Carnival Vista ship stats

  • Price:

    $$$$
  • Size:

    XL
  • Total Passengers:

    3,936
  • Total Crew:

    1,450
  • Passenger to Crew Ratio:

    2.71
  • Built:

    May 2016
  • Refurbished:

    Jan 2024
  • Number of Decks:

    14
  • Total Cabins:

    1,958
  • Cabin Categories:

    53
  • Gross Tonnage:

    133,500
  • Beam:

    122

Carnival Vista overview

By Cruiseline.com - Updated Feb. 13, 2024

One of the largest ships in the Carnival Fleet, Carnival Vista comes packed with more onboard fun than you’ll be able to experience in a single seven-night sailing. Carnival’s come-as-you-are approach to cruising focuses on laidback, no-frills fun, and Vista has more of it than any other Carnival ship: Ropes courses, dance classes, sports competitions, trivia, and beer pong are just a few ways to spend your days at sea. Vista also comes with all new features including the Sky Ride cycling attraction, an IMAX theater, and a 4D Thill Theater.

Entertainment highlights on Vista include stand-up comedy at the Punchliner Comedy Club, song-and-dance shows at the Liquid Lounge, and live music throughout the ship. Kids will be more than busy splashing around at the Waterworks Waterpark (which features two 200 foot long water slides), participating in age-appropriate activities and contests at the Camp Ocean kids clubs, and reading at the all new Dr. Seuss library. On Carnival, casual cuisine takes front and center stage, with Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que, Mongolian Wok, and Pizzeria del Capitano being the most popular options. More formal and “upscale” options are also available, including the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, JiJi Asian Kitchen, and Bonsai Sushi.

While many of the venues are familiar, Vista does set itself apart from other ships in the Carnival fleet. The most noticeable difference is the increased outdoor seating space, with some restaurants offering additional tables outside so you can dine in the Caribbean sun. Like many other new ships, technology plays a big role onboard: Facial recognition software allows passengers to sort through digital photos, whether via iPads in the Pixels gallery, on the stateroom television, or even on smartphones via the line’s newly introduced HUB app. This app also helps guests find out what’s going on around the ship, view their onboard spending accounts, and chat with other passengers.

Launched in 2016, Vista’s initial home port was New York with sailings to the Mediterranean followed by a brief stint in Miami. The ship now sails from Galveston, Texas and offers cruises to the Caribbean. Current Carnival Vista itineraries include 6- to 8-night cruises to the western Caribbean as well as some 9-night Caribbean sailings.

Carnival Vista ship highlights

  • RedFrog Pub & Brewery
  • SkyRide suspended cycling attraction
  • Guy’s Pig & Anchor - Bar-B-Que
  • IMAX Theater
  • Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse
  • Alchemy Bar
  • Thrill Theater

Before you book

Why sail on Carnival Vista: Families, both with young kinds and multigenerational extended families, and couples looking for a variety of activities, dining options, and amenities.

You should know: Vista is probably not the best option for travelers seeking a quiet ship. While some areas are more tranquil, Vista is generally geared towards energetic family fun during the day and boisterous partying at night. With that said, the Havana suites cater to adults and provide a more peaceful experience with access to a private bar and pool, as well as extra-large outdoor spaces.

Carnival Vista ratings:

  • Cabin / Stateroom 4.5
  • Children's Programs 4.3
  • Destinations and Excursions 4.2
  • Embarkation and Disembarkation 4.3
  • Entertainment 4.3
  • Food and Dining 4.2
  • Onboard Activities 4.2
  • Service and Staff 4.5
  • Ship Quality 4.3

Carnival Vista cabins

1958 cabins and 53 cabin categories.

Inside Cabin

Inside

4.4
(240 Reviews)
Avg. Size: 189 sq. ft. Avg. Cost: $100/night
Oceanview Cabin

Oceanview

4.5
(107 Reviews)
Avg. Size: 224 sq. ft. Avg. Cost: $129/night
Balcony Cabin

Balcony

3.5
(410 Reviews)
Avg. Size: 185 sq. ft. Avg. Cost: $162/night
Suite Cabin

Suite

3.7
(37 Reviews)
Avg. Size: 284 sq. ft. Avg. Cost: $280/night

View All Carnival Vista Cabins

Carnival Vista dining

JavaBlue Café

JavaBlue Café

5.0
(1 Review)
Shake Spot

Shake Spot

4.9
(25 Reviews)
Reflections Restaurant

Reflections Restaurant

4.8
(51 Reviews)
BlueIguana Cantina

BlueIguana Cantina

4.8
(48 Reviews)

View All Carnival Vista Dining Options

Carnival Vista onboard activities

SportsSquare

SportsSquare

5.0
(4 Reviews)
Sky Greens

Sky Greens

5.0
(4 Reviews)
Carnival Multiplex

Carnival Multiplex

5.0
(12 Reviews)
Bandstand

Bandstand

5.0
(5 Reviews)

View All Carnival Vista Onboard Activities

Carnival Vista deck plans

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Find a cruise on Carnival Vista

2741 Carnival Vista Reviews

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Could be better by Steverusnock

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Carnival Vista

Employees lacked good attitude. The ship just seemed like the staff.

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Was this review helpful? 4
8 Comments

Wonderful Caribbean Cruise by brooksmabry5

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Carnival Vista

Overall had a great time on the cruise. Amenities were fantastic. Food was okay. Steward and dining staff was 10/10. Other staff lacked courtesy. Ship was a lot of fun with great shows and activities. Enjoyed ports and excursions.

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Was this review helpful? 6
6 Comments

Aruba did not disappoint by jaminjen12

Sail date: / Traveled as: Large Group
Ship: Carnival Vista

For as short staffed as they were, the majority of the workers were kind and smiling. Carnival isn't my favorite but they are very cost effective.

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Was this review helpful? 8
11 Comments

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Carnival Vista photos

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1497 Carnival Vista tips

abgrenn

Jul 11, 2016

Don't leave the sky ride to the last day. The line was too long and we missed out on doing it. (It is only open a limited amount of time). Don't over pack.

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CruiselineSarah

Dec 15, 2017

Be sure to make reservations for any specialty restaurants you want ahead of time, or as soon during the cruise as possible. They fill up quickly. Cherry on Top now has ice cream sandwiches with various types of cookies in addition to the sundaes - they're really good and large. If you want a seat to any of the adults-only comedy shows, arrive 30+ minutes early. Sign up for mixology classes/martini tastings at the Alchemy Bar on embarkation day. They aren't heavily advertised but they do fill up.

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