In July 2016, a group of us took a Mediterranean cruise on the Carnival Vista. The ship is incredible. I was very impressed. Instead of a lengthy review, I thought you'd find it helpful if I shared my six top tips.
1. Book the last Brewery Tour of the day
The Carnival Vista has the first American Craft Brewery at Sea. Three beers are brewed on board. You get to taste those three beers plus Carnival's signature Thristy Frog brew. The brewmaster explains how the beers are brewed and gives you a short tour of the brewery. If you book the last tour, you get the chance to chat a little longer with the brewmaster. You can book the tour on embarkation day at the Red Frog Pub.
2. Head to the Havanna Pool at 5 pm
Carnival introduced a new set of suites on the Vista: The Havanna Suites. They have special patios and exclusive access to the Havanna Pool every day until 5 pm. After 5 pm, the area is open to anyone. We especially enjoyed the time between 5 pm - 7 pm . We could enjoy the pool and hot tub, but it was before the live music started. I found the music too be WAY TOO LOUD! I know that makes me sound like an old lady, but seriously, my ear drums were bleeding.
3. Breakfast in Havanna Lounge or Ocean Plaza
If you want to avoid the craziness of the buffet in the morning, you can head to the Havanna Lounge or Ocean Plaza. They have a limited, but adequate selection.
4. Have Lunch in JiJi Asian Kitchen and Cucina del Capitano
Both these restaurants have a surcharge for dinner, but lunch is included. You sit down and choose your entrée from a menu. In JiJi Asian kitchen, it's a Mongolian Wok where you create your own stir fry. In Cucina del Capitano, you create your own pasta. To find the staircase is a little tricky, walk through the buffet. It will be a small staircase in the middle about halfway through the buffet.
5. Ride the Sky Ride
It's a bicycle suspended from a track above the sports deck. You get great views. Be sure you have on shorts and closed toed shoes. No other cruise ship offers a similar experience.
6. Find a great spot on Deck 5
If being near a pool is not a requirement for you, you can find great spots on Deck 5 to enjoy sunshine, shade or a sea view. Each bar/restaurants has a separate themed area with tables, chairs, and chaises. It's a perfect escape spot on a busy Sea Day.
If you have any questions or think the Carnival Vista may be a good fit for your family, email me or set up a time to chat.
1. Book the last Brewery Tour of the day
The Carnival Vista has the first American Craft Brewery at Sea. Three beers are brewed on board. You get to taste those three beers plus Carnival's signature Thristy Frog brew. The brewmaster explains how the beers are brewed and gives you a short tour of the brewery. If you book the last tour, you get the chance to chat a little longer with the brewmaster. You can book the tour on embarkation day at the Red Frog Pub.
2. Head to the Havanna Pool at 5 pm
Carnival introduced a new set of suites on the Vista: The Havanna Suites. They have special patios and exclusive access to the Havanna Pool every day until 5 pm. After 5 pm, the area is open to anyone. We especially enjoyed the time between 5 pm - 7 pm . We could enjoy the pool and hot tub, but it was before the live music started. I found the music too be WAY TOO LOUD! I know that makes me sound like an old lady, but seriously, my ear drums were bleeding.
3. Breakfast in Havanna Lounge or Ocean Plaza
If you want to avoid the craziness of the buffet in the morning, you can head to the Havanna Lounge or Ocean Plaza. They have a limited, but adequate selection.
4. Have Lunch in JiJi Asian Kitchen and Cucina del Capitano
Both these restaurants have a surcharge for dinner, but lunch is included. You sit down and choose your entrée from a menu. In JiJi Asian kitchen, it's a Mongolian Wok where you create your own stir fry. In Cucina del Capitano, you create your own pasta. To find the staircase is a little tricky, walk through the buffet. It will be a small staircase in the middle about halfway through the buffet.
5. Ride the Sky Ride
It's a bicycle suspended from a track above the sports deck. You get great views. Be sure you have on shorts and closed toed shoes. No other cruise ship offers a similar experience.
6. Find a great spot on Deck 5
If being near a pool is not a requirement for you, you can find great spots on Deck 5 to enjoy sunshine, shade or a sea view. Each bar/restaurants has a separate themed area with tables, chairs, and chaises. It's a perfect escape spot on a busy Sea Day.
If you have any questions or think the Carnival Vista may be a good fit for your family, email me or set up a time to chat.