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
(246 Reviews)
Avg. Size: 189 sq. ft. Avg. Cost: $118/night
Oceanview Cabin

Oceanview

4.5
(112 Reviews)
Avg. Size: 224 sq. ft. Avg. Cost: $149/night
Balcony Cabin

Balcony

3.5
(427 Reviews)
Avg. Size: 185 sq. ft. Avg. Cost: $184/night
Suite Cabin

Suite

3.7
(40 Reviews)
Avg. Size: 284 sq. ft. Avg. Cost: $307/night

View All Carnival Vista Cabins

Carnival Vista dining

JavaBlue Café

JavaBlue Café

5.0
(2 Reviews)
Shake Spot

Shake Spot

4.9
(25 Reviews)
Reflections Restaurant

Reflections Restaurant

4.8
(51 Reviews)
BlueIguana Cantina

BlueIguana Cantina

4.8
(49 Reviews)

View All Carnival Vista Dining Options

Carnival Vista onboard activities

Heroes Tribute Bar

Heroes Tribute Bar

5.0
(1 Review)
Sky Greens

Sky Greens

5.0
(4 Reviews)
SportsSquare

SportsSquare

5.0
(4 Reviews)
Bandstand

Bandstand

5.0
(5 Reviews)

View All Carnival Vista Onboard Activities

Carnival Vista deck plans

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2805 Carnival Vista Reviews

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Amazing Caribbean Cruise with Great Friends by IreneNJJ2024

Sail date: / Traveled as: Family (older children)
Ship: Carnival Vista

I expected better and more from Carnival Vista. I got spoiled by Holland America. I didn't expect all of the rude kids and people! The dirty dishes left all over the place. The Staff seemed run down. The bars were great and the ports were amazing except Aruba.

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5 Comments

Cruise was OK by LaceyFamily

Sail date: / Traveled as: Family (young children)
Ship: Carnival Vista

I would suggest choosing another ship as the Vista needs to be retired. There is to much wrong with it. The 2 pools are very small.

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14 Comments

Relaxing Trip by Atsy

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

This is one of my favorite sizes and class of ships. It has a good variety of things to do and places to eat and drink. The Lido deck can get very busy and crowded but that is to be expected. We always found a seat at the activities and shows we wanted to attend. A July trip to the Caribbean is very hot and humid but the ports are beautiful and Half Moon Cay is one of my favorite places to spend time in the ocean and at the beach.

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4 Comments

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Carnival Vista photos

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1542 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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