linga

I'm on this cruise too!  Going solo this time!  I've done this trip on other ships a few times, and I go to Cabo a couple of times a year for land vacays, but this will be my first time on Panorama!  Can't wait!! 🙂 I'll see ya onboard!!  Cheers!!  ~ Lisa

Of course you should try other lines! 🙂  I've been on about 15 Carnival, but I've been on a few NCL, Princess and just recently 4 RCL cruises including their newest Wonder of the Seas.  I find the differences between them all to not be very significant, and I always come back to Carnival being my favorite cruise line of those 4.  On my list, I put Princess 2nd, RCL 3rd and NCL 4th.  Just my humble opinion, that I've based on Food, Service and entertainment.  Variety is good, so go for it!!!  I'm sure you'll find things you like on all of the different lines.  I've never had a bad cruise!

7 minutes ago, EngIceDave said:

Didn't she do her first cruise this week in Australia? No photos?

a small peek.. 🙂

I've booked the Luminosa for Alaska next year!!  I can't wait! Woo Hoo!!   (BTW, the very 1st Carnival Ship (Mardi Gras) didn't have a whale tail, so I'm not taken aback by it not being there! LOL  🙂  Looks like a nice ship from the pics I've seen.  Will be fun to try it out! 

Love hearing all the great input!!  thanks to those that posted on this thread!! I'll be on Panorama in December and can't wait!! 🙂

Love this thread!  thanks to OP for posting!  I don't want to hear what people don't like, I want to hear about what people DO like! 🙂

I love the pumpkin soup MDR

short ribs MDR

Guys burgers

Escargot MDR

Everything in the Steakhouse ( I try to go every time!)

Pizza (all of them)

Filet mignon & eggs (sea day brunch)

Chocolate melting cake

All the small changes seem reasonable to me.   I love the steakhouse and it's still a great deal!  I just did a RCL cruise and it was $75 per person in their steakhouse!  I didn't do it, but try to always go to the steakhouse on my Carnival cruises, it's just so good!! 🙂  Going on Panorama in December and already have it booked! Can't wait! YUM!!

8 minutes ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

I would pick Freedom over Independence. I have been on both ships in the last month and Freedom just looks nicer and is cleaner. I wouldn’t hesitate going on Independence again, but even though Port Canaveral is closer to my house, I would still prefer Freedom even though it means an hour longer drive. 
 

I have been to Coco Cay 13 times since it was upgraded and have spent a lot of time at the swim up bar in the Oasis pool. When we were there on Independence, bartenders from the Independence would not serve you unless you had your card with you. Every other time I have been there, including a week ago on Freedom, you simply told the bartender what ship you are on and your cabin number. Not really a big deal, but the bartenders on Independence weren’t as friendly and out-going as I am used to on other RCI ships. I was with several friends on Independence and they all felt the same way. We think it is probably a leadership issue on Independence as opposed to a bartender issue, but that is just a guess. 
 

I would not go on Liberty until if/when she gets amped. 

Thanks for the info!!

21 minutes ago, topnole said:

Sort of….But with amplification there are differences in things like the slides, etc.  Just look on the website at each and you will see the differences.  The general layouts remain the same and the major venues remain mostly the same.  Barring some particular needs or worry about how long since dry dock, I’d pick based on other facts besides specific ship.  

Thanks!  I did compare on the website too. 🙂

16 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

I would pick independence which was amped.

 

Liberty I was just on. TV in cabins doesnt work unless docked or near a dock for tv news, we got movies. TV at pool cant be fixed until dry dock. Been broken since covid.

 

I've heard much better things about independence. 

Thank you!

Hi There!  I've been on Freedom of the Seas but not Liberty or Independence.   I'm booking another 3 day cruise and trying to decide between the 3.   Are they all pretty much alike?   thanks for any thoughts & advice!  🙂

On 9/7/2022 at 6:47 AM, ShakyBeef said:

 

I have had this issue with carnival since waaaaay before COVID.  In fact, I haven't cruised since the restart.  The constant cutbacks have been happening for at least the last 15 years.  It's main reason I come back to CruiseCritic after booking each cruise  - to research what new cutbacks have occurred since my last cruise.  This is partially to adjust my expectations and get my disappointment out of the way before Embarkation Day, and partially to find out what I need to add to my packing list to DIY my cruise comfort because of these cutbacks.  I've been saying this for years here.  I've never been one to enjoy saying "I told you so".   So although I'm slightly amused,  I'm also a little sad to see some of the former Carnival Cheerleaders here that would jump on me in the past with unbridled vitriol for having the nerve to mention cutbacks being some of those complaining about the cutbacks now. 

 

Too funny I come upon this thread today!!.  I was just reading a news article about the things Carnival is bringing back and adding!  LOL!!   listed things like The Afternoon Tea, various parties, The Chocolate Buffet, etc.  With more complimentary new things to come, like the new salad buffet in the Serenity, which is nice.  🙂   

On 9/2/2022 at 2:20 PM, ObstructedView2 said:

 

What a (shame & a loss) that your 1st Carnival cruise was a short sailing. 3 to 6 day voyages compared to 7 to 8 day voyages on Carnival are like night & day. 

 

 

✌

You're so right!  🙂  It's a different more laid back vibe.

Hi!

try this one:  800-819-3902  extension 70358

I'm about to go on my 4th Royal (going solo also).  I agree with others, most of the cruise lines are more similar than not.  I've never had a bad cruise on any line!  I've been on about 15 Carnival, about 5 Norwegian and Princess.  I prefer Carnival because of the fun & friendly service, and I have never experienced anything negative (ie. drunks, etc.).   I find I always having a more enjoyable experience on carnival.   I like nice things, so typically go with a suite if it's available.   Jr. suites on Royal are nice as a solo.  I do enjoy the Coastal Kitchen private dining room for Suite guests on Royal!   I'm sure you'll enjoy Royal, they're my second favorite.   I'll continue to cruise them! they keep giving me deals I can't refuse.😀  

23 hours ago, mlanders said:

Do you know if a dyson hairdryer can be used in stateroom? It did not work on Celebrity Apex, was told it would work on some RCI ships. Will be on Wonder next week. Can you ask at desk, please 

Yikes, I was going to bring mine, as it's so much faster than using the ones they supply.   I've never had any issue using it on my Carnival cruises, I wonder why it might not work on Royal?  Mine is just a regular type of electrical plug...

8 minutes ago, lovetocruise/diamond said:

Thanks, unfortunately I’ve tried again but it just takes me back to my original bid, does not show the other offers as it did previously. I guess it’s a one shot chance?

Did you try using the link in the initial email you got to go back in.  The only way I get to see all of the choices to bid on is if I go back in using the link on the email I got.  If I go to the Royal Up website, it only shows what I have bid on.  

1 minute ago, livingonthebeach said:

I don't know about Wonder but on a recent sailing on another ship, all was booked for the time I wanted in a specialty restaurant -- once onboard I was able to make the reservation at my desired time. I'm not sure if it was due to a cancellation or if there is more flexibility once on the ship.

 

Also, there were many YouTube vloggers on last week's maiden Wonder sailing and I saw a video of a vlogger who did not have reservations for The Mason Jar but he was able to get squeezed in even though the restaurant was fully booked -- don't know if he had connections or not but he got in. It never hurts to ask once onboard -- you never know. 

Thanks!  That gives me a little hope!  🙂

There aren't any available dining times for most of the specialty restaurants on the Royal website for my upcoming Wonder of the Seas cruise.  Does anyone know whether there are a few times that might be available once on ship?  I was looking forward to trying Mason Jar and a couple of others, but they are all sold out for lunch & dinner.   Disappointing... 

6 hours ago, britbritrawr09 said:

I was thinking of chefs table but a table with fifteen or so people I wasn’t so sure. Did you feel comfortable? 

Felt totally comfortable 👍 great experience 

Currently on board Carnival Freedom!  In Dominican Republic today! Having a great time!! Other than wearing a mask, which I’m used to & reduced capacity. (Which means lesser lines/waiting). It feels like a normal cruise! 
 

staff has been great!  Food in MDR very good, and Chefs Table was wonderful!!  Shows have been good & Ports have been fun! 
 

Have another one booked & looking at others.   🛳😁

I would call back and let them know that you didn't agree to the Balcony and it was done without your permission.  Just to see where it gets you. 🙂   If you don't yet have your own Personal Cruise Planner with carnival and are just calling the 800 number,  you should get one.  I've had great service from mine and he always call me right back, no being on hold forever.  

On a side note, I'd definitely take the balcony if it's doable for you.  Unless it's a 2 or 3 day cruise, a balcony is sooooo nice! just my humble opinion!  

Thanks for the review!  Glad you had a good time!!!

I also got the email last night ( I'm booked for December) that the itinerary is being reversed.  So maybe they just need to update things on the website?

Does the seafood shack have oysters on the half shell?? 🙂