For our first cruise we chose a brand new ship the Carnival Vista and sailed out of Barcelona to avoid Bay of Biscay to reduce the risk of a big swell. Our party consisted of 7 ages 51, 48, 25, 19, 18, 11 & a baby 14 months. The process of embarking was OK but not ideal all a bit chaotic. The lifts were a real pain lots of people jostling and bumping not really expected on our first cruise. People pushing into the lifts like sardines. We had a Balcony stateroom and it was OK for two but not for three. The decor was modern and light. The mood was informal however the majority of the staff looked miserable and every now and then just a forced a grin but it did not last long. I would recommend this ideally as a 6 to 40 age group ship. The only baby change was on level 11 and was out of order (well the door was stuck and it was only until the last day I forced it open with the only helpful Carnival attendant). The Guest Services knew this but was not bothered or helpful they was more concerned that I wanted to remove my gratuity. Guest Services being a joke (2 sour faced and unhelpful young ladies). Carnival really should monitor the Desk as management would be shocked. Please note you will be watched closely if holding a child under 2 near the pools. A stern looking miserably employee called Goran debated with us for half an hour why children should not be in the pool. Just what you need!! We had to prove she was not wearing a diaper. So to summarise.

Ship Lift set up awkward to follow.

Splash Zone great if your over 5. Read more