DreadPirateRobert

For anyone who has done this cruise, do they have any traditional Irish music on board during this cruise? Of course we have overnights and plenty of time in ports to get my fill. I was just wondering . thanks…

We had a speaker with us on our most recent Vista cruise 2/25-3/4. We kept it very low and asked everyone around us to please say something if it was a problem.

As you’ve read, Havana is not open to other guests after 7 pm. I can see people wanting to at least have a look at Havana but as someone who paid a healthy up charge I’d hate to have it overrun. Several nights I went out there for a night cap and some quiet. Celebrity has become our favorite. Still affordable but a bit more elegant without being stuffy. We’ve booked an Azamara for June. Never done them. Guess we’ll see.

Sorry to hear that. Our experience was the complete opposite. There were a few times when karaoke was going on in the Havana lounge that it took a minute or two to get service but overall it was very prompt.

We just returned from a fun week on the Vista. It was our first cruise since before the pandemic and our first Carnival cruise in 7 years. We’d drifted away from Carnival because we just didn’t like the direction it was going. No enforcement of policies on chair hogs, dress codes etc. Anyway, we decided last minute to give Carnival another try. We’d loved them for years , 14 cruises worth. Despite being last minute we were able to snag a Havana Experience cabin so ( if rules were enforced) it would be a more private, relaxed experience. Let me begin these observations by saying the crew are amazing. Very friendly, even more so than I remembered. There were people everywhere keeping the ship as clean as possible. Even people hard at work cleaning would smile and say “Hello” Prior to sailing I’d read that food quality had declined. Food “quality” is such a subjective topic I almost hate to comment. I certainly didn’t expect Michelin star quality foods at Carnival prices but I’d have to say I agree. To me, the food isn’t as good as it once was. One exception was the filet mignon served on first “elegant” night. It was one of the best pieces of meat I’ve ever tasted. Other than that, food was “meh” For heavens sake they couldn’t even get the Warm Chocolate Melting Cake right. It was cooked to the consistency of a brownie. Note the word “ Melting”. It should be gooey in the center. It’s supposed to be the signature desert, one would think they could get it right. For years my wife could order one and it would be exactly what she expected. This time 5of 6 were fails. The one exception being our last night. Jimmy, our excellent waiter, was trying so hard for it to be right must have gone back to the kitchen and pulled one out early to be sure. For us, The Havana Experience was worth every cent extra. People looking for the non-stop party should be able to find that. We aren’t those people so it was great to have a separate pool and lounging area and a bar that isn’t wall to wall people. Despite my earlier concerns the area was very well regulated. Even with signs saying Access by Havana Wristband Only, anyone who walked out there without one was politely but immediately turned around. I wouldn’t say we’ll never sail Carnival again. The price point, even with the Havana cabins is still attractive and Galveston is close (byTexas standards😉) Overall it still just isn’t the atmosphere we enjoy on vacation. This is by no means a comment or a criticism of people who want to dress ultra casually all the time. We all work hard for our vacations and should spend them where we wish. Overall we had fun and had wonderful service on a very nice ship.

I realize this is a real problem for people eager for port stops and I feel bad for you. We are in the Vista in a few weeks and had seriously considered not even getting off the ship. Many times on this route so this time for us is all about relaxation, few decisions and healing . That said I really hope they are resolved for the sake of others.

We will be aboard Pursuit for the Ireland intensive cruise in June. It’ll be our first time on an Azamara ship and our first trip to Ireland. We’ve cruised extensively with Celebrity and Carnival.