Not My Favorite

Carnival Vista Cruise Review

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Reviews: 4
Helpful Votes: 111

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5
Carnival Vista

7 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)

Sail date: April 09, 2022

Ship: Carnival Vista

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 1368

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

A cruise is a cruise so it's hard to complain, but I just didn't love the Vista. It's a big ship, but seems small and the elevator waits were insane. I'll go back to the Dream class. Savannah is a super fun CD. I look forward to sailing with her again. Sailing last year definitely spoiled us with lower capacity. So much so this may be our last cruise for awhile, it was just too much waiting in line. I'll also say, this particular sailing had a lot of rude obnoxious people and parents who let their kids also be obnoxious. Even my teenager commented on it. I overheard a lot of complaints on elevator rides. While I usually disagree, this time I thought they were justified. But hey, still grateful to have the blessing of cruising.

Embarkation

4 out of 5
We were late embarking because she was late getting back. Rumor was they left Cozumel late because of missing worker. Things happen, so I wasn't upset, and I thought the terminal employees were the most efficient I've had. Only complaint would be dropping off luggage. There's absolutely no order and was a circus compared to Canaveral and New Orleans.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
I always think the food is fine. I'm not sure what some people expect or find wrong with it. If I'm nitpicking, the lemonade wasn't as strong as it usually is and wasn't as good. Seaday brunch was delicious as always, dining room was great, and we had no problem with the buffet. Always having to wait for pizza was a bit annoying, but nothing to get worked up about.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5
I thought Savanah was wonderful. The Flying Scotsman is my favorite and usually everyone else falls flat, but she did not disappoint. She is hilarious, full off energy, personable, and very gracious. I would actually book a cruise because of her. Robbie from the fun squad was great as well and I was happy to hear he's becoming a CD. The Playlist cast was under quarantine and they did a really good job planning on the fly. Seeing the comedy shows in the big theater is something that was a treat and should be the norm.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5
Ugh, I'm going to be THAT person. While the staff was fine, I didn't find the overall vibe of the staff to be great. Wasn't the same energy I'm used to.

Ship Quality

2 out of 5
Not a fan of the Vista. I missed the open layouts of the Dream class ships, Vista seems really choppy. I liked the graphic things in the atrium but overall felt the atrium was missing the grand feel I usually get. I really disliked not being able to walk around on deck 5. Way too many people for the size and amount of elevators.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
First time not getting a balcony and I was a little hesitant, but ended up being pleasantly surprised. I'll book it again and definitely do deluxe. Two showers worked out great. No noise except a few mornings, but no biggie. Only complaint was one of the beds was an older one and so hard. Even a spring popped.

Ship tip

Pack a lot of patience.

Ports of call

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5
I love Cozumel. Went to Paradise this time but will go back to Sanchos or try something different. The water was funky smelling, food wasn't worth the all inclusive price, overall wasn't a fan. Still love Cozumel though.

Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

4 out of 5
Beautiful place, just wish the beach and water area was larger. So many people in such a small area kind of takes away from the beauty. Especially with the all the sand being stirred in the water. Makes it cloudy. I would go back, but go to a paid beach excursion.

Belize City, Belize

4 out of 5
We went to Altun Ha ruins. So worth it. Belize is a poor country but you can still find the beauty in it and appreciate your own circumstances.

Galveston, Texas

4 out of 5

Disembarkation

1 out of 5
Worst disembarking from a ship I've ever been a part of. Part of the problem is people feeling like they don't have to follow the muster stations and go when they want, which then clogs the lobby up. But it's also just not a good setup. People trying to get off the elevators have to merge into the traffic of people coming down the steps. It's just a mess. Had this been my first one, it might have been my last.

Traveler Photos

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7 Comments

sycamoregrill    2 years ago

She is a big ship and can hold many people when capacity is there. Looks like you went during spring break which often brings out crowds. Savannah was just starting in January as Kyndall was quarantining. ‘Say Byeee!’

Gwbigdog    2 years ago

Agree, nor a Vista fan either. Thanks for sharing your cruise with us.

javawoody    2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your thoughts

daisydoozy    2 years ago

Not a Vista fan either. Went on her in 2018 and we had a bad disembarkation too. Elevators the worst. Decor is dull. But agree that the food is good. We aren't picky eaters. Always gain weight on a cruise.🤣

CurlyCruiserYAY    2 years ago

tjstarfish    2 years ago

Agree.i didn't care for the Vista. Too big and rooms too small. Jijis was the best thing. Prefer the dream or the breeze.

RetiredRay    2 years ago

Agree with the Vista layout, but it is doable. One thing I will not do again is March/April spring break, as you saw it has issues. Glad most of the trip was good though.

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