Planning a family cruise vacation can sometimes leave parents wondering if their teens will have enough to do to keep them entertained. The Carnival Panorama cruise ship is a great choice as there is something for all ages. Here’s a rundown of why your teens will love the Carnival Panorama cruise ship.
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19 Reasons Carnival Panorama is a good ship for teens
Sky Zone Trampoline
Many teens love trampolines and I believe the Panorama is the only ship to have a Sky Zone trampoline park. It’s the perfect outlet for all that energy!
Kids can participate in either an open jump or a glow in the dark jump. There are different time slots depending on the kids ages. Kids aged 6-14 jump together while 15+ have their own time. This also a toddler jump for ages 0-5 if you have young children as well.
When we sailed in February 2024 the prices started at $15 for the open jump and $20 for Glow.
SkyRide
Talk about a view! The SkyRide puts your teen on a bike, high above the deck, as they pedal around the ship. It’s not just a ride; they can race a family member or new friend.
There is no cost for this activity. The Sky Ride doesn’t operate when there are high winds, so I would suggest riding it early on in your cruise incase the weather turns and you don’t get a chance to later.
Basketball Court
The basketball court on the Panorama is a popular spot for teens and adults alike. Join a pick up game or shoot hoops. At times the basketball court will also host other activities like volleyball and soccer.
Teen Clubs: Circle C and Club O2
No more eye-rolls at the idea of hanging out with the parents 24/7. Circle C (for ages 12-14) and Club O2 (for ages 15-17) offer a cool place to chill, with movies, video games, dance parties, and more, supervised by a fun yet responsible staff.
One of my top tips for cruising with teens is to have your child attend the kids club on the first day. It is the perfect way to meet new friends without feeling like friend groups have already been formed.
Mini Golf
Who doesn’t love mini-golf? This family-friendly activity is perfect for some light-hearted competition. Let’s see if your teen can beat you at a round of putt-putt with ocean views.
You can play mini golf for free. Admittingly there are better mini golf courses on other ships (like the Celebration).
Ropes Course
For adventure-seeking teens, the ropes course offers thrilling heights and challenges. It’s all about conquering fears and having a blast while navigating through obstacles with ocean views. This is another great free activity that teens will enjoy.
Outdoor Fitness Area
For the teens who love to keep up with their fitness routine, or perhaps start a new one, the outdoor fitness area is decked out with all the equipment they need to stay active in the most scenic gym they’ll ever visit. It is conveniently located near the basketball court.
Table Games: Ping Pong, Shuffleboard, Foosball, Billiards
It’s the simple things that sometimes offer the most fun. These classic table games provide endless entertainment and a great way for teens to make new friends.
You can find these games outdoors in the Sports Square.
Bean Bag Toss (aka corn hole)
Teens can enjoy the sunshine and sea air while engaging in some friendly competition with these outdoor games. It’s a relaxed way to spend time, especially after a day full of activities.
Arcade
Packed with the coolest video games and prize machines, the arcade is the ultimate hangout for teens. There is even a virtual reality experience game.
A tip for parents – be sure your teen knows how much they are allowed to spend a day at the arcade. On our sailing (Feb 2024) the VR game started at $5 and the other games were in the $1.50-$3 range.
The Clubhouse
Nestled in the Sports Square, The Clubhouse is a great indoor spot for teens looking to enjoy some friendly competition or hang out with new friends. From foosball and ping pong to the unique experience of Sky billiards and a mini bowling lane, it’s a cozy indoor spot packed with fun.
Ice Cream and Gelato
Ice cream and gelato? Yes, please! This sweet treat is a surefire hit with teens (and let’s be honest, adults too). I was guilty of having my daily dose.
You will find soft serve ice cream and frozen yogurt stations in the Lido Marketplace. There is also a gelato station in the buffet restaurant serving up two flavors a day complete with all the candy toppings.
There is no charge for either the soft serve or the gelato.
Outdoor Movies
There’s something magical about watching a movie under the stars, especially when floating on the ocean. With blockbuster hits and popcorn (extra cost of the popcorn), it’s an experience your teen will love. Carnival calls their poolside movies “Dive In”.
Carnival cruise tip – the poolside towel station has fuzzy blankets that you can borrow. They are perfect for movie nights.
Deck Parties
The deck parties on Carnival Panorama are legendary. With music, dancing, and themes like the Mega Deck Party, Silent Disco and the White Hot Party, your teen will have the time of their life. The deck parties are all family friendly.
My Carnival Cruise deck parties article has more details on these fun parties. Surprising things to bring on a Carnival cruise lists some items to make these deck parties even more enjoyable.
Access to Food
Teens are always hungry, and on the Carnival Panorama, they can snack to their heart’s content. With a variety of eateries serving up everything from pizza to delicacies, they’ll never be far from their next meal.
One of my favorite things about a Carnival cruise is that, in my opinion, they have the best free food options, especially for lunch.
Some of the places I think your teens will love, because mine did are:
- Guy’s Burger Joint
- BlueIguana Cantina
- Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ
- Lido Marketplace buffet
- Pizzeria del Capitano (open 9:00am until 4:00am)
- Carnival Deli
Comedy Club
For a night filled with laughs, the onboard comedy club presents both PG and adult shows. It’s a great way for your teen to unwind and enjoy some top-notch entertainment. The FunTimes daily schedule and the HUB app will specify which shows are PG and which are 18+.
Milkshakes and Mocktails
With a menu of delicious milkshakes and mocktails, teens can enjoy fancy drinks by the pool or anywhere on the ship.
Milkshakes are found at the Shake Spot, which is also the JavaBlue cafe. You can expect to pay $6.75 and up for a milkshake plus the 18% auto gratuity. Remember prices can change but this will at least give you an idea of what to expect.
Cruise tip – Ask for a shake punch card, your 7th milkshake is free.
Any of the bars on board can serve up delicious non-alcoholic drinks. While there is a charge for these drinks ($9.25-$10 plus 18% gratuity) a non-alcoholic pina colada or mango magic can elevate your teen’s cruise experience.
Teen spa called Zspa
At the ZSpa, teens can indulge in spa treatments designed just for them, from facials to mani-pedis, in a space where they can relax and feel pampered. It’s the perfect retreat for those aged 13-17 to unwind and enjoy a touch of pampering.
There is a cost for these and you can see the Zspa menu here.
My daughter had a facial done a few years ago on the Carnival Dream and really enjoyed it. It is an especially great splurge if your teen is celebrating their birthday on a cruise.
Carnival Kitchen Cooking Classes
For the aspiring chef or any teen who loves to explore new skills, these cooking classes offer a hands-on experience making everything from sushi to cupcakes.
Many classes may require parent participation but it is a great way to bond while learning something new. These classes are very popular and on our sailing, many were sold out even before the cruise started.
You can see which classes are offered on your sailing online. Once you are booked, log in and under manage my booking, click on specialty dining. Here, in addition to the restaurants you can prebook, are the classes offered along with the prices.
Carnival Panorama is designed to ensure that your teen not only enjoys their vacation but loves it. It’s a ship where they can explore, make new friends, and try something new. For these reasons I think Carnival Panorama is a good ship for teens.
My teen had a great time on the Carnival Panorama and I think yours will too.