MNKEITH

I'd tell her to just go with the flow and expect some minor annoyances along the way, but not let such things ruin an otherwise great vacation. If lines and crowds are not her thing, tell her to look at the fun times schedules and plan on going a little bit before or after the time she thinks everyone else will want to go. That theory has worked for me.

Good move. I've stayed on Lido on the Freedom, Breeze and Vista. Never any issues. By far my favorite location.

Spa cabins give you access to the spa (I think only 2 people per booking so if you had 3 only 2 get the spa access without paying additional)

There is mini golf, comedy (no longer called Punchliner), and traditional dining and show times.

If you search you may find some vista reviews where they posted the fun times. You can take a look and get a feel for what goes on, on the ship.

Thanks for your help Liljo22 !

Hey liljo22, thanks for taking the time to do a review. We were on the Vista in March and are going on her again in 2018. Your review is getting me excited for next year!

Question for you. We have a port stop in Ocho Rios also and were considering MM, but somewhere I read that you can only go if you are part of an excursion group. It seems like you just took a cab there on your own, correct? I hope so because that would be my preferred way of doing it.

Also, what about those of your group that did the falls, did they do an excursion or just get a cab on their own (if you recall)?

Thanks and looking forward to the rest of the review!

In Feb, on the Vista, we actually had both Matt and Mike on our sailing, since it was Matt's last before his vacation. As others in this thread have indicated, Matt stated that he was not interested in the Horizon, citing the amount of work it is to get a new ship ready. There was a subtle indication at that time that Mike would be assigned to the Vista. There was also a not so subtle indication that Matt could have his pick of whatever ship he wanted.

Love this thread. We have our first B2B booked for the Vista next March. I am looking forward to seeing all the suitcases in the hallway, while mine is tucked nicely under the bed. But, before I get too smug, I'm sure the 2nd leg will be over before I know it.

I hope this doesn't ruin me, as in 2019 it will be back to single cruise vacations. Kind of how we never book a balcony as (we really are ok with the inside cabins, the balcony isn't even a temptation.) we are afraid that once we have one, it will be hard not to always have one.

Actually after having sailed the Vista I think I would have a hard time going down below a conquest class ship, and even conquest might be stretching it for me. That said, I agree with those above that any cruise is a good cruise, but you just have more options on the newer ships. I also loved the Breeze so you could consider a cruise on that class of ship and I think you would find it comparable and enjoyable.

Just my opinions. Enjoy your next cruise!

If possible, get off at ports 15-20 minutes after they start disembarking. Less waiting in line that way. Go to ATD either early or late (we usually go right when it opens). It usually seems the family comedy is easier to get into than the adult comedy.

Just my observations.

I am not sure about how FTTF impacts your MDR check in, but my thought is that it does not get you priority check in. I also cannot comment on the Cheers as I have never purchased it.

But the Liquid Lounge, we found our preferred seating was in the balcony. They have tables and a bar with stools all the way to the back. I found the site line to be pretty good there, plus it was an easy exit in the event that you do not want to stay for the whole performance.

Enjoy the Vista, I'm sure you will have a great cruise. I cant wait to be back on her next March!

Thanks for taking the time to review your cruise. I agree with the comments about being so much to do that you can get to everything in one cruise - hence the B2B we booked on her next March. The wait is killing me and following along on your review helped ease my misery ( at least a little)

I realize it is subject to change, but I hope Matt stays on the Vista through April. My wife enjoys him so it would be great for him to be the cruise director on our B2B next march!

Thanks for taking the time to review your cruise. I never get tired of Vista reviews, especially since I am planning a B2B on her next March. I empathize with you regarding the water issue. That's a big deal.

Some people would have focused their review on just that one negative aspect - and given it a title like "carnival ruined my life and the Vista is worse than the USS Minnow". I appreciate your honest opinions.

That's funny, my wife will turn platinum on the 2nd leg of our Vista cruise next March. I did the online check in and her boarding pass shows the platinum status. She is a cruise ahead of me so I still need to do one more to reach platinum. Have fun on your cruise!

I would say yes (depending on the amount required). I prefer the higher decks. You should not have issues with noise or rocking unless the seas get really rough. I have not stayed on 11 but have been on 10 several times. No issues and I love being closer to the activities.

Thanks for sharing your feedback. You and I cruise very differently, but like you, we also had a great time on the Vista and I cant wait to see her again next year!

Room Service is the only 24hr option I can think of.

We will also be doing our first B2B, next year on the Vista. Following along for the tips/advice!

328 until the B2B on the Vista!!

I guess it depends on which PVP you are connected with. After booking our first 2 cruises via the website, I started getting calls from a PVP, so I used him to book the 3rd one. I actually had their website open and told him exactly what we wanted to book. Afterward, I never received any type of follow up from him, so I didn't really see any benefit from continuing to use him to book, therefore I went back to just booking through the website. I don't think I would ever use a TA - I prefer to have control myself.

I have not been on the Sunshine so I cant comment on that ship, however, we loved the Vista enough to book a B2B on her next March. The Vista did not feel any more crowded than any other ship we have sailed. I don't think you will regret sailing her!

I too was concerned about the reviews prior to sailing the Vista in Feb, but my experience was very positive. I loved the Vista.

Yes the Liquid Lounge seating is designed poorly, but we found that the stools at the very back of the theater had some pretty good site lines and those spots did not fill up very fast. I will say that the entertainment was the best I have experienced with Carnival.

We had ATD and did not experience long waits to get a table or receive our food, although we did not go every night.

Most on here have probably figured this out already but I have found that with a little preplanning a lot of the "long lines" issues can be greatly reduced.

Enjoy your cruise!

Interesting opinions. My Vista experience was quite different (we had a great time) from yours. Thank you for taking the time to share.

My wife really likes Matt M. If he is staying on the Vista beyond what the schedule shows, I may be able to talk her into doing the Vista B2B next March that I have my heart set on!!

Not really secrets but...There are some cushioned loungers on deck 5 forward from the outside eating area for the Cherry on Top. It seemed pretty peaceful the times we walked by - if you are into that. Pig and Anchor was open on embarkment day and not busy at all, which is a big contrast to what we have experienced at the Lido buffet at that time.