Fabulous caribbean cruise on the Vista!!

Item: Carnival Vista
Rating: 5
Author: kristilizzy

Carnival Vista Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

kristilizzy

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 64

Overall rating:

5 out of 5

8 Night Southern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 16, 2018

Ship: Carnival Vista

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 14231

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

This was the best cruise vacation we have ever had! First, embarkation was a breeze. I have never paid for FttF and I really don't understand why people do because the whole process is streamlined and fabulous. We booked a spa cabin (#14231) which was in a super quiet area of the ship that provided easy access to the Serenity deck and the spa. The ports of call all offered something different - swimming, partying, relaxing, walking, exploring, snorkeling - you can do it all!!! The only port where I would recommend an excursion is La Romana - not much to do in the immediate area. Souvenir shopping is best done in Curacao for the best selection and prices. I would also recommend doing a water activity in Aruba - I have never seen such brilliant water in my life! The ship offers so many things to see and do you will never be able to do it all if you wait until the last days. The skyride opened at 9am on sea days, but if you got there anytime after 10pm you would find a 30-90 minute wait. I never did make it to the skycourse, but I heard it was fun and challenging. You have got to try the water slides, even if you think you are beyond water slide age. And get to as many of the different food venues as you can - they are all so different and SO GOOD! You will love the Vista and this itinerary - book it while it lasts!

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Ship tip

Try as much as you can, as early as you can. There is so much to see and do that you could quickly run out of time!

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

5 out of 5

We stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel prior to embarkation, and it was amazing! The hotel is posh and within walking distance to the Bayside mall and restaurants.

Thumbs Up 10

Grand Turk Island

5 out of 5

We intended to walk to Jack's Shack, but once we stopped at Margaritaville, we never left! It was worth the $35 chair/umbrella rental fee to get a great view of the main pool and the front entrance where the DJ booth is located. Get there early, though... it fills up fast!

Thumbs Up 11

La Romana, Dominican Republic

5 out of 5

Not much to do right off the ship, so I definitely recommend an excursion here. We took a taxi with friends to the Dreams Resort, which was $65 each all-inclusive and well worth it. The food was fantastic, the drinks were cold, and there was an option of a lovely, uncrowded pool or the beach. It was a wonderful, relaxing day.

Thumbs Up 13

Willemstad, Curacao

5 out of 5

Curacao was my favorite port of the four we visited. The town was within walking distance, and it is simply beautiful! You will also find the best prices here on souvenirs with the biggest selection of unique items. We really enjoyed this port.

Thumbs Up 22

Oranjestad, Aruba

5 out of 5

The water here is indescribable it is so beautiful. If you are planning a water excursion, this is the place to do it. We did a catamaran sail and snorkel, and we were able to see amazing sea life and even a sunken ship. You can't go wrong with anything that involves water.

Thumbs Up 20