blue_water

Now knowing that the Vista corner cabins have access to the VC pool we’ll probably go that way rather than the aft balcony…We love the typical aft-facing balcony, but with these HC aft cabins the railing with the gate + the walkway take away from the water view…Looks like the corner balcony just has the conventional rail…

We’ve cruised to most Carib nations over 20+ years and stayed on several, the Caribbean is our favorite destination…We’ve wintered in our retirement home in Mexico the past 8 years, and we are looking forward to returning to the eastern and southern areas iof the Carib…The BVI is our favorite area…gorgeous beaches, wonderful people on Tortola… Grenada has always eluded us and we happened to choose an upcoming cruise that stops there. I have to say we’ve toured many of the islands and we’re not really interested in seeing the typical sights, but we do always look forward to seeing the beauty of the island and learning her history. So we (two couples) booked a private island tour, and will spend some time on a less-developed beach after. For your interests, a similar excursion sounds about right! Have you been to the Western Caribbean? Mexico, Belize, Jamaica, Roatan and other areas offer beautiful rain forests, amazing Mayan and other ruins, and of course gorgeous beaches!

Aah yes, I see that excursion now. I see they also offer the Jeep excursion with a stop at Smuggler’s… Enjoy your visit!

Are you referring to the shared “safari” taxis? The open-sided bench seating on pick-up trucks? If so there are drivers offering shared island tours, some with a stop in Cane Garden Bay…

Thanks, it’s more clear after seeing YouTube videos of the HC area exactly how it is set-up. The only concern would be the number of HC and other qualified guests would be at the pool but that’s not a big deal. We’ve cruised in Carnival aft cabins years ago, and this HC set-up is something we’ve not seen and we would definitely go this route 😄

Yes I do see the Premium Vista wrap cabins do have the HC perks listed on other booking sites…Funny Carnival’s booking doesn’t seem to state that…Unless I’m just missing that…?

Depends on your vantage point really… We and other couples on our cruise have arranged for a nice, private cat sail for a small group (at a great price), just to avoid the congested spots like the Springs and Waterfalls. Nothing wrong with those as they are probably the biggest draw for new visitors… We do want to view the Pitons and other areas of the coastline from the cat, and we may decide on some beach time, depending on the vibe at that time…But if too busy not a biggie 😉

We don’t have a favorite driver anymore. But I would just grab a taxi when you arrive. A driver should confirm he/she will return at a time you choose. I’d probably look for another couple on our Roll Call to share the taxi. one note - I’m seeing that cruise lines (not sure how many) offer a Jeep tour to Smuggler’s now. I don’t know how long they stay there. But it’s really a shame as Smuggler’s is one of the last remaining beaches not overtaken by crowds on cruise ship days…

Not our idea of a great excursion, just because of the typical tourist stops. But happily you enjoyed it!

Yes I don’t see the HC perks in the Premium Vista wraparound cabin descriptions…These corner cabins on the Vista are a separate category… I’ve read that grand suite guests also have HC pool access..

Update - We currently have 5 couples booked, with two other couples interested.

Yes we’ve stayed in aft cabins on Carnival, and privacy on the balcony is nonexistent…We like the idea of having access to the HC pool and outside bar, even though it looks like it can still get pretty crowded…

So all passengers have access to the inside bar area, and only HC and Premium Vista corner cabin guests have access to the outside bar/pool area…

Aah, I didn’t realizes you had access to the pool and bar from the corner Premium Vista cabins… And are you saying any guest on the ship can go to the bar? Not just the HC and corner vista cabin guests?

Yes the wrap balcony or Premium Vista cabin is great! Especially on a Panama Canal cruise. I was looking at them, but my wife likes the idea of the Havana pool and bar on a Carnival cruise… Thanks much for your insight! 🙏