#familyvacay2018
Carnival Vista Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 40
6 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)
Sail date: August 05, 2018
Ship: Carnival Vista
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: 8239
Traveled as: Family (older children)
Reviewed: 6 years ago
Review summary
Overall great trip. Just a few things that pissed me off. We'll be back again........Embarkation
We didn't have to wait at all in port. Our bags were tagged and taken right away. Folio process was quick and security was no hassle.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Drinks were great. Sometimes a bit too "syrupy". I think Serenity had the best variety - my favorite drink menu. By far the best beer. The food was very good. Some items were hit and miss, but definitely worth a try. Sometimes the bacon was a bit soggy and greasy. But, for the most part it was crispy.
Onboard Activities
Onboard activities were great. There is more than enough to do - and if you can't find something that you like then just chill and enjoy the sun, the ocean or the port of the day....and if you can't do that, then cruises are not for you. Cycling was great. NEED MORE SOCCER. The ping pong and golf were....meh. Did it once. That was enough. Foosball is ok, I guess. I was FURIOUS that the Wheel House tour cost $95. WTF kind of rip off is that. That's up there with the kids' arcade games. Middle finger! AND it was sold out. That was something that I was really looking forward to - at the top of my list. Pissed that you rip off the customer like that.
Entertainment
Performances, shows etc. were fine. Didn't participate in much of those this time.
Children's Programs
The arcade is a rip off. There is NO WAY that ANY DAMN GAME should end up costing a kid $15 ANYWHERE!!!! WTF???!!!! I literally wanted to punch y'all in the face on that one. That's a rip off, especially when you want to let your tweens roam free. Y'all get the finger on that. Camp Carnival is excellent, except for the food. I thought they were going to starve. Not quite sure how you can waste tons of food with the adults but skimp on the kids meals. The Circle C club was wack. They didn't like it and was bored. There isn't enough dedicated activity for the 10-18. My 10 wanted to hang with the 12 and 13 so she never even logged in CC. But then she can't "technically" go to CC soooo, then what? Also, there should be more dedicated in that age range to getting these kids to meet in a controlled setting - to break the ice. Poor job on stuff for the kids. If it weren't for CC and Ms. Joss - Mexico, Children's programs would get a 1 star.
Service and Staff
The service from the staff was AMAZING!!! All the way around the boat. Seriously couldn't have been nicer people. I didn't meet one staff crew member who wasn't pleasant, didn't have a smile or friendly word to say. Some of my particular favorites were #1 our dinner service. BEST EVER. Sukiyama, Luis and Senshimi? (incorrect spelling but 3rd part of the team) were ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!! Like Family!!! West Ham Abagil. She's always where the party is. Dude that took care of our rooms was awesome. Sorry, forgot his name.....but he never forgot mine. Bonus points. Ms. Joss in Camp Carnival is awesome. The shopping expert from South Africa was awesome. Homegirl in the bar at the Serenity from Ukraine was awesome. Also, - I find it interesting that you have everyone and their mama at guest services when the boat is leaving at the beginning, BUT only ONE person working there on the last night. Not to mention that TWO of the kisoks were Updating?? REALLY?? Don't PLAY ME, son. How the hell you gonna put ONE person at the desk on the last night. It was almost a riot. And updating kiosks at the same time. Save that for the morning of arrival, and disembarkation. That's really unfair to your customers - despite their usually weak complaints about their bill.
Ship Quality
Ship was cool. Decent layout. Very clean. Areas were very well maintained.
Cabin / Stateroom
Size was ok for 4. Two adults and two children. Maybe a little more drawer space would be helpful, but then again I over packed, as usual. I would be cool if the balconies doors could be opened when your boarding party is next door. Cleanliness was excellent. We did have a problem with the smell of urine in our bathroom for the first few days of the trip. The smell slowly dissipated towards then end, conveniently when we finally decided to call it in. The smell was definitely there, though. Overall good rating. We would have liked the family suite but that's too low (deck 2 or 2) on the boat.
Ports of call
Miami is great. No excursion.
Thumbs Up
8
Dunns was cool. Not a fan of the "trinkets" for purchase, if you've been (to any tourist port) previously. Locals are very pushy. Prices are ok, but bring a lot of cash still.....
Best beach. Shopping was so so. Would have rather had more time here than Cozumel. Excursion prices were a rip off. Locals weren't pushy at all. You can certainly tell the difference in the countries with the money - since this is where all the banks are.
All about the liquor. Once you've been to the market, no need to really buy anything else when you visit again. Carnival excursion was $90 and $75. Got the same. exact. excursion, locally for $35 each. Beach sucked. Too many rocks - at the inflatable spot. Locals are pushy in the market and excursions. But considering the Carnival mark up price, it's 100% worth it.