Carnival Panorama marks a milestone as the final ship to receive the line’s signature red, white and blue hull livery
Carnival Panorama recently returned to service following a 24-day drydock which saw the 4,000-passenger vessel fitted with new features ranging from a non-smoking casino to a colourful candy shop.
During the extensive refurbishment at the Tuas shipyard in Singapore. the 133,868-gt vessel also became the last ship in the Carnival fleet to receive the new hull design, which was first introduced on Carnival Mardi Gras in 2020.
Vice president of hotel refurbishment at Carnival Cruise Line, Lisa McCabe tells Passenger Ship Interior & Refurbishment Review, “Carnival Panorama’s drydock was an exciting milestone for Carnival, as it was the final ship in Carnival’s 27-ship fleet to receive our signature red, white and blue hull livery. Carnival Panorama now sports a variety of modern enhancements, from the Fun Shops to the non-smoking casino, ensuring the ship remains in line with the latest trends across the fleet. These updates offer guests a dynamic and welcoming environment where they can relax, play and create unforgettable memories.”
Constructed at Italy’s Fincantieri and launched in 2019, Carnival Panorama was the last of the line’s three Vista-class vessels and, when it debuted, introduced innovations such as the first indoor trampoline park and challenge zone at sea, in partnership with the California-based leisure company Sky Zone.
Significant changes to the ship following the drydock include a refurbished Fun Shops area, with new outlets such as an Effy jewellery shop.
Ms McCabe says, “The Effy store embodies a luxurious atmosphere with modern design elements to create an elegant shopping experience.”
Elsewhere, a new Carnival Adventures outlet was added to the Fun Shops zone, which Ms Mcabe describes as incorporating a modern feel. “In addition to being the hub for guests who want to learn about and book shore excursions, Carnival Adventures offers a variety of retail offerings to elevate guests’ cruise experience such as beach gear, souvenirs and Carnival-branded apparel,” she explains.
“Cherry on Top, our exclusive onboard candy store, was also added to Carnival Panorama. It’s the perfect spot for guests to satisfy their sweet tooth while enjoying a playful, colourful atmosphere that adds extra joy to the cruise experience.”
Casinos on cruise ships remain one of the last interior areas where smoking is still allowed, which is often a deterrent for non-smokers. With this in mind, Carnival Panorama now has an all-new smoke-free casino.
“One of the most notable and exciting changes on Carnival Panorama is the addition of a new non-smoking casino that is located near the traditional casino on deck 4,” continues Ms McCabe. “This instalment is part of our commitment to ensuring a more inclusive and comfortable atmosphere, which has become an incredibly popular addition with our guests on several other ships, too. The non-smoking annex comes with modernised gaming machines, sleek decor and contemporary design to make the space feel fresh for all our guests on board.”
Other updates include a Dreams Studio, where passengers can book personalised private photo shoots.
Ms Mcabe says, “We know how essential it is to have memories captured throughout a holiday, and that’s exactly why we added a Dreams Studio. Guests can now capture their most memorable moments with high-quality photos, featuring themed backdrops and props. This personalised experience enhances the overall feel, giving guests a unique keepsake to remember their journey. There’s just something special about having a professional behind the camera lens.”
On deck, there is a new-look mini-golf course, an attraction which Ms McCabe says is always a popular family favourite. “Recently expanded to bring a fresher design to guests with a whimsical touch to add to the fun for all ages, the mini-golf course encourages cruisers to enjoy some light-hearted, friendly competition,” she says.
Additionally, Carnival Panorama underwent a series of technical updates, including its first air lubrication system as a retrofit.
Carnival Cruise Line senior vice president of technical operations Martina Gallus says, “This innovative system reduces friction between the hull and water, allowing the ship to ‘fly on an air cushion,’ so to speak, increasing speed and reducing fuel consumption. As well as its obvious benefit to the ship’s performance efficiency, this technology is also yet another step in our ongoing sustainability efforts and goals.”
Following the drydock, Carnival Panorama set sail from Singapore on a 25-day transpacific voyage, featuring the line’s first-ever stop in Manila, Philippines. Following its arrival in Long Beach, California, the vessel embarked on a winter season of five-, six- and seven-day itineraries to the Mexican Riviera.
Sign up for Riviera’s series of technical and operational webinars and conferences:
Events
© 2024 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.