Panorama Transpacific 08/22/24 - 09/10/24 - Live-ish 'cause that's how I roll

[CoffeeGoddess]

Okay, first question was about the dry dock. The Hotel Manager said they were mostly working on meeting ADA, new livery paint on the hull, removing the Carnival Kitchen and making it a non-smoking casino, swapping the locations of some of the stores, and then replacing and refreshing carpets and other furniture, finishes, and equipment.

 

[CoffeeGoddess]

Had to leave half way through the Q&A since it was freezing in the theater.  Thought I would try the Mongolian grill at JiJi but it was full with a line down the hall waiting so went to Guy's Burgers.

 

 

After eating felt like staying outside so went aft to read and have a drink.

 

[OddJob]

Really enjoying your review.  Makes me want to go!

 

I hope you'll continue your Tokyo review on this board, too.  I'm interested.

[ninjacat123]

Is this a St Greg review with no pics of you?

[lesters]

6 hours ago, Roscoe13 said:

If you are a fan of Andes Mints, the after dinner mint at restaurants...ask for that drink at the Alchemy.  6 out of 5 stars.

Thank you for the drink idea - I am on the Panorama in November and adding this one to the list of things to try at Alchemy.  It will be our 9th Carnival Cruise but always have a list of new things to try - there is always so much to do that I never get to them all!
 

[TiredTrucker]

On 8/23/2024 at 8:43 AM, crzndeb said:

Following along on your journey. I’ve done a few TP’s and I love sea days. I will be bringing Panorama back to US in Oct. Thanks for doing this report. 
Also interested in knowing who the mixologists are at Alchemy. Thanks. I know they may or may not be there in Oct. Have fun!

 

As someone that rarely travels I think that return itinerary would be fascinating.   I hope it's a great trip for you. 

[ninjacat123]

1 hour ago, OddJob said:

Really enjoying your review.  Makes me want to go!

 

I hope you'll continue your Tokyo review on this board, too.  I'm interested.

Check out my last review, a land trip to Tokyo and Kyoto. In my signature 👍😁

[TravelWith FunShips]

On 8/23/2024 at 2:19 PM, CoffeeGoddess said:

It's the first sea day and the Carnival Hub app was having issues but seemed to resolve itself by the time I finished my shower. I did take pics of the Funtimes just in case anyways.  And I'm sure someone wants to see them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Could you please post day 1 and the rest of the funtimes for this voyage please

 

[Roscoe13]

2 hours ago, lesters said:

Thank you for the drink idea - I am on the Panorama in November and adding this one to the list of things to try at Alchemy.  It will be our 9th Carnival Cruise but always have a list of new things to try - there is always so much to do that I never get to them all!
 

FYI, if you like Werthers caramels they can make those for you too but you might have to bring your own caramel syrup from the Java place. YMMV 

[CoffeeGoddess]

2 hours ago, ninjacat123 said:

Is this a St Greg review with no pics of you?

 

I've posted pics before when I was on NCL but here's one just for you.

 

[CoffeeGoddess]

1 hour ago, TravelWith FunShips said:

Could you please post day 1 and the rest of the funtimes for this voyage please

 

 

Okay, I still have it in my cabin so will upload 1, 3, & 4 tomorrow morning.  I'll do the rest of the days as well.

[CoffeeGoddess]

28 minutes ago, Roscoe13 said:

FYI, if you like Werthers caramels they can make those for you too but you might have to bring your own caramel syrup from the Java place. YMMV 

 

I've brought my own coffee before but never syrup.

[CoffeeGoddess]

I took a nap and woke up when they did the 5pm announcement. Figured I'd need something in the gullet before I went down to Alchemy so got some pizza. A good decision since it certainly helps slow the absorption.

 

For the person who was asking for the names of the Alchemy bartenders, we have Lucci, Catalina, Marina, and trainee Victor. I have not had a drink yet from Victor but I'm sure sometime during the cruise I'll get one from him.

 

Started with a gin based drink from Catalina and then she indulged me by adapting a Campari recipe I found online.

 

 

 

I'll be ordering that Campari one again because it very balanced and refreshing.

 

Then Lucci came in and I asked for the one he made me last night but just a skosh less on the ghost pepper infused vodka. He showed me how much he put in and it was a little under 1/4oz when he put a full 1/4 in. It was perfect with just a nice burn.

 

[natefish95]

On 8/23/2024 at 6:18 PM, CoffeeGoddess said:

As I expected there are very few children on the cruise and I've seen less than 15 so far. On the opposite end of the spectrum I have seen so much grey hair, which confirms my theory the cruise is mostly Gen X and elder Millennials with some Boomers.

 

The Captain's welcome is tonight at 7pm so hopefully they'll give us some stats about this cruise like how many passengers are onboard and whatnot.

My transpacific from Japan to Alaska earlier this year was probably the best cruise I've ever done. I fell in love with Japan! What part of Tokyo are you staying in? I ended up spending a lot of time in Shinjuku. One trip to Don Quijote will fill your duffel bag! They have EVERYTHING.

 

I'm a younger millennial and was definitely one of the younger people onboard, but met some great people! 

[willdra]

On 8/22/2024 at 9:37 AM, CoffeeGoddess said:

Fun times at the airport. I knew my bag was heavy so tried to use my little bag weigher but the battery was shot and it wasn't just a regular size. So I used my bathroom scale but it wasn't quite as big as my bag but the bottom of the bag was lower than the scale. It said 48lbs and I figured that even if the wheels might be touching the floor a bit that it wasn't going to be more then a 2lb difference.

 

Now this is my kind of mathing! I too would've been shocked to hear the bag was overweight. Also $100 for 3 pounds is psychotic! I'm glad he didn't charge you, he prolly thought it was crazy too. 😜 

[Cherrys]

Loving this! Just got off the ship on 8/17 so eager to see if you post anything about the many staff I adored so much!

[CoffeeGoddess]

So, Lucci found the missing glass type. Here, for your viewing pleasure are all the glasses specific to the Alchemy Bar.

 

[CoffeeGoddess]

23 minutes ago, natefish95 said:

My transpacific from Japan to Alaska earlier this year was probably the best cruise I've ever done. I fell in love with Japan! What part of Tokyo are you staying in? I ended up spending a lot of time in Shinjuku. One trip to Don Quijote will fill your duffel bag! They have EVERYTHING.

 

I'm a younger millennial and was definitely one of the younger people onboard, but met some great people! 

 

 

I'm staying st the APA Pride Akaska which was fairly centrally located and in my budget. It also has a public bath in it that I hope to make use of.

[crzndeb]

10 hours ago, CoffeeGoddess said:

For the person who was asking for the names of the Alchemy bartenders, we have Lucci, Catalina, Marina, and trainee Victor

Thank you!

[EllieinNJ]

Hope you don't mind me following.  I was on the Panorama in April and would love to do a cruise like this.  But hate flying so presently sticking to cruising out of NJ, NY and Baltimore.

[SenatorsFan]

I'm looking forward to following. This sounds like an interesting cruise. Have fun!

[fabby50]

Thank you for the info on the dry dock.  Disappointed about the kitchen, we have enjoyed several of the cooking classes offered there and gambling offers no appeal to us.  We've done the pasta class together and my husband took the bar-b-que and the sushi classes.  Something fun to do on a sea day.  If you are not interested in gambling or shopping, classes in something are fun.

[jimbo5544]

2 hours ago, fabby50 said:

Thank you for the info on the dry dock.  Disappointed about the kitchen, we have enjoyed several of the cooking classes offered there and gambling offers no appeal to us.  We've done the pasta class together and my husband took the bar-b-que and the sushi classes.  Something fun to do on a sea day.  If you are not interested in gambling or shopping, classes in something are fun.

That is very interesting

[maryann2]

19 hours ago, CoffeeGoddess said:

Had to leave half way through the Q&A since it was freezing in the theater.  

 

That's good to know. Will remember to bring a sweater.

Really enjoying your review. Thank you for taking the time.

[natefish95]

13 hours ago, CoffeeGoddess said:

 

 

I'm staying st the APA Pride Akaska which was fairly centrally located and in my budget. It also has a public bath in it that I hope to make use of.

I didn't make it to that area, but I've heard good things! I went to the thermae-yu onsen in Shinjuku and would definitely recommend. Felt local, but foreigner friendly with easy to follow signs in English. Loved the outdoor spa portion took a great nap in the relaxation room haha