"Cruising Bliss: A Vibrant Voyage Aboard the Carnival Panorama" - July 2023

JulieVentures Ship Ratings

What is Great

What is Good

Needs Improvement

Ship Layout

The Carnival Panorama is a member of the slightly new Vista class of ships. While not among the colossal "mega ships," the Vista class exudes sophistication and elegance, accommodating approximately 4000 passengers, ensuring an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere onboard. Originally crafted for voyages around Australia, the Carnival Panorama found its new home in Long Beach in 2019, promising unparalleled experiences on the seas.

Mid-ship you will find the promenade, a captivating centerpiece spanning three decks, where innovation meets entertainment. At its heart lies a mesmerizing digital pillar, a dynamic canvas constantly evolving with captivating visuals, setting the stage for unforgettable moments.

The main pool area has one pool and multiple hot tubs. Enhancing the pool deck is a generously sized video screen, offering entertainment and relaxation under the sunny skies.

The ship has an adults only area named Serenity. While an adults-only pool is noticeably absent, it does have two hot tubs and a bar, providing a sanctuary for relaxation.

For those privileged to reside in Havana cabins or suites, the Havana pool awaits on the ship's aft on deck 5, offering an exclusive retreat with age-appropriate restrictions ensuring a serene ambiance. These rooms cost more than the standard rooms and have an age requirement of 12+.

One additional pool on the ship is the Tides pool on the back of the ship. It is a smaller pool with another set of hot tubs. This pool was closed multiple days while we were on the ship.

Families and young will delight in the thrills of Waterworks, a vibrant splash zone featuring two exhilarating water slides.

Engage in friendly competition on the sports deck, where putt putt, basketball, and various recreational activities await, catering to the spirited souls seeking active pursuits.

While the ship's design is very modern, some areas may feel intimate, particularly the promenade, where the close proximity of restaurants and bars made the ship feel a little cramped.

One issue that all cruisers deal with is the long wait for elevators. The Panorama has an interesting solution to this by requiring you to input the desired floor and the number of people in your group. Then it assigns your group a specific elevator.

Room Review

Embarking on our Carnival Panorama voyage, we booked a Cloud 9 Spa Suite. Despite its name, our Cloud 9 Spa Suite was a standard room, albeit strategically positioned on the same floor as the Cloud 9 Spa. This offered us exclusive access to the thermal suites, a cherished aspect of our cruise.

Entering our suite, we were met with a spacious interior and a layout that, while standard, exuded comfort and functionality. The decor was tasteful and the room was very clean.

However, our room was not without its minor inconveniences. Occupying the last room on the deck, we found ourselves in close proximity to the pool area entrance. While convenient for spontaneous dips, the occasional noise of the door closing was a drawback.

Additionally, the presence of a deck directly above our balcony compromised our privacy, as passersby could peer down onto our balcony. Despite these minor nuisances, our overall experience in the Cloud 9 Spa Suite was one of relaxation and bliss.

Food Review

Dining aboard the Carnival Panorama is truly a culinary adventure, with an array of complimentary options that rival some of the best at sea, in our humble opinion. From the creations at Guy’s Burger Joint to the delicious BBQ at Guy’s Pig & Anchor, we found ourselves repeatedly drawn to these delectable offerings. However, it's worth noting that Guy’s Burger was only open for lunch, while the free options at Guy’s Pig & Anchor were exclusively available on sea days. For those craving the flavors of Guy’s Pig & Anchor for dinner, the option to purchase is available. 

The buffet was standard fare, but did not find it difficult to find a seat, and there was a beer tap available for people with the alcohol package.

While the Blue Iguana Cantina wasn't our personal favorite, it remained a popular choice for people looking for a Mexican offering. Additionally, the Seafood Shack offered options during lunch hours, albeit with an additional upcharge.

As for the main dining area, we opted to steer clear, our experience on cruise ships is that main dining can take up to two hours.

For those seeking experiences beyond the complimentary offerings, the Carnival Panorama boasts a range of specialty dining options available for an additional fee. We enjoyed our meal at Cucina del Capitano, where our son's love for Italian cuisine was expertly catered to.

Although we didn't dine at the upscale Steakhouse on this trip, we explored the ship's Asian offerings, indulging in the delightful sushi at Bonsai Sushi. Unfortunately, our experience at Bonsai Teppanyaki left something to be desired, as the cramped confines and average food quality detracted from the overall ambiance. Regrettably, our experience was further dampened by the presence of a rude individual at our table.

Bars

The Carnival Panorama offers a delightful array of bars, each with its own unique ambiance and offerings. I am not going to list all of them, but focus on our favorites.

One of my standout favorites is the Blue Iguana Tequila Bar, conveniently located near the pool area. Their selection of margaritas is outstanding, providing a refreshing treat for guests looking to relax under the sun.

For those with a penchant for craft cocktails, the Alchemy bar on deck 5-Promenade is a must-visit. Renowned for serving the best Old Fashioned on any cruise, this bar's attention to detail ensures each drink is meticulously crafted for optimal flavor. While the crowds may require some patience, the wait is undoubtedly worth it for the quality beverages produced.

Nestled on deck 4, the Atrium bar provides a central gathering spot with a unique twist—the captivating digital pillar extending three levels. While the drinks may be standard fare, the opportunity to enjoy a drink while taking in the mesmerizing digital show adds an extra layer of entertainment.

Aboard the Panorama, the Heroes Tribute bar pays homage to those who serve, although its location may not make it a frequent stop for all guests. However, its presence adds a meaningful touch to the ship's atmosphere.

Finally, the Havana bar, located on deck 5 at the ship's rear, offers a lively atmosphere with nightly live Latin music. Its spacious layout, complete with a band area, welcomes guests to immerse themselves in the vibrant rhythms of Latin music. You do not have to be staying in one of the Havana rooms to visit this bar.

Overall, the variety and quality of bars aboard the Carnival Panorama ensure that every guest can find the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy delicious drinks amidst a lively atmosphere. One negative for us related to the bars is the lack of staff. Rarely could you order a drink without having to go to the bar directly.

Entertainment and Extracurricular Activities

Musical Entertainment:

While the piano bar fell short of our expectations due to the musician's illness affecting performance quality, the Hot Shots house band at the Limelight Lounge exceeded them. With their diverse repertoire and captivating performances, they made our evenings memorable, even getting my husband to dance—a rarity for him.

Shows:

Unfortunately, Carnival's shows didn't resonate with us. When it comes to shows, we are not fans of Carnival.  Despite talented performers, the productions felt lacking in sophistication, with a style that didn't appeal to us. It’s like they are trying to be similar to Cirque du Soleil, but they are nowhere close. However, the game shows were entertaining, and the comedians were popular among the guests.

Pool Situation:

We were disappointed by the overcrowded main pool and the absence of an adults-only pool. The Tides pool on the back of the ship was fairly small and closed multiple days that we were on the ship. Although the Havana deck pool looked appealing, its exclusivity to certain room categories was a drawback. While the water slides were fun, we would have preferred more focus on pool facilities over slides.

Sports Area:

The ship's sports area impressed us with its variety, including traditional offerings like basketball and putt-putt, as well as unique activities like ping pong and a soccer pool game. Additionally, the SkyRide and Sky Zone offered thrilling experiences at an extra charge.

Casino:

The casino was standard for a cruise ship, offering the usual assortment of games without any standout features.

Thermal Spa:

We enjoyed the Thermal Spa, which offered a relaxing retreat with scenic views, steam rooms, and a sauna. However, the small size of the hot tub was a minor inconvenience.

Club O2:

Our son had a great time at Club O2, although he felt Disney's kids clubs offered a superior experience—an understandable comparison given Disney's reputation in this regard.

Summary

In summary, our experience aboard the Carnival Panorama was enjoyable, despite a few areas for improvement. The ship offered a range of amenities and entertainment options, contributing to a positive overall experience. While there were some minor shortcomings, we had a good time and would recommend the Carnival Panorama to others looking for a fun cruise vacation.