This was our first cruise with Carnival and we were really happy with how it all went. The food and the relaxing atmosphere was just wonderful, exactly what we were looking for in a holiday. There is so much to do on the Vista, I feel like we only scratched the surface, so we'll definitely book again in the future.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Surprisingly quick. When we got out of the taxi the queue was snaking around the building but it moved quickly and steadily. We were on the Vista before we knew it.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The buffet was just ok, there was always something tasty, and it was fresh and hot. Long queues at peak times but that is to be expected. We went to the Italian for lunch on embarkation and that was a wonderfully chilled out experience, I'd definitely recommend it. Guys Burgers usually busy, but worth the short wait. Breakfast at the blue iguana was really fresh and excellent, I am planning to try to recreate their breakfast burritos at home. Usually not to long a wait either. Tried the pizza once, it was quite good. Sea day brunch in the main dining room was a great experience, try the Mac & cheese with steak, it was amazing. Main dining room experience in general was really good, we had a table for 2 at 5.30 in Horizons and the service was quick and charming. The food was really good, if you are not sure about a menu choice you can order something else as a backup, or get 3 dishes and share. Desserts were unfailingly good. We realised why when we did the Chef's Table and met some of the men and women working tirelessly to make sure we were well fed.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
We did the mini golf, watched a dive-in movie, played basketball, used the thermal suite, honestly meant to do so much more but we were just so darned relaxed! You could be as active and involved as you wished, it's without a doubt a fun ship, but you can just chill on the Serenity deck if you wish.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Our only experience of the entertainment was listening to the live music in various places on the ship, which was all really good.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Always smiling, always cleaning, I found the staff worked so hard to make sure everyone had a great holiday. A special mention to Meta from Indonesia, who worked on the carvery station and helped out at the Chef's Table, she was so sweet and helpful.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Size as expected, good closet space. Bed was very comfortable and I loved the bedding. Temperature control was good, never felt uncomfortable. Very quiet location, and handy to get around the ship from here, especially if you don't mind climbing the stairs.
Ship tip
Avoid the buffet between 8-9am and 6.30-7.30pm if you don't want to stand in line for ages. Locate Guys BBQ so you can find it at 12 on sea days when it opens for lunch. Yum.
We booked a shuttle to the airport, took our own luggage off, and it was so easy. If we did it again we would get an Uber. We thought it might be a bit hectic at the port but it would have been really easy and a good bit cheaper. Carnival also have a deal with Lyft so that would have been an option too.
Ooh annabellalee, I am a wee bit jealous!
The location of the room was perfect for us. It's really quiet, I didn't hear any noise from outside the whole cruise. The only exception is if you're on the balcony when something is happening by the pool, but if you're inside with the door closed the noise doesn't travel. When you exit the room and turn left you will see the water slides, and the big screen right ahead of you. By going this way you can check out anything going on around the lido deck. Its a handy way to help navigate the ship.
Go up one flight of stairs and you're on the Serenity deck, super handy for your days at sea.
You'll have figured out so many more tips and tricks by the end of your second week, I hope you enjoy every minute 😄
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