Carnival Vista Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We chose Carnival for the ports they were heading to and Royal Caribbean was sold out. We left Miami on the "Vista" on Feb 10, we booked one of the more expensive rooms located on the top deck which gave us unlimited access to the "Cloud 9" spa.
We purchased the liquor package and booked excursions through Carnival.
We booked the anytime dining because we like the flexibility of eating when we want. In order to do this you are sent to check in on the 5th deck then sent down 2 decks to the dining room. Our first night in the dining room we were seated at a table for 2 beside a large pillar that was as wide as the table. It took 20 minutes before we saw our server and longer before we were served our drinks. The dining room is extremely busy and each waiter is responsible for approximately 8 tables each. After eating there twice we decided to ask for a different seating location and we ended up getting much better service after that.
Cabin Review
Cloud 9 Spa Balcony
The rooms are quickly cleaned between cruises. The carpeting and furniture is stained and dirty looking. The balcony is very small, no room to stretch your legs. The toilet paper can be used for fine sandpaper. Bring your own if you don't want to be bleeding by the end of your cruise. The ship does not provide a turn down service, therefore any dirty dishes or mess you have in your room from the day will have to remain in there until morning.
The cloud 9 spa was always packed and there were no seats available. Why was I charged more for this option?
Port Reviews
La Romana (Casa de Campo)
My wife and I went into town to see what the downtown looked like. We had a drink at the newest cleanest looking business "Papa Johns" and sat on their patio. The entire time a young kid dressed in a black hoodie paced back and forth beside the business carrying a Remington 410 shotgun with a pistol grip slung over his shoulder. The waitress told us he was there to protect us..........Cheque please!!
Curacao
Businesses closed at 5:00 PM, ships in port until 10. I think the cruise lines have to coordinate with the local businesses and have them stay open for shopping while the ships are in port.
Grand Turk
Beautiful beach, nice and close to ship.