Carnival Vista
The 3,954-guest Carnival Vista, which launched in May 2016, isn’t a big departure for the “fun ship” fleet, but it is further proof that this line just keeps getting better. The food — from buffets to the dining room to poolside casual fare and specialty restaurants — increases in quality every year, and with this new build, the design has become increasingly modern without losing its high-energy, Vegas-style appeal.
Best of all, the name refers to the ship’s additional outside dining spaces. With new outdoor venues in a variety of areas, from the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse to the Bonsai Sushi Bar, people who like a side of “sea” with their meals will find plenty of places to dine under the sun and stars.
What We Love
Havana Suites: The 61 Colonial-inspired staterooms (picture dark wood and four-poster beds) come with their own swing-chair-topped verandas. Passengers also have access to a deck with a pool, hot tub, and palapa that is just for their use until 5 p.m. each day. The lounge, which is filled with comfy wicker furniture that’s an upgrade from what you find on the main pool deck, hosts Latin jazz bands every night. It also serves Cuban-influenced breakfast and lunch fare, as well as a “light bites” menu that, with a few mojitos, could stand in for dinner.
The Best Mainstream Poolside Dining at Sea: This is a big statement, but we stand by it. From the hand-ground burgers at Guy’s Burger Joint (which are served on fresh buns with hand-cut fries) to the fried fish tacos and salsa bar at BlueIguana Cantina, Carnival has served poolside fare that’s head and shoulders above its mainstream competitors for a few years now.
RedFrog Pub Is Brewing: Sure, the line has other RedFrog Pubs, but this was the first one to brew its own beers onboard. Best of all, they’re good, and the space has outdoor seating and serves à la carte Caribbean snacks, too.
Seafood Shack: This for-a-fee casual seafood “stand” serves everything from fish and chips to lobster BLT sandwiches.