cathyz

1 minute ago, Butterbean1000 said:

Golds get a free drink also.

Yes, but I think it's available on the last sea day after 5:00.  The platinum and diamond is specifically for the brunch.

16 hours ago, petuniaflower said:

Where is the free drink from?

One of the Platinum and Diamond perks is a free drink coupon to be used at sea day brunch.

4 hours ago, willyt25 said:

Does the Panorama (or the port of Long Beach) have later boarding times then other ports?  We checked in at Midnight on our 90 day make and the earliest arrival appointment they had was 12:30 pm and they only had 4 options through 2:30 pm, nothing else was shown.  I know they have an unusual parking situation there, but does that seem late to start the arrival appointments.  Can any west coast cruisers chime in and let us know if it truly is just that laid back and chill? 

We are staying at the Queen Mary next door and wanted to board as quickly as possible, if it is a nice day way may just head over early and stand in the naughty early line. 

You can come early and go to the early/late line, which could be huge or short or they may turn you away, a lot of it's to get on early.

11 hours ago, riffatsea said:

Free shuttle to and from ship is much easier than walking with luggage.

What will you do from Hollywood to the ship in the AM?? Drive and park at the port?

Much less hassle to park at the Maya and be away from the crowds leaving or arriving at the garage at the port.

And I've read that there sometimes isn't enough space in the parking garage at the port, if the Queen Mary has an event requiring parking, and the Panorama is way bigger than anything else that's been there, so will overwhelm the garage anyway.

2 hours ago, 1025cruise said:

Is the Maitre D even on the ship yet?

 

Remember, Carnival doesn't actually want guests contacting Maitre D's directly, and they are not responsible to respond to guest emails.

If it's not the Maitre D, someone is monitoring things, at least for the specialty restaurants, I've made reservations for two of them and received email confirmations.  

6 hours ago, cruisinpips said:

As has been stated, it is either $95 or $99/person. Totally worth it to us. It takes place on the last sea day. You will meet in the Steakhouse early that morning (8am?) and start there. Closed toed shoes, no cell phones or cameras. You will be searched and security will use a wand on you prior to beginning the tour. I have done it on the Magic once and on the Breeze twice. (Daughter, father in law and then a friend accompanied me). Go to Guest Services on embarkation day and sign up. Don’t wait, it may be sold out. 

Actually I think you sign up at the excursion desk, not guest services, at least that's what I've done twice in the past.  Sometimes, if they get a long enough wait list, they will do a 2nd group.

Have a great cruise, my favorite ship!!

6 minutes ago, Rockypoint said:

the website doesn't even give you a choice to pick a night for the teppanyaki, it's like it's not a choice.

Maybe it's completely sold out for the entire cruise?   

7 minutes ago, jimd909 said:

So, if that's the case, why isn't it showing up for me?  My departure is December 2020.

Some folks are reporting that it doesn't show up until closer to the cruise.

45 minutes ago, sanmarcosman said:

The OP is asking for December and this is what Carnival states:

" Faster to the Fun is not offered on Carnival Journeys departures, cruises in Europe, nor on cruises from the following home ports: Honolulu, Norfolk, Vancouver, San Diego and San Francisco. It will be offered on the Carnival Panorama, starting with departures in February 2020 "

He's asking about December 2020

We always stay at the Maya (even stayed there way back when they were the Coast Hotel), but we take their shuttle over to the ship in the morning.

39 minutes ago, Wanna_Cruize said:

I'm wondering about this also. However, my question is what the menus are going to be for the MDR during this cruise. Will they be the same as they currently have on Miracle that's doing that 7-nt itinerary right now? I'd like to review the menu first so I can decide what nights we may want to go to the Specialty Dining. 

I'm sure you can get into the steakhouse and other restaurants once on the cruise, but I think since teppanyaki is so small with only 2 or 3 seatings per night, they'll fill up quickly before hand.

 Go once to get my free drink.

We're on the Panorama next March and I made steakhouse and teppanyaki reservations several weeks ago without paying, but I have confirmation emails for both.  The teppanyaki restaurant is very small so they're probably sold out on the night you're requesting.

Yes, I always go once, to get my free drink.  But the food is always good.

6 hours ago, Roz said:

 

Baf and Cathy, I did an Alaskan cruise on the Miracle and loved it.  Best of my 5 Alaskan cruises.  I'll be back on the Miracle in February doing the Panama Canal, right before it goes to dry dock.   Enjoy your cruise.

Enjoy your cruise too!

On 10/10/2019 at 12:22 PM, bafinegan said:

Hubbs and I just booked a 10 day Alaska cruise on the Miracle for Aug 2020, so was glad to see such a positive review.  We live just south of Atlanta in Columbus Ga.  Have cruised out of Canaveral and Jacksonville ( LOVE this port- so easy!)  but never Tampa.  The Miracle is due for a dry dock Feb 2020 too 🙂

 

baf

I think we'll be on that Alaskan cruise with you!

I've seen lots of whales around Cabo in the February to April timeframe over several cruises, they're everywhere!

On 9/26/2019 at 11:02 AM, MEUB1112 said:

Nah, we booked August 09, 2020. Either cruise would be fun. The earlier one seemed to work better for our schedule. I also believe that the later one doesn't stop in Ketchikan and we love Ketchikan.

We're on that cruise with you!  I've sailed on the Miracle once before and Pride and Spirit, love the Spirit class ships!  Also the Miracle is going into drydock in February so may get a few upgrades.

Thank you for the great reviews and I will certainly be following your next cruise!  Miss reading the last one daily!

On 10/4/2019 at 11:29 AM, MEUB1112 said:

We're on the Aug 09, 2020 from SF to Alaska. Will be following along for word on the dry dock plans.

We will be in this cruise with you!  Love the Spirit class ships!

I've never seen the steakhouse completely full, so maybe they save a few tables for walk-ins.

Dolphins and lots of whales off Cabo.

Have a great party!!!

I made dinner reservations for the steakhouse and teppanyaki a few weeks ago on the Panorama for March, didn't have to prepay.