Ak4n3

Testing 

Just a quick note, we did the OnPoint Online testing. Scheduled it a few hours after our arrival in Seattle. We logged in earlier than our appointmentvand the agent logged in after five minutes. The testing was quick and painless. 
 

Seattle Pre-Cruise 

Flew in the saturday before the Tuesday cruise departture and as luck would have it, we made it to the tail end of their week long heatwave.  Which meant that when we landed at noon, it will be closer to 95-100 degrees walking from the airport to the hotel.  Yep, I, being as cheap as I am, decided on the hotels across the airport.  The walk wasn’t too bad,but I didn’t anticipate that it can be unpleasantly warm.

For anybody who wanted to save on Seattle stays pre cruise, I would recommend getting one of the hotels across the SeaTac airport.  That is, if you are  ok  to walk with your luggage.  The elevator at the end of the overpass to International Blvd is convenient to go to the surface street.  The Link Metro rail is on the 3rd level so getting a round trip pass was perfectly easy  way to go to downtown seattle, pike place, Space needle, etc.  

10 hours ago, Cali Viajera said:

You will love Alaska. Are you doing a land tour?

No, there was no time to research as we wanted to squeeze in one last hurrah before school starts in a couple of weeks.  
 

i already did an alaskan cruise pre-covid, now it’s the kidlets’ turn.  

And we’re back! 
 

After a couple of years hiatus due to our dear friend Covida, cruising is back on our radar!  Truthfully, my hubby and I cruised on the Radiance back on January 3rd 2022.  It was our cruise restart because it was our anniversary week, with no kids.  I didn’t report on it because I wasn’t feeling like reviewing too soon….and life took over.  It was a busy 7 months at work from me, new job and everything else so I haven’t had a decent break.  Then my kids complained that we haven’t been anywhere as a family. And school is about to start in a couple of weeks.

me: What do you have in mind?

Boy: anywhere, please?

me: Mexico? Hawaii? 

Boy: noooo…can we go to Alaska? You promised back in 2019 when you went and left  us with auntie, remember?

me: ruh-roh

So, mid-July of 2022, I made a last minute booking and research in 2 weeks what was supposed to be a trip with a year of planning at least 😐.  Almost didn’t get a room next to each other and we’re stuck withthe leftover  interiors.  
 

Anyhoo…booked last minute flights and hotels and all the things cruise associated (I was rusty) plus the added logistics for planning, testing and downloading those Verifly and arrivecan apps.  Here we are! Bright eyed and bushy tailed and ready for the next adventure.  
 

Let me know if you have any questions.  I might not blog live but I think I should focus on the trip, whats different with the ship and the kids club back at restart.

Until next time…when I find wifi…. We’re off to a new adventure!

On 12/30/2021 at 5:57 PM, sweatdrop said:

Wanted to also ask if anyone used the port testing at Long Beach on the day of embarkation and how it went.  Our circumstances won't allow us to use any of the other options and wanted to know more about this.  

We did long beach port testing because it was near impossible to book in cvs or  walgreens port testing on new years day.  Got to the pier at around 930, got in the testing line.  The terminal was opened about 10am.  We were scheduled 10am , got tested about 1015am then waited for 20 minutes for the results. It was nerve wracking.  But i’m happily on board right now.  Next time, i won’t  book something too close on the holidays if testing is still needed.

5 hours ago, kaybeebee said:

How do you find these on AARP? and, can i use these to purchase a cheers beverage package?

You have to be a member of aarp.org, get points by answering quizzes and what-not.  The gift cards are available for members only.

you can use them to puchase bevarage packages, excursions, etc.

9 hours ago, gjsmth said:

Can they be used for purchases such as excursions, cruise cash , etc

Yes, you can use it.  

Limit 5 per month, per log-in.  It is in e-card format.

I just booked this.  My boarding date is Jan 3rd and I am seriously doubting I can get my results  on the weekend, right after New Year.  I just want to go  on a cruise... 😂

Happy to know you booked, and on the Panorama, too! I look forward to reading all the changes.  Once my baby girl is vaccinated, we can finally book and cruise the seas as a family again.  For now, I have my anniversary cruise on the Radiance to look forward to.  

6 hours ago, rebellion69 said:

Great review.  Thanks so much for taking the time to post.  I've been looking for Panorama fun times.  We sail March 7th.

Glad to have helped.  Enjoy your cruise!

25 minutes ago, tborquez said:

I was wondering if there was a time change while on board and if you had to figure, shore time vs ship time at all during the cruise? I didn't see anything mentioned in the Fun Times you posted (thank you so much for that) about this. 

It is on the bottom of the fun times.  They are quite tiny to see, though.  Change clocks forward   one hour forward 2:00 AM Of Tuesday (Cabo San Lucas Day  Monday).  Then change clocks backward 2:00AM of Friday (Fun Day at Sea Thursday).

Also, always keep on ship time even when you port.  Even on excursions, stay on ship time.  

Hope this makes sense.

8 hours ago, KmomChicago said:

 

how did you feel your Vista class ship compared to the other Carnival ships you've sailed?  

Personally, with what I only experienced in my cruising history, I would rank the ships as follows based on what I enjoyed and the layout:

1. Carnival Splendor - Hubby and I love the T-pool if not anything else.  We'd stay in the spa area all day if we could, unfortunately we have to feed the kids (such is life).  The layout is quite nice though they don't have a wrap around promenade like the spirit class.  The ship is big, but not too overwhelmingly big as the Panorama.  I miss the ship so much 😭

2. Carnival Legend - I like this ship better than the Miracle only because this has Fun Ship Upgrades, however, I do like the Spirit class ships because of the the promenade area.  It nicely wraps around the ship and we enjoyed walking there at night after dinner, not too windy, cold or crowded and close to the water as to not give me a sense of vertigo. 

3.  Carnival Panorama -  We liked the ship, especially Aria because of Dr. Seuss and all the colors.  In fact, we would probably just spend the time on board rather than get off in port the next time we book and just enjoy the things the ship had to offer since we already cruised the Mexican Riviera several times. However, we didn't like the vibe of the spa and will not get a spa pass the next time around.  The Vista class promenade area is blocked by the Havana area (boo for us peasants)  so if I want to walk around the ship post dinner, the top deck would be it.   

4. Carnival Fantasy Class - for a complete relaxation, I like Fantasy class ships.  It has the Fun Ship amenities.  No specialty dining though, but that's ok since their run is only a 3 and 4 day Baja trip.  I would be bored if Carnival made the Fantasy class do the 7 day route.

5.  Disney Wonder -  I haven't cruised enough on Disney to judge but, it's nice for the little one. My son who was 13 at the time said the club bored him, so he says. Everything is geared for the Disney-phile.   I liked the ship, but the spa on the Wonder is not as picturesque as the Splendor.  Other Disney ships may have better spa areas, so we'll see if we can have a go on it later.  The ship layout takes a while to get used to, and I usually have good sense of direction but it was a challenge for me for the first half of the cruise.

We do want to try other ships in other itineraries so we'll see about going on the Dream and Conquest class sometime in the future.  For now, the little one wants the Panorama...

19 minutes ago, Greektreats said:

Thanks!  Was it hot/warm or pleasant?

Indoors?  It was pleasant indoors, then again I run cold so, please take a light jacket.

On port days, it was warm when we were there.  I suggest wearing layers  in case it gets cold on your sailing.

17 minutes ago, Greektreats said:

Ak4n3 and DUCHESSRN, can either of you tell me about what most ladies wore at dinner in the dining room?  We sail 2/8/20 and although it’s still very cold where I am, is it really hot/warm in the evenings during this cruise?  I plan to take black slacks and white slacks to wear, with long sleeve blouses/tops that I can roll or push the sleeves up if necessary.  Sound ok?  And capris during the day?

Whatever you're planning to wear sounds perfect for the MDR.  Capris are fine during the day.  

Enjoy your cruise!

On 1/25/2020 at 3:30 PM, DUCHESSRN said:

I so enjoyed your review ..we were on the same sailing ...found the ship a little too large for us being 70 ..I Opted not to get Spa Pass as we were in Havana Area would have needed Uber to get there ...

Our Aft balcony also creaked it was like sleeping in a Haunted House ,my husband investigated it was the walls of room ....just loved our balcony some soot and I wonder how the soft furnishings on chairs will wear .

When you get to Havana I hope you do not have a lady on balcony above you screaming down the husbanding hot tub  ,she even threw him down sunscreen .This happened most days crazy behavior but not enough to spoil our Vacation .

I also missed a main Atrium ..eventually got used to elevators ...the cakes in Lido buffet were just delicious.

 

I also felt the ship was large.  My parents and I felt a bit of pain on our lower legs on the first 2 days from all the walking since we were situated towards the front half of the ship.  We normally take the stairs on Fantasy class ships, but not this time.  I'd probably have an asthma attack if I did.   You're right, to go anywhere, you have to get an Uber 😄                                                         

5 hours ago, naxer said:

Thanks for the review!  I especially appreciated the port explanations, and your sense of humor.  We get on a week from today.

You’re welcome.  Glad I could help, even a little.

12 hours ago, JoSutt said:

Thank you for such an interesting  and detailed review.  We sail on 1st February and you have given us lots of useful information.  Was great to be able to see the Fun Times.  So excited now.  Thanks for taking the time to do this for us and for sharing your lovely photos.

Thank you for sticking around with me.  I hope you have an enjoyable cruise cruise.

13 hours ago, debi2g said:

Thank you so much for this delightful and informative review. We board the Panorama tomorrow and your review added to our anticipation and answered any questions we had. Thanks for covering all the age groups. We are a family group of 8 and we are "the olds" 😄 Thanks again! 

Thank you, I’m glad to help!

Have a wonderful journey today.

19 minutes ago, MEUB1112 said:

Great Review, it reminded us of a Great Cruise. We will be on the Panorama again!!

It was, wasn't it?  I hope to book again soon.

Just now, Ak4n3 said:

I'd give 5 per day?  Depends if your kid is really happy there and made them feel special.  Can we ever put a price on our kid's happiness?  😛 

8 minutes ago, sanmarcosman said:

What would you say is a good tip per day per child for Camp Ocean? 

 Don't forget to mention them on the survey!

I'd give 5 per day?  Depends if your kid is really happy there and made them feel special.  Can we ever put a price on our kid's happiness?  😛 

Last Thoughts 

The Panorama is a solid Carnival ship.  After being jealous that the East Coast has both the Horizon and the Vista, I’m happy that we West Coast cruisers have a big ship to call our own. 

The MDR and buffet offerings were as expected.  The taste was consistent and there are a lot of choices for picky eaters like my kids.  Even the additional charge restaurants are surprisingly good.  My only regret was not getting to try the other places like Jiji or the Teppanyaki place.  There are just so much to choose from.  Next time, there better be a next time.

DH and I always visit the comedy club and we feel that this is what Carnival is best known for.  We've only seen 2 shows, Broadway Beats and Celestial string.  They were nice and different from the other shows, but we tend to skip the others in favor of the Comedy Club.

In between comedy club sets, we would be hanging out at the Piano Bar.  Piano Dude Gregg is great!  I hope he’ll be back on the Panorama when we decided to cruise again.  I believe he is either going on the Sunshine or Sensation…or another Carnival ship with an S.

The casino didn’t like me so much.  I didn’t even get to manage 500 points.  Popsie on the other hand had played to get enough points by Mazatlan day that he received a DOU card.  I think he ended the cruise with over 2000 points.  He doesn’t even drink alcohol!  What a waste.  He did use it on pineapple juice at the bar. 😭 I hope at least I get some nice cruise offers.

Debarkation day wasn't too much of a hassle.  We have Tag 11 and our zone wasn't called until around 9:30.  We just hung out at the Havana Bar/Ocean Plaza area on Deck 5 after breakfast.  Debark is on Deck 4 so the crew are pointing people to Deck 5 to hang out rather than clog the hallway.   If it was just me, I would've stayed for as long as possible and nap.  But the olds and Bren were getting anxious to go home.  They are ready to go home.  Unlike me and Aria... who was crying bloody murder because she wanted to stay at Camp Ocean.  We had to tell her that we will come back soon.  I hope she won't be disappointed when we cruise on the Imagination instead of the Panorama on April...

The Panorama is huge.  There are a lot of things to do and see.  I doubt if you can do everything on one trip.  We just planned to do what we need to do at least once and hopefully we'll be back to book on her again.

Thank you so much for sticking with me until the end .  I apologize for my ramblings.  Do let me know if you have any questions.  I hope to answer you to the best of my knowledge.

Sky Zone

We all wanted to try the Sky Zone Trampoline park but according to the fun squad members, the jumping times are broken up to Toddlers ($5), Teens ($12), Adults ($18). 

Bren jumped by himself on the first sea day afternoon. Aria and I took a 9AM schedule for Thursday (Second Sea Day).  DH didn’t get to jump with  us but we were allowed to be at the spectator gallery to take his photos. There are probably 10 kids bouncing all over the place.  It was entertaining to watch, especially Bren, who wasn't in any way athletically inclined.

Aria was devastated that she couldn’t get to jump with her brother right there and then.  It took all of her Marshmallow test effort to stop herself from joining in.  So near yet so far.  It was fine.  With the way the older kids were playing (dodge ball throwing and fast jumping), I’m glad that Carnival decided to separate the age groups.

 Her patience was rewarded big time, as it turned out that we were the only ones jumping on that time slot.  Apparently, it was too early for other toddlers to come in and jump.  I don’t blame the parents.  I needed coffee myself but I didn’t trust that I will not be sick all over the trampoline place if I was jumping with anything in my stomach.  There better be a special place for me in Parent Heaven for giving up coffee for the sake of my child’s happiness.

Waiting for the 9AM opening.  We just woke up at 8:30... It's too early for this...

It was deserted and only us.  Yippee!  Aria had the full attention of the fun squad members.  Keep in mind that kiddie songs like Baby Shark will be playing while you're there.  DH was there for photo duties

The jousting beam. I could've bashed her with jousting sticks...but I don't want to deal with a crying child without being fortified with coffee first.

We tried the rock climbing wall.  I have no upper body strength at all.

I think Aria enjoyed the Sky Zone although I doubt if she would want to do it again.  She was alone with only Michael of the Funs Squad and me to play with.

After an hour, it was time to go.  Good thing because I was starving.  And coffee...don't forget coffee.

Bonsai Sushi

Bren was hankering for some ramen.  You know how it is with teenage boys.  They’re basically bottomless pits at this age.  So at around 830-9pm on Cabo day, even after we had dinner at the MDR , we had dinner number 2 at Bonsai Sushi. Aria still absent because she will not appreciate the fried goodness laid in front of her.

We didn't try Cucina, Jiji, or the Teppanyaki.  We have that all lined up the next time we cruise on the Panorama again.