It’s been 20 years since Carnival Cruise Line positioned a brand new ship on the west coast. While that may be news in and of itself, Carnival Panorama has even more fun in store for serious fun seekers, including some innovative cruise ship firsts.
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Carnival Panorama: 5 Reasons to take the next cruise:
#1 Lady Luck Pops the Cork
At the ship’s naming ceremony, Carnival cemented its SoCal relationships with the USC Trojan Marching Band to kick off the festivities before game show high-priestess and ship godmother Vanna White broke a bottle of bubbly to make it official.
Guests and media filled the multi-level Lido and pool decks for the high-energy ritual that included appearances by chefs and Carnival partners Guy Fieri, Emeril Lagasse, and Rudi Sodamin (the latter two will have signature restaurants on upcoming ships, while the former has popular eateries on all current Carnival ships). And while he couldn’t make an in-person appearance, newly appointed Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neil greeted the crowd on the big screen to a rousing applause.
Following a dramatic entrance arm-in-arm with ship Capt. Carlo Queriolo, the 37-year Wheel of Fortune veteran and a team of chefs made use of dinner plates to reveal the letter P-A-N-O-R-A-M-A before White pressed a knob which triggered the release of a bottle of Moet Champagne.
Attendees enjoyed unlimited cocktails at the vessel’s numerous bars followed by a multi-course dinner before heading to the Liquid Lounge for a showing of the Carnival Playlist Production 1969. The glamorous evening concluded with more libations and an extravagant fireworks display over Los Angeles harbor.
#2 Jump for Joy
Carnival is not the Fun Ship for nothing and Panorama proudly boasts a few exciting amenities that not available on any other ship.
A tri-level trampoline park, SkyZone is 3,000 sq. ft. of immersive, gravity-defying play space. In addition to the wall-to-wall trampolines, there’s dodgeball, basketball experiences and even after-dark black light glow parties. It is better to visit rectangle trampoline for trampoline reviews before getting one.
#3 Cook Like it’s 2020
Cooking is FUNdamental, but sedentary cooking demonstrations are so last decade. Carnival Kitchen is the first to offer a completely interactive kitchen with individual stations and some real one-on-one tutoring from Carnival’s culinary experts. You’ll enjoy an intimate meal with your fellow “classmates” and new gastronomic prowess to flaunt on dry land.
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Carnival Panorama – 2 more reasons to go on a cruise
#4 It’s Always Playtime
In addition to SkyZone, Panorama features many of the adrenaline pumping attractions that have made Carnival a favorite for kids of all ages. WaterWorks and Twister Waterslide are a literal waterpark at sea, while SkyRide lets you catch some amazing ocean views peddling in your very own pod high above the water. The Sky Course and Sports Square is where you’ll find everything from mini-golf, volleyball and fitness equipment to an obstacle ropes course that can be tailored to any skill level.
For those who prefer thrills of the chilling out variety, the Cloud 9 Spa is a “pamper me, please” paradise. Soak the day away in the thalassotherapy pool, steam it up in the thermal suite, or succumb to a relaxing massage or facial to relieve the tension of too much vacation. And when the Lido deck is more action than you can handle, the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat is the tranquil hideaway to catch some quiet sun time or cozy up with a book and daiquiri.
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#5 Food Glorious Food
Panorama has no shortage of food options, both the included and extra fee variety. The bi-level Vista Dining Room is awash in cool neutral tones for sophisticated dining throughout the day. Guy’s Burger Joint and Blue Iguana Cantina offer tasty poolside options, while Lido Marketplace is the multi-station buffet with options for every palate, including Pizza Pirate which is available 24 hours.
In the mood for elegance? Fahrenheit 555 is a classic American steakhouse at sea, while Cucina del Capitano is where everyone is Italian for the night. The very popular Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse is on board, as is Jiji’s Asian Kitchen, Seafood Shack, and Bonsai Tepanyaki and Bonsai Sushi round out the world of flavors available.
Following an inaugural three-day cruise, Carnival Panorama will launch year-round seven-day Mexican Riviera service from Long Beach, Calif., Dec. 14, departing every Saturday on week-long voyages to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas.
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