AZ-EmptyNesters

Just to finish up this topic if anyone else happens to search and wants to know about future Christmas Cruises and the meal schedule. The answer is: Nobody knows till you get on the ship. I called Carnival numerous times on various days before the cruise and got different answers each time. They tried their best to figure it out but it’s truly unknown and different depending on the ship and the days at port. I decided to cancel all the reservations I had and to play it by ear once on the ship, which worked out well. For this cruise, we boarded on Saturday the 23rd and the first stop was Puerto Vallarta on the 26th The Gala Dinner was Christmas Day Evening, the 25th and it was nothing that spectacular. The menu sounded better than it really was, We were able to make new reservations at any specialty dinner we wanted on the days we wanted, we just had to be flexible on times. Our Teppanyaki dinner was only available at lunch time but we only made the reservation the day before. So, we were satisfied. I’ve decided – at least on Carnival for 2 of us – to not plan much ahead of time and just to be flexible with the times and you should be able to get into any specialty restaurant you may want to enjoy.

I wasn't going to leave a review of our Christmas cruise, but since others have posted I figured I would add my 2 cents worth. The ship was decorated nicely, and the Christmas Spirit was evident. The dress code seemed to be "anything goes" since it was Christmas, which didn't bother us too much on regular nights. Multiple families, some of 12+ dressed up in coordinated pajamas for dinner was fun. But then the crew allowed non-festive sleeveless shirts and swim suits on Elegant night, I was disappointed & it killed the atmosphere. The crew did seem a bit overwhelmed and rusty. Things just seemed to be not kept up to normal levels anyone would expect. The security for the Havanna area didn’t seem very strict. We walked through numerous times thinking we shouldn’t be allowed here. Our room was deck 14 and was told it would be more secluded, but more than once had teenagers running through the halways that I’m pretty sure were not supposed to be there, Also had kids in the Cloud 9 Spa itself which I thought was adults only. Having a 12 year old in the Cloud 9 spa area was almost as disspointing as the loudly talking 600+ lb beast of a man that seemed to live in there. Others have stated the regular food was average and I have to agree. The Christmas Gala meal was noted as being special, but it was not all that great in choices or flavor. Luckily we went to Guys Pig & Anchor one night and it was fabulous. Had Teppanyaki for lunch on last day and that was wonderful.as well. The shows were nice but nothing that made me want to stand for the entirety as every show seemed to be standing room only. We learned and decided to be 2 hours early for the next show and we did get seats. Between the performers & the musicians constantly moving around into the guest areas, and the trippy images on the background screen floating all over & changing all the time – it was just too much. The show was nice & the performers totally sang their hearts out, but every song was so overly dramatic that I was exhausted by the end of it. The ship was rocking heavily on the last two days. Crew members were getting sick and unable to work. Made me think this was a very green crew, which could explain why it was not kept up as expected. I think maybe they also weren’t sure about the security or how to kindly approach people? It was the CD’s first cruise as CD – Marcella, and she did fine. She was energetic, fun and super friendly. Overall, it was great fun, as it was Christmas and we waited for over a year for this cruise and we were going to have fun no matter what. Just the no-rules dress code on elegant nights and a green crew – getting sick and being new - left us thinking of what could have been.

I board this Saturday! Can't wait!!!

Just seen this on the one ship tracker website. ETA is to be in LB on the 21st. YAY!

Looks like she made it.

I can confirm this, as my boarding group time is 12-12:30pm on Dec 23rd. I'm only guessing here, but maybe the funnel is easier to put on than to remove? With the team being more prepared this time around and scafolding is quicker to take down than assembling, maybe it will only be 4 days before she can head to LB?

I'm a little concerned about the sea trials some have spoken about, as I imagine that can only happen once she's out at sea a bit. But overall...YAY!!! 12 days and counting!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I didn't even know that web page existed on Carnivals site. I will be reviewing it in detail. Even more excited for our cruise now.... but will be even more disappointed if Panorama doesn't get fixed in time. This board amazes me with the vast knowledge and helpfulness everyone shares.

I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for my Christmas cruise on Panorama coming up on the 22nd, but I booked 3 specialty dinner nights on the at sea days, which will be the 24th, 25th and the 29th. My wife mentioned they may have special items on the regular dinning menu on the 24th & 25 becasue its Christmas. Anyone with experience on a Christmas cruises on Carnival or Panorama specifically, and if I should cancel the specialty dinning restaurants I have sceduled for those nights? I booked Bonsai Teppanyaki on the 24th & Steakhouse on the 25th & JiJi's on the 29th. I appreciate any guidance,

My Carnival Hub app says my cruise starts in 19 days, 2 hrs 48 mins. Seems so close after seeing 500+ days on it when first scheduled. 19 days doesn't seem like enough time. Anyone with an approx timetable on the repair, return to Victoria and then to LB? I'll feel relaxed and confident once I see she's headed to LB. Once again, I appreciate all of you with your experience, insight and encouragement.

A refreshed crew sounds like the makings for a wonderful experience. I'm sure it would be great normally also, but thinking this might make it just that little bit extra nice for our Chistmas cruise. You seem to be very connected with everything and I appreciate your input and updates, as this is only my 3rd cruise ever and 2nd with Carnival. We did the Ensanada cruise in 2016 on Imagination to see if we like cruising & we loved it! Then had 2 cruises cancelled with RC due to Covid but was finally able to do that cruise on Harmony in 2022 which was great and more relaxed atmosphere compared to Carnival. We were a little concerned going back on Carnival after RC, but if its a big party cruise we will party along with everyone and enjoy it.

Yay is right! Great news for me. Would I be correct in thinking the crew is still on board during this time? I would think they'd be able to do extra or out of the ordinary maintenance, cleaning and stuff they don't normally have time or clearance to do with a full house of travelers on board. Therefore, could I expect a better than usual experience? With being a Christmas cruise I'm already expecting the decorations to be georgeous, but maybe the overall ship and everything else will be just a little bit better than usual?

Thank you for the well wishes. This will only be our 2nd cruise with Carnival and 1st on Panorama. Its a big deal for us as we are going all out on this one for Christmas. Got a bunch of extras; Cloud 9 Balcony, special meals, drink packages, excursions, etc. I just can't emphasize enough how excited we are.... feel like a 5 year old at Christmas time.

This is good news for me actually, as they have 32 days to get it back to Long Beach for my cruise. If repairs take 8 or even 10 days, that gives them 20+ days of travel time, days off & other possible delays to get back to LB. I'm still nervous but encouraged with the updates and timeframes provided here. I find my self looking here 5 times a day and watching her on the ship tracker sites multiple times a day. I truly appreciate the expertise and information provided here. You all are the best!

I'm seriously starting to feel nauseous about our Christmas cruise that is scheduled to leave Long Beach on the 23rd. I also appreciate the updates as dishearting as they may be.