In summary all I can say is even though we had to jump through a lot of hoops to get back on a cruise ship it was definitely worth all the effort. The stress of waiting on our test results definitely wasn’t fun. Walking up the gangway and getting our first Sailaway cocktails made it all worthwhile. I was a little stubborn about carrying around my cell phone because that’s just not what I do on a cruise. There were always paper menus available at any of the restaurants. We were able to get a copy of the next days activities every evening or every morning just inside the sliding glass doors on the Lido deck or Guest Services. The 3D IMAX Documentaries in Surround Sound are a great deal at $5.50 p/p.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
It was our first time using terminal 2 In Galveston which is usually for a royal Caribbean ships. Terminal one is much faster
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
We really enjoyed the food at JiJi’s and Bonsai Sushi. We were a little disappointed in the Seafood Shack. Perhaps we just expected too much from a walkup seafood restaurant
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
The SkyRide was a lot of fun and the Vista has the best Serenity Deck of any Carnival ship we’ve been on
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The Playlist Productions in the main theater were really good, maybe the best shows we’ve ever seen. I’m sure many of you fans of Carnival have probably seen the musical “FLICK” before, but with all the time off that they have had they have perfected this show. America Rocks, is another musical that is a must to see. This is a show with live musicians playing some of our favorite Rock ‘n’ Roll songs. The Love and Marriage show was as funny as ever. There were lots of individuals performing throughout the ship all day long.
Children's Programs
5 out of 5
I would give this TEN STARS if possible. There were very few children onboard
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The crew onboard were so happy to see passengers again. They had to wear masks 😷 100% of the time, so we couldn’t get to see their smiling faces but you could hear it in their voices and see it in their eyes. They all wore badges with their smiling faces on their uniform so we can see what they actually do look like.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The crew was constantly cleaning throughout the entire ship. They even had cleaning personnel standing outside of all the public bathrooms waiting to go in to clean after anyone left the bathrooms. They also had them staged at the elevators and stair cases throughout the ship
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
As always we chose to get a balcony. It was sooo nice to just sit down and watch the beautiful smooth sea pass by once again! We knew that we really missed cruising but getting back on a balcony once again was just the medication we needed.
Ship tip
The ship is so big and so much to do you really have to remind yourself to slow down and relax because the time goes by so fast and you’ll wear yourself out trying to everything.
This was our first time visiting Roatan. We docked at Mahogany Bay. We don’t usually book cruise ship sponsored excursions but we did this time because at the time we booked this on short notice we didn’t know what the protocols were going to be as far as going on excursions through a private party. We went to AJ’s Monkey, Sloths and Macaws. We got to hold and pet the Sloths for quite a long time before moving over to the monkeys 🐒. We must’ve been in their little area for at least a half an hour as they would jump all over you as you would feed them. Then we went into where they had all the big, beautiful Macaws. Our next stop was at a Iguana Reserve where we hand fed Iguanas and gigantic Tarpon fish. Our last stop was at a market area where you could buy food drinks and souvenirs and watch local dancers perform. After we got back to Mahogany Bay we purchased tickets to get on the flying chairs that takes you over to the beach. We probably rode it back-and-forth five or six times. What a beautiful beach it is.
Cozumel is our Caribbean home away from home. Rather we fly to Cozumel or cruise there, we just love being there as there is so many great options to spend your time there. After going to Mr.Sanchos many times we decided to go to Nachi Cocom. I now understand why everyone raves about this place. It is definitely quieter and more laid-back than Mr.Sanchos.
In Belize we took the 20 minute water shuttle ride to shore. We didn’t have any excursions planned here so we just did a little shopping and had food and drinks at the Wet Lizard. It was oppressively hot and 96° and it was very hard to breathe through your mask and it is strictly enforced so after about three hours we jumped back on the water shuttle back to the ship.
Disembarkation at terminal 2 was slow due to they only had one gangway to get off the ship. But once you got on the gangway it was very fast. Because we had passports we only had to go through a facial recognition scan and out the terminal we went. We never even had to talk to a customs agent.
We were all biting our nails when you were going through your test ordeal and had a collective sigh of relief when you made it on-board. So glad you got to cruise, couldn't happen to a more deserving couple.
I am so glad everything worked out for you two. Especially after that positive test that can happen to any of us. It sounds like you had a wonderful trip. And yes the Serenity deck on the Vista is awesome but was so crowded when we were on the ship 20 mths ago we couldn't enjoy it. We are down to 20 days can't wait.
So glad you had a great cruise 🛳. I’ll have to remember about the flying chairs to the beach!! I’ve never heard of that. Thanks! Always looking for new beach fun.
Great to hear you had a fantastic cruise! September 17th, is approaching for ours…. Still have to get tested, and they threw us a curveball by making it 2 days before embarking. We’ll let you know Mark.
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