Overall, this cruise hits 3 excellent ports that showcase Mexico's beauty and heritage. The Panorama is a gorgeous ship with more than plenty of activities, food, and fun!
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Overall, embarkation was disappointing this time, but the issue was Port of Long Beach traffic related. We left our hotel 2.5 hours early to drive 1 mile to the Port of Long Beach. Unfortunately only 1 lane to get into the port was open, so traffic was beyond ridiculous and drivers were frustrated. It took us over 3 hours to get to the port.
Since we were then late for our check in window, Carnival herded us to a giant line for naughty people where we waited another hour and a half. Usually this isn't a big deal, but the staff member that directed us there was extremely rude to everyone, including our 7 year old granddaughter. There was no reason or excuse for this behavior - anyone rude to a CHILD who was so excited for her first cruise needs their head checked.
Past those setbacks - the rest was smooth sailing! Every other employee was over the top nice and just great to work with. Security was smooth and quick, boarding groups were well organized, and there were no issues or delays getting onto the ship.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
All the food was great. There was plenty of variety, minimal wait times, plenty of seating for the buffets, etc.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
The Carnival Panorama is a GIANT playground with abundant and FUN amenities for all ages!
• SkyRide: this is a MUST DO - it's fun and the views are incredible! Lines weren't too bad, the wait was about 1/2 hour. Do it!
• Mini golf: Fun mini golf course spread out over a couple decks.
• Table games: there are many foosball, ping-pong, and pool tables, multiple cornhole boards, etc.
• Arcade: big enough to cost a lot of extra $, but small enough to not break the bank if the kiddos are responsible.
• Trampoline park: looked SO fun, but the kids chose to spend their extra $ on the arcade so I dont have a good review.
• Fitness: excellent track and fitness activities available.
• Pools: public pools are average - but we met a few families staying in the Family harbor cabins who had their own pool and LOVED it. Havana cabins have something similar as well.
• Waterpark: excellent park with lots of choices and appropriate activities for all ages.
• Camp Ocean: I can't say enough good things about the facilities and activities. Every single staff member is excellent, camp has many great activities for all ages, check-in and check-out is secure and efficient. If your child has medical needs or allergies, staff has protocol in place and parents are required to carry a phone in case of emergency.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Standard over the top Carnival entertainment - all shows and events were fantastic!
Children's Programs
5 out of 5
Camp Ocean: I can't say enough good things about the facilities and activities. Every single staff member is excellent, camp has many great activities for all ages, check-in and check-out is secure and efficient. If your child has medical needs or allergies, staff has protocol in place and parents are required to carry a phone in case of emergency.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
100% perfection. All staff are so nice, caring, attentive. Everything you could ask for.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
This ship is laid out very well- no weird hallways to nowhere or wasted space.
***NOTE: the elevators are different. Instead of just picking up or down then cramming into the car when it arrives, you input the floor you are trying to go and it will assign you a car. From a metrics view its kinda cool, but it seems to take longer than a standard up or down elevator button.
***BONUS: Watching drunk people trying to figure this out is highly entertaining.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Ocean View with 1/2 bath:
• 2 adults and a 7 year old
• Plenty of room for us and all our stuff
• Staff made up the sofa into a bed for our little.
• 1/2 bath with tub is a must if you have little ones that can't shower!
Ship tip
Plan out what you want to do and have a blast. This is a beautiful, state of the art ship thats huge, but not too big.
Appreciate your detailed feedback. Once you understand the elevator system it’s a good thing. I agree that watching drunk people try to understand it can be entertaining.
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