Just returned from our first Carnival experience. Our ship was the Vista the newest ship of Carnival and sad to say was not impressed with the overall experience. We found it too large a ship, the two pools were enormously small for a ship catering to almost 5,000 - it was rediculous! The person who designed the ship should be shot.....when you wanted to go to many of the activities (as an example: the comedy show, you had to go so far on that particular floor then either up one flight or down one flight and then back up to the floor you were on to get the show.....he or she must have been intoxicated when designing the floor plan. Bring your deep pockets on this cruise should you want to take excursions, especially the day in Rome (example: $389Euros per person). A good thing about Vista was that the buffet (although no change to the menu offered each day) there was always seating available. We chose any time dining and was fortunate enough to be seated at (Vladimir's) section and he and his helpers made our dining experience a beautiful experience each evening. He was absolutely fabulous as a head waiter.

I am sure we will go back to Royal Caribbean on our next cruise though.