Our family of four had a fantastic time on the Vista. We were late departing because the port was closed due to dense fog, and the ship could not return to port. Carnival kept us well informed about the progress, and we were finally able to board the ship beginning at 6:30 PM. Aside from that minor inconvenience (and a remarkably smooth embarkation, given the circumstances), the cruise exceeded our expectations. New Year’s Eve in particular was a blast, with countdowns all over the ship so people could pick the kind of setting they wanted to ring in the new year. The main party was up on the Lido deck by the pool, with a countdown on the big screen. Carnival had hats and party favors for all, and the champagne was free flowing.

I am surprised by some of the middling reviews people have left about this ship. True, it does not have a grand atrium space like other ships, but what it does have is great. Our two teenage boys had fun exploring the ship together and with new friends they met through O2. And while the Lido deck was almost always crowded around the pool, we prefer to find quiet spaces to relax outside—and those were plentiful. If you’re looking for a hidden haven, there are four comfortable deck chairs outside the Library Bar.

The food also gets a big thumbs up in all venues, and you can check out many menus from the main dining room here. They are all screenshots from the Carnival HUB app, which was an indispensable resource. Read more