itchintocruise

Embarkation was smooth and fast. We were on board by 12:15 ish. Unfortunately, their was no dramatic or WOW moment getting on the ship as the gangway led to deck 4 and down the hallway to the elevators. Disappointed!

So we arrived at the pier a little too early and decided to take a tour of the Queen Mary which is located right next door. I would highly recommend it if time permits and they offered us free tickets for being cruise passengers.

and closer.

Getting closer.

Good Morning.

Well we did finally make it to our hotel around midnight and lights out by 1:00. We stayed at the HYATT near LAX. We just enjoyed their excellent brunch and are waiting on our driver to take us down to Long Beach.

LA bound.

Best 85.- dollars spent.

16 minutes ago, Youngcruiser1994 said:

wishing you good fortunes.

Thanks.

Alrighty, it’s time to head for the airport and see if we still get out tonight.

1 hour ago, zencruisers said:

Following along. Enjoy your cruise.

 

Thanks. If we get there.

Well this could get interesting...delay #2.

Thank you American Airlines!

8 hours ago, fabby50 said:

Hey Itchin!  I saw you were up for questions 🙂 I started thinking about booking the Panorama when I read about the Havana area.  My understanding is it would be a Cuban themed area with Cuban drinks, Cuban music at night and Cuban snacks/food available.  I'm wondering if they are doing that - I haven't read anyone say they are on reviews of other ships with a Havana area.  I did book a long time ago and was curious if they've abandoned the concept and it's just another bar area with a decorative theme, but not much else Cuban.

 

Thanks in advance and have a great cruise - we'll be on her Valentine's week.

I will do my best to check out the Havana area, but their may be others that have had first hand experience. On our last Xmas cruise on Horizon we did stop in their for a drink at the bar one afternoon, but never went back again. It seems out of the way. I hope you enjoy your cruise.

38 minutes ago, PekingeseLady said:

Loving it already.  Following along.  Always wanted to do a Christmas Cruise, HOW FUN!!!  

Love your Kitty, i know how you feel, I have 5 fur children myself all doggies.

Have a fantastic cruise and a very Merry Christmas.

Thanks for following along and I hope we can keep you entertained next week.

2 out of 3 suitcases are locked and loaded. Hopefully a quick 1/2 day of work tomorrow and then we are off to the airport.

2 hours ago, kimba9615 said:

We are on this cruise with you. We can't wait!

 

Kim

Awesome. I hope you’re as excited as we are. 

First time with Priority Boarding as we turn Platinum on this cruise.

44 minutes ago, 4hunters said:

Haha - our dog does the same thing as soon as she spots any of my wife or I's suitcase.

Let's just hope we don't end up with all five cats and the dog in the suitcase when we arrive in LA.

It’s time play the luggage game!

and our first stowaway has arrived on queue.

Say Hi Tiny.

3 hours ago, crzndeb said:

If she’s on the Panorama, I definitely need to book before she leaves. I had her on a B2B2B on the Vista in 2016, and she is very special.
 

If you remember, can you ask her how long she will be on Panorama? Thanks

I will try to remember, as long as she doesn't serve us to many "Jagertinis". 

So here is the itinerary:

Saturday:      Depart Long Beach

Sunday:         Fun Day at Sea

Monday:        Cabo San Lucas

Tuesday:       Mazatlan

Wednesday:  Puerto Vallarta

Thursday:      Fun Day at Sea

Friday:            Fun Day at Sea

Saturday:      Sad Day.

17 minutes ago, mkcurran said:

Following along. I really want to know how this ship is.

Thanks for following and hopefully we can answer your curiosity.

47 minutes ago, crzndeb said:

I just read that AnnaMaria is at Alchemy. If she is going to be there a while, I will definitely book a cruise soon. I love that Panorama is on the Westcoast.

Have fun!

Anna Maria is our favorite bartender and it is one of the reasons we picked this sailing.

Okay, lets get started.

We hope to make this a fun filled review of our adventure. Nothing to serious. Hopefully entertaining and mildly sarcastic. Anything we post should be viewed with a high degree of skepticism and fact checked on your own time. We will certainly try to answer as many questions as possible, time permitting and WIFI cooperating.

Quick Background: 

Party of 4 adults of questionable sanity. Mom, Dad and 2 daughters (55,51,26,22)

We cruise approximately once per year and primarily on Carnival. This is not our first rodeo. 

Third time on Vista class ship, so no big surprises expected. I'm guessing more cosmetic differences. We are anticipating some growing pain as this is only the third revenue generating cruise, but hopefully she still has that new car smell.

Anna Maria is our vote. It’s one of the reasons we picked the Panorama to cruise on next week. This will be our 3rd sailing with her on board.