We are just finishing up packing and getting ready for our family cruise. Even at this late hour the excitement around our home is palpable. Tomorrow we will be boarding the Carnival Vista for an 8-Night Southern Caribbean cruise. Vista is currently the newest and largest Carnival ship sailing from Florida. This title will change in September and when Carnival’s newest ship Carnival Horizon, begin’s sailing from Miami and Vista moves to Galveston.
We are planning to go visit several beaches during our cruise, so we have bought the Aqua Shoes and a large amount of SPF 50 Suntan spray just to be safe. Since we live in Florida we are planning to drive the 3 ½ hours down to Miami in the morning. I have looked into several parking options but, this cruise I will using the port’s own parking facilities. Since this is a family cruise, we will have lots of luggage in tow so this will be more convenient.
Our Cruise Itinerary
- Day 1 – Leave Port Miami
- Day 2 – Sea day
- Day 3 – Grand Turk
- Day 4 – Dominican Republic
- Day 5 – Curacao
- Day 6 – Aruba
- Day 7 – Sea day
- Day 8 – Sea day
- Day 9 – Return to Port Miami
New Additions, New Experiences
I have only been aboard the Carnival Vista for a few hours back in December for an event. So this will be my first cruise aboard a Vista Class ship. These ship’s offer the latest in features and amenities. One big change is the interior design, this is a major departure from older ship’s in the fleet that were often based on a central theme. I believe the new design has a very fresh, modern feel with some nice tropical touches. More importantly, it has one of my favorite specialty restaurants Jiji’s Asian Kitchen. I first experienced this aboard the Carnival Sunshine and I can’t wait to share this experience with my family. We have also made reservations at the Cucina del Capitano. This will be a new experience for all of us and we are very much looking forward to it.
Entertainment & Activities
My Girl’s are already planning to get onboard as early as we can and go straight to the Carnival Waterworks aboard Carnival Vista. They can’t wait to try all the different slides. We can’t wait to try our turn on the Carnival Skyride which allows you to soar high above the ship with amazing views of the sea. We have already planned to race each other. Next we want to head over the Carnival Skycourse and test our skills. All of these new Carnival Vista amenities are what makes this upcoming cruise that much more exciting for us all. Did I mention this ship has an IMAX theatre onboard? Yes, It does and of course we are looking forward to taking in a movie here and at the Dive-In-Movies.
Excursions Planned
We are still planning on what Shore Excursions we are going to take. However, I am planning on visiting Jack’s Shack while in Grand Turk. Jack’s Shack has my favorite Jerk Chicken , Cracked Conch and cold beer. My plan is to make my way here and relax on the beach while in Grand Turk. If you haven’t been to Jack’s Shack, it just a short ten minute walk from the cruise pier.
We have never been to the Dominican Republic and Curacao before, so I am still planning to on what to do while in port here. I recently picked up a copy the Lonely Planet’s – Caribbean Ports Guide and It has given me so many ideas on what to do while visiting Curacao. It even has a map to help us take a self-guided walking tour which I’m considering doing. This guide book is really amazing and I will be taking it with me to use while in port.
More Things We’re Looking Forward To
- Eight nights at sea is just so relaxing. Our recent cruises have only been 4 or 5 nights. These extra nights will really make for more time to enjoy the ship.
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Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ We are looking forward to Carnival Playlist Productions aboard the Carnival Vista. We are hoping to see some new shows during our cruise. These shows have turned out to be a real highlight for our past cruises.
- Red Frog Pub – I am looking forward to spending some time in the Red Frog Pub. I’m becoming a fan of craft beer and love the live music in this pub.
- We are also looking forward to Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ offered on sea days and visiting the larger Cherry On Top for some ice cream. Carnival has also updated allot of their menus so we are looking forward to those changes.
Stay tuned and follow us on Cruise Addicts social media channels. I will be posting often throughout the cruise and you can look forward to more in-depth coverage upon our return. If you have any questions about the Carnival Vista or this cruise just leave a comment below.
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