Vista I am worried

[jimbo5544]

There are ways to make a truly beautiful/innovative multi-purpose entertainment space. Again, my example would be RCI's Two70 lounge on the Quantum Class. Removing all the row seating and scattering chairs on the floor? Not so beautiful or innovative. I think the Liquid Lounge deserves better and its a sorry excuse for what its meant for.

 

 

My guess is that it is exactly what it is meant for. There are so many tho ha wrong with quantum

Class ships I can't begin to start to compare. All that said is that all cruise lines are evolving in many different areas. Show rooms are just one example.

[TheTravelista]

My guess is that it is exactly what it is meant for. There are so many tho ha wrong with quantum

Class ships I can't begin to start to compare. All that said is that all cruise lines are evolving in many different areas. Show rooms are just one example.

 

Yes the Quantum class has their issues. So much so that when I was faced with the decision of Anthem of the Seas (a brand spanking new ship) vs Carnival Sunshine (a ship I said I'd never sail), I chose the Sunshine.

 

With that said, it still has its bright spots and Two70 is one of them. I love the idea of multi-purpose spaces. I love them even more done right.

[Greek Gal]

Yes the Quantum class has their issues. So much so that when I was faced with the decision of Anthem of the Seas (a brand spanking new ship) vs Carnival Sunshine (a ship I said I'd never sail), I chose the Sunshine.

 

I haven't cruises on the Anthem yet (or a sister ship of it) and really wanted to as bummer cars and such sound like a blast, and indoor cabins that have walls showing the outdoors in live time also seem pretty neat. What are the issues that had you choose the Sunshine over it?

 

For those saying the shows on RCCL aren't anything to write home about, I will agree for smaller, older ships, but certainly disagree for the Oasis as each of the show there (comedy, ice, aquatheatre, full length broadway, etc.) was as good as I see on Broadway or in Vegas (the aquatheatre show was so similar to Cirque shows that I suspect it was designed by them and they dropped the name for some reason), and I would have paid what I paid for our cruise ((around $899 for seven nights in a balcony closest to the back of the ship that wasn't a suite and it was overlooking the aquatheatre, zipline, carousel, sea, etc.) just for the shows, rock climbing, ziplining, Central Park botany tour, mini-golf, carousel ride (even as an adult, I love to ride!), and other non-transportation and food and hotel aspects considering I believe we have paid over $200 for a single Cirque ticket in Vegas. But the Oasis is one of the only ships where I have felt the shows to be truly worth the time taken. Disney cruises might be the same as far as worth the time, but not on the same level as Oasis, surprisingly, or maybe not surprisingly, as Oasis can have 6,000 guests paying for their entertainment staff and sets and so on and Disney ships are about half the size.

[TheTravelista]

Yes the Quantum class has their issues. So much so that when I was faced with the decision of Anthem of the Seas (a brand spanking new ship) vs Carnival Sunshine (a ship I said I'd never sail), I chose the Sunshine.

 

I haven't cruises on the Anthem yet (or a sister ship of it) and really wanted to as bummer cars and such sound like a blast, and indoor cabins that have walls showing the outdoors in live time also seem pretty neat. What are the issues that had you choose the Sunshine over it?

 

For those saying the shows on RCCL aren't anything to write home about, I will agree for smaller, older ships, but certainly disagree for the Oasis as each of the show there (comedy, ice, aquatheatre, full length broadway, etc.) was as good as I see on Broadway or in Vegas (the aquatheatre show was so similar to Cirque shows that I suspect it was designed by them and they dropped the name for some reason), and I would have paid what I paid for our cruise ((around $899 for seven nights in a balcony closest to the back of the ship that wasn't a suite and it was overlooking the aquatheatre, zipline, carousel, sea, etc.) just for the shows, rock climbing, ziplining, Central Park botany tour, mini-golf, carousel ride (even as an adult, I love to ride!), and other non-transportation and food and hotel aspects considering I believe we have paid over $200 for a single Cirque ticket in Vegas. But the Oasis is one of the only ships where I have felt the shows to be truly worth the time taken. Disney cruises might be the same as far as worth the time, but not on the same level as Oasis, surprisingly, or maybe not surprisingly, as Oasis can have 6,000 guests paying for their entertainment staff and sets and so on and Disney ships are about half the size.

 

There were some minor issues, like having to pay for good burgers when my family loves Guys Burgers, no Blue Iguana Cantina equivalent, Chops simply not being as good as Fahrenheit 555, no water slides, the location of the casino compared to Carnival's ships, the adult area being enclosed (this will always be so weird to me), and no Promenade among them, but the biggest issue ended up being Dynamic Dining. No one understood why they had to make dinner reservations for every single night before even stepping foot on the ship if they wanted to be assured the meal/"restaurant" of their choice. They weren't going for it.

 

From what I've read Dynamic Dining has gotten less than stellar results for RCI and I believe its being phased out? But ultimately, that's why I chose the Sunshine over it. If there was no DD, I probably would have chosen differently. Issues aside, the Quantum class has some pretty cool things going for it.

Edited May 8, 2016 by TheTravelista

[cynalan]

Been interesting seeing the replies to my post. The vista looks like a great ship i guess when i seen pictures of liquid lounge i was stunned. Ya the lounge is not everything I just wish the shows were like they use to be along time ago Ya wont cancel just because of that I really like sailing carnival it is the fun ship

 

I've seen two new shows on the Vista... Amor Cubano and America Rocks. Both are really concerts as opposed to production type shows. However, that being said, I was quite impressed with the singers and dancers. They were a group of high energy, enthusiastic, talented performers. America Rocks was quite interesting as they merged several of the musical lounge acts on Board. I would say these were two of the best concerts I've seen on ships (other than Celebrity, which continues to have the best productions shows IMHO).

[cynalan]

Maybe the reason attendance is down on the shows is because there are a lot more activities these days to do in the evenings. It is no longer dinner and a show. We don't really even go to many of them anymore. I think the younger cruisers with families may choose other things. I like the smaller theater with more show times. I can make it fit with my schedule.

 

I cannot comment on other ships, given my last Carnival cruise was 27 years ago on the Elation, however, the entertainment venues on the Vista are packed to the rafters. Production/concerts in the Liquid Lounge,3 shows, are filled. Punchliners comedy club seats 400 and has to clear the room between shows to let the next group in. The Ocean lounge is full every night because of a very talented band called Velvet Vibe. The Piano Bar is full after 11:00 for the adult oriented theme. For this cruise anyway, the ship is full of life and all venues are being enjoyed, with the exception of the Havana Bar, Mambo Magic is often playing to a nearly empty house.

[les37b]

Why do people complain...... you are on vacation, you don't have to cook, clean or go to work... enjoy the ship, enjoy having drinks in the sun by the pool, enjoy the ports you are going to. IT IS A VACATION PEOPLE!!!! Every cruise line and every ship I am sure has things people don't like, but if you choose this ship, the cabin you are in, etc. It was your choice.

 

Can I interest you in some fine prime real estate Florida Swamp land?

 

You must seriously be a salesmanship dream customer. If you book things and then find that things are not what you expected, do you just grin and bare it?

 

I'm grateful to read complaints. Some of which I can ignore as being a one off, but learning as I have today that drinks will not only have 15%?added on top (which I was aware of) but will also have a further 21% tax added.

 

PS there was zero I had to complain about on my last two cruises, apart from the fact the sea was a bit rough one night, but I will take that up with the man upstairs, not the cruise company. I guess we all have different levels of acceptance and acceptability.

[LaCal]

Drinks and Food will only have a additional 10% Vat tax

 

Other tangible items will be 20-21% more

[les37b]

Drinks and Food will only have a additional 10% Vat tax

 

Other tangible items will be 20-21% more

 

Are you saying this because you know this?

 

I ask because if you are correct Carnival are making up their own taxation rules.

 

Ive seen remarks saying they are applying Spanish tax if you embark from Barca. (I dont believe any tax is appliable as we will be in international waters.... but thats another story.) However, the VAT applicable to Alcohol in Spain is 21%. That is a fact.

 

I still cant believe im reading they are going to try to do this? What about those who have pre-paid their drinks and paid up front? No other cruise company does this. Do they?

 

This stinks.

Edited May 8, 2016 by les37b

[andy2192]

There's a theater on cruise ships? Lol are that near the pools, the casino, restaurants, clubs, etc?

[crzndeb]

Everybody has their own personal likes and dislikes. I don't care for the comedy shows, but it doesn't stop me from going on a Carnival cruise. I do like the production shows, so I will reserve my judgement on the Liquid Lounge until Oct. I do like that the performers can get more close up with the audience, and I normally do prefer smaller venues. But, we will see.

 

I have grown bored with most of the other shows, like jugglers, hypnotist show, etc., but I may give them a shot if it really is something new. Heck, I'm on 3 legs, so I should at least try them once. LOL

[Cathy p]

OP is probably sitting back laughing at all the comments made about the post. I would think the first person that said ....don't book it....would have been enough.:D

[GazW]

Are you saying this because you know this?

 

I ask because if you are correct Carnival are making up their own taxation rules.

 

Ive seen remarks saying they are applying Spanish tax if you embark from Barca. (I dont believe any tax is appliable as we will be in international waters.... but thats another story.) However, the VAT applicable to Alcohol in Spain is 21%. That is a fact.

 

I still cant believe im reading they are going to try to do this? What about those who have pre-paid their drinks and paid up front? No other cruise company does this. Do they?

 

This stinks.

 

This is from P&O's website (obviously a sister company, but not 100% sure that 'exactly' the same rules apply - I would have thought so):

 

Summary Of IVA (VAT) Tax Amounts

Spanish 10% IVA tax is applicable to all bar purchases, select dining cover charges and room service charges when in Spanish waters only.

 

Spanish 21% IVA tax is applicable to purchases made in the on board shops, photo gallery and products purchased in the spa (excluding treatments and services) when the cruise starts from a Spanish port.

 

An Italian 22% IVA tax is applicable to purchases made in the on board shops, photo gallery and products purchased in the spa (excluding treatments and services) when the cruise starts from an Italian port.

 

https://ask.pocruises.com/help/PO/on-shore/Port-Information/iva_tax

 

From a personal perspective, we depart from Athens, I've tried to find, but have not yet managed to do so, a definitive answer to which VAT rates we'll be hit for.

Edited May 10, 2016 by GazW
Emphasise web site 'quotation'

[les37b]

This is from P&O's website (obviously a sister company, but not 100% sure that 'exactly' the same rules apply - I would have thought so):

 

Summary Of IVA (VAT) Tax Amounts

Spanish 10% IVA tax is applicable to all bar purchases, select dining cover charges and room service charges when in Spanish waters only.

 

Spanish 21% IVA tax is applicable to purchases made in the on board shops, photo gallery and products purchased in the spa (excluding treatments and services) when the cruise starts from a Spanish port.

 

An Italian 22% IVA tax is applicable to purchases made in the on board shops, photo gallery and products purchased in the spa (excluding treatments and services) when the cruise starts from an Italian port.

 

https://ask.pocruises.com/help/PO/on-shore/Port-Information/iva_tax

 

From a personal perspective, we depart from Athens, I've tried to find, but have not yet managed to do so, a definitive answer to which VAT rates we'll be hit for.

 

Ta for that. Well I don't get it. Spanish tax on Alcohol is 21%, so why bar should only be 10% doesn't make sense.

 

You might be OK departing from Greece! The Greeks dont tend to pay their taxes! lol

[Velvetwater]

Ta for that. Well I don't get it. Spanish tax on Alcohol is 21%, so why bar should only be 10% doesn't make sense.

 

 

There is a difference between a 'shop purchase alcohol' and a 'bar/restaurant purchase alcohol' as they are treated differently in most countries as far as tax and licence law goes.

 

Its not just Carnival corp that do it btw. Royal do as we were paying 'Spanish tax' after leaving Barcelona on the X Equinox. If I remember rightly it was around 10% as if it was 20% I would have remembered it sorely.

 

I noticed a 12oz red frog draft beer (all 4 red frogs) was $4.00 on the inaugural self pour taps...it'd be only 40c more if the above happens (or its already on) so thats not too bad.

[les37b]

There is a difference between a 'shop purchase alcohol' and a 'bar/restaurant purchase alcohol' as they are treated differently in most countries as far as tax and licence law goes.

 

Its not just Carnival corp that do it btw. Royal do as we were paying 'Spanish tax' after leaving Barcelona on the X Equinox. If I remember rightly it was around 10% as if it was 20% I would have remembered it sorely.

 

I noticed a 12oz red frog draft beer (all 4 red frogs) was $4.00 on the inaugural self pour taps...it'd be only 40c more if the above happens (or its already on) so thats not too bad.

 

If you were only going to drink a couple of half pints a day, then yes, it wouldn't make mach difference. (Dont forget you didnt start off at $4.00 for this drink - its already had 15% added to it - So its $4.60 + $0.46 - so $5.06 )

 

But your $8 glass of wine is now over $10 ! - But if the reports are correct - at least it is "only" 10% and not the 21% previously mentioned.

Edited May 11, 2016 by les37b

[Velvetwater]

If you were only going to drink a couple of half pints a day, then yes, it wouldn't make mach difference. (Dont forget you didnt start off at $4.00 for this drink - its already had 15% added to it - So its $4.60 + $0.46 - so $5.06 )

 

.

 

Reports from the Vista say the self pour taps don't have the service charge added on (Makes sense as you are doing it yourself) so your 12 oz beer would be $4.40.

 

$10 (£6.50) for a decent wine isn't too bad...but as a Brit I am used to expensive drinks in resorts and cities. It is still better prices than Royal and X.

[les37b]

Reports from the Vista say the self pour taps don't have the service charge added on (Makes sense as you are doing it yourself) so your 12 oz beer would be $4.40.

 

$10 (£6.50) for a decent wine isn't too bad...but as a Brit I am used to expensive drinks in resorts and cities. It is still better prices than Royal and X.

 

I'd be interested in which bank you use for those exchange rates! :p

 

OK, well if you add your 15% grats and 10% tax to your $10 wine, it acually comes out at $12.65 which comes out at slightly over £9 (@ $1.40)

 

And I panic bought when the $ went down to $1.36 lol

 

Anyway, after hearing it was 21% tax, I ended up buying cheers.... and after making 100% sure (for the second time) that would be it - no slippery extras to pay - someone else has posted they've been told they will tot up all your drinks and add tax on the price it WOULD have cost you. I'm hoping they got that wrong, or I'll be heading for a row with Carnival over that.

 

How does the self pour work BTW? Does it scan in your drinks package card or something like that?

Edited May 11, 2016 by les37b

[Velvetwater]

I'd be interested in which bank you use for those exchange rates! :p

 

OK, well if you add your 15% grats and 10% tax to your $10 wine, it acually comes out at $12.65 which comes out at slightly over £9 (@ $1.40)

 

And I panic bought when the $ went down to $1.36 lol

 

Anyway, after hearing it was 21% tax, I ended up buying cheers.... and after making 100% sure (for the second time) that would be it - no slippery extras to pay - someone else has posted they've been told they will tot up all your drinks and add tax on the price it WOULD have cost you. I'm hoping they got that wrong, or I'll be heading for a row with Carnival over that.

 

How does the self pour work BTW? Does it scan in your drinks package card or something like that?

 

you said $8 wine becomes $10 wine...I was using your example so you don't need to add anything else on. Although saying that most cruise ship wine is over the 10 mark.

 

It was definitely around 10% on Celebrity leaving Barcelona last year...paying 20%+ would have stuck with me like a sore thumb.

 

As far as Carnival goes I seem to remember 18% being put on after the package price (not sure if you pay that at the time) but as we sailed out of Florida and Dover with them last time there was no spain tax.

 

Yes the self service you scan your card then pour. There has been reports that some people don't like them as you have to get your pour right but I suppose anyone thats worked a modern pump should be ok. I am sure a bartender would help. I'll attached a photo when I find one.

[les37b]

you said $8 wine becomes $10 wine...I was using your example so you don't need to add anything else on. Although saying that most cruise ship wine is over the 10 mark.

 

It was definitely around 10% on Celebrity leaving Barcelona last year...paying 20%+ would have stuck with me like a sore thumb.

 

As far as Carnival goes I seem to remember 18% being put on after the package price (not sure if you pay that at the time) but as we sailed out of Florida and Dover with them last time there was no spain tax.

 

Yes the self service you scan your card then pour. There has been reports that some people don't like them as you have to get your pour right but I suppose anyone thats worked a modern pump should be ok. I am sure a bartender would help. I'll attached a photo when I find one.

 

As I succumbed to the Cheers package as a result - I'm glad I checked!

 

CHEERS! EXCLUDES:

 

Beverages promoted and sold in souvenir glasses

Bottles of liquor

Beverages offered at gangway

Beverages offered through room service, mini bars and/or in-stateroom beverage programs

Sharing cocktails, floaters, pitchers, tubes and buckets

Beverages offered through enomatic wine machines and self-serve beer stations

All other beverage-related programs including merchandise, cigars and cigarettes

Food items

 

Looks like I wont be finding out how to pour a beer! lol

[brepri_h]

I've always been in awe of the theater size and it's beauty and from the looks of it the Vista's Liquid Lounge lacks just that. So from that standpoint I get how it may be disappointing. However my first cruise was the only one I liked the Playlist Productions. I saw 3 shows that week. The next cruise I saw 1 and didn't like it and the cruise after that I tried again and saw 1. I still didn't like it. So, I have not been back to see any shows. Therefore I don't think the size of the theater will bother me much at all.

[riclop]

Been seeing pictures of Vista Liquid Lounge it looks so small nothing like other Carnival ships. I am booked on the Vista but a tiny main lounge could be a deal breaker for me what in the world is Carnival thinking[/b]:eek:

It's the worst.

[jimbo5544]

It's the worst.

 

 

Even worse than the engine room......

 

 

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[Crusin5252]

Has it occurred to some that it might not be the type of show that lowers attendance? The way ships have grown in size and things to do, crowds are dispersing more? There was a time when the shows were about the only thing to do in the evening.

 

 

Perhaps,but the Pride is a smaller Spirit class ship and the attendance on our Journeys cruises was very low.

[JosephCruise711]

Theater shows, where!?! Can these shows be seen from Bar on the Serenity Deck?

 

 

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