Carnival Vista: 35 Things To Fall in Love With

Get ready to set sail on the amazing Carnival Vista cruise ship! Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or just starting out, this is one vacation voyage that will have your family talking for ages. With over 50 cruises under my belt, I can honestly say the Southern Caribbean was easily one our favorites – all thanks in part to great experience onboard Carnival Cruises. Ready to discover 35 things to fall in love with on the Carnival Vista? Join me and see what makes exploring the world by sea truly magical!

1. Fun Swimming Pools

Take your pool days up a notch at the Carnival Vista! Whether you prefer the Havana, Tides, or Beach options, immerse yourself in refreshing and salty goodness. Don’t forget to mingle with fellow guests while sipping on delicious cocktails. A good Miami Vice (half strawberry daiquiri- half pina colada) fits the bill for the tropical Caribbean weather.

If relaxation is key, indulge in one of the whirlpools.

2. A Scary Thrill Ride with Special Effects

If you’re in the mood for some thrills, check out the Thrill Theater. Brace yourself for a wild ride in the immersive, multi-dimensional experience that’ll leave you gripping your seat.

Experience three different levels of scariness and choose from shows like Thrills and Chills!, Fun for All!, and Dare to be Scared (ages 17+). Shows last between 30 and 40 minutes.

3. A Top-Notch Steakhouse

Are you looking for a mouth-watering meal that won’t break the bank? Look no further than Carnival’s Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse! For $35, you can enjoy a delectable appetizer, entree, choice of sides, and dessert, all centered around a succulent prime cut of beef at this upscale specialty restaurant.

And speaking of dessert, the Chocolate Sampler is the ultimate sweet treat and quite an experience.

4. Killer Tunes and Live Music

But there’s more to this cruise ship than just relaxation–there’s an array of musical options, from Latin tunes to Piano Bar singalongs, so you’re sure to find something you love. And let’s not forget about the pool parties–we danced the nights away while enjoying the warm Caribbean breeze and mingling with the other cruisers.

5. Tasty Mexican Everything from Blue Iguana

If you’re like me and crave Mexican food all the time, head over to the Blue Iguana Cantina. From breakfast arepas to custom-made Mexican bowls and burritos, this place has it all.

Choose your protein and toppings, then load up on the over-the-top condiments bar for even more flavor. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on the Jicama Salsa, Roasted Tomato Salsa, or extra cheese. Come and taste the best and most addictive food on the ship at Blue Iguana Cantina!

6. Sunbathing Options

The Carnival Vista is no ordinary cruise ship–it’s a floating paradise! With plentiful outdoor seating areas to catch some rays, it’s almost impossible not to leave with a gorgeous tan. And when you need a break from the sun, the air conditioning in the staterooms is nothing short of amazing. Vacation vitamin D is included.

7. Onboard Shopping Opportunities

Get your shopping fix onboard with a visit to the Carnival Vista’s shops. From discounted liquor to sparkling jewelry and cool souvenirs t-shirts, there’s something for everyone. The gold-by-the-inch is always a real crowd pleaser.

Don’t miss out on the daily sales – you never know what you might find!

8. Pedaling Through The SkyRide Experience

Thrill seekers, get ready for the ultimate adventure onboard the Carnival Vista. The SkyRide Experience is a must-try – pedal your way around a suspended course hanging over the ocean. The views are more than epic!

And guess what? Carnival brought this heart-racing activity to the high seas first!

9. Thrilling Water Slides and Attractions

Don’t miss out on Carnival Waterworks – it’s one of the best onboard waterparks at sea, complete with two huge twisty slides, a tipping bucket, and splash area.

10. Bingo at Sea

Get ready to raise the stakes with the world’s easiest game – Bingo! Cruise ships jumped on the Bingo bandwagon years ago, and it’s easy to see why. With jackpots totaling thousands of dollars, the excitement is palpable.

Join in on the fun and try your luck at covering your card, collecting postage stamps, forming straight lines, and even the elusive letter X! In fact, one lucky passenger won an astounding $3000 on my last cruise.

11. Trivia for Prizes and Bragging Rights

But Bingo isn’t the only game in town. If you’re a trivia buff, like me, make sure to join in on the fun! Test your knowledge of Motown hits, 80’s music, General Knowledge, Harry Potter, and other fun categories.

The competition is fierce, and the winners get to take home a coveted 24K gold-plastic ship on a stick award. Plus, trivia is a fantastic way to connect with other passengers.

12. Private Balconies

Upgrade your cruise experience with a balcony room on Carnival Vista – it’s worth the splurge! From breathtaking scenic views to fresh ocean breezes, you won’t regret having your own private enclave.

13. Indulging in Naps

Escape the heat of the Southern Caribbean sun in the cozy air-conditioned staterooms onboard the Carnival Vista. Or take your refreshing nap in the adults-only deck where you can sink into a comfy lounge – it’s the ultimate relaxation spot.

14. Scrumptious Guy Fieri Burgers

Treat your taste buds to the best burger onboard from Guy’s Burger Joint – celebrity chef Guy Fieri’s famous eatery. Make it even better with melty cheese, hand-cut fries, and a side of donkey sauce.

Don’t forget to visit the condiment bar for sautéed onions, mushrooms, and more to customize your burger just the way you like it!

15. Sampling Rum or Craft Beer at Red Frog Pub

Step aboard the Carnival Vista and indulge in the lively Red Frog Pub, where the locals rave about their remarkable craft beer brewed at sea. Immerse yourself in the fun games, karaoke, and trivia while sipping on adult beverages, or sample your way through their light or dark flavored rums with a rum tasting.

Shuffleboard and other fun games are in the game room in the back of the pub.

16. Seeing Current Running Movies

Who knew you could see current running movies at sea? Dive-in and submerge yourself into the exciting poolside films, or opt for in-room on-demand movies. And should you be in the mood for something extra special, take in an IMAX specialty screening. On my cruise, we had Born to be Wild in 3-D and the action-packed Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.

17. Yummy Coffee and Snacks

Get your caffeine fix and satisfy your sweet tooth at JavaBlue Café, the ultimate coffee and tea hotspot on your Carnival Vista cruise. With a variety of refreshing frappes, creamy milkshakes, boozy coffees, and scrumptious snacks (like mile-high cakes and cookies), you’ll simply love this place.

Plus, pick up a coffee punch card and earn a freebie after just six purchases!

18. Cool Cocktails

Discover the allure of the Alchemy Bar, where master mixologists serve up delectable concoctions that are sure to tantalize the taste buds. Sip on a passion potion like the Perfect Storm, Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Martini (the hubs fave), or the Youthful & Bold Bertini, all while soaking in the bar’s sophisticated and posh atmosphere.

And don’t forget the tasty complimentary snacks! Not me, that’s for sure.

19. Casino Options

Feeling lucky? Head over to the Carnival Vista’s sprawling casino and test your luck at the poker tables, table games, and slot machines. You might even want to join in on the exciting slot tournaments or take a shot at the claw cash machines, which have been known to make some lucky winners very happy.

With endless possibilities and chances to win big, you’ll want to shake things up and see where the chips may fall!

Fun Fact: One one Christmas cruise, my husband and I won $3000 (3 $1000 spins) on Wheel of Fortune in one night.

20. Cloud 9 Spa

If you want to treat yourself to some serious pampering, Cloud 9 Spa is the ultimate spot for a heavenly massage, a luxurious body treatment, or a refreshing facial. And if you’re like me and love Elemis products, you’ll be delighted to know that these spas exclusively use them.

Make sure to check out the free seminars to learn more about how Elemis can keep your skin looking youthful and radiant. The spa is open to the public for a walk-through on the first day of the cruise. They also give away a few great packages, but you must be present to win.

21. Dining at Ji Ji Asian Kitchen

If you’re craving some outstanding Asian cuisine, Ji Ji Asian Kitchen is the dining spot you don’t want to miss. For just $15, you can indulge in mouthwatering dishes like Potstickers, Spring Rolls, Kung Pao Chicken, and Peppered Beef, each one more tantalizing than the last.

Ji Ji’s staff is incredibly friendly and eager to make your experience unforgettable. You’ll want to save some room for the Fried Wontons and, my personal favorite, the Rose Crème Brulee.

22. Larger-Than-Life Production Shows

Get ready to be entertained like never before on your cruise with shows that will leave you singing along and in awe of the special effects and energy behind these performances. Watch professional dancers and singers take the stage in production numbers, such as Flick and American Rocks!

For some comedy relief, head to the Limelight Lounge for a PG or R-rated show.

23. Eating Ice Cream All Day If You Wish

The Caribbean heat can be a bit intolerable from time to time, so having access to free ice cream 24/7 on a cruise is like finding a tropical oasis. Swirls offers up chocolate, vanilla, and occasionally strawberry frozen yogurt or soft-serve ice cream, making it an easy favorite for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Plus, the Sweet Spot serves homemade ice cream at lunchtime in the Lido Marketplace, providing an extra treat to fuel your island adventures.

24. Art History and Education

You won’t want to miss the art auctions at sea, where you can take home paintings and artwork by your favorite artists at pretty darned reasonable prices. Also, if you want to learn more about art, attend a seminar with experts who focus on topics such as Surrealism and Absurdism: Introducing Dali and Miro, or American pop art icon Peter Max.

I’ve learned a lot about famous artworks and artists over my years of cruising.

25. Learning Fun Dances on Carnival Vista

Ever wonder how all the passengers seem to know those line dances? Well you, too, can learn some groovy moves during your Carnival cruise experience.

From the iconic Thriller dance to classics like the Wobble, Cupid Shuffle (that’s my jam!), and Electric Slide, you’ll be dancing like a pro in no time. And the best part? You can take those moves home and impress all your friends.

26. Celebrating Theodore “Dr. Seuss” Geisel at Sea

But the fun doesn’t stop there – Carnival also brings Dr. Seuss to life with character Green Eggs and Ham breakfasts, SEUSS-A-PALOOZA storytime, and a parade that’s sure to delight fans young and old. I haven’t cruised with kids in years, but I never miss the Dr. Seuss fun.

Come aboard and experience the magic of Seuss, one of America’s family-favorite children’s authors, with fellow cruisers! There is cake…

27. Formal Night

One of the most enchanting experiences on a cruise is seeing passengers all dressed up for formal night. Some people cherish this timeless tradition, while others see it as a unique opportunity. No matter where you stand on the dress code, it’s impossible not to appreciate the sight of everyone in their Sunday best.

And if you’re feeling friendly, don’t hesitate to dole out compliments – it’s the perfect night to spread a little love.

Pro Tip: Guys, carrying all your gear is a lot. You can rent formalwear on many cruise ships, so give it a thought!

28. Having Professional Portraits Made

Capture your cruise vacation memories by taking professional portraits onboard in dozens of different settings by the professional photographers. They also take some candid shots around the ship and at ports of call. You can view and purchase your photos through Pixels portfolio.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the last day at sea to make your choices, as the area gets incredibly congested.

29. Giving Back

Did you know that cruise ships contribute lots of money to charitable causes? Carnival often runs campaigns, such as Groove for St. Jude, where for just a $10 donation, you can get a t-shirt, wristband, and exclusive access to a dance event to tell your friends about.

As a pro traveler, it’s great to see cruise lines giving back and creating unforgettable experiences for their guests.

30. Hasbro Characters Meet and Greets

Even as a grown woman, I get so thrilled for character meet & greets, think Disney. Get ready for some photo fun of the same manner onboard the Carnival Vista!

Meet Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head, the Cat in the Hat, and the beloved towel animal – and snap a selfie with them!

31. Pouring Your Own Beer

Quench your thirst without running around the ship or standing in a long bar queue. Simply swipe your Sail & Sign card to enjoy a cold beer at the lounge tables or Lido Marketplace buffet. The upscale wine dispenser in the library is also at your service.

No waiting, just pour your own drink.

32. Having a Memorable Italian Meal

Satisfy your cravings for Italian cuisine at the Cucina del Capitano. You’ll love the friendly-casual ambiance of the restaurant, which is perfect for a family dinner night or a romantic date. I can’t brag enough about how tasty the burrata and arancini appetizers were at this specialty dining restaurant.

For dinner, indulge in the amazing hand-made pasta dishes. Cucina del Capitano’s light colored decor and brick walls offer a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

33. Singalong with the Piano Man in 88 Keys

Enjoy some classic tunes from the piano man on the Carnival Vista cruise ship and request your favorites. Singing along is encouraged. Just wait until after 10 PM for the energy to really kick in! You never know what might happen in this cool bar.

34. Serenity Adults-Only Area

Unwind in ultimate relaxation at Serenity, an adults-only (21+) oasis where you can bask in the sun on luxurious lounge beds and indulge in a healthy chopped salad bar. Take in the views from the comfy cabana chairs or soak away your worries in the jacuzzis. This is where you’ll find me onboard.

35. Mega Deck Party

Don’t skip the spectacular deck party hosted by your enthusiastic cruise director, complete with dazzling neon glow sticks and high-energy dancing. It’s the perfect way to let loose and have fun while the kiddos enjoy their own adventure at Camp Ocean.

This is your chance to escape the daily grind and make some unforgettable memories on the Carnival Vista.

Ready to Set Sail?

What a fantastic time you are destined to have on this amazing ship that was voted Best New Ship of 2016 by Cruise Critic! Though this list hasn’t begun to scratch the surface of the amazing offerings of the Carnival Vista cruise ship, you will have to see them for yourself.

Happy sailing!

Thanks to Carnival Cruises for hosting me on this itinerary. As always, opinions and reveiws are 100% mine and unbiased.

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