The Debut of Cruise Ship Carnival Panorama

Look no further than Long Beach to find the latest in cruise ships. Carnival has just christened its latest cruise ship, the Panorama. She is sleek and large, with 15 decks and her exclusive port for mooring. Carnival Panorama is the only ship stationed out of Long Beach. She resides next to Queen Mary, who is her neighbor. She will be sailing to the Mexican Riviera.

Carnival took over the location where the Spruce Goose used to moor. It now is the home of Carnival Panorama. Panorama is the 27th ship in the Carnival fleet. She sailed from Venice, where she was constructed about two months ago. After 39 days at sea, she landed at her new home at the Port of Long Beach.

I had the privilege of attending the christening of this new cruise ship, which included the naming ceremony with godmother Vanna White and the exploration of Panorama’s many features. My visit included dining onboard, check out the bars, the various decks, and visiting several of the staterooms.

The motto for the Panorama is “Feast on Fun,” and you certainly will travel in style on this new cruise ship. From the Casino, shows, bars, and numerous other activities, you will undoubtedly have fun.

The Panorama’s maiden voyage took passengers on a three-day trip to Ensenada. This excursion will be followed by six, seven- or eight-day cruises to Ensenada, and Cabo San Lucas or Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas.

Cruise Ship Staterooms

My Carnival Panorama experience took me to view three staterooms.

The Family Harbor Suite, which caters to families and some rooms, can sleep a family of five.

The Havana Cabana Suite, a nicely appointed suite with a private deck that includes a comfy swing.

The Cloud 9 Spa Suite has very soothing colors. For those with handicaps and need ADA compliant rooms, check out Panorama’s version of the Cloud 9 spa suite that has easy access to all the room comforts.

Cruise Ship Dining

Talk about dining; you have a plethora of restaurants to choose from, starting with Fahrenheit Steakhouse with its selection of high-quality beef and an excellent wine list.

Move on to one of Guy Fieri’s onboard restaurants, either Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse. Yes, they make their own beer called Parched Pig. The bartender at this location is a hoot.

Want a quick bite while sitting around the pool, Guy’s Burger Joint is the spot.

How about a cooking class with a meal. Carnival’s latest feature offered on the Panorama is the Carnival Kitchen, where you get to learn to cook with Panorama chefs and dine at the same time.

If your palate has a craving for Mexican, Italian, seafood, Asian, or Japanese, you can find ethnic dining specialties too.

Fun Activities

Skyride it like cycling at the gym but outdoors moving across the decks and enjoying the ocean view.

Choose Fun Waterworks is a water park consisting of two slides.

Cloud 9 Spa and Fitness Center offers all the latest equipment for exercising and spa treatments for relaxation.

Bars and Lounges

Move from the Piano bar with its melodic sounds to the quiet in the Library bar or enjoy an eclectic cocktail at the Alchemy Bar. Better yet get into Cuban rhythms at the Havana Bar.

These are just a few of the offerings available during your cruise. You will just have to book a cruise to discover all the amenities offered during your voyage on the Carnival Panorama cruise ship.

My evening onboard the Carnival Panorama Cruise ship ended with fireworks, but I hope a Panorama cruising adventure of Mexican Riviera is in my near future.

Note: Common to the travel industry, this writer was hosted to the Carnival Panorama opening gala. While it has not influenced this review, the writer believes in full disclosure.