I almost a yearly cruiser along with at least 10 other friends/family for the last 6 years, but been cruising since 1996! This year we chose VISTA , because she was a new ship and we enjoy traveling with Carnival Cruises, and have most years had great experiences. This year I traveled with 28 family members to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and just being with family!! Bad decision, even though VISTA is a new bigger grander ship, I was very unimpressed! Bigger ship more people and sub-par service. Even the food was not as good as we have grown use to, more space where they crammed more amenities but was it worth it?? Sports bars that accommodate maybe 30 people on a ship with over 3000! I couldn't believe it and during NFL playoffs no less!! SAD!!!!

On my first day after boarding we went to the Atrium bar and were completely ignored by the bartender! It was during the time when people were still boarding and the bar was not even crowded. Than on the first night we were roomed on deck 1 (ALL NIGHT we heard the slamming of what appeared to be an unsecured life boat banging against the ship!) they did finally get it secured the next day so we didn't have to endure it on the rest of the trip! Never again anything other than at deck 3-4! I was so disappointed in this cruise.

Lots of new things on the ship, but between the scheduled times and the actual space allowed, it's doesn't really allow people to engage in the activities we would like to enjoy. Also when you scheduled for late dining you have to miss out on shows or try to get in after the show begins or right in the middle. I must however state that as always our room cleaners ( Jonathan ) were exceptional! We are currently discussing if we should sail again with carnival next year or maybe its time to try another cruise line. I guess that's something to think about for our future endeavor.