For spring break, our family took a cruise to the Mexican Riviera via the Carnival Panorama. We originally booked a similar cruise for winter of 2020 with Norwegian Cruise Line, but we all know why we had to cancel that one. When I was looking to rebook this cruise for spring break 2023, I have to admit that Carnival was not my first choice. Both D and I had preconceived notions that Carnival was only for those into the crazy party scene (not us) and honestly, that it was kind of cheesy. However, when comparing the prices and itineraries, I decided to book the seven night Carnival Cruise to Mexico.
Now that we have experienced a Carnival Cruise firsthand, I can definitely recommend it, especially this particular ship and itinerary. This series of blog posts will hopefully preserve our family’s memories, as well as offer tips and tricks for anyone else planning a similar trip.
Our Carnival Panorama Itinerary
Our cruise departed from Long Beach on a Saturday in March and returned the next Saturday. The itinerary was as follows:
Saturday: Departure from Long Beach
Sunday: Sea Day
Monday: Sea Day
Tuesday: Puerto Vallarta (9 a.m.-9 p.m.)*
Wednesday: Mazatlan (9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.)*
Thursday: Cabo San Lucas (6:30 a.m.-2 p.m.)*
Friday: Sea Day
Saturday: Return to Long Beach
*These are the times listed on the Carnival website. The actual times varied a little, but we were pretty much on track until the very last day (more on that later).
Carnival Panorama Embarkation
No matter how much preparation and planning I have done, I am always a little nervous on travel days. There are just so many opportunities for things to go wrong which can cause stress. However, our trip to the Long Beach cruise terminal and embarkation was smooth sailing (pun intended).
The Long Beach Cruise Terminal is only about a forty minute drive from us. (Since I grew up in Seal Beach, I tend to still think that Long Beach is only about twenty minutes away-ha). We drove and parked in the cruise terminal lot ($23/day, I believe) and it was quite convenient. I joined the Facebook group for our cruise (highly recommended) and I saw that our fellow passengers were flying in from all over the country (as well as a few outside of the U.S.). They were dealing with booking flights and hotel stays before and after the cruise, so our short drive seemed like nothing in comparison. If you live in Southern California, do not take having Long Beach Cruise Terminal in your backyard for granted. It is a highly sought-after destination that you should take advantage of!
This dome is where Carnival Cruise passengers go through the embarkation process and wait before boarding. To the right is the Queen Mary, which I heard is just reopening for tourists. This might make for an interesting activity if you are looking for something to do before or after the cruise.
We were able to bring water in our Hydroflasks without being stopped by security, but I heard that sometimes they make you throw it out. Pre-packaged snacks are also allowed in your carry-on, so keep this mind if you anticipate people in your party from becoming hangry. There are also restrooms in the terminal, so that is not a problem.
Also note that you will not receive your Sail & Sign card (which also acts as your room key) until you go to your room on the ship. This was unlike other cruises we have been on, and it seemed to cause some confusion. One gentleman in particular was very concerned about it. So just sit back, relax, and wait for your group number to be called to board.
First Lunch Stop on the Carnival Panorama: Guy’s Pig and Anchor Bar-B-Que
I believe we were on the ship by around 12:15. Since the staterooms are not accessible until 1:30, our first order of business was lunch. While the crew members will advise that you go to the Lido deck for the lunch buffet, insiders know that this is is not your only option. I decided to have us try out Guy’s Pig and Anchor Bar-B-Que, a BBQ restaurant which is open for complimentary lunch, including embarkation day. Our family has a tradition of watching Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives when flipping channels in hotel rooms, so we are quite familiar with Guy Fieri. It was fun to try out BBQ that he has put his name behind.
Unfortunately, the service here was a little curt/rushed and did not make the best first impression. We were one of the first in line, so it was not even busy at the time. However, this hospitality experience was an anomaly, as most of the staff we encountered throughout the week were friendly and accommodating.
Lunch Stop #2: Lido Marketplace (aka Buffet)
After finishing our BBQ, we headed up to the Lido Marketplace to check out the lunch buffet. I mainly wanted to try the gelato, but we could not help trying out some of their salads and fruit offerings as well.
The gelato station is located within the Lido Marketplace during lunch. This became a must-stop for us every day of the cruise!
There was a rotation of two flavors that changed daily. The first day we tried both the coffee and mango flavors (I would recommend separate cups as these flavors do not play well together). The gelato had a wonderfully smooth and creamy consistency. I can see why they have a worker in charge of doling out the scoops, since I can imagine some people going to town if left to their own devices. There is also a toppings bar, but I thought the gelato was excellent on its own.
The Convenience of Self-Mustering
After lunch stop #2, we headed to our assigned muster station to do the safety briefing. Carnival currently leaves the timing of completing this up to the passenger, as long as it is before departure. (Of course, the earlier in the day the better, so everyone is not waiting on you in the end). One tip is to figure out where your assigned muster station is before you board. There is a code provided to you once you check-in online. Each code (such as C4) correlates with a different part of the ship, (such as the Limelight Lounge). A quick google search done at home should tell you where to go.
Our safety briefing consisted of us checking in with a crew member and being asked if we wanted a life jacket demonstration. This was so much less painful than other muster station drills where we had to wait with thousands of other passengers at the exact same time in order to be cleared.
Once we were done with the self-muster, it was time to check out our stateroom!