Last minute trip to remember
Carnival Vista Cruise Review
Contributor Level:
Second Mate
Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 59
7 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)
Sail date: June 22, 2019
Ship: Carnival Vista
Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Reviewed: 5 years ago
Review summary
A++++++. Would go again in a heartbeat! Last second booking was the best idea and a trip I’ll never forget.Embarkation
We were running a little late and a wonderful porter, George, helped us onto the ship with our bags. We definitely overpacked, but since we booked 24 hours prior, we through everything in and the kitchen sink!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
The food and drink did not disappoint! We purchased the cheers package to celebrate my friend’s 50th bday. Started everyday with a shot of Patron. Our MDR waiters were AMAZING! Milos, Faruk, and I wanana made our dining each night so special. Milos made creative drinks for us to try....nearly killing my liver, but it was so much fun! They encouraged us to participate in the dining room dancing fun. We usually ended up being the last ones in the Horizons restaurant just relaxing and enjoying dessert and a cocktail.
Our waitress, Nadia, in the piano bar, was superb. So friendly each night and I don’t know how she ever survived being the only waitress in there. The bartender, Emma, was excellent as well.
Onboard Activities
We absolutely loved the piano bar. Dizzy was amazing. She not only can play almost anything, she promises to learn it the next day if she doesn’t know it already! Her crowd interaction was great and Matt came in one night and said he had never seen a piano bar so full so late on a ship! He even tried to sing with his lost voice! He brought his family (who had been aboard this cruise) into the piano bar. We were there most nights and hit the casino every night... usually closing it down. The Love and Marriage show, hosted by Matt, did not disappoint. I had told my friend how fun it had been n previous cruises and Matt proved how great the show can be. His improv with the guests and during the show was impeccable. Quite a talent!
We never made it to the comedians, although I wanted to. It was usually packed or didn’t fit in a time we had available.
We also participated in One-hit wonders trivia. It was fun, but the entertainment director (can’t remember her name) was kind of annoying. We did get up with another gal from Texas and show her how to do the Cotton-eyed Joe. We thought everyone would know it....guess not. They didn’t know it on our catamaran ride, either!
Entertainment
The cruise director was Matt Mitcham and he was wonderful. Entertainment is not in short supply on this cruise. Lots of shows and things to do.
Service and Staff
As I stated above, the MDR staff and waiters were second to none! Everyone called us by our names immediately and remembered them throughout the trip. Rigor, at the Tides Pool, was the best bar waiter! Friendly, prompt, didn’t forget what you liked and was always fun! As we watched him, he showed this same service to ALL! He’s the best! We were sad to leave and he hugged us goodbye on the last day.
We didn’t see much of our stewards, but we weren’t in our room much except to sleep. Our room was kept tidy and she kept our ice bucket filled. However, when we were looking for the remote one night (we had lost it several times!) we noticed old trash under the beds from previous guests. This was a little disheartening, as I had never had this on my prior cruises.
The casino staff was also a highlight on the cruise. They knew us by name, joked with us, entertained, dealt with our loud cheers or growls (depending on the hand!) and they always made us feel like we were having the time of our lives. Maria, Margarita, Mitte, Vladimir, and others were a blast! It helped that we won more nights than we lost!
Ship Quality
The ship was clean and a beautiful ship. However, I have been on a few other ships and I prefer the grandeur of the entrances to the atrium of the Victory/Triumph. Maybe it’s the open elevators or the less crowded wait for elevators, but the layout seemed better. The Vista is an amazing ship though and I’d sail her again.
The serenity deck was perfect and I loved all the openness to it. I spent a lot of time there!
Cabin / Stateroom
Location was great. Close to elevator, quick trip up,or down stairs to get to so,stung if the elevators were busy. Size of cabin was fine for two. It was an interior and I will probably only book interiors from now on. Less expensive and I’m never in my room anyway. I loved the darkness when it was time to take a nap or sleep for the night. Beds were super comfy.
Ship tip
So much to do on this ship, so book a longer cruise!
Thumbs up
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Ports of call
Went on the Fury catamaran. Great fun, drinks, beaches, snorkeling. Good price for the excursion. Wish it was longer beach time. Wasn’t ready to go back!
Disembarkation
We were in no hurry to exit the ship and we enjoyed the breakfast on the lido. In the past, I had rushed off with my family to begin our 14 hour drive home, but this time my friend and I decided to not fight the crowd and enjoy the last bit of peacefulness before the drive. It was well worth it. Not rush, no lines, porters were available as we got our luggage and headed to the shuttle to the parking lot. It was all very organized since we waited, but it didn’t appear to be as relaxing for those rushing off the ship in the beginning. I’ll be waiting until the last call again!!!
Traveler Photos
