Vista Review... Not Impressed...

[Micahs Grandad]

I sailed the Vista repo cruise from NY to MIA. Our balcony cabin seemed a little smaller, like 1 closet less, but that was due to having individual climate control units in each cabin. The thermostat adjustment actually worked to warm or cool the cabin. We didn't notice having less closet space since we each sailed with just a carry on for the 11 day cruise. Diamond unlimited laundry is great, even if we only used it twice.

 

The sports bar, comedy club and main theater are all smaller venues than the spaces on older ships. There is a 3D as well as a "thrill" film theater and a large sports area on an upper deck. The spa and gym are seperated on different decks, rather than occupying the same area. The running/walking track is much larger, and has various outside workout areas as well along its way.

 

The only MDR negative we experienced was being seated at the only 20 top circular table in the fleet. I could barely see the diners on the other side, and couldn't hear them at all. The Matre'D immediately complied with my request for a smaller table.

 

It's a new ship, things are different, and it takes some getting used to the changes. I enjoyed the neutral hallway tones, others thought it horrid. I liked the changing atria vortexes, others wanted the high open space and glass elevators brought back.

 

I would sail the Vista again for the right itinerary and fare.

 

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Thanks for your comments. Couldnt imagine sitting at a 20 person table in a noisy DR.

[Big_G]

Thanks for the review.

 

 

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[JWGrayson]

Well, we just got off the Carnival Vista a few days ago (Dec 3 Sailing) and I must say, was disappointed.

 

Not trying to hijack your review, but it is interesting how people respond differently to the same things. We were on the same cruise and were also disappointed with many things on the Vista, but the updates to the Destiny to the Sunshine should have been a clue for all.

First, let me say that I am an experienced Carnival Cruiser (Almost Diamond) and a bad day on a cruise, is better them most good days not on a cruise. I have never posted a negative review... But I found our Vista experience somewhat disappointing...

 

We are Diamonds with 250 days; thus, also have a good deal of experience. I am 71 years old, so may be a bit more conservative in my tastes.

 

It started off when we got to the port and were told that because their was a group of 900 or so home based Travel Agents on our cruise (holding their annual convention), Diamond, Platinum and FTTF people would have to stand in line, outside the terminal until noon, while they had a special, early boarding line for the Travel Agents (Regardless of their status). (we had a 10am staggered boarding time).

 

We got a msg to not show up at our appointed time, rather to add an hour. In our case we flew in that morning and were able to check in at the MIA airport. We did have to wait for our bus, but got on shortly after reaching the terminal.

 

During the cruise, They really catered to the group, closing off decks, lounges, etc for their private events... Even the back of the Lido deck during dinner time one night (So much for pizza that night, after we skipped dinner for it)...

Because these folks were in meetings, it was not a problem getting into the shows as the upper level was empty most nights. We saw 4 of the shows and sat in the moveable lounge chairs in the center. The shows were great!

 

The ship, seemed bland to us... For instance, while the new LED funnel in the atrium is cool, no shores around it, plain white walls... Seemed boring... If it weren't for the Xmas Décor, and the funnel, the atrium (which only goes to deck 4 or 5), it would have been colorless.

 

It was a bit bland, but much more pleasing to me than the wild designs of Joe Farcus on ships like the Legend and Splendor. I didn't like the Christmas Decor as the colors were not what I am use to. It was more like high-fashion than Christmas Reds and Greens.

 

Even the atrium music was odd... A violinist each night, playing slow, elegant music (was very reminiscent of the music they would play on Titanic, especially when she actually played the Titanic Movie Theme Song, which seemed VERY odd)

 

Not sure if the music in the atrium was due to the season, but I really enjoyed the string trio. They were very talented!

 

While the size of the ship is huge, everything in it is smaller, so they could fit more to do... Single floor dining room.... Show lounge that only fits 1/4 of the ship (With two shows nightly, do the math)... No night club... Comedy club that has a line that stems the length of the ship, that only about 10% can fit into...

 

Even Matt, our awesome cruise director called the ship "Challenging" and designed for people that "Do not care if they can get into the shows".

 

This was our biggest complain! More people, with less public space.

There were a few redeeming things on the ship... The theaters, sky-ride, lots of chairs on the decks, etc.

 

We really enjoyed the IMAX theater. I was surprised at how loud they kept the volume. I wonder how they kept the nearby cabins from rattling. We saw both IMAX movies and 2 of the documentaries.

 

We also like the seating on the Promenade deck, although much of it was part of the various venues like Bansi Sushi and the steakhouse.

 

I was not happy that your couldn't walk all the way around on the Promenade deck due to the Havana cabins. Also, difficult to get to the front of the ship on the upper decks other than the Serenity deck and that only had one elevator that was always busy. John

 

Edited December 19, 2016 by JWGrayson

[Computer Nerd]

I have seen pictures and JH has also posted that it's American Table.

 

I'm actually looking forward to the American table as I have yet experienced it.

[JaniceB]

"...was very reminiscent of the music they would play on Titanic, especially when she actually played the Titanic Movie Theme Song...

 

Wow, choose one song that should never be played on a floating device:(

 

On our first family cruise they played the movie for the older kids in the kids club. We couldn't believe it.

[nybumpkin]

I'm actually looking forward to the American table as I have yet experienced it.

I know there are a fair number of posts from people who don't care for it, but I like American Table. The "Port of Call" menu is a nice feature. When we sailed Vista in the Med, that menu really provided some very different selections, based on the port we had visited that day.

[trapshooter]

I was on the same cruise with OP, I would have to agree that the ship seems small as compared to most all of the rooms-bars-lounges on the Vista. Seems to be a big waste of space.

 

 

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Edited December 19, 2016 by trapshooter

[firemanbobswife]

I'm actually looking forward to the American table as I have yet experienced it.

 

It's really not that different from the old ones. You will see a lot of familiar dishes, but maybe with a slightly different name. I don't have any complaints about it. I don't have to cook or clean the dishes and it tastes fine to me. I'm a happy camper :D.

Edited December 19, 2016 by firemanbobswife

[NCTribeFan]

Not a fan of American Table. Now, I was on the inaugural and there were lots of issues on the ship, which wasn't surprising, and I tried to not let it bother me. It was such a port-intensive sailing that we really didn't have enough time on the ship to experience everything. But the food and service for Anytime Dining was not impressive.

 

So, had American Table again on Splendor the 1st week of November. Still not a fan. I was so looking forward to something different, but it turns out many of my old favorites and gone and I'm not terribly impressed with the new offerings. Some things were very good, but there were a couple of nights that I had a difficult time deciding on anything. Still, I didn't go hungry!

 

Again, I liked the varied, smaller areas on Vista. Much more intimate feel; more choices; fewer crowds of people. I also liked Sunshine when I sailed her last year so knew that Vista would have some of the same areas.

 

I wouldn't hesitate to sail her again. Of course, me being the cheapskate I am, I refuse to pay a premium for the ship. I can book an identical itinerary for much less. Itinerary and price is still more important to me than the ship.

 

Must say, though, that I'm really looking forward to my upcoming Zuiderdam cruise. Only one prior HAL cruise (which was great). Cancelled the 1/2 Pride Journeys and switched to Zuiderdam. Still get a partial Panama Canal stop (and I booked an excursion that takes a ferry over to the Pacific side) and Half Moon Cay instead of Grand Turk, which is a huge plus for me. Of course, folks on the HAL board are constantly talking about how the Carnivalization of HAL has had such a negative impact, but I'm guessing I won't notice any of the things they complain about.

 

After 26 Carnival cruises in 15 years, I'm just very ready for something a little different!

[Mooguy]

I was on Koningsdam last month and enjoyed it. I think we notice cut backs on all the lines we've sailed over the many years.

[Micahs Grandad]

American table is a nice change. Many old favorites and a bunch of new additions.

 

From what I keep reading thinking Vista not for us. Think Princess newer ships better for us.

 

Will stick with Dream and Conquest class for our CCL cruises.

[evandbob]

One of the space savers on the Vista is that they do not display paper and ink photos around the 4th floor of the atrium.

 

Photos can be viewed at digital monitors in the photo shop or on your cabin's TV.

[JaniceB]

I was on Koningsdam last month and enjoyed it. I think we notice cut backs on all the lines we've sailed over the many years.

 

This ship is on our wish list. I need to jump over to the Holland threads and see some reviews.

[Georgie562]

I too was on this sailing and was not satisfied either. It was a decent cruise but so many turn offs:

 

the amount of people taking off gratuities unbelievable.

 

Couldnt believe how they let guys with "wife beaters" tank tops and sagging shorts into the dining room.

 

this was my carnival comeback cruise and will hold off on sailing carnival again

 

right after this sailing we flew to puerto rico and did a 14 day B2B on Celebrity Summit and I realy enjoyed that cruise :)

[cruise pup]

I asked one of the entertainment staff why they would allow THAT song to be played, and was told "The song was around before the movie, And its sad that Americans associate it with the Titanic". Whole thing was just odd.

 

It wasn't just us, wrhen they plated the song, it seemed like everyone in the atrium was talking about how odd it was.

 

My Heart Will Go On was written for the film Titanic. It would not have qualified for the Oscar since the song must be specifically written for the film. That staff member was either mistaken or b.s.ing you.

[Computer Nerd]

I too was on this sailing and was not satisfied either. It was a decent cruise but so many turn offs:

 

the amount of people taking off gratuities unbelievable.

 

Couldnt believe how they let guys with "wife beaters" tank tops and sagging shorts into the dining room.

 

this was my carnival comeback cruise and will hold off on sailing carnival again

 

right after this sailing we flew to puerto rico and did a 14 day B2B on Celebrity Summit and I realy enjoyed that cruise :)

 

Did you file a complaint with the MD or just let it slide? Many people say "don't sweat the small stuff". To me, that's the wrong attitude because the problem just get's bigger and bigger and when it finally does bother you enough to try and do something, it's out of control and way too late to fix.

[cruise pup]

One of the space savers on the Vista is that they do not display paper and ink photos around the 4th floor of the atrium.

 

Photos can be viewed at digital monitors in the photo shop or on your cabin's TV.

 

I guess this will become fleetwide. It should. They won't waste all of that photo paper and it would free up space. I always hated the photo galleries on the Conquest class ships. The space was really tight in the atrium, especially when there were long lines at the check-out counters.

[cruise pup]

Did you file a complaint with the MD or just let it slide? Many people say "don't sweat the small stuff". To me, that's the wrong attitude because the problem just get's bigger and bigger and when it finally does bother you enough to try and do something, it's out of control and way too late to fix.

 

On a cruise line that did away with table cloths in their mdr's?

Edited December 21, 2016 by cruise pup

[First and Ten]

I too was on this sailing and was not satisfied either. It was a decent cruise but so many turn offs:

 

the amount of people taking off gratuities unbelievable.

 

Couldnt believe how they let guys with "wife beaters" tank tops and sagging shorts into the dining room.

 

this was my carnival comeback cruise and will hold off on sailing carnival again

 

right after this sailing we flew to puerto rico and did a 14 day B2B on Celebrity Summit and I realy enjoyed that cruise :)

 

That would be a turnoff Georgie, I agree....If you got a legit beef with a service issue, at least talk to someone. I am willing to bet the people pulling off the gratuities had no intention of paying it and are just mooches at heart. I have seen it done many times on many different cruises so its not just on the Vista. Mooches travel on all ships and on all lines. Many of the mooches are probably the clods that show up in a dining room with a wife beater. You want to dress like trash, at least go to the Lido. This type is either to stupid, selfish or a combination of both to realize it. I blame the MD for not doing his/her job and enforcing the Carnival policy

Edited December 21, 2016 by First and Ten

[Micahs Grandad]

That would be a turnoff Georgie, I agree....If you got a legit beef with a service issue, at least talk to someone. I am willing to bet the people pulling off the gratuities had no intention of paying it and are just mooches at heart. I have seen it done many times on many different cruises so its not just on the Vista. Mooches travel on all ships and on all lines. Many of the mooches are probably the clods that show up in a dining room with a wife beater. You want to dress like trash, at least go to the Lido. This type is either to stupid, selfish or a combination of both to realize it. I blame the MD for not doing his/her job and enforcing the Carnival policy

 

These days they allow people in bathing suits and guys with no shirts in lido. Losing their standards

[First and Ten]

These days they allow people in bathing suits and guys with no shirts in lido. Losing their standards

 

I get bathing suits at the buffet up on Lido deck. If you are going to sit down to eat, for the love of....put a shirt on. People have to realize this isn't your couch in your trailer.

 

I want to ask people, do they actually look in the mirror before going to dinner, dressed in a wife beater and gym shorts and say to themselves, "Yeah, this looks good for a sit down dinner". It annoys me that I actually have to share the same air with these people and that natural selection isn't 100% effective :D

Edited December 21, 2016 by First and Ten

[Computer Nerd]

These days they allow people in bathing suits and guys with no shirts in lido. Losing their standards

 

Actually, the standards are still there, they are just not being enforced. Don't know why really as the folks working in the buffet and the MD are not tipped positions so they really don't have anything to lose by enforces the standards that are in place.

[jimbo5544]

Actually, the standards are still there, they are just not being enforced. Don't know why really as the folks working in the buffet and the MD are not tipped positions so they really don't have anything to lose by enforces the standards that are in place.

 

 

LOL, I think this is the first time I have seen the dress code enforcement tied to tips. While a unique thought, I have a hard time thinking it passes muster.

 

 

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[Pellaz]

These days they allow people in bathing suits and guys with no shirts in lido. Losing their standards

 

Bathing suits are apparently allowed on Lido' date=' but they DO ask you to put on a "cover-up," presumably if you're wearing a bikini or a speedo or something. Shirts ARE required, though. Quoting from carnival.com:

 

The Lido Restaurant is open daily for breakfast and lunch and has a more relaxed dress code than the Main Dining Room(s); however, shirts, bathing suit cover ups and footwear (including flip-flops) must be worn at all times.

Edited December 22, 2016 by Pellaz

[muggo11]

Thanks for the review. We are on Vista in March and splurged on an aft balcony. Havana didn't appeal--just seemed too public. I have never been on a new Carnival ship before nor one that large and wanted to try it. As an Army brat, I am compulsively early places so have never ever had a problem getting a seat for a show. Perhaps this will test me. We love the production and comedy shows. Then he goes to bed and I hit the casino.

So much angst over the new menu. Anxious to try it.

Neutral and bland decor may be a nice change from the bordello colors of Inspiration and other earlier ships. Like being in New Orleans on acid.

Also, we were once on Emerald Princess when they were hosting a huge batch of Princess employees. It was a pain. Specialty restaurants were booked solid. Bars packed with many large groups.

Headed for a week on Regal the day we leave Vista. The back-to-back comparison will be interesting. Though I expect both cruises will have their share of spring breakers. Which can also make for an interesting cruise.

But any day at sea is a good day. Give me the sea, the stars and a book and I am in heaven. Oh and a ship on a stick for winning a trivia game!

 

 

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