coondog99

I believe that the location of where you are on the ship will determine what sort of soda (can vs fountain) you will receive. Not all locations will have both. However, if you prefer a certain type, the waiter will likely get it for you.
 

Just for knowledge purposes, Canadian residents can join AARP but not the Rewards section. I found out this the hard way unfortunately. AARP did reimburse me for my cancelled membership however. 

Sailed on the Vista in 2017 and really enjoyed it. No complaints about the ship other than the theatre. It has mainly flat level seating complicated by obstructed views caused by supporting pillars. Worst theatres in the fleet but other than that, the ship was great. Will be sailing on it again in Dec 2024. 

Our family experienced this in March '19 while cruising on the Breeze from Port Canaveral.

My wife and I had FTTF for our cabin while our two minor sons (17/13) and two of their friends in another cabin did not. Prior to us purchasing FTTF, Carnival assured us that we would be able to priority check in with us since they were minors.

Outside the cruise terminal, we all went to the FTTF check in entrance. A non-Carnival worker informed us that only FTTF travelers could enter. We politely explained the background of what Carnival had told us and the response was that Carnival didn't know what they were talking about and the minors would have to use the regular check-in. My wife and I agreed that wasn't an option so we would all go as a group. As we were getting ready to move to that area, another employee had overheard our conversation and in consultation with the other one changed their decision and allowed all of use to the FTTF check-in. 

My guess is that your sister will need FTTF to check-in with you but your children will likely be able to.

It puzzles me why cruises still go to these places (Nassau has had a US Level 2 advisory since Oct) when it is advised against. Why put people at risk?

4 minutes ago, sid_9169 said:

This mornings adventure was average at best. I did get in a good couple of miles walk though. I'm going to start getting ready, as I've got to vacate the room at 11:00... I may just hang out in the lobby after that, as I would have to drag my bags around wherever I might go. I'm hoping and praying for a HUGE improvement in my day later on!

An average adventure is always better than a good day at work!  😉

My wife and I have been on the same amount of Carnival cruises however when booking our next cruise in 2024, I received a better VIFP offer than her. When we asked the PVP for the reason, it was explained that I had spent more while on previous cruises.

Does anyone know if this is accurate as it seems odd?   

On 5/8/2023 at 5:22 PM, Thaffey said:

Booking on Vista for December of 2024- two adults and two teenagers in an interior room. Looking for the most economical option, with some level of comfort. Would a standard interior or the family harbor provide more space? Not really concerned about any other FH amenities, just the best use of space. There’s $140 difference between them. Thanks. 

It appears that both of those interior rooms are the same (185 sq ft). The Family Harbour room provides access to the lounge in that area.

Use this website for comparisons in cabin sizes. Carnival Vista Deck Plans, Layouts, Pictures, Videos (cruisedeckplans.com)

My suggestion would to be consider 2 interior rooms OR 1 interior/ 1 oceanview OR 1 interior/ 1 balcony. 

13 hours ago, beshears said:

I'm glad you posted this. I was thinking of this ship for next year, but with having 6,000 or more people on board, I think that is way too many people (even if it was a tad less) for the 8 of to deal with.

We sailed on a fully booked Mardi Gras before Christmas and the only time it felt busy was at peak meal times eg Guy's, Shaq's and the MDR entrance. Other than that, it seemed less busy than on other smaller ships we have been on. The service on the MG was also the best we have experienced.    

If you look at your booking confirmation email., it should tell you the promo under Guest Notes. 

56 minutes ago, Harley167 said:

we had. alarge group and did 2 tables of ten in main dining room with a set time. It worked really well!

How did you get that done?

We have a group of 20 sailing at the end of 2024. 7 different cabins with all bookings linked.

Anyone have any insight on how we could arrange our tables in advance?   eg 2 tables of 10 or 3 tables of various numbers

On a previous cruise, we were assured by our PVP that our group of 14 would be be seated at the same table. Upon boarding, we were seated at two tables and the Maitre'D could not change our arrangement. Post-cruise, that PVP brushed it off and we never used him again.      

Thanks for your feedback, all. BTW, the minors would be 19.

Question. Two cabins are booked as follows: 1) One adult with a minor/ 2) One adult with minors. This is often done to get VIFP deals.
The adult in cabin 1 buys Cheers. The adult in Cabin 2 does not.

On embarkation day at Guest Services, the adult in Cabin 2 switches with the minor in Cabin 1. Will that adult now be auto billed for the Cheers pakage? 

We were on a fully booked Mardi Gras before Christmas and the only time it felt crowded was at peak times for the Red Frog Tiki bar, Guy's and Shaq's. The rest of the time it seemed like we weren't on a big ship. Surprisingly enough, there was always lots of deck seating as well. 

7 hours ago, Jamericannn said:

The Wife and I are in separate rooms. We had to book this way because the adult guest in the other room is cruising for the first time so she does not have any good offers. 
 

My question is… Will it be easy for my wife to get switched to my room while onboard? Is it simple just going to GS and get different keys or will they likely give us a hard time?

We just did this exact thing while on the Mardi Gras as we had booked two cabins: a balcony for my wife and I/ an inside cabin for our two sons and two of their friends. Our PVP placed my wife in our second cabin instead to get a better VIFP offer.

Once on board, we went to guest services later on in the embarkation day to avoid a huge line. Mind you, we still had to wait 30 minutes. The guest services agent switched my wife into our balcony room without any question. My son and her received new Sign and Sail cards and all was good.

 

Another great review, Sid! Love your viewpoint of the cruise, unique photos, and witty comments. 

Here's where you are. 

www.marinetraffic.com

20 hours ago, sid_9169 said:

 

 

 

 

"Despacito" (the song title that translates to "slowly") was also used to highlight and criticize the slow United States response to the destruction at La Perla caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, where the video was filmed. The National Park Service assisted the few residents of La Perla with tarps soon afterwards~wiki

If you like beaches and shopping....St Maarten

If you like history and food....San Juan

2 hours ago, TxTeach79 said:

Doing this 

 

At what point of the cruise, could you book this?

8 hours ago, TxTeach79 said:

a classic 

 

 

Do you still have to rent those chairs?

The last time I was on that beach was in March of 2019 and the chairs were almost up to the water's edge. Looks like things have changed.  

Your review is fantastic. The variety of your photos and you witty comments make it interesting. Looking forward to boarding the MG on 12/17!

Our group of six is booked on the Carnival Mardi Gras for a Dec 17th departure with our rental vehicle is being dropped at the Port Can Enterprise location that morning.

Currently debating these options:
1) Drop rental and all of us taking Enterprise shuttle to terminal.

2) Dropping 5 of us/ luggage at cruise terminal then myself goes to drop vehicle and taking shuttle.

3) As above but Uber or taxi instead of shuttle

Any advice or insight??  
 

We've been to both with the last time being in 2019.

I had heard a lot about Jack's Shack so we made the 5 minute walk down the beach to it. We honestly thought it was overated, expensive, and filthy. The bathroom was disgusting and the service was horrendous. If you want some solace, their beach area is quieter and away from the cruise area. It's essentially a no frills shack on the beach. Won't be going back.

4/ 10

Margaritaville has the resort type feel. Large pool, swim up and stand up bars, food but expensive as well. Lot's of chairs inside and out and still close to the beach. Has a party atmosphere and some island vibe.

8/10

Our Dec 22nd flowrider excursion was cancelled by Carnival without a reason.

Anyone have insight into why?