Carnival Panorama Cruise Ship: Overview and Things to Do

As one of Carnival Cruise Line’s newer ships, Carnival Panorama was easily the cruise line’s best until Mardi Gras came along in 2021 (and, as such, Carnival Panorama actually acted as Carnival’s flagship for a few years). 

Not terribly big and not terribly small either, Carnival Panorama offers a wealth of activities and there’s something for every cruiser to do, no matter what exactly it is that you’re into. Plus, since the ship is on the newer side, you can expect modern staterooms and suite options, plus special VIP areas of the ship if you really want to splurge.

Need to know more? Here’s everything you need to know before you take a Carnival Panorama cruise.

Carnival Panorama Stats

Carnival Panorama isn’t all that big. In fact, it doesn’t even crack the top 50 largest cruise ships in the world. Still, it’s the largest of the cruise line’s Vista-class, and it does a lot with the space it does have. The ship measures in at:

• Gross Tonnage: 133,500
• Passenger Capacity: 4,008
• Staterooms: 2,004
• Passenger Decks: 15
• Crew Members: 1,450
• Length: 1,055 feet
• Entered Service: 2019

When Carnival Panorama debuted, it was the largest in not only the Vista class, but in the Carnival fleet overall. Today, Carnival Celebration is the largest Carnival Cruise Line ship, at 183,521 GT and a passenger capacity of over 6,000 people.

Carnival Panorama Construction

Carnival Panorama was the final Vista-class ship, ordered in 2016, with construction beginning in 2018. The ship was built at Fincantieri Cantieri Navali Italiani and, after being christened by celebrity TV host Vanna White, the ship set sail on Dec. 11, 2019. 

While Carnival Panorama is very similar to its two Vista-class predecessors, Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon (which were built as slightly adjusted and lengthened, newer versions of Carnival’s prior Dream class), Carnival Panorama still brings its own unique features to the party. For example, while predecessors had an IMAX theater (the first at sea!), Carnival Panorama offers a Sky Zone trampoline park. 

Overall, the Vista class brought new fun and venues to Carnival Cruise Line fans, and this is reflected all over Carnival Panorama. The ship offers the new SportSquare features that debuted on Carnival Vista, such as SkyRide, a two-lane bike course suspended over the deck, for views of the entire ship and the ocean beyond.

Likewise, it includes the new Clubhouse, with its bowling and billiards; outdoor activities like volleyball and soccer; SkyGreens, for golf on the water; and SkyCourse, the adrenaline-pumping ropes course.

Beyond fun, the Vista class also introduced new staterooms to the line, such as Cuban-themed staterooms and Family Harbor staterooms.

(Note that while Carnival Venezia is technically considered a Vista-class ship, it’s not quite the same as the above-discussed Vista-class ships; it was originally the Costa Venezia cruise ship, and has been adapted as such.) 

Carnival Panorama Refurbishments

Since this ship is still very new, it hasn’t undergone any particularly large refurbishments or dry docks. In early 2021, the ship received some very minor enhancements that were mostly limited to cosmetic changes and maintenance.

However, one thing cruisers who’ve enjoyed this ship in the past might notice is that the casino bar has been removed, to make more space in the casino. A more thorough dry dock is scheduled to take place Sept. 9–Oct. 11, 2024.

That said, while refurbishments and changes have been minimal, the ship has still needed some repairs, most recently making headlines for some engine issues. The ship was in Portland, Oregon, at the end of 2023 for these repairs.

Before arrival, the ship’s funnel was removed in Victoria, British Columbia, so that the ship could safely clear multiple bridges along the Columbia River. After the repairs were completed in Portland, the ship returned to Victoria to reclaim the removed funnel. 

Carnival Panorama Itineraries

Since its launch in 2019, Carnival Panorama has been based out of Long Beach, California, and has served cruising itineraries to Mexico, including to Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. The ship also offers the occasional transpacific cruise to Singapore. Itinerary options range from as short as two days to a week or longer.

Staterooms

As mentioned, Carnival Panorama boasts more than 2,000 staterooms (inclusive of suites). These staterooms are on the modern side, with plenty of new features to love. Staterooms are split across decks 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 and 9. 

When booking your stateroom, you’ll get the option to choose from staterooms categorized as not just your normal interior, balcony, etc., but also as Family Harbor, Cloud 9 or Havana. These stateroom categories come with extra perks and VIP features.

For example, with the Havana staterooms, you get easy access to a private, Havana guest-only bar and pool (do note that all Havana guests must be at least 12 years of age or older). Then, with Cloud 9 staterooms, you get special amenities related to the Cloud 9 spa. The Family Harbor staterooms, meanwhile, offer amenities specially catered to traveling families, such as free dining for kids and (limited) free babysitting, and access to the Family Harbor guests-only lounge. 

In terms of numbers, staterooms can be broken down as such:

• 864 balcony staterooms
• 277 ocean view staterooms
• 769 interior staterooms
• 20 upper/lower staterooms

So what can you expect in each? 

Your basic interior staterooms, like the standard interior and the interior with a porthole or picture window (keep in mind that, yes, these are technically windows, but the views are scant), are just that — pretty basic and standard. Don’t expect a lot of frills or anything fancy.

Read Also: What Are the Best Rooms on a Cruise Ship?

If you upgrade to a Family Harbor, Cloud 9 or Havana interior stateroom, though, the décor and features are significantly better, with stylish aesthetics that adopt Cuban inspiration in the Havana staterooms, a calming blue palette in the Cloud 9 staterooms and a nautical theme in the Family Harbor staterooms. The effect is a roomier, more pleasant interior stateroom that hardly feels boxy or cramped.

For ocean view staterooms, there are no Havana options. However, there’s still plenty to pick from. Again, the standard ocean view staterooms are just that: standard and plain (make sure you don’t book an obstructed view stateroom, if you truly want that ocean view!).

Deluxe ocean views are a little better, but the décor is still slightly lacking; think a lot of beige wallpaper. The Family Harbor and Cloud 9 ocean view staterooms are really where you’ll find the best experiences.

Balcony staterooms offer plenty of space, both inside and outside, no matter which balcony stateroom you pick. Beyond the standard, Havana, Family Harbor and Cloud 9 balcony staterooms, there are also Cove balcony staterooms that are designed to provide an upgraded view, and premium and aft-view extended balcony staterooms for more outdoor space.

Suites

If you’re thinking of upgrading your cruising experience even further, you can’t go wrong with a suite. You’ll have quite a few suite options during a Carnival Panorama cruise. On this ship, you’ll find:

• 8 Grand Suites
• 38 Ocean Suites 
• 2 Junior Suites
• 6 Cloud 9 Spa Suites
• 16 Family Harbor Suites 
• 4 Havana Cabana Suites 

Junior suites, while spacious, are your least-desirable option, as they do come with obstructed views. Ocean suites come with that extra space you want (both indoors and out), plus nice features such as soaking tubs in the bathroom and walk-in closets.

Grand suites are big, airy and spacious, with a separate living area cut off from the bed by a large entertainment center. A large walk-in closet with a vanity flanks one side of the cabin, while a large bathroom with a soaking tub takes up the other.

Family Harbor suites offer lots of space for the whole crew. One particularly nice feature is the two bathrooms; one is more of a powder room, with just a sink and a tub, while the other is a full bathroom, but it makes getting ready for the day or bed with a family much easier.

Cloud 9 spa suites are designed with the ultimate in relaxation in mind and, as such, you’ll find that each is an oasis of quiet tranquility, with special features like extra space to get ready, double vanities and large balconies.

A Havana Cabana suite will make you feel like you’ve escaped to a Caribbean resort. One of the best options on the ship, Havana Cabana suites are outfitted with rain showers, private decks, double vanities and more. 

Free Dining

Carnival Panorama offers a wealth of dining options, so everyone can find a restaurant that they like aboard the ship, no matter what their favorite type of cuisine might be. If you want to chow down without spending any extra cash, check out the free dining options, including:

• Guy’s Burger Joint, a Carnival favorite, serving burgers 
• BlueIguana Cantina, for Mexican eats
• Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que, for bbq plates with all the fixin’s
• Horizon Restaurant, one of the ship’s main dining rooms
• Vista Restaurant & Bar, another main dining room
• Lido Marketplace, the buffet
• Swirls, for sweet, frozen treats
• Pizzeria del Capitano, for a slice, any time of day
• Sweet Spot, for dessert options aplenty

While this should be more than enough to keep you fed, though, there are still even more options. 

Specialty Dining

Carnival Panorama’s specialty dining options give you more to enjoy during your cruise, in case you’re craving something beyond the complimentary fare. Options include:

• Bonsai Teppanyaki, for dinner and a show
• Cucina del Capitano, Carnival’s Italian restaurant
• Carnival Kitchen, a venue that offers dining with a side of experiential education
• JiJi Asian Kitchen, for international eats
• Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Carnival’s classic steakhouse option
• The Seafood Shack, for casual, quick fried fish bites
• Bonsai Sushi, for Japanese fare in a casual setting
• JavaBlue Café, for your caffeine fix

You can also order room service for a fee. There’s likewise a range of specialty culinary experiences that you can book, such as Dr. Seuss-themed brunches.

Bars and Lounges

It’s definitely not hard to relax when you can find a tasty cocktail at every turn, on Carnival Panorama. Watering holes on this ship include:

• Alchemy Bar, for favorite mixed drinks
• Havana Bar, a newer option with Cuban flare
• RedFrog Rum Bar, for all your favorite rum-based beverages
• Guy’s Pig & Anchor Brewhouse, a craft brew pub connected to the BBQ joint by the same name
• BlueIguana Tequila Bar, for shots, margaritas and all the rest
• Heroes Tribute Bar, Carnival’s patriotic pub
• Piano Bar 88, for live music (and singalongs!) while you sip

Whatever your drink of choice, however you prefer to sip, whether it be in a lively atmosphere or somewhere more low-key, you can find what you’re after on Carnival Panorama. 

Activities and Entertainment

There’s so much to do aboard Carnival Panorama. You’ll have no trouble keeping your sea days filled, whether you’re ready to relax or you want to bond with the family over tons of fun. 

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

This one-of-a-kind trampoline park is called Sky Zone and it’s the first entertainment venue of its kind at sea. The trampoline park and challenge zone offers fun-lovers of all ages some gravity-defying activities that are sure to delight, whether you just want to play dodgeball with an edge, or you want to take the kids for some toddler-safe bounce time. There are even blacklight glow parties, for some nightlife fun with a twist.

The Clubhouse

This unique venue offers fun games and activities, like bowling and billiards.

SkyGreens

This miniature golf course offers fun competition on one of the top decks.

SkyCourse

This adrenaline-pumping ropes course is a favorite on several Carnival cruise ships now. Don’t look down!

WaterWorks

WaterWorks is Carnival Panorama’s answer to an on-board water park and it has everything that you’d expect from a company whose main objective is to provide as much fun as possible.

There are kid-friendly water areas, speedy slides and even raft slides with open-air corkscrews. Whatever your favorite way to splash and play, you can do it at WaterWorks. 

Serenity Adults-Only Retreat

Whether you’re traveling childless or just want to get away from the constant chatter and energy for a bit, Carnival has you covered, with its Serenity Adults-Only Retreat aboard Carnival Panorama. The huge space is filled with cabanas and chaises, so you can watch the world float by with a cocktail in hand, no splashing or screaming kids allowed.

Cloud 9 Spa

Beyond relaxing in the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat, added relaxation comes in the form of the Cloud 9 Spa. The tranquil space is totally created with your ultimate comfort in mind, whatever kind of treatment you desire. Massages, facials, body wraps, a visit to the thermal suites — all of it is available and ready and waiting to whisk you away from your worries. 

The Casino

Is it really a cruise ship without a casino? We didn’t think so. Get your gamble on at Carnival Panorama’s casino, with its casino tournaments, free drinks, scratch offs, poker, table games and even casino prize games (in case you want to win a cool gift to take home, rather than just some cash).

The Theater and Shows

Entertainment is everywhere on Carnival Panorama. 

Carnival and Playlist Productions, the brand’s on-board theater production house, always puts together some great entertainment. Think Broadway-style shows.

Need something that encourages audience participation? Then laugh until your sides hurt at The Punchliner Comedy Club; there are family-friendly shows for the younger kids, and more adult-centered shows after dark.

Read Also: Are Carnival Cruises All Inclusive?

You can also try to solve a mystery and put your heads together with the on-board game of CLUE. Get creative at Make it With Michaels events. Get competitive and try your best to beat your fellow cruisers, when you participate in Hasbro, The Game Show, a life-size version of some of your favorite games. The options are endless!

Kids Venues

Just like adults have their own spaces aboard Carnival Panorama, so do the kiddos. There’s something for every age group, so no one’s left out on the fun, right down to the offerings for infants. 

Toddlers can take advantage of Zumbini classes, so they can move to the beat and start to develop their penchant for rhythm early on.

The overall Camp Ocean welcomes kids ages 2 to 11, splitting them up by age groups to enjoy age-appropriate games, fun, crafts and educational opportunities. Children in their pre-teen years can head to Circle C, for fun in a tech-centric environment. 

Then teens ages 15 and up get their own space in the form of Club O2, where the vibe is super chill and laid back, perfect for the teen that thinks they’re “too cool” to hang with the family.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a modern cruise ship but don’t really want to cruise on a mega ship (we get it — while they come with a lot of bells and whistles, they can be really overwhelming), then you’ll want to consider Carnival Panorama. This ship comes with tons of fun and activities for every cruiser, plus updated and luxurious amenities you’ll appreciate.