Bigger isn't always better

Item: Carnival Vista
Rating: 3.7
Author: AShue

Carnival Vista Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

AShue

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 51

Overall rating:

3.7 out of 5

6 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: April 01, 2018

Ship: Carnival Vista

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

I was so excited to cruise on the Vista. I had seen ads, heard about the technology, dining options and extra activities older ships don't have. I was rather disappointed. Had we not upgraded to the Spa Level the entire trip would have been a let down. The Spa Level was definitely worth the $$ and made the trip for me. I took advantage of the Spa everyday as it is conveniently located and has a lot to offer. The Vista is so big it is hard to keep up with all the places you might want to go - too many food choices but still always lines. It appeared people just went to what was convenient so everybody ends up in the same places. There is an exclusive Cabana area reserved only for guest with rooms in the Havana area. It comes with a private pool and seems like a real waste of space. Never enough chairs at the two other pools and the water rides were always over run with kids and very long lines. I will stick with smaller ships.

Embarkation

3 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Lot's of places to grab food with a good variety, sushi, barbecue, Italian, Burgers etc. The main dining room was a real disappointment. The meals were way tooo long - something didn't seem right. We waited a long time between courses - not typical service. Staff was good but not the best I've had on Carnival.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Entertainment

4 out of 5

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Ports of call

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

3 out of 5

Bought a day pass at the Sandals Ocho - will not do that again. The resort is a little run down, food was average and drinks were served in small plastic cups with little to no ice.

Thumbs Up 3

George Town, Grand Cayman

5 out of 5

Always enjoy Grand Caymans. Took an hour sail and did some snorkeling. Spent the day at Royal Palms Beach Club. If you plan ahead you can book a cabana by the pool. Great service and ice cold beverages & decent food for a beach bar.

Thumbs Up 4

Cozumel, Mexico

2 out of 5

Not my cup of tea or shot of tequila. I will not go back to this port. I haven't visited Mexico in 10 years and if anything it has gotten worse. We went to a "resort" Mr. Sanchos. Best was crowded, food was average and drinks were nothing to get excited about. Long pricey cab ride $35 there and $35 back for 2.

Thumbs Up 3

Disembarkation

4 out of 5

Traveler Photos

4 Comments

DFromATX 6 years ago

The Havana area doesn’t seem like a waste of space for the people staying there. 😊

Thumbs Up 0

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DFromATX 6 years ago

@LovetoCruise, I hope all the kinks being worked out is all it is. This ship is coming to Galveston, my home port, so the negative reviews are kind of giving me concern. Some seem to really love it, while others dislike it.

Thumbs Up 0

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LovetoCruise16 6 years ago

This is s new class ship for Carnival. Eventually all the kinks will be worked out.

Thumbs Up 1

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yankandbrit 6 years ago

We had a Havana Extended Aft cabin and for us it made the cruise worth it. Having exclusive access to the Havana area until 7 pm everyday was pure Bliss! And no one under age 12. We enjoyed the company of others without feeling like sardines and weren't ovverun by unruly children. If we ever sail the Vista class ships again, Havana is a must for us; otherwise, we prefer the smaller ships and a more intimate experience either in suites or spa cabins.

Thumbs Up 2

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Other reviews of this sailing

Superb!!

Nice cruise

Wonderful the friendliness crew I have ever seen