Solid Christmas Cruise

Item: Carnival Vista
Rating: 3.9
Author: miriah645

Carnival Vista Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

miriah645

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 33

Overall rating:

3.9 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 24, 2022

Ship: Carnival Vista

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 1318

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

I love Carnival because it is a consistent cruise experience with amazing staff and drinks as well as the kids program being amazing. I would say, I expected more from the bigger ship activity wise but I do think that it's just being underutilized by the cruise director when it comes to engaging adult activities rather than just trivia. If you leave from Galveston, just be prepared for horrible parking and embark/debark but once you are on the ship it's much more relaxing. Lastly, kids definitely dominated the hot tubs so if that is important to you I would recommend considering paying the $149 for the private adult hot tubs.

Embarkation

1 out of 5

It took about 3 hours to get on board the ship.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Love the fine dining option but the specialty Italian pasta place is absolutely worth a lunch. Alchemy consistently had the BEST drinks on the whole ship.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

A lot of Trivia. Pools were small and limited access to hot tubs.

Entertainment

4 out of 5

Adult game night was a wild and wonderful experience (Not for the conservative hearted).

Children's Programs

5 out of 5

My 9 year old absolutely loved camp and begged to go every day.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Dining room staff and bartenders were so kind and positive!

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Its a confusing ship to learn but has lots to offer if you can find it all.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Loved having the two bathrooms and the ocean view. But being on level 1 did lead to a sewer smell quite often from the drains.

Ship tip

Go to Alchemy bar and be willing to try something new! Love the drinks!!

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Galveston, Texas

1 out of 5

Exhausting port, will never sail from here again.

Thumbs Up 0

Falmouth, Jamaica

4 out of 5

Unsafe to venture on your own but our guided white river rafting excursion had exceptionally fun and kind staff.

Thumbs Up 0

George Town, Grand Cayman

3 out of 5

This port is pretty limited. Two times here and you feel like you've done it all.

Thumbs Up 0

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

Consistently our favorite port!

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

1 out of 5

Galveston is just a mess with parking and traffic at the port.

8 Comments

Cruisers4Lyfe 6 months ago

Thanks for sharing

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willtravel17 1 year ago

We love Carnival!

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sfcvan 1 year ago

We have cruised out of Galveston several times. The only time we have had problems getting on and off is when foggy weather was involved. We sailed the Vista December 17th-24th, and the weather was terrible. So we didn't start getting off until after 9:30. So due to the bad weather, that caused those who were getting on to start late. Granted Galveston is an old Port, but Orlando, New Orleans Ports, have the same problems. Just pack a little patience and remember your vacation is on the other side waiting to start.

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Gwbigdog 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise

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kelskazoo22 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing.

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AuntPinkie 1 year ago

Appreciate your detailed feedback. We set sail on Saturday. Glad you mostly enjoyed your cruise.

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javawoody 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing

Thumbs Up 1

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Carnivalfoodie 1 year ago

I agree that Carnival is consistent and great value!!!!

Thumbs Up 1

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Other reviews of this sailing

I can’t believe I missed reviewing.

Christmas on the Vista

We had a good time on the cruise. It was our 3rd time on the Vista and we really enjoy the ship. We really enjoyed the ports but didn’t do any excursions in Jamaica or Cozumel. We did go to Hell in Grand Cayman. That was really a fun stop for us.