Vista review - 11/16 Repo NY to MIA - Family Harbor cove balcony

Our family of five sailed on Carnival Vista on the repositioning cruise from New York to Miami 11/16.

We were myself (46), DH 49, DD 14, DS 11, and my MIL (75+). This was our third Carnival cruise as a family together, but DH and I had each cruised Carnival and other lines as well previously. After polling all members of the family, we can say that this was without a doubt our favorite cruise ever.

We stayed in a Family Harbor Cove Balcony (2412) and MIL was across the ship in 2403 (another cove balcony). We loved the cove balcony for how close it was to the water (this was our first time in one). We didn’t love the noise in this particular cabin, however, nor did my MIL in 2403. According to the deck plans we were under the restaurant, but there was horrible noise at night (like metal on metal and banging). Not sure what it was, but it was unpleasant. The room was lovely otherwise. The family harbor décor and extras are lovely. There are special robes and slippers in the rooms, along with the other Family Harbor amenities such as the wonderful Family harbor lounge, which is just across the hall from 2412. This lounge had coffee/tea/hot chocolate and ice cream always available, along with breakfast, lunch, teatime, and evening cookies. This was unbelievably handy for us – to be able to just step into the lounge and have a spot to grab a quick bite or snack, without having to go up to the Lido with the kids when they needed to eat. There were also yogurts and milks available, and for younger kids this would even be more handy I’d imagine. Unfortunately, it did appear that lots of parents were allowing some really poor behavior with their unsupervised kids, and we did call guest service/security on one occasion. Picture food smashed on the floor and the couch, cushions thrown on the floor, jumping on couches. A couple times we spoke to directly to the kids as well. Most of the time though, the lounge was as it should be – a lovely spot for families to have a peaceful gathering place and grab some food. While there were board games and video games, we were usually busy, so never took advantage of these.

The ship is absolutely beautiful. We didn’t miss the ‘grand atrium’ one bit. I asked the others in my family if they missed the glass elevators or the bigger atrium, and no one did. The glass funnel things were really very cool (there are two – one in the main atrium, and the other one beginning in the casino). The designs changed, and were always pretty to look at. They made for some interesting photo backgrounds as well. The additional outside areas really are nice: the one outside ocean plaza on deck 5 was one of our favorites, and we found ourselves wandering there pretty often. The colors and décor were peaceful and pretty.

Service was amazing all over the ship. I know the new ships often have top crew (or so I’ve heard), but all our crew was great. From the cabin steward Jose from India, to the bartenders, to the waitstaff (John from Peru, Andriyanto and Jerald from the Phillipines), photographers and Guest services – everyone was super friendly and good at what they were doing.

We had anytime dining and it worked out perfectly for us. The very first night, we had a great wait staff team and table, and requested them every night thereafter. We never had a wait, and were able to have the same wait team each night but one, and the exact table each night but two. The food was very, very good. The only thing we didn’t love was the pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving (it wasn’t traditional pumpkin pie, but a twist, combining gingerbread cake and pumpkin pie. It was a nope for all of us). We ate breakfast and brunch in the MDR a couple times and found it very good as well. Definitely best on a sea day when you’re not in a rush, but otherwise so relaxing and you can’t beat the eggs benedict. We ate in the Lido for many breakfasts and lunches (we ate quite a bit in the family harbor lounge, though) and generally, found the food and selection very good. Rarely were lines much of a problem (I think the most I waited was 3 or 4 people back for food), although there was always a line for the new handmade ice cream available at lunch on the Lido buffet. Definitely worth the wait for this amazing ice cream – and the line moves pretty quickly. There were lots of roving staff with drinks, which I don’t remember from prior cruises on Carnival, and it was really nice. Saved a trip back for coffee or juice. We always found a table easily, although we sometimes had to walk a bit farther to find one by the window. Guy’s and The Blue Iguana burrito bar almost always had a line, but as usual it moved quickly and was worth the wait.

My husband tried the new seafood shack one day (got the fish and chips, and thought they were good), and my son and I ate at Bonsai Sushi one day for lunch and thought it was delicious and well worth the small charge. We also got the ice cream from Cherry on Top (the kids and MIL, that is) – and loved it. DH and I did the Chef’s Table and IT WAS AMAZING. The way they do it on Vista is so much better, with a dedicated galley and seating area right in the kitchen. The food was simply stunning, and we felt the experience was worth every penny. We did not do the Steakhouse, JiJi, or Cucina – mostly because we found the MDR to be so good. We would check the menu ahead of time, thinking we might do specialty dining one night if we didn’t like what the MDR had – but we always saw plenty on the menu for us. Again, we were not in the least disappointed in the food this cruise.

The kids didn’t do much with the kids’ club this time, mostly because we did so much together as a family. They each went a couple times, though, and had a good time. The space seems to be beautiful and as usual the staff and activities were great. One of the perks of the family harbor stateroom is one free night of babysitting and a free meal from the kid’s menu in a specialty dining restaurant. We ended up not taking advantage of either, though, because we were always doing family stuff together, and ate in the MDR each night.

The SkyRide was fun and beautiful - and I'm glad I pushed past my fear of heights to do it. Definitely worth doing - just watch the lines. We were lucky enough to have many sea days and short lines, but my husband left tit til the last sea day when the line was an hour long. I'm not sure I'd wait that long LOL.

The entertainment was very good. The live music all around the ship was the best I’ve ever seen, from the steel drums on the Lido to the classical Trio in the Atrium, there seemed to be live music everywhere. We went to the Welcome Aboard show and one other main production show – Flick – and found the singing and dancing to be quite good. We also went to a couple of the variety shows – a hypnotist and a mind-reading comedian- and enjoyed them as well. As others have stated in their reviews, the Liquid Lounge has some serious flaws in demand and seating. First of all, it’s not big enough. Second, there are horrible sight lines, and the balcony seats are ridiculous. At the Marriage show hosted by John Heald he commented that they knew the seating was bad and that they’d work on it. For now, go early, and sit on the lower level. We also saw a comedian (funny, as usual – even in the family friendly show) and a magician (Zee) which was fun. I feel this was the best quality and variety of entertainment I’ve seen on any cruise yet.

I used the Spa on the ship for the first time this cruise, and was very pleased. I got the top to toe special for $165, which included a head to toe massage and facial. The price seemed very reasonable for what I got, and in the end, it was the best massage I’ve ever had. I had Sebo (sp?) from Zimbabwe and she was amazing. I did end up buying some products, but I could have easily said no. I did not feel over pressured, and there was no selling during the massage itself, which I really appreciated.

Let me know if you have questions and I'll be happy to try to answer! Our ports were unique - Bonaire, St. Maarten, Grand Turk, and Aruba - due to it being a repositioning and journeys cruise. But I'm happy to answer anything about those as well.

Great review with most bases touched on 👍 Thanks for sharing your families experience on Vista

I wonder if your Jose from India was the same Jose from India we had on the Magic in 2013 (We were in a Spa cabin on that trip). He was wonderful, and had been with Carnival for 12 years (This was in 2013, if the same Jose he would be with Carnival 15 years today).

We are doing the Chef's Table as well (Our first time).

Glad to read such an overwhelming positive review. We are just a week & a half away before our turn.

We were with you, and absolutely loved the cruise. I complaints from us! Great review!

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Thanks for the review.

OP, according the deck plan I have, both your cove balconies were under the kitchen. You were forward of the stairs and elevators. The dining room is aft from the stairs and elevators. I am guessing that is why your cabins were noisy, from noises in the kitchen above your cabins.

Greetings,

Thought I'd post a few thoughts since we too were in Family Harbor on the Repo. We were 2431 which is a FH Suite one room aft on the opposite side.

The banging was HORRIBLE at very specific times (3am nightly). Made for a rough experience even with earplugs, fan, and whitenoise machine. Kids got a bit grumpy with the lack of sleep.

One of the reasons there were problems in the FH Lounge was that the door on the odd side was broken mid week. This allowed kids that didn't belong into the lounge and things got problematic.

Agree with issues in the Liquid Lounge whole heartily.

Would you or jas1178 book the FH room again? Or was the noise problem not worth it?

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Thanks for the review.

We would absolutely book again. Our kids are a little older, so for our next cruise we could even stay in the Havana area, but the lounge alone would have us thinking about the FH.

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Excellent feedback, thank-you.

Thanks for the review and letting us know about the noise problem with your cove balconies.

Would you or jas1178 book the FH room again? Or was the noise problem not worth it?

 

 

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We would book a FH Oceanview or Interior but not a cove balcony or suite. The suites and balconys are under the loudest parts of the galley. With interiors and oceanviews it would only be rooms far removed from the galley and the noise.

We're sailing this itinerary in a little over three weeks. We are so excited. What did you do in the ports? Do you remember any taxi tour prices/stops in Bonaire?

In Bonaire we did the Sea Cow 2 stop snorkel through Carnival. It was amazing, and a highlight of our trip.

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Greetings,

 

Thought I'd post a few thoughts since we too were in Family Harbor on the Repo. We were 2431 which is a FH Suite one room aft on the opposite side.

The banging was HORRIBLE at very specific times (3am nightly). Made for a rough experience even with earplugs, fan, and whitenoise machine. Kids got a bit grumpy with the lack of sleep.

 

One of the reasons there were problems in the FH Lounge was that the door on the odd side was broken mid week. This allowed kids that didn't belong into the lounge and things got problematic.

 

Agree with issues in the Liquid Lounge whole heartily.

I'm thinking of booking family harbor inside. Does the lounge have full breakfast/lunch or just snacks? Thanks!

Great review thanks! We're cruising her in August with 2 kids ages 15 months and 8 y/o. We did two cabins on Lido as we weren't interested in family harbor thinking that it would be loud with lots of kids in the area,but now I'm jealous of the family lounge area!

Thanks so much for the review!

Do you know what time the ship arrived in Miami and started letting the self-assist passengers off the ship? I have an early flight and hoping its earlier than the stated 8:00 am.

Thanks again!

I'm thinking of booking family harbor inside. Does the lounge have full breakfast/lunch or just snacks? Thanks!

Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Waffles, Grits, Oatmeal, pasteries, yougart, juice, coffee, milk, icecream :-)

Afternoon snack was served at 3 (No Lunch on Repo): Finger sandwiches / chips / brownies / cookies / icecream

Nightly: Cookies / Brownies

You may read in reviews that the repo cruise had issues in the lounge, and that would be true on the last 3-4 days. The restricted access door failed, and you could just push it open. All of a sudden, the flood gates opened.

Assuming the restricted access remained in place, I think it wouldn't have gotten out of control.

Thanks so much for the review!

 

 

 

Do you know what time the ship arrived in Miami and started letting the self-assist passengers off the ship? I have an early flight and hoping its earlier than the stated 8:00 am.

 

 

 

Thanks again!

I'm not sure, as my husband self assisted off around 9ish. We had an afternoon flight from FLL so my husband went ahead of us to get the rental car and the rest of us chilled on the Lido at the buffet.

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