Freedom vs Vista

Which would you chose Freedom or Vista? Been on Freedom before, not Vista.. Itinerary doesn't matter..

So undecided!! Thanks!!

Freedom

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I chose the Freedom for our spring of 2019 cruise. My preference is the Dream class, but Galveston won't have one that offers 7 day itineraries.

The Vista doesn't interest me at all, so the Freedom was an easy decision.

Haven’t been on either but since our family enjoys the evening shows and comedy, we won’t be going on any Vista class ships. So Freedom would be my choice! Like ‘bury me at sea’ Dream class is my favorite.

Thanks!

Yes the Dream class is my favorite! Now both of my favorite ships will be in Florida. :')

Why would you NOT try the Vista since you've already been on the Freedom how many times? That makes no sense. The Vista is a great ship. Don't be so scared. I dont want to be on any ship more than once if I can help it. I can't believe how many people will only sail the same cruise line and the same ship over and over again .....

I’ve been on Conquest Class ships 15 times and Vista once. I think you can tell which I prefer. But it’s up to you.

As far as those that can’t understand why someone would go on the same ship or cruise line over and over again, I like the familiarity and I actually have a more enjoyable time. I don’t have to try and do everything or worry that I’m going to miss out seeing something. I can just relax and go with the flow. You also get to know the crew members and it feels like home.

It’s nice to try something new, but I like dealing with the familiar as well. Only you can decide which way you want to go.

I would try the Vista. Been on all Conquest, Dream and Vista class ships. If the OP has sailed the Freedom, the Vista will be a new experience. And the Vista is more like the Dream class than the Freedom is.

Many are influenced by the perceived lower cabin fares of the Freedom however.

I’ve been on Conquest Class ships 15 times and Vista once. I think you can tell which I prefer. But it’s up to you.

 

As far as those that can’t understand why someone would go on the same ship or cruise line over and over again, I like the familiarity and I actually have a more enjoyable time. I don’t have to try and do everything or worry that I’m going to miss out seeing something. I can just relax and go with the flow. You also get to know the crew members and it feels like home.

 

It’s nice to try something new, but I like dealing with the familiar as well. Only you can decide which way you want to go.

Not sure about getting to know the crew members by sailing the same ship.....they do move around quite a bit from ship to ship. While I have seen some crew over again, it's usually not the ship where I first met them. Not wanting to be friends with any of them, nor do I think they are my buddies, but exchanging smiles and saying I knew you from so and so ship can be okay.

Some cruisers like the familiar, some like the new experiences, it's all good. Whatever Carnival ship the OP picks, they can be sure to hear the same spiel from the CD announcements going on and on and on......

Not sure about getting to know the crew members by sailing the same ship.....they do move around quite a bit from ship to ship. While I have seen some crew over again, it's usually not the ship where I first met them. Not wanting to be friends with any of them, nor do I think they are my buddies, but exchanging smiles and saying I knew you from so and so ship can be okay.

 

Some cruisers like the familiar, some like the new experiences, it's all good. Whatever Carnival ship the OP picks, they can be sure to hear the same spiel from the CD announcements going on and on and on......

The same bartender has been on each of my 10 Glory cruises and I have had or seen the same waiter on 7 of them. We have also run into the photographer that did our wedding pictures on the Conquest the next year on Valor. Same with one of our waitresses on Celebrity and the Martini Bar Bartenders. They were on our past cruises and remembered us. The crew can request to work the same ship again on their next contract and many of them do.

It’s a lot of fun when you see familiar faces and get to chatting. Not everyone likes to and that’s fine. Kind of like going to a restaurant and requesting your favorite server. You know you’re going to get good service and it can make the experience better.

But only the OP can decide what’s important to them.

Having been on both my answer is clear: Freedom. Unless you are someone who strives to be on the newest ships, the Vista doesn't offer much more than the Freedom does other than tons more passengers and more lines. The new Vista class ships are really just a bigger version of the Conquest Class ships (Freedom) by simply adding more staterooms, a lot more. The Vista has more "for-fee" dining venues but as far as the included dining venues they both have the same, even the BBQ. Believe it or not, unless you pay extra for one of the exclusive Havana rooms, the Freedom even has more pools and hot tubs. We spent two weeks on the Vista and most of our memories are standing in long lines for just about everything (on and off at ports, food, bars, shows). At least in our case, we would have to get in line at the comedy club very early on just to ensure we got in--1,000 more people but the same # of venues and all the same size. Unless it's a matter of an itinerary offered on the Vista and no other ship, we have no plans to sail a Vista class ship again.

Thanks everyone! I am enjoying reading everyone's opinions. I am leaning towards the Freedom for this quick getaway.

Vista

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We have been on 32 cruises, Diamond guest. We went on the Conquest probably 15 or 16 of those cruises. Been on the Magic, Dream and Breeze. Our last 6 times have been on the bigger ships, 4 times on the Breeze. We never have had any real problems with standing in lines. My wife really loves the bigger ships, more to do. The Conquest was my favorite till we started on the bigger ships. We are thinking about booking the Vista right now.....

I've been on Freedom. I like liked it. Haven't been on Vista yet. I'm going to Galveston in Feb to get on Vista not Freedom..So there's my choice. Dream is my favorite class so far. Not really looking forward to going back down to Conquest Class.

One major difference that nobody has mentioned in the thread so far is the Havana area on the Vista. Inside, lanai, balcony and suite versions are all available. In case you're not familiar with the area, it is on deck 5 aft and has a small pool and two hot tubs that is only available to those staying in the Havana area until 700 pm each day. No overcrowding at all and only patrons aged 12+ till 700 pm.

One major difference that nobody has mentioned in the thread so far is the Havana area on the Vista. Inside, lanai, balcony and suite versions are all available. In case you're not familiar with the area, it is on deck 5 aft and has a small pool and two hot tubs that is only available to those staying in the Havana area until 700 pm each day. No overcrowding at all and only patrons aged 12+ till 700 pm.

I didn’t mention it because the price is ridiculous in most cases. Until it drastically comes down I wouldn’t pay that premium again. Besides that I didn’t really care for the rest of the ship. The casino was weirdly laid out and felt small, the theatre was a joke, and the Limelight Lounge was inefficient and it was super annoying when the bar waiters had to keep going in and out to get drinks since there’s no bar in there. It was extremely distracting to have the bright light shining in each time the door opened. Not to mention the service at the bars throughout the ship was super slow. They are way understaffed for the amount of people on there.

I didn’t mention it because the price is ridiculous in most cases. Until it drastically comes down I wouldn’t pay that premium again. Besides that I didn’t really care for the rest of the ship. The casino was weirdly laid out and felt small, the theatre was a joke, and the Limelight Lounge was inefficient and it was super annoying when the bar waiters had to keep going in and out to get drinks since there’s no bar in there. It was extremely distracting to have the bright light shining in each time the door opened. Not to mention the service at the bars throughout the ship was super slow. They are way understaffed for the amount of people on there.

I think removing the bar from the comedy club is a mistake. I think Dream Class has the best model with a real bar off to the side. But what they have on triumph and conquest class isn’t great with that big McDonald’s counter “bar” in the back. They are so loud back there. Always taking inventory during late night comedy. Talking. Arguing. Banging bottles around. Running blenders. You want to talk about a distraction? You can’t hear the comedian if you’re in the back of one of those clubs.

One major difference that nobody has mentioned in the thread so far is the Havana area on the Vista. Inside, lanai, balcony and suite versions are all available. In case you're not familiar with the area, it is on deck 5 aft and has a small pool and two hot tubs that is only available to those staying in the Havana area until 700 pm each day. No overcrowding at all and only patrons aged 12+ till 700 pm.

I fully understand that area will attract a certain type of cruiser.

However it's one of the aspects of the Vista class ships that is a major turnoff to me.

Combine that with the number of passengers and I am just not interested.

I'm sure the Vista class will continue to sail full without me.

I’ve done the Freedom twice and loved it. My favorite is the Dream class followed by the Conquest class. That being said, I would give the Vista a try if I were you. Yes the main show lounge is not laid out well and the comedy club is small and packed out (that’s every ship IMHO). And the atrium is different and has no glass elevators. And as to the complaints about crowds, well what new ship isn’t packed out when it first comes out? I’m sure the crowds will die down soon. But we aren’t really into Carnivals new Playlist productions and usually only go to the main evening show a couple times while on a week long cruise. And I would never pick a cruise based on the show lounge or how the atrium looked. Honestly, I like diversity. I like that the Vista is very different from the other ships. I look forward to a different atrium and a different ship layout. I get bored with the same old ship with same exact atrium and the same old entertainment options.

And the Vista has some cool new things a lot of other cruisers are overlooking. Like the new sky ride (think flying bicycles), the ropes course, a brand new WiFi system that’s supposed to be much much faster, the new Kaleidoscope water ride with psychedelic colored lights inside, a first ever brewery at sea with various flavored handcrafted brews (with self serve taps that are pretty cheap), the Serenity has the new Fresh Creations salad bar, the IMAX theater with first run (in theaters now) movies, and Cherries On Top candy store with fresh made daily ice cream that you can eat right there at their tables. And there’s no more standing in line at the Mongolian Wok, instead go to JiJi’s Asian upstairs where it’s made to order while you relax at your seat and it’s free at lunch. Plus there’s the all new Havana Cabana area with a private pool & bar and the Family Harbour area with a private lounge and buffet. And then there’s Guys bbq and Cucina Del Capitano (free at lunch) which are awesome. They also have a new elevator system that doesn’t stop at every floor and has no buttons to push inside, which eliminates overcrowded elevators. No more kids punching every button and making you stop at every floor. :)

I honestly don’t get why a handful of complaints over a couple of problem areas on the Vista has turned into an all out bashing of the ship. It’s got some really awesome features that IMHO more than makes up for the atrium and main show lounge issues. We have already booked the Vista and are very excited about trying out something vastly different than most carnival ships.

I fully understand that area will attract a certain type of cruiser.

 

However it's one of the aspects of the Vista class ships that is a major turnoff to me.

 

Combine that with the number of passengers and I am just not interested.

 

I'm sure it will continue to sail full without me.

Does Vista have a nightclub or offer dancing (live music/DJ, no preference) every night? We are not those dance in the atrium people (way fun to watch but you won't catch my two left feet doing that) but we do enjoy a good place to relax and dance on a dedicated dance floor. Any insight from those of you who have been on Vista would be appreciated.

What is referred to as a nightclub/dancing (from the pictures I found) didn't really appear to match that listing.

Does Vista have a nightclub or offer dancing (live music/DJ, no preference) every night? We are not those dance in the atrium people (way fun to watch but you won't catch my two left feet doing that) but we do enjoy a good place to relax and dance on a dedicated dance floor. Any insight from those of you who have been on Vista would be appreciated.

 

What is referred to as a nightclub/dancing (from the pictures I found) didn't really appear to match that listing.

We don’t go on the Vista until September but from the reviews I’ve read the Liquid Lounge (main theater) turns into a dance club after the big evening shows are done. The chairs are removable so they move them out of the way and then the music and dancing starts.

I considered vista over freedom for our October cruise as I have been on freedom many times. In fact, twice in 2016. Freedom won due to price. I was willing to try vista although I really enjoy the layout and more comfortable feel of freedom. I am sure with vista being home in Galveston that I will sail her, just didn’t make the cut this year.

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What about the Havana area is a major turn off to you? Carnival has had the spa cabins on multiple ships for years that provides exclusivity for a fee and the Havana area is a variation of that. It has become so popular that the number of cabins has slightly increased and it has expanded to the Horizon and Panorama. I can only assume it will also be on the LNG ships or an expanded version.

For me personally, it is the balcony cabins. We only cruise in balcony cabins and the lack of privacy in the Havana area is a deal breaker. I don't want to see my neighbors or have people walk past my room. I want to be able to wake up early in the morning, sit on my balcony looking out on the ocean, drink my coffee while still wearing my pj's and not talk or make eye contact with anyone.