There's a lot more to do on the top deck of the Carnival Panorama than just lounge by the pool. We tried just about all of it in one day.
Up at Sports Square on the Carnival Panorama, you'll find a full-size sports court for basketball or paddle ball, along with a nine-hole mini golf course in the clubhouse. Not just a quick putt-putt setup either, there's some fun obstacles and great views built into the course. I took a round myself to see if I still had the putting skills, or if everything was just heading straight into the ocean hazard.
But the real fun that day was the SkyRide, the ropes course, and the waterworks. So let's break down what each one is actually like.
The SkyRide: Pedaling High Above the Ship
The SkyRide is one of the coolest things on the entire ship. You're strapped into a pedal-powered vehicle, cruising along a two-lane suspended track high above the deck with the open ocean stretching out around you. Me and Terri ended up racing each other without really meaning to. Let's just say she left me in the dust.
It's smooth, it's safe, and yeah, you definitely feel it in your legs by the time you're done. To ride, you need to be at least 52 inches tall, with a 250 pound weight limit per rider. If you meet those requirements, this is hands down one of the best views and most unique rides you'll find anywhere at sea.
The Ropes Course: 30 Feet Above the Deck
Just up the stairs from the SkyRide is the ropes course, sitting on deck 14, about 150 feet above the ocean. The part that really gets you isn't the height above the water though. It's standing about 30 feet above the ship's own deck, looking straight down at the people walking around below.
There's an easier side and a harder side. Once you head over to the harder side, things get narrower, wobblier, and your heart rate picks up a notch. Swinging steps, tight ropes, obstacles that move under your feet, every step's a mix of excitement and a little bit of good fear. The kind you get on a roller coaster, knowing you're going to be just fine. By the time you reach the end, there's a real sense of pride. It's not just a ropes course. It's a ropes course at sea.
Red Fun and Blue Fun: Two Very Different Slides
If you love a good thrill and don't mind getting a little soaked, the Panorama has two main water slides worth trying. The Red Fun is an open-air raft slide that twists and turns the whole way down. Fast turns left and right with a splashy landing at the bottom.
The Blue Fun is the opposite experience, a 300 foot enclosed tube slide that's fast, dark, and full of surprises. Quick enough to catch you off guard, and if you happen to get stuck partway through, a little push gets you going again.
For families with younger kids, the WaterWorks area has a splash park with tipping buckets, water jets, and a few smaller racing slides built just for them.
Worth Your Time on a Sea Day
Between the SkyRide, the ropes course, and the slides, Sports Square on the Carnival Panorama is an easy way to fill a sea day with more than just sunbathing. Whether you're chasing a thrill or just want a great view from above the ship, there's something up there worth trying.
Want to see the full POV of the SkyRide, the ropes course, and both slides? Watch the full video here:
Watch the full video on YouTube
If you're sailing on the Carnival Panorama, make sure to set aside some time for Sports Square, it's one of the best parts of the ship.
