After the first day and a half we realized that we needed to make the best of the situation to enjoy our trip because it wasn't going well in the beginning so despite the food and service we had a good time finding things to do that we did enjoy doing. It wasn't worth what I spent. We may not Cruise with carnival again there were plenty of carnival loyalists on board but carnival wasn't for us as well as the clientele that was on board.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Embarkation went smoothly even though they forgot to give us our boarding group card. We was giving priority boarding so we got right on board with minimal waiting.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
The food in the main dining room was mediocre at best. The food tasted like catered or buffet food which we did find on the buffet. The free lunch venues was good but they close down by 6 so you don't have much choice for dinner other than the main dining room or lido marketplace buffet. Also you could go to a for fee restaurant but must make a reservation in advance.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
The two pools besides the Havana pool was way to crowded to even consider using them. We were in a cabana room so we had use of the Havana pool which never got to busy. Rode the sky ride but it wasn't worth the 45 minute to a hour wait and the line wasn't long it moves very slowly.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
The main stage shows were not that the entertaining . We found the shows lacking cohesion some did not make much sense. Also the acting wasn't very good. The comedians was really good. The acoustic musicians that played the smaller venues and or lobby was very entertaining.
Children's Programs
Did not have kids with us.
Service and Staff
2 out of 5
With the exception of room steward and wait staff in the main dining room the service was horrible at times they completely ignore you or just plain rude and at times communication was lacking because they did not understand English. One incident of note I went down to the Havana bar for some of there Cuban coffee according toa crew member they were open and he summoned the bartender over, that wasn't behind the bar, but instead of helping me he started to get things around for the day I tried to make small talk but he just said to give him a minute so I waited and watch him right in front of me get sodas out move cups around plus put things in the outside bar finally I get fed up and went to the Java cafe.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
2 out of 5
Was very disappointed in our aft extended balcony Havana cabin. It was to have a sofa and coffee table but it was to small so no sofa and they crammed what was suppose to be the coffee table between the bed and outer wall. Maybe the cabins in the middle are big enough because the aft is round and we was near port siide. Also the balcony door opened to the outside left, to the right was a partition and the door did not open wide enough so you had to shimmy sideways to get out. Not worth the money I spent.
Ship tip
If you want to sail on the Vista get a Havana cabin so you can enjoy the outside Havana bar and pool with minimal crowds. Also the inside Havana cabin was the same size or bigger than the extended balcony Havana cabin for about half the cost. Of note there were lines every where on board so be prepared.
Did the Bob Marley excursion and it was a awesome time. You will see the real Jamaica. They take you into the heart of the island into the mountains. Be aware once you arrive at the Bob Marley museum people will be smoking Marijuana. I've heard of horror stories of people trying to shop in town so I would highly recommend doing a excursion or staying on the ship. We met two couples that's been to Jamaica in the past and decided to stay on board this time around.
Did some shopping they don't haggle you but it's all tourist stores. We went to Margaretaville for lunch the drinks are small if you don't buy the souvenir cup the food was great but it was overpriced.
Did the underground river with shopping excursion . We loved it as well, the shopping was for a hour which we didn't care much for but didn't have any problems.
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