Carnival Vista Review
Mediterranean 10 Night, Barcelona to Athens, Mixed Bag
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Our July 9 10 day sailing from Barcelona to Athens was very enjoyable. We did a similar cruise 5 years ago on the Magic. It is impossible not to compare this cruise to that one.
In short, our inside cabin was comfortable, the food was good, if not always great, and the service was generally fine. Having cruised on the both the Magic and the Dream, I feel that those ships offer a higher level of satisfaction.
I would not go out of my way to cruise on the Vista again. The Skyride is terrific. It does not offset the closed-in 3 deck high lobby versus the soaring atrium lobby on the rest of the line. The decor, while more modern looks cheap. The smell of smoke in the casino is the worst I have ever encountered on a Carnival cruise ship. Even in the early morning, when no one is there, the stale smell is overwhelming. I have to think this is or will be an issue if not remedied.
Cabin Review
Port Reviews
Barcelona
Spent 3 nights in Barcelona prior to the cruise. We had skip the line tickets for the Sagrada Familia, a must see. Stayed just off the Ramblas, and really enjoyed our time in Barcelona.
Marseille
Did the petite train that departs from the Old Port, which also took us up to the Notre Dame de la Garde (a must see in Marseille).
Florence (Livorno)
Self guided by train to Florence.
Rome (Civitavecchia)
Self guided to the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter's. Be sure to purchase skip the line tickets online this saved 2 to 3 hours of wait time.
Naples
Loved the National Archeological Museum, which includes countless art and statues from Pompei. Took the metro there directly from the port and then walked back a 2 to 3 mile meandering path through a nice shopping district. Naples was a really nice surprise.
Rhodes
Easy to walk into the town from the port.
Athens (Piraeus)
Breath taking, the Acropolis. We did the Acropolis Museum first. Enjoyed happy hour, 3 Euro beers on the Plaka.
Crete (Heraklion)
Took a little open bus tour and then hung out in Heraklion.