant guaranteed for 10 years...also available at any home depot or lowes.