Is Carnival Panorama Still as Good as We Remember? Full Ship Tour 🚢#CruiseVlog #CruiseLife #Cruising
We recently returned to the Carnival Panorama for a six-night New Year’s Eve cruise, and it felt like coming home. This cruise took us to Cabo San Lucas for two days and Ensenada for one day, giving us plenty of time to explore both the ship and the ports. The moment we stepped into the beautiful atrium, all our favorite memories came rushing back.
From the famous red chairs on the back deck to the delicious burgers at Guy’s, we wanted to see if everything was as good as we remembered. We toured the ship deck by deck to show you all the amazing features that make the Panorama special. The friendly crew, diverse dining options, and fun activities for all ages reminded us why this ship tops our list.
Key Takeaways
- The Carnival Panorama offers family-friendly features like the Family Harbor area with exclusive lounges and special cabin designs for larger groups
- The ship provides many dining choices and entertainment venues including specialty restaurants, bars, comedy shows, and live music throughout different decks
- Activities range from kids’ clubs and arcades to adult spaces like the casino, spa areas, and special lounges with ocean views
Our Time Aboard Carnival Panorama
Initial Boarding and Ship Ambiance
We stepped onto the ship and felt a wave of nostalgia. It had been quite a while since we boarded through the atrium. This one was stunning.
The massive screen funnel displayed incredible images, exactly as we recalled. We walked toward the pool deck and spotted Red Frog Rumbar across from Blue Iguana Tequila Bar. The Lido deck offered plenty of choices.
Blue Iguana Cantina was there, along with a full Guy’s Pig and Anchor location. There was also a steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi. We even tried Gigi’s Asian Kitchen on the first night, which we’d never visited before.
Special Details and Design Elements
The Family Harbor area on Deck 2 featured cabins built to fit larger groups. These rooms included extra bathroom features like an additional sink. Families staying in these suites got access to the Harbor Lounge, which offered:
- Games area
- Snack foods like sandwiches and brownies
- Drinks and ice cream machine
Circle C and Club O2 provided spaces for older kids, divided by age groups. Our children loved these areas when they were younger. They could meet new friends and enjoy activities away from us.
Sky Zone was set up like a trampoline park. Our girls were the only ones signed up for their time slot, so they had the entire place to themselves. After a quick safety demo, they bounced around freely. The price included grippy socks.
The arcade was one of the biggest we’d seen. Each card swipe cost money, so we had to monitor spending. Some games rewarded tickets for prizes, while others were just for entertainment. There were claw machines and virtual reality experiences.
The Panorama Atrium was beautiful with lots of seating and a large bar. Since we sailed around Christmas, holiday decorations were still up. Guest services was there, along with an entrance to one of the dining rooms. Live music played from a small balcony. A giant Christmas tree stood in the center.
The space never felt too packed, even when we couldn’t find seats. There was always room to walk around. A shore excursions desk let guests book activities or ask questions. Little Christmas tree decorations appeared throughout the ship. Kids could even mail Santa through a special mailbox.
Dining Room Options:
| Feature | Horizon Restaurant | Vista Restaurant |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Reserved for set dining times | Two-story space for anytime dining |
| Seating | Smaller dining room | Larger with more capacity |
| Menu | Same menu as Vista | Same menu as Horizon |
| Views | Standard | Ocean and wake views |
Both dining rooms had tables that fit different group sizes. We could choose between traditional early or late dining, or use the app to join a waitlist for anytime dining.
All the shops were in one central location on Decks 4 and 5. They didn’t block walkways but sat off to the sides in the atrium area. One shop sold shore excursion items like water bottles, flippers, and backpacks.
Cherry On Top had candy sold by the pound, plus toys, backpacks, and stuffed animals. We always enjoyed browsing what they offered.
The Liquid Lounge served as the main show space at the front of the ship. We only attended the Diamond and Platinum reunion party there. The event was better than similar ones we’d been to recently. The lounge was big, open, and roomy.
The Panorama Casino had many slot machines and table games. We noticed people sitting next to one of us kept winning big. One person won $5,000, another won $3,000 twice. We didn’t win anything ourselves. The glassed-in upper area kept smoke contained to the smoking section, protecting the bar and food areas above.
A smaller non-smoking casino existed where the Carnival Kitchen used to be. We didn’t get video of it, but it had a few tables and slot machines. It was much smaller than the main casino.
Heroes Tribute Bar honored military veterans and also functioned as a sports bar. The area was usually busy. Carnival held several military appreciation events.
The Limelight Lounge hosted art auctions and comedy shows. The seating wasn’t always arranged for comedy, but there were plenty of chairs. A pop-up bar operated there, and bar waiters came around during shows.
Vista Restaurant sat at the very back of Deck 4. This two-story space served guests doing anytime dining. We used the app to say we were ready, then got seated when a table opened up. Tables ranged from two-person settings to tables for 12.
The back section offered great ocean and wake views. We saw dolphins from there. The upstairs had more seating with similar views. The menu changed each night and matched what the other dining room served.
The Havana Bar on Deck 5 had a Havana theme mixed with Christmas decorations. Gaming tables were set up, though we weren’t sure what games people played there.
In the evening, a band played and people danced. Many guests in this area stayed in Havana rooms, which gave them access to the outdoor space. Only people with special wristbands could go outside.
These chairs were comfortable, but the tables didn’t move. We had to sit where the tables were placed. This made it less appealing as a hangout spot, though the vibe was nice. Special Cuban coffee was available in the morning, along with unique drinks and a full bar.
Welcoming Staff and Assistance
The crew on Carnival were the friendliest we’d encountered. We saw so many smiling faces everywhere we went. The service made our experience even better.
Special Rooms and Private Spaces
Family Harbor Rooms and Private Lounge
The Family Harbor area sits on deck 2 and offers special cabins built to fit more people. These rooms come with extra bathroom features like an additional sink in the room. This makes things much easier for families traveling together.
When you book one of these rooms, you get access to the Harbor Lounge. Only people staying in Family Harbor rooms can use this space. Inside the lounge, you’ll find:
- A games area for kids
- Snack foods like sandwiches and brownies
- Drinks and an ice cream machine
It’s really helpful for families because kids can grab snacks whenever they want. We found this to be a convenient perk that made life easier during the cruise.
Havana Rooms and Private Outdoor Space
The Havana Bar is located on deck 5 at the back of the ship. It has a Havana theme throughout the space. We saw gaming tables set up there, though we’re not entirely sure what games people play on them.
During evening hours, a band performs and people dance. It creates a lively atmosphere. Most of the people in this area are staying in Havana rooms because they get access to the outdoor area.
Important: The outside area is exclusively for Havana guests. You can’t go out there unless you have the special wristband.
The chairs in this space are comfortable, but the tables don’t move. You have to sit around where the tables are placed. It wasn’t our favorite spot to hang out, but it does have a cool vibe.
In the morning, you can get special Cuban coffee here if you don’t want to go upstairs for regular coffee. They also have a full bar with special drinks.
Food and Drink Options
Primary Dining Spaces: Horizon and Vista
We found two main restaurants on the Panorama. The Horizon restaurant is the smaller space. It’s set up for guests who pick early or late dining times. You choose your time slot and show up when scheduled.
The Vista restaurant sits at the back of the ship on deck four. It’s a two-story space with lots of seating. This one works for anytime dining. You open the app and say you’re ready to eat. They put you on a list and seat you when a table opens up. They have tables in different sizes, from two people up to twelve people.
Both restaurants serve the same menu each night. The menu changes daily so you get different food options throughout your cruise. We saw dolphins from the back windows while eating. The Vista has nice views of the ship’s wake. Both spaces feel elegant without being too crowded.
Quick Meal Locations
We ate at Gigi’s Asian Kitchen for the first time. We couldn’t believe we had never tried it before. The ship has lots of seating areas for quick meals throughout the day.
The Blue Iguana Cantina is right on the Leo deck. You can see it when you walk to the pool deck. The Red Frog Rum Bar sits across from the Blue Iguana Tequila Bar.
Premium Restaurants
The ship has several restaurants you pay extra to visit:
- Bonsai Sushi
- Steakhouse
- Guy’s Pig & Anchor (full venue)
- Gigi’s Asian Kitchen
We tried Gigi’s Asian Kitchen on the first night. The experience was great.
Guy’s Burger Spot and Smokehouse
Guy’s has a full Pig & Anchor venue on board. We grabbed burgers from Guy’s during the cruise. The burgers were just as delicious as we remembered. It’s one of our favorite spots to eat on the ship.
Blue Iguana and Drink Venues
The Blue Iguana Cantina gives you lots of food choices. It’s located near the pool deck where you can easily grab food between swimming and sunbathing.
The Blue Iguana Tequila Bar sits across from the Red Frog Rum Bar. These two bars create a lively atmosphere on the Leo deck.
The Havana Bar is on deck five at the back of the ship. It has a Havana theme with gaming tables. We’re never quite sure what those tables are for. Dominoes? Scrabble? Someone should tell us in the comments.
At night, a band plays and people dance. It gets pretty lively. Most people there are staying in Havana rooms. Those guests get access to a special outside area with a super secret wristband.
The chairs are comfortable but the tables don’t move. You have to sit where the tables are set up. It wasn’t our favorite hangout spot but it has a cool vibe. They serve special drinks and Cuban coffee in the morning if you don’t want the regular coffee from upstairs.
Additional Eating Spots
Cherry on Top is a candy shop. You can buy candy by the pound. They also sell little toys for kids, backpacks, and stuffed animals. Plus they have prepackaged candies. It’s a cute store and we always like to check out what they have.
The Havana Bar serves special coffee in the morning. You don’t have to go upstairs for regular coffee if you’re near this area. They have a full bar as well.
The shops are all located in the atrium area on decks four and five. They’re off to the sides in their own spaces. One shop sells items for shore excursions like water bottles, flippers, and backpacks.
Bars, Lounges, and Nightlife
RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar
Walking to the pool deck brought back great memories. We saw RedFrog Rum Bar right across from BlueIguana Tequila Bar.
This is a lido deck setup that we really enjoyed. Both bars offer different drink options and create a fun atmosphere for guests to relax.
Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge
The Heroes Tribute Bar is dedicated to veterans of armed forces. It also serves as a sports bar.
It’s a cool place to hang out if you want to talk about sports or just try some drinks in a different venue. The area is usually quite lively.
Carnival has a lot of military appreciation events. We found it to be a welcoming space for all guests.
Piano Bar 88 and Limelight Lounge
The Limelight Lounge serves multiple purposes. They do art auctions in here, but it is mostly used as the comedy club.
You can come in here to watch a comedy show. There’s tons of seating available.
A little pop-up bar is set up and bar waiters come around during the shows. The comedians we saw were funny and entertaining.
The seats aren’t always set up for comedy depending on when you visit.
Alchemy Bar and Ocean Plaza
The Havana Bar is on deck five in the back of the ship. It has a Havana theme with some Christmas decorations when we were there.
During the evening time, you could come and there’s a band playing. People were dancing and it was quite a lively fun venue.
A lot of the people in here were staying in the Havana rooms. They have access to the outside area which is exclusively for Havana guests.
Special Features:
- Gaming tables for dominoes and other games
- Special Cuban coffee in the morning
- Full bar with special drinks
- Live music and dancing in the evenings
The chairs are comfortable, but the tables don’t move. You’re kind of forced to sit around where the tables are.
They have special drinks and coffee that you can get in the morning if you don’t want to go upstairs for the regular coffee. You can have special Cuban coffee and a full bar as well.
Entertainment and Activities
Live Music and Shows
The main entertainment area is the Liquid Lounge. It sits at the front of the ship. We didn’t make it to many shows during our cruise. We only went to the Diamond and Platinum reunion party.
It was more fun than other reunion parties we’ve been to recently. The space is beautiful. It feels big and open with plenty of room for everyone.
Liquid Lounge Events
The Limelight Lounge serves as the comedy club for most of the cruise. The room has lots of seating for guests. A small pop-up bar operates during shows.
Bar waiters walk around to take drink orders. The seats aren’t always arranged for comedy shows when the room isn’t in use. The space also hosts art auctions at certain times.
Comedy Performances
You can watch comedy shows at the Limelight Lounge. The comedians were funny during our cruise. The venue has tons of comfortable seating options.
Servers come around to bring drinks while you watch the show. It’s a great place to spend an evening laughing with other guests.
Art Auctions and Pixels Gallery
The art auctions take place in the Limelight Lounge. The room transforms from comedy venue to auction space. We noticed the seating arrangements change based on what event is happening.
The venue works well for both types of events. Guests can browse art and participate in auctions during scheduled times.
Youth and Family Fun
Camp Ocean and Outdoor Play
The family harbor area on deck 2 has special cabins built to hold more people. These rooms come with extra bathroom features like an additional sink in the room.
Family harbor guests get access to a nice harbor lounge area that no one else can use. This lounge has a small games section. The area offers snack foods like little sandwiches and brownies, plus drinks and an ice cream machine. It makes getting snacks easy for families.
Family Harbor Lounge Features:
- Games area for kids
- Snack foods and sandwiches
- Ice cream machine
- Drinks
Circle C and Club O2
These two spaces are for older kids. Each one splits kids into age groups so they can do their own activities. Kids can have fun and meet friends who are the same age as them.
Our kids loved these areas when they were that age. It’s fun for them to meet new kids and hang out together. Hanging out with parents can be boring sometimes. These are good safe places for kids to go during the cruise.
Circle C does a lot of arts and crafts activities. Kids can be creative while making new friends.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
This area is for teenagers, but adults can do it too. It’s like a trampoline park right on the ship.
The girls did it this last time and had a blast. They were the only ones signed up for their time slot. This meant they had the run of the whole place.
After a quick safety demonstration, they were left to go bounce. The price included the little grippy socks for them to use. They had different events and stuff in there.
Arcade Experience
This is one of the larger arcades we’ve seen. It was much bigger than Princess’s Majestic ship arcade, which was tiny. There are so many different activities for young ones in here.
Things to Know:
- Keep an eye on spending because each swipe of the card costs something
- Some games let you earn tickets or points to get prizes
- Some games are just for fun
The arcade has ducky machines and virtual reality experiences. It’s a lot of fun for kids to hang out in there. Or for me, since I like hanging out in there too. I’m a sucker for claw games.
Water Features, Outdoor Spaces, and Unwinding
Lido Deck Swimming Areas
The pool deck had Blue Iguana Cantina and lots of options for food. We walked to the pool deck and saw Red Frog Rumbar right across from Blue Iguana Tequila Bar.
This is a Lido deck with so many different options. There’s a full Guy’s Pig and Anchor venue, a steakhouse, and bonsai sushi to choose from.
Red Frog Pub and Surrounding Spots
We saw Red Frog Rumbar right across from Blue Iguana Tequila Bar when we walked to the pool deck. Blue Iguana Cantina was there with lots of food options.
The area had so many different venues to try. We could get drinks at multiple bars and food from various restaurants all in one spot.
Quiet Zone for Grown-Ups Only
The famous red chairs on the back deck were one of our favorite locations on board. We loved exploring this part of the ship.
Tony was able to get out here super early in the morning. The Havana bar is in the back of the ship on deck five.
During the evening time, you could come and there’s a band playing and people dancing. It’s quite a lively fun venue.
Splash Zone and Slides
We didn’t get specific footage of this area during our time on board. Our focus was on other parts of the ship we wanted to share.
The girls had a blast with activities during this cruise. They were the only ones signed up for their time slot, so they had the run of the whole place.
Fitness, Spa, and Wellness
Cloud9 Spa and Salon
The Cloud9 Spa and Salon offers a place to relax and refresh during your voyage. You can book treatments and services to help you unwind.
The spa provides various options for guests looking to pamper themselves. Whether you want a massage, facial, or salon service, the staff can help you feel your best.
Fitness Center and Classes
We found several ways to stay active on board. The fitness options give you a chance to work out and have fun at the same time.
Sky Zone is available for teenagers and adults too. It’s like a trampoline park right on the ship. Our girls tried it on this cruise and had an amazing time.
They were the only ones signed up for their time slot. This meant they had the entire place to themselves. After a quick safety talk, they were free to bounce around.
What’s included:
- Grippy socks for use during your session
- Different events and activities
- Access to the full trampoline area
Thermal Suites
The Havana area includes special access for guests staying in Havana rooms. These guests get exclusive outdoor space that others can’t use without a special wristband.
The Havana rooms come with access to a private outdoor area. You need a super secret special wristband to get out there if you’re not staying in those rooms.
In the morning, you can get special Cuban coffee instead of going upstairs for regular coffee. A full bar is also available. Tony managed to get out there super early in the morning.
The chairs are comfortable, but the tables don’t move. You have to sit where the tables are located. It wasn’t our favorite spot to relax, but it has a cool feel to it.
Recreation and Outdoor Activities
Aerial Adventures and Sky Glider
We found Sky Zone on the ship during our cruise. It works like a trampoline park but it’s right on board. Teenagers can use it, and adults are welcome too.
Our girls tried it on this sailing and had an amazing time. They were the only ones who signed up for their session. This meant they had the entire space to themselves.
A quick safety talk happened first. Then they were free to bounce around as much as they wanted. The price covered grippy socks for them to wear during their time.
Gaming Plaza and Miniature Golf
The arcade on Panorama is one of the biggest we’ve encountered. This stood out especially after sailing on ships with much smaller gaming areas. There are many different activities for younger passengers here.
You need to watch how much gets spent because every card swipe costs money. Some games let you collect tickets or points that can be traded for prizes. Others are just for entertainment.
Available Options:
- Claw machines
- Virtual reality experiences
- Ticket-earning games
- Pure entertainment games
We love hanging out in the arcade. It’s a lot of fun for kids and for us too. We admit to being a sucker for claw games.
Court for Basketball and Running Path
Note: No information about basketball courts or jogging tracks was provided in the background material.
Retail and Services on Board
Retail Spaces in the Central Area
All of the stores on the Panorama are in one central spot. They don’t block walkways or aisles. You’ll find them in the atrium area on decks four and five.
The shops sit off to the sides in their own spaces. You can go shopping if you want to. One shop sells items for shore excursions like water bottles, flippers, and backpacks.
Sweet Shop and Other Retail Locations
Cherry on Top is a store for anyone with a sweet tooth. They sell candy by the pound. The store also has little toys for kids, small backpacks, and stuffed animals. You can buy prepackaged candies too.
It’s a cute little store to check out. We always like to go in and see what they have available.
Excursion Booking and Help Desk
The shore excursions desk is where you can book an excursion. You can also ask them questions if you’re interested in doing any shore excursions. This desk is located in the atrium area.
Guest services is also in the atrium. There’s so much seating and a large bar in this space. The area has live music on the little balcony. It’s a really fun place to hang out.
Sometimes the area was crowded and you couldn’t get a seat. But it never felt crowded when walking. There’s always plenty of space.
Making the Most of Your Cruise
We found the Family Harbor section on deck 2 to be perfect for larger groups. The special cabins have extra bathroom features like an additional sink, which makes mornings easier when everyone needs to get ready. Family Harbor guests get access to a private lounge with games, snacks like sandwiches and brownies, drinks, and even an ice cream machine.
Circle C and Club O2 give older kids their own spaces to meet friends their age. Our kids loved these areas when they were younger because they could do activities without us. It gave them independence in a safe environment while we enjoyed our own time.
Sky Zone is a trampoline park on the ship that works for teens and adults. Our girls had the entire place to themselves during their time slot and loved it. The price includes grippy socks, and staff gave them a quick safety talk before letting them bounce around freely.
The arcade is one of the biggest we’ve seen on any ship. We noticed way more games here than on other cruise lines we’ve tried. Kids can play games that give tickets for prizes or just play for fun. Watch how much gets charged to your card because each game costs money. We admit we spent time in there too because the claw machines are hard to resist.
Dining Options
The Panorama has two main dining rooms with identical menus. Horizon Restaurant is for guests who pick set dining times, either early or late. Vista Restaurant at the back of deck four uses anytime dining, where you mark yourself ready in the app and wait for your table. Both dining rooms have tables for groups of all sizes, from two people to twelve.
Vista Restaurant has two stories with views of the ship’s wake. We saw dolphins swimming behind the ship while eating. The menu changes each night so you get different food throughout your trip. The space felt elegant but not stuffy or overcrowded.
Entertainment Spaces
The Liquid Lounge sits at the front of the ship and hosts most shows. We only went to the Diamond and Platinum reunion party there, but it was better than similar events we attended recently. The space is large and open with plenty of room to move around.
The Limelight Lounge works as the comedy club, though they also use it for art auctions. Pop-up bars and waiters serve drinks while you watch the comedians perform. The seating can be rearranged based on what event is happening.
Casino and Bars
The Panorama Casino has tons of slot machines and table games. The smoking section is glassed in so smoke stays contained and doesn’t drift to other areas. A smaller non-smoking casino opened where the cooking classes used to be. It has a few tables and some slot machines if you prefer cleaner air.
We noticed everyone sitting next to us at the casino was winning big. One person won $5,000, another won $3,000 twice in five minutes. We didn’t win anything ourselves, but maybe sitting near us brings good luck.
Heroes Tribute Bar honors veterans and doubles as a sports bar. It’s a lively spot to watch games or just hang out. Carnival puts on several military appreciation events throughout the cruise.
The Havana Bar on deck five has a Cuban theme with live bands and dancing at night. Gaming tables are set up, though we’re still not sure what games people play on them. The chairs are comfortable but the tables don’t move, so you have to sit where they’re placed. Havana room guests get special wristbands to access the outdoor area, which other passengers can’t use. You can get Cuban coffee and special drinks there in the morning instead of going upstairs for regular coffee.
Shopping and Services
All the shops stay in one central area in the atrium on decks four and five. They don’t block walkways or spread throughout the ship. One shop sells shore excursion gear like water bottles, flippers, and backpacks. Cherry on Top has candy sold by the pound, plus toys, stuffed animals, and prepackaged sweets for kids.
The shore excursions desk lets you book tours or ask questions about activities at each port. Guest services sits in the atrium along with a large bar and lots of seating. Live music played on the balcony above, which made it fun to relax there.
The Atrium Experience
The panorama atrium is beautiful with tons of seating and never felt cramped. Even when we couldn’t find seats because of crowds, walking through the space was easy. The giant screen funnel shows amazing images, just like we remembered from previous trips. Christmas decorations were still up during our sailing, including a large tree and a special mailbox for kids to mail letters to Santa.
Red Frog Rumbar sits right across from Blue Iguana Tequila Bar on the pool deck. Blue Iguana Cantina offers food options nearby. Guy’s Burger Joint, Bonsai Sushi, a steakhouse, and Pig and Anchor all give you different choices. We tried Gigi’s Asian Kitchen for the first time and wondered why we never ate there before.
The crew on Carnival has been the friendliest we’ve met on any cruise line. Smiling faces greeted us everywhere we went. From the moment we stepped on board and walked through the atrium, memories came back of why this ship topped our list.
