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I am an enormous fan of cruises and have sailed on Norwegian, Princess, Holland America, and Carnival. However I preserve coming again to the budget-friendly Carnival Panorama for its cruise alongside the Mexican Riviera.

I like to cruise, particularly from my dwelling base on the west coast to Mexico. I’ve boarded Norwegian, Princess, and Holland America ships, however my favourite vessel stays the Carnival Panorama.

The Carnival Panorama sails the identical itinerary year-round from the port of Lengthy Seaside in California to Mexico together with stops in Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Mazatlán.

And whereas I’ve sailed the same itinerary on Holland and Princess, I discover that the Carnival Panorama affords the same expertise for much cheaper and would not skimp on actions, eating, and thrilling locations to go to.

I not too long ago sailed on Panorama with a pal, although I’ve additionally cruised solo and with my partner. This is why I really like this budget-friendly trip and preserve coming again.

I at all times discover the Panorama crew and officers to be heat, pleasant, and excited for every crusing.

As a frequent cruiser, I actually missed crusing when COVID-19 halted most types of journey.

My first Panorama cruise because the shutdown befell in September 2021 and I acquired somewhat teary-eyed when the ship’s officers and captain lined the atrium steps to welcome friends again on board.

It was so good to be again on a ship, and I’ve now sailed 11 extra occasions since then, with a handful of sailings booked within the coming months — together with on the Panorama.

I notably get pleasure from Carnival’s “welcome aboard” deck events, that are a beloved custom on embarkation day and I really feel the joy of cruising from the second I step onboard the Panorama.

In my expertise, the Carnival Panorama is persistently inexpensive, and I believe deciding on an inside cabin is the easiest way to economize.

I’ve booked quite a lot of cabin sizes on the Carnival Panorama, however I discover an entry-level inside stateroom affords sufficient area and facilities, and selecting one is the easiest way to trim my total funds.

On my most up-to-date week-long crusing, I vacationed with a pal and we every booked our personal separate inside cabins for $304 plus taxes and costs, for a complete of simply $437, not together with alcoholic drinks. That is $62 per night time.

Whereas inside rooms begin at simply 185 sq. toes — in comparison with ocean view cabins that begin at 230 sq. toes — I assumed it was snug. Even after I’ve shared an inside room on previous sailings, the scale by no means bothered me since I spend most of my cruising time exterior on the decks and solely use my cabin to sleep.

Most cruise strains cost a single complement for solo vacationers however Carnival would not.

In contrast to different cruise strains, there was no single complement to sail solo in my stateroom. This not solely saved me cash however valuable sq. footage as my single cabin got here with only one mattress, versus the standard two. This meant I had extra room to unfold out and I by no means felt cramped.

I did not have ocean views, however I appreciated the truth that I had no exterior mild shining via to interrupt my afternoon nap.

Along with the mattress, my room got here with a big closet, a desk with storage beneath it, a TV, and a rest room. 

In contrast to different cruises I’ve skilled, my Carnival Panorama lavatory at all times comes stocked with loads of towels.

Like different cruise ships I’ve skilled, my cabin lavatory was petite, however included a bathe stall, a sink with mirrors above, a storage shelf beneath, and so many towels I used to be by no means wanting for extra. 

The water slides are one in every of my favourite issues about Panorama, and what I believe units it aside from different ships.

Carnival has so many onboard actions for all ages, however my all-time favourite factor to do on a sunny sea day is slip down the water slides. Panorama has two most important slides, each of which I discover to be thrilling. There may be additionally a kiddie slide and a splash pad for little ones.

Since there are solely two slides for all ages, I’ve seen it get busy and have needed to wait in line, nevertheless I get pleasure from it a lot, I by no means thoughts.

I am a seaside bum at coronary heart so after a number of rides down the slides, I at all times head to the pool deck.

Panorama has two most important swimming pools on the Lido deck. 

Seaside Pool is centrally positioned and surrounded by lounge chairs and cabanas, together with seating inside the pool. I get pleasure from this pool early morning and late night, when it’s kind of quieter with out the DJ and impromptu dance events.

The Tides Pool is behind the Lido deck and I discover it tends to have a quieter vibe in comparison with the deck celebration environment midship. I often go to this pool for a mid-afternoon dip. 

It may be robust to safe a deck chair beside the pool on sea days, however I’ve by no means seen a line kind to enter the pool or thought it felt overcrowded as soon as inside.

After the pool, I go to SkyRide, a suspended biking journey that circles the higher decks of Panorama. It is free and a good way to soak up panoramic ocean views.

My partner and I additionally love SkyRide, however I made certain to find time for it after I sailed extra not too long ago with my pal, too.

The sit-down cycle follows a suspended observe above the higher deck the place friends pedal their manner alongside the observe at their very own tempo. I’ve but to see an enormous line kind for this free attraction that’s supplied all day on port days and sea days alike.

Certainly one of my different favourite included actions is the ropes course.

I am additionally a fan of the ropes course on the highest deck, one other free exercise that technically affords nice ocean views, however I am often extra centered on the view of my toes and ensuring I do not wobble.

I believe it is a enjoyable however difficult course, and whereas I discovered it intimidating at first, as soon as I gained my confidence, the ropes earned a spot on my must-do record at any time when I am on the Panorama.  

One of many most important causes I preserve coming again to Panorama is the nice collection of eating included with the bottom cruise fare.

Panorama has all kinds of complimentary eating for all tastes. 

The all-day buffet in Lido Market rotates between roasted turkey to grilled fish and every little thing in between. The buffet operates morning via late night time, so I are inclined to eat breakfast and dinner right here day by day.

Vista Restaurant affords tremendous eating with out an upcharge.

Whereas I often choose to eat at quick-serve venues just like the buffet as a result of I prefer to graze, a number of occasions through the week I will have dinner on the most important eating room, Vista Restaurant.

They serve a tremendous eating menu with much more selection to select from and I believe the kitchen does a very good job with the glazed baked salmon. 

As soon as per week, friends may get pleasure from lobster tails for no additional value. On different cruise strains, lobster is often a big upcharge, ranging wherever from $10-30. 

My favourite lunch on Panorama is Man Fieri’s restaurant, Man’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse. It prices additional for dinner, however is included for lunch on sea days — a secret most cruisers do not know.

As one in every of movie star chef Man Fieri’s eateries, cruise friends know to go right here for pulled pork, beef brisket, sausage, chilly salads, and quite a lot of Fieri’s signature sauces. My favourite is the brown sugar and bourbon sauce for sweet-meets-tangy perfection. 

Within the night, this barbeque joint has an a la carte upcharge, starting from $10 for finger meals to $30 for apps and an entree, however seasoned cruisers like myself know this specialty restaurant affords a free lunch unfold on sea days. Anybody can make the most of this and no reservations are required. 

I at all times stay up for espresso drinks from Java Blue Café, which additionally has a pleasant collection of pastries and sweets.

I am not a lot of a dessert particular person, however each time I sail on Carnival’s Panorama, I cease by Java Blue Café for my favourite espresso drinks.

Even and not using a candy tooth, I nonetheless discover myself stopping to stare on the pastry choice, which have an a la carte upcharge, however are modestly-priced for the large parts, for my part.

Anticipate to pay between $1-$3 for treats. Favorites I’ve tried embody the carrot cake and a dulce de leche cupcake. 

I am at all times amazed by the truth that Carnival has its personal brewery at sea.

I am at all times delighted to discover a brewery in the midst of the ocean. Carnival has breweries onboard its ships, both in Fieri’s smokehouse or on the RedFrog Pub & Brewery.

On the Panorama, I’ve made it some extent to strive a few of their always-available choices, like amber ales and IPAs. My private favourite up to now has been the limited-edition golden ale made in celebration of Carnival’s 50 years at sea.

Beer is included within the Cheers! beverage package deal, or a la carte beginning at $6.50 for a 10-oz glass.

There’s a lot leisure and nightlife onboard the Panorama, I am by no means bored.

All through the day, friends will discover trivia tournaments, bingo, dance-off competitions, and numerous dwell music performances, all included for no additional cost.

My favourite solution to spend the night is within the Liquid Lounge, the place 3 times every week a unique stage manufacturing contains in style music and a dance crew. Dancers and singers carry out hits from Stevie Surprise, Adele, Simon & Garfunkel, and different Prime 40 alternatives.

One other favourite nightlife venue of mine is the Panorama Atrium with its rotating roster of musicians. This cocktail area might need a solo musician one hour, a blues guitarist the subsequent, or my private favourite, the rock violinists who mix pop and classical music. 

I notably love Havana Bar, a comfortable membership for karaoke or dancing.

On the again of the Promenade deck is Havana Bar, a glossy venue the place karaoke competitions happen, however I like to go to when the Latin band performs. The dance ground shortly fills for an evening of heart-racing beats. 

There is no cost to benefit from the band or to sing karaoke, so I pop by randomly after I’m strolling in that space of the ship.

However typically I simply need to chill on the adults-only part of the ship.

Panorama has so many nice actions night time and day, which is why I preserve coming again to this cruise ship. However typically I need a break from the excitement, and that is after I head to the Serenity deck. It is a quiet place only for adults to flee the crowds and celebration vibe.

Serenity Grownup-Solely Retreat has tons of lounge chairs, daybeds, cabanas, and secluded sizzling tubs all free to be used night time and day. I believe it is an awesome spot to work on my tan or to sit back out and watch the sundown.

This space is tucked away from the pool deck by itself little higher deck on the entrance of the ship, so I discover it is at all times freed from busy crowds and music, and it is easy to discover a area to lounge.

I recognize all of the little issues the crew does to please friends, reminiscent of stunning friends one morning of the cruise with towel animals lining the pool deck.

I believe among the finest surprises throughout per week onboard Panorama is waking as much as discover towel animals taking up the pool deck.

Just like the towel animals room stewards present within the cabins, crew members set them up all through the pool deck space on all of the chairs to greet the morning crowds. 

I at all times get a kick out of seeing the handfuls (lots of?) of animals set on their solar loungers, and it is also enjoyable to look at as households with youngsters see the towel animal celebration for the primary time.

I believe Panorama is about having as a lot enjoyable or quiet time as you want, each onboard the ship and whereas in port.

Probably the greatest issues about Panorama is how packed the itinerary is for these in search of actions day and night time — however realizing it is not essential to do all of the issues.

I get pleasure from pool deck events and waterslides and becoming a member of a trivia problem, however I additionally actually recognize taking day out to easily get pleasure from an ocean view for a number of quiet hours alone. 

I additionally like that the ports of Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Mazatlán do not require expensive tour tickets since there’s a lot to do inside strolling distance. Whereas it is attainable to spend $30 and as much as go snorkeling or take a tour, I have never discovered the necessity for this.

As an alternative, I stroll to the cultural facilities, benefit from the seaside without cost, and easily take within the sights.

In the end, the range and worth supplied by Carnival’s Panorama retains me coming again for extra. I am unable to look forward to my subsequent crusing.

Crusing on the Panorama is good for me year-round, with sunshine at all times on supply within the Mexican Riviera. 

Between the numerous itinerary choices and ship facilities, again and again I’ve discovered that Panorama has one thing for everybody. It is a particular cruise and one I do know I will be again to quickly.