RCmommy

If there were propulsion issues I don’t know about it. We made every port and on time or darn close to it. The ship was rocking side to side a bit more than what I would consider normal. I heard mumbles about stabilizers not working. No idea if that is true or not. It wasn’t horrible by any means. I know last night they taped barf bags up by the elevators because they were expecting the seas to get really choppy coming back to Galveston. We didn’t go to bed until about 1am and it didn’t feel any different to me. It’s a great ship. Sure it has some flaws. Nothing drastic in my opinion.

We ended up going to Manawakie on our cruise this week. It was busy with visitors. We had a tour from an employee and everyone who wanted to hold a sloth was able to. We also got a great amount of time with the monkeys. They were awesome. Jumping and sitting and crawling all over you. I got tons of video and photos. Very happy we went. I know some get freaked out because some monkeys will bite but these Capuchin monkeys were sweet. We were told Gumbalimba does not have sloths. We got to Manawakie using Rony’s Tours. Thanks to the recommendation on here. Excellent guide. Showed us everything about Roatán we wanted to see. Money well spent.

I had a difficult time settling on an excursion tor Belize for our cruise we just got off of today. So I thought I’d leave a quick review. Once off the tender boat it is a short walk to meet Coral Breeze Tours. We were greeted and I had to pay since I had waited until last minute to book. We then hopped in a smaller boat for the ride to Caye Caulker. She is a bumpy ride. Nobody got sea sick. We were given some history and such on the way as well as how the day would play out. It’s about 45m to Caye Caulker. Those who are not snorkeling can get off now to explore the island. We ordered food to be ready when we returned. The snorkelers set off. Some had their own equipment others didn’t. They gave us ours and explained how to use it. Everyone is divided in to groups so you have a leader. You signal to them in the water if you need help. Most sat on the side of the boat and sort of slid or jumped in. It’s about chest deep. The current is strong. I mean it. I’m a good swimmer but it is not difficult to get swept away. It was a bit crazy because we were trying to stick with our group and I struggled breathing properly. For some reason I decided to breathe like a maniac with the mask and snorkel on. I asked our guide to give me a hand and he did. He also pulled me along until I could see the sharks up close. They go where the food is but there was lots of rays, fish and conch. Back in the boat to move to the reef area. It starts at 10ft and goes to about 30ft and the current is even stronger. Everybody was huffing puffing getting back onboard. It’s a workout but it is totally with it. Small kids would absolutely struggle. The two on our boat came back in pretty quickly Ivar and his team are friendly guys and make it fun. Rum punch and pineapple and water were served. Lunch on Caye Caulker was decent. But the view from the location is incredible. Very happy we booked with this group and we would do so again. EDITED TO ADD that we got a 9:00 ship water shuttle for a 10:00 excursion and made it right at 10. I had emailed them right before getting off the Vista to say we’re on our way over. In other words “don’t leave us!” We were back with enough time to shop and stroll over to the tenders back to the ship.

We just did the shark/ray snorkeling and Caye Caulker this week with Coral Breeze and they were excellent. it’s a strong current so be aware.

Off the Vista this morning. A great cruise! I think we are leaning towards the Magic and similar sized ships being our favourite.

We made all three ports without fail or delay. I know the propulsion issues is something many have spoken of regarding the Vista. I will say that the ship definitely rocks way more than I recall any of my previous cruises.

Well the only dishes we ever have are maybe a cup or mug. I think the dishes out in the hallway is nasty so I don’t leave mine out there. I knew some would think I’m being nitpicky about things, like dust. I am a Carnival fan. Always will be. I don’t complain easily. If I say there is dust in the rooms where it shouldn’t be, there is. I mean I could write my name in it. I know the crew are hardworking. I appreciate that.

We did Belize today. We were blessed to get on a tender shortly after 9 to make our meet up spot for a 10:00 excursion. Private tour. Between that boat ride and the ride to Caye Caulker we are little-boated out. Fun day though!

Each night the app says under 10m wait for a table. It has been around 10-15m. Brunch the first sea day was about 25m at opening.

Nothing horrible, no. Sometimes before the show doors open there is a long line but we expect that with this size ship.

We are not going to Grand Cayman.

Dust on the shelves. Not in corners, but right on the flat are. So the spots were a simple wipe would get. The light switch on my bedside table had gunk around it. I used my make-up wipes to clean it. It was like old soda syrup dried up. Our stateroom is only getting attended once a day. That could be the norm now and that isn’t a big issue for us. It does mean you are stuck with any dirty dishes you have though.

Some thoughts about the Vista while onboard.. MDR - approximately 10-15m wait each night for MDR table. Service hit and miss but overall good. Cabin - definitely had cleaner staterooms. Still like the cute towel animals. We are on deck 9 below the buffet. Only sound we occasionally hear is the trolley they push the plates with. Sounds like a roll of thunder now and then. Not bad at all. CD - Louis. Meh. No offence to him. He isn’t bad, just not in the least bit memorable to me. Kind of bland. adult game show - hilarious. Definitely XXX rated. Not for the faint of heart. atrium - very underwhelming. Elevators are slow as molasses. Seriously. comedy club had to turn people away last night because there was no room. I won a ship on a stick in Trivia!

It was a 14 minute wait just before 11am.

I’m in Canada and only ever book in USD. I think once I tried Royal Caribbean in CAD and they had a better offer so I booked.

I tend to agree. I cannot honestly say it was worth the wait.

I have noticed a lot of people on this cruise asking others “how do we check in?” How do we know when our table is ready?” I’ve had a handful ask me.

Last night for dinner the wait said under 10 and it was less than 10m

App said under 10m wait for a table. We waited 25m. Okay, it’s busy. No big deal. We are taken to a table to be told it’s not our table and to go back to the front to be added to the wait list again. I said yeah no thanks. They seated us. Waited 10m for water. Additional 11m to have our order taken. There are definitely some empty tables. I’m not making the post to bash them. Just to report back about the Vista.

Our Uber driver in Galveston the night before told us they are not allowed in. That was two nights ago. We used Lyft yesterday morning.

Because far more people are familiar with Uber. We met up with people outside our hotel the morning of waiting on an Uber and when I told them Lyft is only allowed inside they didn’t even have the app. It was pouring rain in Galveston and that would have been a wet walk.

Really appreciated the tip about Cucina for lunch on embarkation day. We went about 1pm and there were three tables being used. Had a very nice lunch! Pasta was great.

I am certain I had read a few had recently done the tour. Perhaps not on the Vista. Anyway, I’m bummed. Next time.

It may have been called the “Behind the Scenes”. The tour were you get to go where the crew go.

I swear I had read that they were doing the behind the fun tour again. I was told at guest services that it stopped about a year ago. am I crazy?