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Carnival Vista Cruise Review

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 24
Helpful Votes: 884

Overall rating:

4.6 out of 5
Carnival Vista

7 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 07, 2023

Ship: Carnival Vista

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 7323

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

One of the the best cruises we’ve had. Great Fun Squad and CD.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
We arrived earlier than our designated time, but there was no line and we were allowed to go in. It couldn’t have gone any smoother. No one was boarded until the ship was cleared. Then passengers were boarded in this order: Diamond, Platinum, those needing assistance, suites, FTTF and then everyone else.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
While the food wasn’t 5 star, it was good and plentiful. Breakfast fare on the Lido was all the expected breakfast offerings including burritos at the Blue Iguana and two omelette stations. My favorite thing on the Vista class ships is the gelato for lunchtime; two new flavors every day and made fresh. Meals in the main dining room were nice. But we didn’t think they prepared beef well. Otherwise the food was good. Had a delightful bartender at the Havana Bar who introduced me to a new concoction, the UltimateXO.

BlueIguana Cantina

5 out of 5

Had breakfast burritos. Lunchtime had tacos and burritos that you chose the ingredients for. Friendly staff and willing to add as much to your plate as you want.

Guy's Burger Joint

5 out of 5

A favorite of many. Usually had two lines but many people only noticed one. It made for a quick burger if you paid attention.

Vista Lobby and Bar

5 out of 5

Bartenders seemed busy and were pleasant, but didn’t seem to roam the area like they do on other ships. A great place to wait for others and to people watch.

Alchemy Bar

5 out of 5

The busiest bar in the evenings. Unusual offerings. Met several fun people here!

Havana Bar

5 out of 5

Glynda was a delight and introduced me to a new drink. The UltimateXO is sort of a White Russian with a cinnamon kick. All of the bar tenders here were good, but she was a shining star.

Horizons Restaurant

4 out of 5

We enjoyed our meals. Not fond of using the phone for the menu. A regular menu is available upon request. Had a fantastic wait staff. Sadly, our head waiter left at the end of the week.

Guy's Pig & Anchor

5 out of 5

A nice mix of barbecue for the non-Texans. We found the sauces acceptable, but heard a bit of grumbling from the Texans that the hot sauce wasn’t hot enough.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
We played a lot of mini golf. But there is so much more to do. The Sky Ride and Ropes course had friendly and helpful staff. Saw them “rescue” a youngster on the Sky Ride who panicked after starting. They were kind and assured him that maybe he could try later. We enjoyed the Punchliner venue. I did well in Trivia. Watched a few other games offered by the Fun Squad. The main shows were popular, but we’d seen them before. The Q&A with the CD was great.

Sky Greens

5 out of 5

Had a blast. It could use some tender care, but the maintenance was done on some of the holes during the cruise. Just skip the one being worked on. Six holes on one level, go up the stairs for the last three. That’s where the Sky Ride and Ropes course are!

Fun Shops

5 out of 5

Nice variety. I am an EFFY fan. The crew here was nice. Yes, they tried to get you to buy but were okay if you said no. Nice selection of watches. Not enough logo items. Had a “general” store but a bit pricey. Good Pandora store for those interested. Cherry on top full of goodies!

Photo Gallery

4 out of 5

The photographers were friendly without being overly aggressive. Some good pictures, but couldn’t find many of ours using facial recognition. Plus had people who looked nothing like us in a few.

Vista Casino

5 out of 5

Cashier was funny. When I asked if I could ask a question, “yes I already did and the next one was only $5”, said with a big smile. I didn’t do well, but enjoyed playing the slots. Yes, it’s smoky.

SportsSquare

5 out of 5

Many options. Pool, bean bag toss, mini golf, foosball, and ping pong.

Sky Course

5 out of 5

While I didn’t do this, I watched! The crew were encouraging to those that were reluctant or had a “freeze” moment on the course. Also they went out to “rescue” anyone who needed it. Saw youngsters encouraging others and mastering the course. Kudos to the crew. Reelo tried to convince me I could do it. She’s a sweetheart but I’m not going up there! Note: if the winds exceeded 45 mph and or it was wet from rain, these options were closed for safety. But opened as soon as safety allowed.

Entertainment

4 out of 5
Enjoyed the Punchliner club. Trey McCain was on his first cruise ever as well as his first as a comedian on a cruise ship. His PG show was good and the R rated was also funny without being vulgar. Lance Montalto was very experienced and never did a repeat show. Both fit nicely with our sense of humor. The steel drums were a nice change of pace . Loved the violin in the atrium. We’ve seen the play list many times, so didn’t attend.

Carnival's Seaside Theatre

4 out of 5

Watched Top Gun: Maverick the last night. It was cold so we bundled up. Note: the movie will be interrupted by announcements on occasion.

Liquid Lounge

3 out of 5

Don’t care for the seating in chairs on this class of ship.The shows were extremely loud. Other gatherings here were okay, but no place to set a drink during the “repeaters” gatherings.

Limelight Lounge

5 out of 5

Good comedians and a good host from the Fun Squad. MaKayKay, was at the door to be sure underage didn’t go to the R rated, make sure there was enough seating and cleared the venue after each presentation for the next show. Very upbeat.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Our room steward, Joseph, was great. He was in the hall and always called us by name and asked if we needed anything. We had ice every day. He apologized if we returned to the room and he hadn’t been there yet. Wait staff in the dining room outstanding. Best Fun Squad we’ve had. CD, mingled with guests whenever possible. Very visible. Good sports square staff.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5
Once you get the lay of the ship easy to navigate. Happy you can get aft to forward on decks 4 AND 5. Do not like the Liquid Lounge set up. Ship shows the expected wear and tear. Staff cleaning all the time. Passengers could be uncaring where they put used items. Things were maintained as good as possible.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
We picked this balcony cabin because it’s between two suites without connecting doors. We get the same experienced room steward as the suites. No noise from adjoining room(s) and a great location midship! 3 drawers, 3 shelves and two closets for your items. Room under bed for suitcases. Just the right size for the two of us.

Ports of call

George Town, Grand Cayman

4 out of 5
This is a tender port. We enjoy this port and find it worth the frustration of the ride over. We were delayed leaving as we waited for a shore tour group.

Falmouth, Jamaica

5 out of 5
We were pleasantly surprised by this port. The area by the ship is built up for shopping with a bit of eating and drinking. The vendors are a bit aggressive but not overly so. Still remember to be careful with your “pocketbook” don’t show a lot of money.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
We did a B2B, so didn’t actually disembark.

Traveler Photos

Reelo trying to convince me to try the ropes course Great wait staff. First "elegant" night. Always room for dessert. Glynda with the special ingredient for my drink. Paper menus available
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