Any tips for Panorama

[laniriveira]

On 11/5/2022 at 2:25 AM, Joebucks said:

The lack of casino bar and small comedy club are the stains of this ship. Other than that, I loved it. Heroes tribute bar is the best sports bar I have seen on a Carnival ship. The food options are plentiful. Everything is in rather good working and physical condition. I really enjoyed the itinerary too. 

Hmmm no casino bar!!?  We’re actually sailing with a casino promo which includes free drinks while in the casino.  I’m guessing they having to trek to another bar to get our drinks.  

[laniriveira]

On 11/5/2022 at 4:52 PM, southbayer said:

Exact same thing here... Haven't been on a cruise since 2019.. Panorama next week tho!

Lucky!  Have so much fun — we’re not sailing until the end of May 2023 🫠

[laniriveira]

On 11/6/2022 at 3:05 AM, CRocks said:

Wife + I both LOVED the Panorama and it's itinerary! We're platinum, and next to Alaska, this has been our favorite cruise. Enjoy!

We’re very excited to sail this ship!
We are 11 days away from platinum, 4 days after our sailing on the Panorama .. we would love to sail more but it’s a trek getting from O’ahu to the mainland!  Have a wonderful time in Alaska 🦀 

[Joebucks]

8 hours ago, laniriveira said:

Hmmm no casino bar!!?  We’re actually sailing with a casino promo which includes free drinks while in the casino.  I’m guessing they having to trek to another bar to get our drinks.  

 

I honestly hate it so much. The casino bar was always a fun spot.

[UPNYGuy]

for this sailing, definitely book a Havana room if you can splurge. The Havana area is my favorite thing about this ship class. DW and I wont sail on a vista class without booking Havana.

 

Also, Carnival no longer has the buffet style breakfast at Ocean Plaza. 

[UPNYGuy]

On 11/4/2022 at 7:37 AM, laniriveira said:

In regards to the ship, what is the worst thing (in your opinion of course 🙃) about the Panorama?

 

Thanks in advance \m/

 

for me, the worst thing about the Panorama (and the vista class in general) is the horrible pool deck. We found the Vista class lido pool deck to be the very worst we have ever seen on a modern cruise liner. One tiny pool midships, one tiny pool aft (adults only as far as I remember). And the seating is in tiers, like rings stacked one on top of another.

 

(photo courtesy jimzim.net)

 

This is the midship pool area. 

[pinto18]

15 hours ago, laniriveira said:

Hmmm no casino bar!!?  We’re actually sailing with a casino promo which includes free drinks while in the casino.  I’m guessing they having to trek to another bar to get our drinks.  

I think they go next-door to the hero's bar but not sure. We had free drinks in the casino too and never really had to wait very long so wherever they get them, its pretty quick

[Drew B 58]

15 hours ago, laniriveira said:

Hmmm no casino bar!!?  We’re actually sailing with a casino promo which includes free drinks while in the casino.  I’m guessing they having to trek to another bar to get our drinks.  

There is frequent service from wait staff.  No need to trek anywhere.

[kona_wahine]

6 hours ago, UPNYGuy said:

 

for me, the worst thing about the Panorama (and the vista class in general) is the horrible pool deck. We found the Vista class lido pool deck to be the very worst we have ever seen on a modern cruise liner. One tiny pool midships, one tiny pool aft (adults only as far as I remember). And the seating is in tiers, like rings stacked one on top of another.

 

(photo courtesy jimzim.net)

 

This is the midship pool area. 

That pool water looks NASTY. 🤢

[UPNYGuy]

47 minutes ago, kona_wahine said:

That pool water looks NASTY. 🤢

 

I thought that as well. This is the Havana pool from the same sailing, and it is much cleaner and clearer.

 

(photo courtesy jimzim.net)

[labseldest]

On 11/4/2022 at 4:37 AM, laniriveira said:

 
In regards to the ship, what is the best and worst things (in your opinion of course 🙃) about the Panorama?

 

Thanks in advance \m/

My first cruise on the Panorama was 2/29/20.  That was the last cruise before being shut down by COVID.  I loved this ship so much, that I am doing a B2B on her starting Jan 21 through Feb 4.  I loved the non-MDR restaurants on this ship.  I really enjoy the itinerary too.  And as it happens, I will be hitting PLATINUM during that cruise.  

 

I personally could not suggest it more.  I will be doing the Celebration in May and Mardi Gras the following April, so my opinion could change!

 

David

[Woody14]

loved that you could go to the pig and anchor on embarkation day and sea days for free buffet.  One of the only ships that I have been on that had a selection of draft beer.   

lunch options were great.

Disappointments were the shows/entertainment and the main dining experience.

 

[mslhb]

Best thing we love about all Vista class ships is definitely the Havana area!

 

Other things I enjoyed include

The deck areas at the very front area of the ship, I think it’s decks 6 and 7. There always seemed to be a sign that they were closed but most often we could still go through the door. Great views and don’t think a lot of people know about it as we usually were the only ones there.

2nd floor of the Lido deck pool area, the cushy chairs in the front row are a great way to enjoy the pool action if you can snag one.

 

Specialty restaurants, Jiji Asian, was our favorite but I thought they were all good. Even in their post-COVID condition

 

Ocean Plaza, the band that played there most nights was really good

 

Pig and Anchor Bloody Mary

 

Worst thing about all the Vista class is definitely the theatre. I am not neurotic about having to have the best seat but some of the seats in the balcony are super obstructed. And the chairs in the bottom level are just bad idea along with whatever device they claim to be a “cup holder”.

Edited November 14, 2022 by mslhb

[lax19]

Just got off Panorama Saturday the 12th. Three out of the four production shows were outstanding (Soulbound, Celestial Strings and Broadway Beats). Costuming was incredible and the performers were really good. The other show (Woodstock/Rock…can’t remember the name) was not great. Odd costumes and no real rock songs - No Hendrix or Stones.
 

Do the ropes course and Sky Cycle on a port day when everyone else is off the ship for no waiting. Do them early because the last two sea days heading back to Long Beach are quite windy and they may be closed.

 

we did the sushi making class in the carnival kitchen. That was a lot of fun! Sign up early before you get on board because it fills up fast ( only 18 or 20 spots).

 

There were 4200 people on board, but it did not feel crowded. We usually ate in the MDR around 6 and never waited more than 10 minutes after booking through the App. The serenity deck was not very crowded and we could always find loungers there or at the main pool. The deck above the aft pool has some nice spots to sit and eat. The longest lines were for pizza, but still the mist I encountered was 10 people.

 

My biggest piece of advice is get involved and get out of your comfort zone. Attend the parties and games. The fun squad is outstanding and Marty the cruise director really made the cruise enjoyable.

[cruisingguy007]

On 11/8/2022 at 10:11 AM, UPNYGuy said:

 

for me, the worst thing about the Panorama (and the vista class in general) is the horrible pool deck. We found the Vista class lido pool deck to be the very worst we have ever seen on a modern cruise liner. One tiny pool midships, one tiny pool aft (adults only as far as I remember). And the seating is in tiers, like rings stacked one on top of another.

 

(photo courtesy jimzim.net)

 

This is the midship pool area. 

 

This doesn't look like Panorama specifically and this had to have been pre-covid, probably spring break or a holiday cruise and smack dab in the middle of a sea day (probably one of the first) because I've never seen Panorama lido that crowded or that many loungers put out. I've certainly seen it crowded pre-covid but not to that degree. This is not a regular representation of Panorama. 

[urbanhawk]

I am looking forward to cruising on the Panorama in Dec.. My 1st cruise in about 7-8 years.  I appreciate reading about all these tips. I do have a question/concern. I don't have a cell phone-will I be able to access things such as  YTD, without a phone and app? Thanks in advance, and happy cruising!

[SDPadreFan]

2 hours ago, lax19 said:

The other show (Woodstock/Rock…can’t remember the name) was not great. Odd costumes and no real rock songs - No Hendrix or Stones.

 

The Rolling Stones were never at the 1969 Woodstock (they declined). Many others though (a total of 32 acts).

 

Melanie (called back for 2 encores)

Arlo Guthrie

Joan Baez

Santana

Canned Heat

Grateful Dead

Creedence Clearwater Revival

Janis Joplin

Sly & The Family Stone

The Who

Jefferson Airplane

Joe Cocker

The Band

Johnny Winter

Blood, Sweat & Tears

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

 

by the time Jimi Hendrix played, the crowd had shrunk by more than half (Monday morning).

[allinwonderland]

1 hour ago, cruisingguy007 said:

 

This doesn't look like Panorama specifically and this had to have been pre-covid, probably spring break or a holiday cruise and smack dab in the middle of a sea day (probably one of the first) because I've never seen Panorama lido that crowded or that many loungers put out. I've certainly seen it crowded pre-covid but not to that degree. This is not a regular representation of Panorama. 

I agree this isn't what it looks like all the time (i.e. the people clustered on the railings are probably there to watch some activity) but the rings of chairs and them being mostly full - or towel-hogged - seems about right from what I remember in September.

[SDPadreFan]

16 hours ago, allinwonderland said:

I agree this isn't what it looks like all the time (i.e. the people clustered on the railings are probably there to watch some activity) but the rings of chairs and them being mostly full - or towel-hogged - seems about right from what I remember in September.

From the looks of it (the picture), I'd venture that the folks were there to watch the "hairy chest" or "belly flop" competition.

[UPNYGuy]

On 11/14/2022 at 9:48 PM, cruisingguy007 said:

 

This doesn't look like Panorama specifically and this had to have been pre-covid, probably spring break or a holiday cruise and smack dab in the middle of a sea day (probably one of the first) because I've never seen Panorama lido that crowded or that many loungers put out. I've certainly seen it crowded pre-covid but not to that degree. This is not a regular representation of Panorama. 

 

no, that isnt the panorama. that is a shot I borrowed from the vista from another website (credit in parenthesis to the op). But I did find the pool area horrible on the panorama and horizon. Id go so far as to say the worst pool deck in 40 some cruises out of any ship.  DW and I will not sail on a vista ship unless we are in a havana cabin. Havana area is a totally different experience. 

 

THAT pic I grabbed was pre covid, but from a september sailing, not exactly a peak season cruise.

Edited November 16, 2022 by UPNYGuy

[UPNYGuy]

11 minutes ago, UPNYGuy said:

Id go so far as to say the worst pool deck in 40 some cruises out of any ship.  DW and I will not sail on a vista ship unless we are in a havana cabin. Havana area is a totally different experience.

 

also, keep in mind that what my worst design may be could easily be someone else's best design. We don't have children, so the 'amusement park' stuff is meaningless to us, but could easily be beneficial to other people. Furthermore, there are numerous people that do not like the Havana areas on the newer ships because they are not public, but that area in particular is a major draw for DW and I. It helps to give a small ship feel to a big ship cruise. 

Edited November 16, 2022 by UPNYGuy

[farjar]

The Panorama serves 2 flavors of gelato at lunch in the buffet with lots of "add yourself" toppings.  If I recall it may have only been on sea days but it was delicious.

[cruisingguy007]

On 11/8/2022 at 6:41 PM, labseldest said:

My first cruise on the Panorama was 2/29/20.  That was the last cruise before being shut down by COVID.  I loved this ship so much, that I am doing a B2B on her starting Jan 21 through Feb 4.  I loved the non-MDR restaurants on this ship.  I really enjoy the itinerary too.  And as it happens, I will be hitting PLATINUM during that cruise.  

 

I personally could not suggest it more.  I will be doing the Celebration in May and Mardi Gras the following April, so my opinion could change!

 

David

 

I'll be partying along for your first leg! The time draws near and I'm starting to get pumped! I just hope they have the football thing figured out for the jumbo screen, going to be a big weekend. 🏈 🍹 🚢

[sanmarcosman]

43 minutes ago, farjar said:

The Panorama serves 2 flavors of gelato at lunch in the buffet with lots of "add yourself" toppings.  If I recall it may have only been on sea days but it was delicious.

Gelato was served every day of the cruise in April. I hope this will be true in January as well.

[laniriveira]

On 11/14/2022 at 3:19 PM, lax19 said:

Just got off Panorama Saturday the 12th. Three out of the four production shows were outstanding (Soulbound, Celestial Strings and Broadway Beats). Costuming was incredible and the performers were really good. The other show (Woodstock/Rock…can’t remember the name) was not great. Odd costumes and no real rock songs - No Hendrix or Stones.
 

Do the ropes course and Sky Cycle on a port day when everyone else is off the ship for no waiting. Do them early because the last two sea days heading back to Long Beach are quite windy and they may be closed.

 

we did the sushi making class in the carnival kitchen. That was a lot of fun! Sign up early before you get on board because it fills up fast ( only 18 or 20 spots).

 

There were 4200 people on board, but it did not feel crowded. We usually ate in the MDR around 6 and never waited more than 10 minutes after booking through the App. The serenity deck was not very crowded and we could always find loungers there or at the main pool. The deck above the aft pool has some nice spots to sit and eat. The longest lines were for pizza, but still the mist I encountered was 10 people.

 

My biggest piece of advice is get involved and get out of your comfort zone. Attend the parties and games. The fun squad is outstanding and Marty the cruise director really made the cruise enjoyable.

We can’t wait to sail!  Thank you for all the tips. Hope you enjoyed your cruise 🚢