I was just happy to be cruising again after 2 years of not cruising. I masked up when I could, didn't do the crowded Lido deck activities, sanitized my cabin and hands every chance I got. I also bought my own covid test just in case.
I heard rumblings of people being sick mid cruise.
my son actually started feeling sick our last day on the ship. He is sick as I type this days later. but alot of people in our area are sick with flu or covid.
Panorama is just like the Horizon if you ask me. Spacious and newer. I enjoy cruising and love Carnival.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
The line outside of the cruise terminal was so long it depressed me instantly. not enough Carnival staff around to tell you that the line is actually split up by boarding pass times.
once you get closer to the terminal entrance you finally see signs with boarding pass times. luckily , they had staff on hand to print your pass for you if you didn't have the chance to. I figured by now, your phone would be good enough to pull up a boarding pass. Once inside terminal another long line awaited. check in was smooth. All staff greeted us and energy was great! then a long walk to get on ship. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. you will be walking alot!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
I didn't like the my time dining option. a message is sent to your app to come and be seated, but at least 100 other people got the same message . LOL.wait time to be seated exceeded another 30 minutes on top of the original 30 , 40 minutes. then was told to go down to lower level of restaurant to be seated. I requested not to sit with anyone , so we were given a small table against a wall. plates barely fit on table. food was ok. nothing spectacular. We actually loved the steakhouse food and Teppanyaki. both options were worth the extra money. be prepared to eat as Teppanyaki gives you so much food at a quick pace. Lido food is always mediocre at best. not enough choices for those who don't eat beef or pork. no alternative milk options such as almond milk. I forgot to request some ahead of time. Pizza was still great. deli options seemed to be a big crowd pleaser.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
took a few days to figure out where the gym was. they need better signage. we don't do the pools, wanted to do the Jacuzzi, but they was always crowded with both adults and kids. There is always plenty to do though for those that want to.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Entertainment was nice and the show's were ok. We enjoyed listening to the band's and karaoke. While at the steakhouse the piano playing was wonderful. if you enjoy all genres of music, you will have a good time.
The club in my opinion was for the younger set. My 19 year old son had fun. The DJ just didn't wow me the times I did decide to go.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Awesome Service and Staff as usual. Most greeted us and everyone seemed to be in a good mood.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
it always takes me time to figure where things are...Every area was clean. staff was seen cleaning and sprucing up every part of the ship. Hand sanitizer was located all over the ship. Everything was maintained well
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
I was in room 9456 balcony room. I believe we was right under the lido.
it was loud and noisy at night with kids running and stomping , and sounds of sliding furniture.
I will not book a room in that area again.
it was the back of the ship. room was ok for 2 people and had a couch which I liked.
Ship tip
check your bill daily. those costs add up quick . LOL
keep in mind that automatic gratuities are added for Spa services. Bar drinks also.have added costs. I found myself over tipping at times. always bring extra cash to tip room steward, shuttle drivers, tour guides, Uber drivers, luggage porters etc..
also laundry was 3.50 to wash and 3.50 to dry. just swipe you sign and sail . no more quarters needed.
I met a few nice people and made it my duty to enjoy my vacation. Try smiling and saying hello to folks and you will automatically feel good.
Stayed at Hotel Maya as suggested in this group. being a Gold Hilton member I got food credits and upgraded room. although the room to me wasn't as fancy as that sounds.
Staff was awesome though , very pleasant and welcoming.
Hotel grounds are beautiful, I am surely staying there again .
They have a shuttle to take you 5 mins down the road to the ship. Thanks to the group member here who gave me a code to use for park and sail discount
I did tell the worker at check in I wasn't parking a car. he said it was ok.
There is a lovely restaurant on the property so we just ate there. bring your wallet as even with the food credit it's not cheap
Did a family beach excursion. long walk to bus, so if you have issues walking be aware.
also lots of steps and walking once you get to the resort . it's very nice though, upscale.
served us a nice Mexican lunch and 2 free drinks of your choice was included it was a Carnival excursion , costing me about 263.00 for 2 of us. the only down side was due to the ship having issues, they cut the port stay down a few hours . we didn't receive any money back. I am planning on writing Carnival to request a few dollars back.
I purchased the airport transfers. we had an early flight and was allowed to leave the ship on time. staff was around to direct and get you off quickly. we kept our own luggage and had no issues. once outside , we located the bus across the street . Bus left on time and got us to LAX on time no issues.
can't figure out how to.replay directly to cruisers
but to @sgoostree- I just wasn't wowed by Mazalatan when doing my research. I really only wanted to see Cabos. ive already been to many different places in Mexico and its all the same after awhile.
I do hear about the crime and cartels and that is a huge turn off. I know people personally who have been robbed by the Mexican police on bogus traffic stops and such. I try to stick to carnival excursions only or stay close to port when venturing off ship. I try to always look for other cruisers when out also. (wear sail and sign cards on lanyards). Enjoy and be vigilant anywhere you go.
My husband and i are going in Feb. Can you tell me if there was any trouble in Mazlatan? I have read news reports that drug cartel violence is up. Just want to be safe. Any insight you can give is greatly appreciated :-)
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