JILL WEINLEIN

After graduating from UCLA, JIll traveled the world looking for unique destinations. She’s been writing about her travels for almost 30 years in various publications.

She writes a weekly restaurant review for the Beverly Press and Park LaBrea News. It’s inserted into the Los Angeles Times every Thursday and delivered to subscribers from Hancock Park to Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills to the Wilshire Corridor.

Carnival Panorama

BY JILL WEINLEIN

When the Carnival Panorama was christened on December 10, 2019, Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line excitedly welcomed guests on the inaugural cruise. “The Carnival Panorama is the first new Carnival ship to sail from Long Beach at the Carnival Cruise Terminal in 20 years,” said Duffy.

The ship sails from Long Beach on seven-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera stopping at three ports: Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. Now Southern California cruise travelers can drive to a port, instead of fly to the ship’s port.

This cruise ship is designed to create the ultimate multi-generational vacation. Young families staying in the extra-roomy, keycard-protected Family Harbor section of the ship enjoy unique nautical decor, a full bathroom with a separate bathtub, and a cozy sitting television area with curtains offering privacy for parents. Exclusive perks include access to the nearby Family Harbor Lounge offering breakfast, snacks during the day, Hasbro board games, family movies, and video games. Other benefits at Family Harbor include free dining onboard the specialty restaurants for young passengers, and a free evening of babysitting service, so parents can get a little alone time.

Adults seeking a quieter and relaxing area will want to stay in one of the Cloud 9 cabins and suites. Located near the spa and fitness center, these are designed in all sizes, from cozy interior cabins to spacious balcony suites. Exploring Cloud 9 Cabin #11206, this ocean view balcony suite offers chairs and a table outside for morning coffee, reading a novel and sunset cocktails. Cloud 9 Spa passengers receive priority spa reservations, unlimited access to the thermal suites, free fitness classes and exclusive discounts.

One of the best areas on the ship are on the fifth level at the Havana Cabana Suites. The tropics-inspired staterooms offer two twin beds that can be converted into a king bed. A comfortable living space offers a sofa and coffee table. The full bathroom has a rain shower, and the floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding door lead to a large outdoor Havana cabana. This area offers patio chairs, a table and swinging hammock chair. Other Havana amenities include access to its own Cuban-themed bar, pool and outdoor bar area with reserved deck lounge chairs. There are two raised whirlpool tubs above the swimming pool at the aft of the ship.

Carnival Panorama offers 10 different indoor and al fresco dining experiences, including the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Library Bar, and Bonsai Sushi & Teppanyaki. Celebrity chef Guy Fieri has both Guy’s Burger Joint, and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse and Brewhouse on this ship. Fresh seafood is offered at the Seafood Shack, Asian cuisine at JiJi Asian Kitchen, Italian food at Cucina del Capitano and Mexican delights at Blue Iguana Cantina.

This ship also has a culinary demonstration kitchen offering cooking classes for passengers to learn from culinary pros with hands-on instruction.

On the 13 decks are 25 lounge and bars and an onboard working brewery brewed under the supervision of a pro brewmaster.

Passengers have so many opportunities to stay active on the ship. The Panorama is the first ship to offer a 3,000-square-foot SkyZone Trampoline Park with a 12-lane trampoline court. There is also a SkyRide bike on an air track and SkyCourse ropes course. The ship also has three swimming pools and six whirlpools, plus a WaterWorks aqua park.

Music is everywhere on the Carnival Panorama. In the evening the lounges offer live music and comedy shows. A Las Vegas style casino game room is open at sea and in the evenings.

Now Southern California cruise fans have a brand new ship to sail to the Mexican Riviera. Go to Carnival’s website to reserve your cruise. https://www.carnival.com.