0800 655 6601

John Cooper Visits the Vista

By Stephanie Bewley

John has been off again, cruising the world. He jumped onboard the brand new Carnival Vista with our own Richard Cross to get all the exclusives. So what did he think?


“As my taxi pulled up next to the Carnival Vista, I was surprised by how big she was. That’s compared to all the other Carnival ships I’ve been on – with many more Balcony cabins, which is always good news!

As I checked-in, I was in the ‘Lobby’ or the atrium of the ship (I was joining half way through a cruise, so checked-in onboard) you could not be less than impressed with the contemporary feel of the ship, with real modern stylish looks.

I got to my Cabin, and was really impressed with the space and the facilities; loads of wardrobe space, a massive interactive flat screen TV, and a decent size bathroom, along with a good size balcony where you could really sit out and enjoy the views.

Obviously, first call was to the Market Place Buffet on deck 10, which is split into 2 areas. With home-style cooking on one side and a larger area with a carvery and massive choice of salads, soups and deserts that leads out on to decks on either end. Qne brings you to ‘Guy’s Burgers’ – a MUST ‘taste to be believed’, and the other end brings you out to the ‘Pizzeria del Capitano’ – a 24 hour pizza outlet and they cook your pizza to order (and it’s all included in the cruise price!)

After having a bite to eat I started to wander round the ship, and it’s then when you realise the amount of deck space there really is. The pool and jacuzzi at the rear deck are a great place to chill out and watch the seat fade away as the ship cruises round the Mediterranean. The seaside pool is near the Red Frog Rum Bar and the massive water park. With plenty of sun beds and the huge screen that shows 2 films every night, complete with complimentary popcorn – it’s looking great onboard Vista!

The Adult only area ‘Serenity’ is at the front of the ship, and this is a real relax and sunbathe or just chill out area, with private little cabanas and hot tubs to cool down in. Waiters bring you cooling drinks, and there is relaxing music to sooth the hours away. Ahhh, I could have spent hours there!

Further back you have the sports arena, with all sorts – from table football, pool tables table tennis, to mini-golf, basketball, five-a-side court and even an outdoor gym. And the best part is, it’s all free! As is the really exciting SkyRide, where you literally cycle yourself around a rail that dangles along the edge of the ship. If you’re brave enough, you can scramble your way across the rope works dangling high above the decks.

As we settled in on our first evening, we started with a little drink in the Red Frog Pub, which apart from great pub games to play along with, has its own brewery – and you can taste the results! Next we checked in for our ‘Any-Time’ dining in the ‘Horizons Restaurant’. We were seated right away, and the restaurant once again had a modern contemporary look, with table sizes from 2 to 16 available. The choice on the menu was good, and the night we went was the ‘Americano Night’ with the waiters singing and inviting everyone up dancing.

We watched the show in the main theatre, which was a high energy production with plenty of American flair that made you feel like you were on a night out. We then sauntered along to the ‘Limelight Lounge’ for ‘Punch liners’ at the comedy club. To be honest, I found some of the American comedians were not to my sense of humour, however the British comedians onboard were really funny!

The following day we arrived in to Kusadasi, Turkey, and the tours seemed to get off really quickly, leaving us to virtually have the ship to ourselves. Naturally, this is the time to visit the extensive fitness centre, followed by a swim in the empty pool. I suppose I could have gone and had some treatments in the extensive Spa area…

In the afternoon, we took to the Water park. I have to say, it was a great way of keeping cool in the heat of the day, with the slides and plunging buckets of water. The kids seemed to like it too.

Onboard there is not only an impressive I-Max cinema, but a multiplex showing a wide range of films, so even the keenest movie hound would love it here. We did get shown around ‘Oceans Club’ – the children’s club area. All I can say is, I wish my parents had brought me onboard when I was young. There was load in there, from the latest video games to crafting sports gear, chill out areas, and even a Doctor Zeus area that I loved, and I know many young children love.

That evening was the FA Cup Final in the UK, so we popped off to the Sky Box sports bar. It was buzzing with a great atmosphere. I never realised so many nationalities followed British Football! Tonight we treated ourselves to ‘Cuchina Del Capitano’, the Italian speciality restaurant. Okay, it has a small cover charge, but its well worth the treat! With real Italian classics cooked in the open kitchen at the front of the restaurant, and once again we were serenaded by the waiters.

For me, one of the best places to be of an evening was the Piano bar, were the talented host sang, told jokes, involved and insulted us all in jest. You come away feeling like you’ve had a night out with a few hundred new friends and probably sang all the right words to the songs… but not necessarily in the right order!

All too soon it was time for us to say goodbye to the Vista, knowing we had not had chance to take in some of the great things she has to offer. But that just gives the excuse to go back again soon, and switch on more fun!”

Take a look at the Carnival Vista Gallery.

Reasons to Book with Vision Cruise

Family Run Business

Over 30 years of travel experience. Been there, seen that, sailed the world.

Book with confidence

Your money is safe with us, we’re ATOL & ABTA protected.

Exclusive

As a trusted company within the industry, we give the best and exclusive deals to our customers.

Trusted

As a trusted company within the industry, your cruise adventure is a breeze when booked with us.

Get amazing deals straight to your emails

Sign up to our E-Newsletter now

Email Newsletter
Sending

Enquire Now

Quotes Now

Please wait