Great Couples Trip

Carnival Vista Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 26

Overall rating:

4.4 out of 5
Carnival Vista

8 Night Southern Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 02, 2023

Ship: Carnival Vista

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 1201

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 4 months ago

Review summary

This was a wonderful cruise. We sailed at the beginning of December and the weather was perfect except for the burst of rain while getting off at Curacao. The ship was clean, the staff were efficient and friendly, the food was good too. I would definitely recommend this ship and this itinerary if you're looking for a warm, beach filled vacation. We had room 2371, not what is showing on the post.

Embarkation

2 out of 5
It was a nightmare. Apparently, Carnival was having a ship inspection, so everything was behind. It took over 30 minutes to enter the terminal and get dropped off by the Uber driver. Then there were several long lines of passengers who were told to line up across the way. We needed accommodations for a disability, so I asked the line lady if there was an area for disabled passengers. Unfortunately, there was no such area. However, they allowed is to use the priority line. Of course, we were stopped because we weren't "priority ", but they let us check in and sit down. By the way, we were 15 minutes early but the line was wrapped around outside. Once indoors, we sat for about 30 minutes. Everyone boarded late because of the inspection.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
The food was surprisingly good. We ate breakfast in the Lido most days. We ate dinner in the main dining room every night since we traveled with family. We made it to brunch twice and the food was always very good. We also ate at Fahrenheit 555 one night for dinner. Of course, Carnival has the best soft serve ice cream, in my opinion. I loved my daily cones... yes that's plural.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
There was a ton of activities all day and night. There were pool parties, atrium parties, trivia, movies, and sports events including NFL games showing all over the ship.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
We only made it to one show and the singer had a great voice and was also entertaining at the same time.

Children's Programs

No kids

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Our room steward was awesome. We didn't see a lot of him except a few times in the hallway, but he was extremely efficient and kind. We had the best waiter on board. We chose My Time Dining, but he told us we could ask for him each night. We had a blast with our waitstaff. They were great dancers too during the dinner performances.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5
Some parts were confusing to maneuver, but we had seven days to figure it out.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
The room was very neat and clean. The size is what we've had in the past which is enough for two people. The balcony was basic, but it was a Cove balcony. It would get more wet than a higher cabin, but I would totally book cove again. We loved it.

Ship tip

Double check the name of your dining restaurant. We assumed there was only one on our level, so like dummies, we lined up with everyone else. Needless to say, our restaurant was way in the back and we were late the first night. Also, check in for dinner on your app. It will give you an estimate of the wait time right in the app. on your

Ports of call

Port Canaveral, Florida

1 out of 5
We arrived here, but we didn't do a tour or anything. Embarkation was a disaster. Pack your patience.

Oranjestad, Aruba

5 out of 5
We bartered with a vendor directly outside of the gate. She charged us each $30. There were six in our party and she was a great tour guide. If you get someone who isn't affiliated with the ship, be sure you are clear about arriving back to port early.

Willemstad, Curacao

5 out of 5
We did not do an excursion. We walked over to the Punda Love Hearts, listened to a calypso band play in the courtyard downtown, had delicious snacks, shopped, and hung out later near the ship. Shopping was expensive near the ship, but it was more reasonable in town.

Grand Turk Island

5 out of 5
Took an excursion from the ship, had a great tour of the island, had an authentic meal which included conch fritters, went to the beach, and ended the day at the shopping area outside of the port. Don't miss the outside exhibit of the Mercury 7 Splashdown.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Went smoothly, but we chose to take our luggage off on our own.
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