Carnival Panorama

Theater and Shows on Carnival Panorama

The Liquid Lounge is the ship's main theater for

Playlist Production shows

and other events. On a weeklong cruise, there are an impressive four production shows, including several new shows that debuted on Carnival Panorama, to mixed effect.

Broadway Beats takes remixed songs from mostly modern musicals -- we heard music from "Hamilton" and "Dear Evan Hansen" in there, as well as Gwen Stefani's version of "If I Was a Rich Girl," as opposed to the "Fiddler on the Roof" stalwart-- and puts them in front of a very cool LED backdrop that takes you through New York City. We found the show moved quickly and kept the energy going.

Conversely the other new show -- Rock Revolution, the Summer of 69 -- seemed to drag a bit, despite exciting choreography and a live rock band. There's no plot in the show, which features well-known music from the 1960s and 1970s. Here, the LED screen features a constantly changing backdrop of trippy images, but your eye is more likely to be drawn to the band, which play on a stage that extends out into the audience. The highlight comes during Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, when a fleet of drones supplement the action on the stage. A bit of editing and/or time management would make this show better; it ran 45 minutes, which is long for a Playlist Production show (most of which cap at 30 to 35 minutes).

The theater also hosts the "

Lip Sync Battle

" final on the last night of the cruise, as well as

Hasbro, The Game Show

and the Love and Marriage Show on nights when the Playlist Production cast has off.

We heard a few complaints about how loud the sound is in the theater, and depending on where you are sitting, the bass can indeed rattle your eardrums. Sensitive ears should try the upper tier on Deck 5.

Daily Things to Do on Carnival Panorama

Days go by quickly on Carnival Panorama, because it's hard to fit everything in. Carnival's newest attractions,

Sky Zone

, is smartly placed on Deck 7 forward next to the pre-teen and teen clubs. This indoor trampoline park is one of the few activities onboard with an additional fee, but an hour of jumping is only $12 during the day and $18 for the special Glow party at night (and that includes a T-shirt). Toddlers can participate with supervision for $10.

One deck below Sky Zone (and linked with its own staircase) is the also strategically placed Warehouse Arcade on Deck 6. All games costs money, so if you have a kid, setting spending limits here might be key.

Apart from the neon lure of those two spots, families can find trivia games throughout the ship, crafting activities through a partnership with Michael's, sports tournaments and there is always fun by the pool led by the cruise director or your Fun Squad activities team, including complimentary Zumba classes.

Adults can sign up for beer pong, play some bingo, participate in casino tournaments, check out the sales and promotions in the shops (sometimes with complimentary mimosas) or join in pamper parties hosted by the spa.

Ocean Plaza is another hot spot for games and antics like Ship Race, a scavenger hunt.

Once per cruise, a

Build-A-Bear workshop

takes place; for an additional fee, young cruisers can stuff a bear, shark or turtle to take home in a cool backpack.

Nightlife on Carnival Panorama

The ship is alive all day long but it certainly heats up at night. If it's music you want, or gaming, or shows, or group singalongs or a comedy club or flights of beer or a long evening of wining and dining -- you can find it onboard Panorama.

In addition to the shows in the theater, live music is all around the ship including in the atrium, piano bar, Havana bar, Guy's Pig & Anchor and Ocean Plaza; genres range from a modern strings trio to Latin to acoustic to rock and blues. Plus, the resident DJ takes over the Limelight Lounge after the comedy sets are through, late into the night.

The casino on Deck 4 jingles and jangles late into the night as well, conveniently located off the sports bar and comedy club.

Karaoke is offered almost every night of the cruise; check your daily schedule to see which venue is hosting it on any given night.

Nearly every night of the cruise brings a different themed deck party (expect White Hot, '80s, Motown and more). The turnout for these was always sizeable, with young and older cruisers curious about the commotion and eager to join the dancing.

Dive-In movies at the Seaside Theater are fun for the whole family, and take place each evening on the pool deck -- usually around 7:30 and 10. Occasionally afternoon matinees or midnight showings will take place. First-run movies are rotated throughout the cruise, and blankets and popcorn complete the experience. If you're cruising over a holiday, movies might be themed on various evenings.

Carnival Panorama Bars and Lounges

Carnival Panorama has an active nightlife, with plenty of music and bars to fit a variety of tastes. The Cheers beverage program allows passengers to order up to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, as well as unlimited sodas, mocktails, bottled water and specialty coffees and teas for a set fee.

Highlights include:

Panorama Bar (Deck 3): What makes this atrium bar more interesting and lively than other ship atrium bars is the massive three-deck LED funnel in the center. It changes colors and patterns, and can almost "dance" to the music. There's a spot for musicians overlooking the Atrium Bar, which the cruise director also uses to lead music trivia, events like theme parties and more.

Panorama Casino Bar (Deck 4): If you don't mind the smoke, the circular bar in the casino is similar to the atrium in the sense that an LED funnel sits in the middle and displays sports, news and other distracting tidbits while you take a break from the slots.

Limelight Lounge (Deck 4): This large club serves as the spot for

Punchliner Comedy shows

during the evening; come early to get a seat, as these are very popular. Around 10:30 p.m. or so, it turns into a nightclub with different types of dance music.

Heroes Tribute Bar (Deck 4): Brand new to Carnival, the Heroes Tribute Bar replaces the SkyBox sports bar -- don't worry, you can still get scores and watch the game(s). The brainchild of Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy, Heroes is a genuinely moving space, with photos of veterans returning home from duty, as well as emblems from the different branches of the armed forces. There's a special drinks menu, with military-themed names and a portion of the proceeds support Operation Homefront.

Alchemy Bar (Deck 5): Known for specialty cocktails like the Cucumber Sunrise, this bar has quirky drinks, outgoing bartenders and serves as a social hub near the specialty restaurants; it's almost always busy in the evening. If you feel daring, let the mixologist come up with a custom drink, just for you -- we overheard one patron do just that, and she said it was the best drink she ever had.

Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse (Deck 5): Like beer? This is your spot onboard. Four types of beer are brewed onboard here under the ParchedPig moniker, ranging from a farmhouse ale and toasted amber to an IPA and a smoked porter; try them all as a sampler. (You can get other types of beer here too). If beer isn't your thing, there's also a focus on bourbon, as well as drinks garnished with -- what else in a BBQ joint? -- bacon.

On sea days, you can tour the brewery, for a fee. At night, there's live music inside on a small stage, mostly country and classic rock. On nice evenings, you can sit outside in a space on the deck. Guy's might not be your first thought for an evening tipple, but we found quite a few inventive drinks here to kick off -- or end -- the night (including a nonalcoholic menu).

Piano Bar 88 (Deck 5): Who doesn't love a singalong? On Carnival, piano bars have always been a mainstay and this one is no different. The idea is to make a request on a slip of paper and sit piano-side to get the musician's attention. On our cruise, there was an early-evening player who serenaded the steakhouse and other patrons with the keys, but didn't seem to know a number of popular songs and was not able to take most requests. A late-night player was much more knowledgeable and encouraged participation; considering the likelihood of songs getting a little wild, these shows are 18-plus.

Havana Bar (Deck 5): The signature bar of the Cuban-themed Havana section on Carnival Panorama, the Havana Bar is a gorgeous, sprawling space that channels the spirit and look of the island. Latin American cocktails such as mojitos, daiquiris and other rum favorites dominate the drink menu, although you can also order strong Cuban coffee. A Latin band plays in the evening, drawing a lively dance-focused crowd.

There's an outdoor section to the Havana Bar, near the Havana pool. This area is closed off, however, to passengers who aren't staying in the special Havana cabins.

RedFrog Rum Bar (Deck 10): Carnival's dual pool bars, of which RedFrog is one, are characteristically colorful and fun. The fruity rum drinks here are the specialty and the bar can get packed during sunny days.

BlueIguana Tequila Bar (Deck 10): The second of the Carnival Panorama's pool bars, the BlueIguana bar channels all things tequila, with margaritas and other drinks. Mexican beers and tequila cocktails are also available. We predict that on Carnival Panorama's Mexican Riviera sailings, this bar will be even more popular than usual.

Serenity Bar (Deck 15): This outdoor bar serves the adults-only sun deck area, with an exclusive menu that includes specialty sangrias (by the glass or pitcher), along with a menu of frozen and skinny cocktails. Try the Serenity martini.

Pools on Carnival Panorama

There are two pools open to everyone onboard Carnival Panorama. The Beach pool is the main pool where all the poolside fun happens. You'll find it midship on the Lido Deck (Deck 10). There is a whirlpool on either side, each covered by a tiki-style roof.

The Tides pool is at the back of the ship on Deck 10, overlooking the wake. Like the Beach pool, it has a whirlpool on either side, though these have no shade. Both pools are open to all ages.

The Havana pool and whirlpools are on Deck 5, but only accessible to those staying in Havana staterooms. You can see the space from the Havana Bar, and it looked secluded and dreamy.

For those looking for a bit of seclusion without paying the price, Deck 15 has two whirlpools in the adults-only Serenity area, but no pool. Watching sunsets from here and chatting with fellow passengers became an evening tradition for us.

Waterpark, SkyRide and SkyCourse on Carnival Panorama

Carnival WaterWorks is Panorama's water park, located at the top of the ship (you'll need to take the staircase from the middle of Deck 12 to get there) and it's hard to miss. Choose from two waterslides -- Red Fun (minimum height 4 feet) or Blue Fun (minimum height 3 feet and 6 inches) -- plus a splash park below that includes jets, sprays and buckets that drench. The blue slide is enclosed, but the red one requires a raft and won't operate in extreme wind or weather. Both are indeed fun, as advertised.

From Deck 14, you can conquer the

SkyRide

(52 inches minimum height) or SkyCourse (48 inches minimum height). The ride allows you to pedal around the perimeter of the ship on a suspended recumbent bike, while the course is a ropes course that will challenge your balance and strength (there is an easy and difficult track, though they both seemed interchangeable at times). Both of these attractions offer stunning views, and may be difficult for anyone with a fear of heights. Both require closed-toe shoes and have weight requirements to be aware of. For safety reasons, you can only film these activities with a GoPro bodycam; nothing in your hands or pockets.

Just below on Deck 12 is SportsSquare, a colorful area with Twister, pool, bean bag toss and other games, encircled by a mini-golf course. Parents can look on from a shaded seating area. The SportsSquare Clubhouse brings some of these games indoors, as well.

The Sports Court, mainly where we saw games of pickup basketball, is also on Deck 12.

If that isn't enough to do outside, you'll find random foosball tables around the upper decks near the Beach Pool.

Sun Decks on Carnival Panorama

There are ample blue beach loungers near and above both pools on Decks 10, 11 and 12.

The

Serenity Deck

, on Deck 15, is only open to adults 21 and older. Here, there are padded loungers as well as clamshell beds (first come, first served) and also tables and chairs.

The Deck 5 "Lanai" provides shaded outdoor seating for the restaurants, but also a nice place to sit and relax in the daytime.

The Havana Plaza on Deck 5 aft is accessible only to passengers staying in those staterooms.

Carnival Panorama Services, Shops and WiFi

The Atrium is the hub of the ship, and you will find many of Panorama's shops and help desks here.

Guest services and the Carnival Adventures (shore excursion) desks are located in the lobby on Deck 3 near the front of the ship, along with the Fun Hub, which consists of a few workstations available for connecting to the internet.

Deck 4, also known as the Mezzanine, is home to a majority of the ship's Fun Shops. These include places to buy duty-free alcohol, branded merchandise, makeup and perfume, watches, fine jewelry, designer clothing, last-minute essentials and even limited-edition Carnival merchandise in partnership with various artists.

The Promenade on Deck 5 is one of the busiest places on the ship, with a majority of Panorama's bars and restaurants, but it's also home to some noteworthy shops and public rooms. Surrounding the atrium there are a few more shops including the hard-to-resist Cherry on Top sweets and gift store. Walking toward the back of the ship, you will pass Library Bar -- it's a closed-off and comfortable space for reading, card play and games; a number of board games are available for free loan. There's actually no bar, but there are enomatic (self-serve) wine dispensers if you want to enjoy a glass of merlot while you lounge.

Also on Deck 5 are the Pixels Gallery, where cruisers can come to shop for camera and video equipment or check out their professional photos from a number of touchscreens, along with Dreams Studio, a portrait studio.

The Future Cruise desk as well as the Shopping Expert desk (where you can find out more about shopping ports) are located on Deck 10 forward (check your daily Fun Times program for hours).

Self-serve launderettes are sprinkled throughout passenger hallways (one on each deck that has cabins) and include two to three washers, dryers and an ironing board.

Carnival Panorama restaurants range from your standard buffet and dining room to a huge variety of free and for-fee specialty restaurants. Food is tasty and plentiful, and chefs can cater to specific dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free – just let them know in advance.

Dining on Carnival Panorama can be as casual as a quick bite from the buffet or as formal as a gourmet dinner at Chef’s Table with just a handful of other lucky guests. As is common on this fleet, the Carnival Panorama teppanyaki is a hit.

Carnival Panorama Free Restaurants

There is no shortage of restaurants on Carnival Panorama. It’s easy to spend a week-long sailing only eating at included restaurants and never eating the same item twice. The buffet keeps diners happy with a wide selection of international cuisines, while the main dining room menus change often. Carnival Panorama dining options also include a number of specialty options that won’t cost you a dime. Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina are Carnival classics, and there’s even Mongolian eatery for those looking for something a bit different.

Vista and Horizon Restaurants (Deck 3 and Deck 4)
Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)
The Carnival Panorama main dining room is actually housed in two separate spaces – both  used for breakfast, Sea Day Brunch, tea time and dinner.

Horizons Restaurant on Deck 3 forward is reserved at dinner time for cruises with set time diner, while those who have selected the flexible Your Time Dining will eat in the Vista Restaurant at the back of Deck 3. Your Time Diners need to register for a table at a special counter near JavaBlue Cafe before heading to the Vista Restaurant to be seated. Alternatively, you can make reservations for dinner on the Carnival HUB app and the app will notify you when your table is ready. Carnival Panorama menus at the main dining room are similar to those you’d find on other Carnival ships, with a selection of appetizers that are generally soups or salads (plus a “rare find”); mains that range from steak to salmon and vegetarian options, and a rather basic list of desserts.

Breakfast is only served on port days; on sea days it's a mixed brunch service (just lunch is never available). You'll typically head to the Vista Restaurant for both.

The brunch menu is eclectic -- funky burgers with a chia seed pudding, salmon super food salad, "brunch spaghetti" (and don't forget the seven-layer chocolate cake). We liked what we ordered -- a 12-hour French toast with peaches and a yummy frittata -- but were told we couldn't have a side of fresh fruit, which seemed odd. Pricy pressed juices are on offer, and are sometimes showcased in a rainbow of flavors, on trays.

Dinner was pretty consistent in terms of quality; the menu changes every day with a selection of appetizers, salad, entrees and desserts. An interesting daily option is the "rare find," like braised ox tongue. There is also an always-available menu of chicken, fish, pork and beef and of course, the infamous chocolate melting cake is on hand every evening.

We particularly enjoyed the port of call piece of each night's menu, which offered an appetizer and entree (and cocktail) inspired by that day's port. For instance, in Puerto Vallarta we had ceviche and a Mexican-style chicken.

For an extra fee, you can enjoy a number of steakhouse selections like lobster tail or surf and turf, in the main dining room.

One downside of eating in the main dining room: we found the service to be slow, particularly with drinks. If you're looking to make a showtime or attend an event, be sure you give yourself plenty of time.

Lido Marketplace (Deck 10)
Meals: B, L, D
The Carnival Panorama buffet consists of several food stations (some repeating), so walk front to back (Beach Pool to Tides Pool) first if you want to make sure you've scoured everything. You don't want to miss the homemade gelato machine or cake counter, plus there are additional seating areas if you can't find a spot in the main area.

A light Continental breakfast is served from about 6:30 to 7:30 a.m., followed by full breakfast service. Breakfast gets busy, so remember there are two omelet stations and there are two or more of almost every station (hot dishes include scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, French toast, pancakes and more). You'll also find yogurts, cereals, fruit and breakfast sweets.

Lunch is served directly after breakfast.  Hot menu items vary by day, usually according to a theme, and there is always a salad bar.

Dinner themes on our sailing included Mediterranean (paella, lamb, chicken lemon soup and more) and Comfort Kitchen (shrimp and grits, pot roast, hush puppies, etc.). Late-night snacks are served until the wee hours.

Ocean Plaza Buffet (Deck 5)
Meals: B, L
This small snack bar near Ocean Plaza has several hot and cold items at breakfast and lunch on sea days. It's a nice place for a light bite if you're taking part in trivia or other games held at Ocean Plaza during the day.

**Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse (Deck 5)
Meals: L
**The spread at Guy's is free in the afternoon. Walk to the back of the restaurant, and exit along the outdoor Deck 5 promenade, to find servers at a lunch buffet who will help you fill your plate with pork butt, chicken and beef, coleslaw, potato salad, beans, mac 'n' cheese, collard greens and more. All of Guy's signature sauces are on hand to drizzle at will.

An ice water dispenser is located near the outdoor seating, but bar service is also available, for a fee. Pair your meal with a ParchedPig brew, made onsite, or enjoy a lemonade.

Carnival Deli (Deck 10)
Meals: L, D
Open from about 11 to 11, the deli counter is within the Lido Marketplace, but is open when the hot buffet is closed. You'll find sandwiches like pastrami, along with favorites like grilled cheese. You can even grab some salted chocolate chip cookies.

We typically found a line here, but it's a handy, free go-to when the kids are hungry.

Swirls Soft Serve and Fro Yo (Deck 10)
Meals: 24/7
These soft-serve machines are dispersed throughout the Lido Marketplace, and are open all day long (closed occasionally for maintenance). Soft-serve ice cream comes in vanilla, chocolate or swirl, while we usually saw chocolate and strawberry frozen yogurt. Choose from a cup or cone.

Pizzeria del Capitano (Deck 10)
Meals: Snack
Located just near the Tides Pool at the back of the ship, 

Pizzeria del Capitano

 offers tasty slices and pies, whenever you want, and even made to order. It's a nice option for those days when you return from an excursion and need a quick snack before dinner. Lines do form between standard mealtimes, so anticipate a wait. (Gluten-free pizza is available by request.)

Guy's Burger Joint (Deck 10)
Meals: L, D
A Carnival standard on Lido Decks across the fleet, 

Guy's Burger Joint

 always comes through with tasty patties and fries. Customize with cheese, onion ring and chili options, plus an entire toppings bar -- as always, free of charge.

BlueIguana Cantina (Deck 10)
Meals: B, L
The breakfast burritos at this Mexican counter are one of our favorite things about dining on Carnival; huevos rancheros and arepas are also available in the morning. Lunch at 

BlueIguana Cantina

 is served daily, offering up tacos and burritos with gusto. Hot sauces, pico, corn salsa and watermelon slices round out your plate at the complimentary toppings bar.

Mongolian Wok (Deck 11)
Meals: L
The venue for Ji Ji Asian Kitchen plays host to Mongolian Wok near-daily for a free lunch service. The line forms early, but buzzers are handed out so you can leave if you have a significant wait time (and sometimes orders can be taken to go). Choose from an Asian salad or fried wontons; then customize your noodle bowl with your choice of protein, vegetables, noodles and sauce. It's a nice and straightforward way to enjoy a hot lunch away from the masses.

The Pasta Bar (Deck 11)
Meals: L
Similarly, Cucina del Capitano morphs into the Pasta Bar for complimentary lunch most afternoons. Wait times occur, similar to Ji Ji's next door, so inquire early.

Fresh Creations (Deck 15)
Meals: L
A welcome respite from the fried food elsewhere onboard, Fresh Creations is essentially a salad bar at the adults-only Serenity Deck. It's also a nice option if you've snagged a clamshell sun bed and don't want to leave for lunch.

**Room Service
Meals: 24/7
**There is a small, complimentary room service menu, which consists of breakfast (cereals, pastries, eggs, yogurt, coffee or tea), as well as a handful of salads and sandwiches, along with chocolate cake, cheesecake and cookies.

Carnival Panorama Fee Dining

Fahrenheit 555 (Deck 5); prix fixe; discounts for kids
Meals: D
The Carnival Panorama steakhouse feels upscale, with a menu that includes bone marrow, Maine lobster bisque and heritage Berkshire pork belly among the appetizer choices, and Australian Wagyu beef, USDA Cowboy Steak and Dover sole as entrees. If you are looking to indulge your sweet tooth and love a good photo opp, order the "Art at Your Table" dessert.

Whisky lovers may want to check out the steakhouse bar, which specializes in the stuff and where cruisers in the know liked to spend time with a fine scotch.

Service was iffy and slow at times and most of the meats we ordered were decidedly underseasoned, but the beef was always cooked to order.

Despite the occasional glitches, it's nice for a date night outing, and it's definitely a good value, pricewise. (Tip: Don't sit next to the windows on nights when professional photos are being taken on the promenade; the constant flashing had us seeing stars.)

Bonsai Teppanyaki (Deck 5); prix fixe
Meals: L, D
This small Hibachi-style dining room is closed off, but still visible to Deck 5 passersby, so they get to enjoy the show too. Each meal (lunch or dinner) includes a starter (shrimp, tuna or pork belly), your choice of entree to be cooked/performed live, and a dessert (green tea ice cream or chocolate bento box). Protein choices include filet mignon, lobster or black cod for no additional charge.

The Chef's Table (Deck 3); prix fixe
Meals: D
The Carnival Panorama Chef's Table is special with an intimate location tucked away in a custom-built space behind the dining room with a view to the galley. The price might seem steep, but guests 12 and older are guided through a multicourse menu of vivid flavors and imaginative plating that is explained in detail by a master chef. The meal also includes a Champagne reception and a tour of the galley. All courses are paired with premium wines (for guests 21 and over).

This experience is not recommended for those with food intolerances, allergies or sensitivities.

Carnival Kitchen (Deck 4); prix fixe; one- and two-hour classes available
Meals: Varies
New to the fleet, 

Carnival Kitchen

 is more of a cooking class than a restaurant, although all classes include a meal, dessert or snack. The space has nine workstations for 18 chefs-in-training (must be 12 years or older), all tricked out with built-in induction burners, refrigerators, utility drawers and cool marble countertops (perfect for rolling dough). A tablet at each station not only holds the recipe, it broadcasts images from the lead table at the front so you can follow along.

Classes range from "Sushi 101" or "It's an Ice Cream Kind of Day" to "Mission Masala Tiger" and "Tailgate Party." There's a long table in the space where people can eat what they cook. What's cool about the Carnival Panorama cooking class is if you're making something that takes longer to bake than the class -- like a pie, for example -- you can sign up to eat it later at a restaurant or to have it delivered to your stateroom. Reservations for Carnival Kitchen go fast so book online before your trip.

Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse (Deck 5); a la carte, free for kids 12 and under
Meals: D
At night, Flavortown comes alive with musical entertainment on stage and a full BBQ menu to tickle the palate. Even though lunch is free, dinner is a la carte -- but prices are reasonable. Appetizers include chicken wings or trash can nachos; brisket, cedar plank salmon, chicken or pulled pork; sampler platters, prime ribs and baby back ribs are also available. Choose from apple cobbler or banana cream pie for dessert.

Bonsai Sushi (Deck 5); a la carte
Meals: L, D
Attached to the teppanyaki restaurant is 

Bonsai Sushi

, with seating along the Deck 5 promenade. Choose from a menu of various sushi, sashimi, noodle bowls and Japanese small plates. Sushi, sashimi and rolls are priced by the piece; noodle bowls and bento boxes are also available. For a little extra money, the sushi chef will personalize creations for you -- if you aren't super picky or allergic, we highly recommend this option.

Java Blue Cafe/Shake Spot (Deck 5); a la carte
M: Snacks
The specialty coffee bar onboard is the place to go for lattes and other specialty brews; the quality is definitely better than what you find elsewhere on the ship. While you're here, get your sugar fix with a rotating selection of doughnuts, cakes, cupcakes and cookies, which have a la carte pricing.

At the same counter, the Shake Spot has milkshakes and floats; add alcohol for an adult afternoon treat. Lines form in the morning for coffee but otherwise, things move fairly quickly here.

Seafood Shack (Deck 10); a la carte
Meals: L, D
It makes sense to crave a little seafood when at sea, and a visit to Carnival Panoram’s Seafood Shack can remedy that. New England clam chowder in a bread bowl and lobster rolls are both on the menu, plus there are plenty of fried shrimp and clams by the bucket or platter, as well as fish and chips. Steamed lobster, snow crab and shrimp are available by the pound for market price, along with raw oysters.

Seating is located outdoors along the Tides Pool area, but shielded from the wind.

Ji Ji Asian Kitchen (Deck 11); Prix fixe; discounted prices for kids
Meals: D
This pan-Asian restaurant has flavors that span the continent, with dishes from China, Mongolia, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines. The staff urges you to order family style, although if you want a dish particularly hot or mild, you'll want to make that known (orders are taken using a small blackboard).

Appetizer standouts include dumplings and tamarind shrimp soup, while the Kung Pao chicken, Singapore chili shrimp and Hakka noodles were crowd-pleasing entrees. Definitely save room for the rose creme brulee; it's one of the best desserts on the ship. The included hot tea is a delicate green tea that enhanced the meal for us.

Service and atmosphere in 

Ji Ji

's was among the best at any restaurant we encountered onboard, including the steakhouse (which costs more than twice the price).

Tip: We found the Thai iced tea on the specialty drinks menu to be different from versions we've had on land. 

Cucina del Capitano (Deck 11); prix fixe; discounts for kids
Meals: D
It's hard to beat the crowd-pleasing menu of an Italian restaurant, but 

Cucina del Capitano

 makes it personal. All of the Panorama's officers are Italian, including the captain, so you will find menu items marked with his recommendations -- including dishes supposedly culled from the recipe collection of his own mother, such as a seafood pasta entree called Trofie Verde - Mare Maria.

For such a small cover, the meal is well worth it; even the coffee seemed a step up, and desserts were intriguing, like a polenta cake with citrus cream and lemon sorbet -- not just your standard tiramisu and tartufo.

With so much that was good, we were disappointed that the atmosphere was so cliche -- we were okay with the red checkered tablecloths, but the soundtrack is a cringeworthy playlist of the most stereotypical Italian tunes, including "That's Amore." Interspersed throughout the meal, the servers stopped to do a forced musical number that they blatantly looked uncomfortable doing. Infusing a little fun in the dining room is the Carnival way, sure, but we recommend leaving that to the main restaurants, and allowing the food here to speak for itself.

Room Service; a la carte
Meals: 24/7
Select room service menu items include breakfast sandwiches, pizza and a banana split. The Daytime Dining menu runs from early in the morning until after dinner, and the Late Night Dining menu is available overnight -- there is some overlap with menu items, but nothing on the nighttime menu is free.

Pizza Delivery; Prix fixe
Meals: 24/7
Using the Carnival HUB app you can order a fresh pizza to wherever you are on the ship for just a few bucks.