California Restart Thread - Panorama Departing 8/21/21

[cruisingguy007]

22 minutes ago, ScottsSweetie said:

Question for you fellow cruisers here - DH and I moved to Arizona from Atlanta last year, so about 85% of my cruising history is from the east coast. (We've also sailed from New Orleans & Galveston, and once 11 years ago to Mex Riviera during whale season).

 

I've read that we should definitely not expect the same type of clear water snorkeling that we have experienced in the Caribbean. Is there anyone here that can expand on that for me? And, if we decide to go forward, is one port better than another for this activity? Currently looking at snorkeling during our Cabo stop but not set in stone yet.

 

Thanks for any info!

 

A quick Google search of "snorkeling in Cabo" will give you plenty of visual photo evidence. The waters along this cruise itinerary can also be very warm during certain times of the year. 

[ScottsSweetie]

25 minutes ago, cruisingguy007 said:

 

A quick Google search of "snorkeling in Cabo" will give you plenty of visual photo evidence. The waters along this cruise itinerary can also be very warm during certain times of the year. 

Yes, I've searched. Most pics are posted by tour companies with the ability to edit / photoshop. And I'm certainly not worried about the water being too warm here. I was kind of looking for direct knowledge from someone who has been there, done that.

[cruisingguy007]

41 minutes ago, CarelessAndConfused said:

I wasn't referring to my plane departing at 4:30 but the next cruise heading out at 4:30.  It would seem tough for Carnival to turn it over that quickly since people will still be filtering out close to noon.   Personally, I'd like to head out on a flight before noon but if the 9am arrival time is real, then that wouldn't really be plausible.

 

It's more like 6am arrival time. While people may be filtering out, you have to be out of your cabin by 8:30 or so and housekeeping starts getting busy ASAP.  

[tallnthensome]

I wasn’t sure about that arrival time back to port either so I also booked 4:30 out of LA. Wasn’t taking any chances with a late arrival to port and slow disembark. 

[cruisingguy007]

16 minutes ago, CarelessAndConfused said:

That's what I would think as well.  They all usually return by 7am or sooner unless something goes wrong so I was confused why Carnival reported a 9am arrival.  Since it's my first time on Carnival, maybe that's how they do things and the 9am is a "You better be off the ship" time.

 

Not sure why they said 9am, when you wake up, you'll be in port already. You definitely need to be out of your cabin by 8:30 or so but can stay on the ship in the public areas until last call, around 11:30 or so and finish up breakfast/coffee and take in the views one final time. We did just that and it was a breeze through the terminal and not sitting in long lines to pay for parking at the exit.  

[tallnthensome]

Right now I’m not sure of anything when it comes to disembarking. Thoughts about getting the noon flight back to Detroit but I thought it would be cutting close and when taking the cruise transfer from the port to LAX. Between 12 and 4:30 I went with the safer bet and will suffer through the sitting at the airport versus a missed flight. 

[katstoy]

9 hours ago, ScottsSweetie said:

I've read that we should definitely not expect the same type of clear water snorkeling that we have experienced in the Caribbean. Is there anyone here that can expand on that for me? And, if we decide to go forward, is one port better than another for this activity? Currently looking at snorkeling during our Cabo stop but not set in stone yet.

 

Thanks for any info!

Snorkeling in the Pacific or Sea of Cortez is most definitely not the same as the Caribbean.  No. Comparison. Whatsoever.  The Caribbean ports are sooo much nicer for snorkeling with that clear blue water and lots of colorful fish.  The water in the Mexican Riviera is green looking and can be clear.  Unlike some ports in the Caribbean where you can snorkel off a beach, in the MR you will need to take an excursion.   In Cabo you will be in the Sea of Cortez which is clean and clear.  The snorkeling will be off a boat, usually near rock formations.  Have no snorkeling experience in Mazatlán.  But since that is in the Pacific it can tend to be rough. 

 

If you want a nice beach day with some ok snorkeling try the Las Caletas excursion in Puerto Vallarta.  Las Caletas is a private beach about and hour south of the city.  The Pacific near the city is rough and not very clear as there is farm and city run off.  The water gets way cleaner north and south of the city.

 

The excursion is about a 45-60 boat ride from the cruise terminal to the beach with a light breakfast on board.  Included activities are snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding, with all equipment provided.  The water is very clear and they have sunken made made concrete formations to act as reefs.  Not a lot of fish but enough.  You are snorkeling right off the beach.  The day also includes an open bar on the beach and boat ride back and a buffet lunch on the beach.  There are other activities that can be purchased as add ons once you are on teh boat headed down there.  We've done the sea lion swim and friends have done the massages.  Google Las Caletas and you'll find some videos.  The tour provider is Vallarta Adventures so you can check out their website as well.  Last time I've checked prices were the same through Carnival and VA.  I have done this trip at least 5-6 times both via a cruise excursion or when we've just gone to PV for a week.  Loved it every time!

Edited June 30, 2021 by katstoy

[Wanna_Cruize]

Here's more specific info on the changes to the Carnival Hub App and all the enhancements: https://carnival-news.com/2021/06/28/carnival-cruise-line-expands-hub-app-to-include-additional-food-and-beverage-functionality-updated-health-and-safety-information-and-more/

 

Make sure you download it before you board. You can set it up as a countdown timer until you board the ship. It really is a well-done app. 

[ScottsSweetie]

29 minutes ago, katstoy said:

Snorkeling in the Pacific or Sea of Cortez is most definitely not the same as the Caribbean.  No. Comparison. Whatsoever.  The Caribbean ports are sooo much nicer for snorkeling with that clear blue water and lots of colorful fish.  The water in the Mexican Riviera is green looking and can be clear.  Unlike some ports in the Caribbean where you can snorkel off a beach, in the MR you will need to take an excursion.   In Cabo you will be in the Sea of Cortez which is clean and clear.  The snorkeling will be off a boat, usually near rock formations.  Have no snorkeling experience in Mazatlán.  But since that is in the Pacific it can tend to be rough. 

 

If you want a nice beach day with some ok snorkeling try the Las Caletas excursion in Puerto Vallarta.  Las Caletas is a private beach about and hour south of the city.  The Pacific near the city is rough and not very clear as there is farm and city run off.  The water gets way cleaner north and south of the city.

 

The excursion is about a 45-60 boat ride from the cruise terminal to the beach with a light breakfast on board.  Included activities are snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding, with all equipment provided.  The water is very clear and they have sunken made made concrete formations to act as reefs.  Not a lot of fish but enough.  You are snorkeling right off the beach.  The day also includes an open bar on the beach and boat ride back and a buffet lunch on the beach.  There are other activities that can be purchased as add ons once you are on teh boat headed down there.  We've done the sea lion swim and friends have done the massages.  Google Las Caletas and you'll find some videos.  The tour provider is Vallarta Adventures so you can check out their website as well.  Last time I've checked prices were the same through Carnival and VA.  I have done this trip at least 5-6 times both via a cruise excursion or when we've just gone to PV for a week.  Loved it every time!

Thanks - just what I was looking for!!

[Wanna_Cruize]

18 hours ago, CarelessAndConfused said:

I'm not sure if you know the answer to this but my itinerary for this same ship/cruise in October shows that it arrives back in Long Beach at 9am.  Is that actually true?  I would think that would be tough to turn around for a 4:30 departure.  I'm confused on what kind of returning flight I'll need.

It actually arrives back in Long Beach super-early, many times while it's still dark. Priority disembarkation meet up around 7am, and just need to wait for customs clearance. 

[Wanna_Cruize]

18 hours ago, bdever said:

PS - I live 5 minutes adjacent to LAX and always make it home in an Uber by noon out of LB cruise terminal. 

 

Back in the day, on Inspiration, we used to use the Priority disembarkation and make it back to Oceanside (North San Diego) before 9:30 am. We are 82 miles from the port. 

[Wanna_Cruize]

8 hours ago, CarelessAndConfused said:

I wasn't referring to my plane departing at 4:30 but the next cruise heading out at 4:30.  It would seem tough for Carnival to turn it over that quickly since people will still be filtering out close to noon.   Personally, I'd like to head out on a flight before noon but if the 9am arrival time is real, then that wouldn't really be plausible.

 

I've tried to stay late on the ship but they move everyone out pretty quickly. They close down the breakfast venues to prepare lunch for the next cruise so most everyone is gone no later than 10am. They usually start boarding the next group starting around 11:30 or noon. 

[Tippyton]

42 minutes ago, katstoy said:

Snorkeling in the Pacific or Sea of Cortez is most definitely not the same as the Caribbean.  No. Comparison. Whatsoever.  The Caribbean ports are sooo much nicer for snorkeling with that clear blue water and lots of colorful fish.  The water in the Mexican Riviera is green looking and can be clear.  Unlike some ports in the Caribbean where you can snorkel off a beach, in the MR you will need to take an excursion.   In Cabo you will be in the Sea of Cortez which is clean and clear.  The snorkeling will be off a boat, usually near rock formations.  Have no snorkeling experience in Mazatlán.  But since that is in the Pacific it can tend to be rough. 

 

If you want a nice beach day with some ok snorkeling try the Las Caletas excursion in Puerto Vallarta.  Las Caletas is a private beach about and hour south of the city.  The Pacific near the city is rough and not very clear as there is farm and city run off.  The water gets way cleaner north and south of the city.

 

The excursion is about a 45-60 boat ride from the cruise terminal to the beach with a light breakfast on board.  Included activities are snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding, with all equipment provided.  The water is very clear and they have sunken made made concrete formations to act as reefs.  Not a lot of fish but enough.  You are snorkeling right off the beach.  The day also includes an open bar on the beach and boat ride back and a buffet lunch on the beach.  There are other activities that can be purchased as add ons once you are on teh boat headed down there.  We've done the sea lion swim and friends have done the massages.  Google Las Caletas and you'll find some videos.  The tour provider is Vallarta Adventures so you can check out their website as well.  Last time I've checked prices were the same through Carnival and VA.  I have done this trip at least 5-6 times both via a cruise excursion or when we've just gone to PV for a week.  Loved it every time!

Agree - hard to describe but definitely a different "feel".  Less like an aquarium and more of a "wild" feel.  FWIW if you want to have a different snorkeling experience California has some great snorkeling, Esp. Catalina Island.  Watch out for the sharks though.

[Wanna_Cruize]

Yes, they do. They call for people who are carrying off all their luggage first, by decks. After the baggage collected the night before has been screened and is being staged in the baggage area, then they start calling everyone by their zone number from the luggage tags. People with priority disembark (either by Platinum/diamond status, etc) automagically are issued Zone 1 & 2, the others are available the day before to pick the number you want. 

 

So that morning it goes: 

Priority - self-assist 

Self assist called by decks

Priority is escorted to get off first when the zones are ready

Other zones called in order. 

[sanmarcosman]

8 hours ago, CarelessAndConfused said:

I wasn't referring to my plane departing at 4:30 but the next cruise heading out at 4:30.  It would seem tough for Carnival to turn it over that quickly since people will still be filtering out close to noon.   Personally, I'd like to head out on a flight before noon but if the 9am arrival time is real, then that wouldn't really be plausible.

They make numerous announcements that we must vacate our cabins no later than usually 8am so the stewards can turn the cabins for their embarking guests. With Covid cleaning protocols now in place the housekeeping staff will require extra time so vacating our cabins on time has never been more important than now.We try to leave before the stated time and the stewards are appreciative if they see us leaving the cabin early with our carry-ons. Of course we go to breakfast and debark when called but staying in your cabin is not an option. 

Edited June 30, 2021 by sanmarcosman

[ScottsSweetie]

3 hours ago, Tippyton said:

Agree - hard to describe but definitely a different "feel".  Less like an aquarium and more of a "wild" feel.  FWIW if you want to have a different snorkeling experience California has some great snorkeling, Esp. Catalina Island.  Watch out for the sharks though.

😲 Seriously??  I expect we will do a short cruise at some point and have never been to Catalina or Ensenada.

Edited June 30, 2021 by ScottsSweetie
added sentence

[Tippyton]

20 hours ago, ScottsSweetie said:

😲 Seriously??  I expect we will do a short cruise at some point and have never been to Catalina or Ensenada.

Sort of seriously.  We look like seals from below.  Having said that I've snorkeled with turtles in Hawaii and only the smaller ones shied away - the giant 8 footers didn't.  Why?  Tiger sharks.😲

[ScottsSweetie]

9 minutes ago, Tippyton said:

Sort of seriously.  We look like seals from below.  Having said that I've snorkeled with turtles in Hawaii and only the smaller ones shied away - the giant 8 footers didn't.  Why?  Tiger sharks.😲

We've snorkeled with the turtles in Barbados - it was amazing!

[Moviela]

On 6/29/2021 at 7:13 PM, Tippyton said:

 Watch outg for the sharks though.

Catalina is some of the world's best diving. The kelp forests are amazing. There is a reason the Cousteau's lived in Beverly Hills, and it wasn't Gucci's. Now sharks can appear anywhere in the ocean, warm or cold, shallow or deep. If there is a rare great white, get out of the water. Sharks around Catalina are the usually smaller than 4 feet comparably docile nurse sharks. Your LEAST danger in the ocean is from marine life. Fatigue and water currents are your greatest danger.  I have dived Catalina over half a century and seldom see a shark. I would not be concerned at all about sharks. In Mexico Cabo is the best diving of the ports visited by Panorama. Snorkeling from a boat is better than schlepping through the sand and dealing with waves. Go ahead, get wet, you will have a great time. 

[Wanna_Cruize]

Here's a link I found to the MDR menus for the 7-night Mexican Riviera cruise that Panorama was doing pre-covid. Based on comments from Vista's sailing, it doesn't look like much changed in the menus so far. https://eatsleepcruise.com/carnival-panorama-dining-guide-and-restaurant-menus/

 

That being said, there seems to be something going on with booking the Specialty Restaurants online. Not sure if it means that everything except for JiJis and the Steakhouse is booked, or it's just a glitch. 

[Wanna_Cruize]

Just got this email today. I'm trying to log in, but the site is acting funky. I imagine lots of people trying to log in and comply. 

 

Dear Carnival Guest:

Your cruise is fast approaching, and we are excited to welcome you aboard for your vacation.  Given the unique circumstances related to the restart of guest operations, IT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER THAT YOU FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND COMPLETE THIS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION IN A TIMELY MANNER.

As you know, we have committed to operating your cruise under the CDC requirements for what is being referred to as fully vaccinated cruises.  Under this process we are able to provide a small number of exemptions for those who are not vaccinated.  Fully vaccinated means you received the final dose of your vaccine series at least 14 days before embarkation day.

In order to be in compliance with the CDC standard we are sailing under, we are asking you to complete this vaccination survey upon receipt of this email. Please log on to Carnival.com and go to the Cruise Manager “located in Manage My Booking” to complete the vaccine survey listed on your to-do list.  If you haven’t created an account, you will be required to do so before taking the survey. 

The vaccination survey must be completed for each guest on your reservation.  In order to manage your sailing, we must receive your completed survey by 11:59 pm EDT on Tuesday, July 13.  If we do not receive a response for each member of your party, your reservation may be subject to cancellation and your cruise fare automatically refunded to your original form of payment.

Separately, we will be sending you a link to complete our Health Questionnaire 72 hours prior to sailing so please be on the lookout for this email.

Please continue to stay up to date by visiting our Have Fun. Be Safe. web page for the latest information on your sailing.

Remember to act promptly, as we will begin finalizing the guest manifest for your cruise immediately after the deadline closes on Tuesday, July 13 at 11:59 pm EDT.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

Sincerely,


Colleen Oliverio
Vice President, Guest Services Contact Centers

[IntrepidFromDC]

On 6/29/2021 at 12:05 PM, ScottsSweetie said:

Question for you fellow cruisers here - DH and I moved to Arizona from Atlanta last year, so about 85% of my cruising history is from the east coast. (We've also sailed from New Orleans & Galveston, and once 11 years ago to Mex Riviera during whale season).

 

I've read that we should definitely not expect the same type of clear water snorkeling that we have experienced in the Caribbean. Is there anyone here that can expand on that for me? And, if we decide to go forward, is one port better than another for this activity? Currently looking at snorkeling during our Cabo stop but not set in stone yet.

 

Thanks for any info!

Google "average water temperature" for each location you're considering as your quantitative measure.  Qualitatively, I have been at Cabo in June and the water was frigid (not "San Diego/LA" frigid, but I turned around after dipping my toes in). I have been many spots in the Caribbean in May and the water was "AHHhhhhh..."

[roboref]

1 hour ago, IntrepidFromDC said:

Google "average water temperature" for each location you're considering as your quantitative measure.  Qualitatively, I have been at Cabo in June and the water was frigid (not "San Diego/LA" frigid, but I turned around after dipping my toes in). I have been many spots in the Caribbean in May and the water was "AHHhhhhh..."

Cabo is by the coldest water I have experienced sailing in the Caribbean or Mexican Riviera. As far as snorkeling, several years back we had a very good snorkeling trip in Puerto Vallarta, crystal clear water and lots of fish!

[Wanna_Cruize]

Another cruizer, @bdever posted this video from a performer onboard the Panorama, showing the ship as it prepares for our cruise. Wanted to post it here in case anyone missed it. 

 

Edited July 24, 2021 by Wanna_Cruize

[Wanna_Cruize]

5 hours ago, fyree39 said:

What a wonderful thread! I'm very excited to be on the sailing just after yours.

 

Great, we'll try and leave her in tip-top shape for you. Let me know if you have any questions you'd like answered, I'm planning to get the internet package so I can do some live updates.