Carnival Vista
First, we had a couple of days in Barcelona to try sample some of the delights this beautiful and cultural city has to offer.
We stayed for 2 nights very close to the heart of the city and visited the main areas of the city from La Rambla at one end, and then to Barrio Gotic (Gothic Quarter) and to some of the lesser known areas which are just as important along with their culinary feasts.
On day 3 it was time to head to the port to board the Carnival Vista for our 8-night cruise. Being VIP’d on to the ship made boarding a breeze as well as the little extras on board the ship! – This, by the way, is something I can arrange for all my clients travelling on any Carnival ship at no extra cost!!
The ship was 1st launched in May 2016 and served its maiden season in the Med being based out of Barcelona and Athens. As we entered the ship we were amazed at the interior and for a ship that can carry four thousand plus passengers it never felt crowded!
We made our way to our cabin, which was tastefully decorated, spacious enough for 4 people. It had a very generous balcony and a full-size bath! – A rarity on some cruise ships!
On board the ship there was plenty to entertain all members of the family from the Skyride where you can ride around high above the water and race the person next to you before heading to the waterpark! Mini Golf and Mini Bowling are available too alongside a running track and basketball courts for the sporty types. An adult’s only Serenity area is the perfect place for the adults to chill whilst the kids enjoy time in the various kid's clubs for all ages.
On the inside of the ship, a few more innovations come to light with the 1st ever IMAX at sea with the latest release movies and The Red Frog Brewery also a 1st! ;)
The ship set sail and after a day at sea the 1st port was Messina in Italy a lovely little village with excursions to Mt Etna or take the train to Taormina.
The next 6 days saw us visit new places to us such as Naples, Rome, and the beautiful Florence – somewhere which is now so high on my bucket list to return to for longer! Then it was onto Marseille and Palma before we returned back to Barcelona to transfer to the airport and return home.
Sadly Carnival Vista has made its way across the Atlantic to its new home in the Port of Miami where it is taking passengers on 6 and 8-night cruises around the Caribbean.
Carnival Vista was the 25th addition to the Carnival family sailing to and from various ports in the United States visiting places from the Caribbean to The Bahamas to Alaska and Hawaii, Mexico, New England and the Panama Canal. Carnival have also placed an order for a sister ship to the Vista so fingers crossed there may be more European itineraries in the future!
These itineraries make it the perfect opportunity to visit new destinations as a full holiday or why not turn your holiday into a twin-centre and add a shorter cruise onto the beginning or end of your holiday for the perfect chill out before you head home.
If you would like any more information on Carnival Cruises, any other cruise or holiday then please contact me on the contact details below at a time to suit you and I can discuss the options and your requirements to create that perfect holiday.
0113 3501590 or ian.myers@travelcounsellors.com