Better than expected

Item: Carnival Panorama
Rating: 4.3
Author: dodhee

Carnival Panorama Cruise Review

dodhee

Contributor Level: Second Mate

21 Days Till Next Cruise

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 6

Helpful Votes: 141

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5

7 Night Mexican Riviera (Los Angeles Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 15, 2022

Ship: Carnival Panorama

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

Having the ship at 50% capacity worked to our advantage. There was no line, no waiting, no crowded area. We loved it. I can’t imagine being on this ship at full capacity later on, although I know it will happen. We almost cancelled this sailing because of the covid surge but cannot pass up the good rates we got. I’m glad we went through with it because we had the most fun.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Embarkation at the port was smooth. Upon entering the ship, had a confusion bec we were in a group, so we just followed the ones in front not knowing we had a different muster station. It was a new procedure. But once we found our correct muster station, it was smooth. There were only 6 of us at the time and was able to watch and listen intently during the muster drillI. I liked this better than the previous way. Once we were done, we went to our cabins, and our luggages were already in our room.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

The ship’s main dining room was great. We had a very good crew (Jerome,Randy and Lovely) who made sure that our dinners are awesome. They were nice, fun and attentive. We had an “on your time dining” but we just always requested to be put on table 520 so we can have this team. They made all our dinners enjoyable and fun. We had lunch one time at the Asian restaurant, they were serving Mongolian noodles which was ok. The buffet variety isn’t that many but Guy’s Burger and the Blue Iguana made up for it.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

We tried the slides and they were awesome. We also tried the skyride and we enjoyed it. There was no line and we didn’t have to wait. I convinced our group to try these two because I said if we ever sail on this ship again, it might be back to full capacity and there will be long lines next time. My husband and my brother went to the gym and they seem satisfied with it.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

I think entertainment is lacking on this voyage. The playlist production only had 1 show on the last night and I don’t think it’s at par with other shows from other carnival ships. The piano guy is very good but it’s hard to get a seat inside, you have to wait for other people to leave before they will let you in. I do understand that it’s due to CoVid protocols. The comedy shows are so so in my opinion… The first guy was good but the one who replaced him was not. The panorama rockband is good too. I liked them best during the 80’s night/show. During the sea days, there was almost nothing going on during the day.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Jerome, Randy and Lovely at the Vista 3aft were the best waiters we have ever had in a cruise. They were nice, attentive and fun. We had so much laughters with them and made our dinners unforgettable. They were wonderful. Our room steward Elmer was very nice too. He accommodated our requests and was always available whenever we need anything. Sanford, who works at the casino was very nice too. He was fast, and very helpful. All throughout our cruise, these people made our vacation memorable.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

The ship is only 3 years old and you can tell with the design that it is new. It’s nice to see the cabin furnitures almost new. And I like the buffet’s design and decors, as well as the dining room sets in the main dining room. Having said that, I think I miss the grandeur that the older ships has especially in the atrium. The see-through elevators, the grand staircase, the theater designs. Sitting by the atrium seems just like being in a hotel. I missed the character that the old ships had. I’ll give it a 4 stars because the ship was clean all throughout.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

I loved our cabin… it was so nice waking up in the morning and the first thing you see is the blue ocean.

Ports of call

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

4 out of 5

Mazatlan, Mexico

3 out of 5

Disembarkation

4 out of 5

Disembarkation was a breeze. It only took us 15-20 minutes from the time we left the lido deck to the port parking and that includes picking up our luggages from the baggage claim area.

Traveler Photos

11 Comments

Other reviews of this sailing

Awesome experience!

Great all inclusive get away.

Booking errors were a nightmare but onboard staff were great