Carnival Vista: our 8 day family cruise in the Mediterranean
I can’t remember the last time I got teary at the end of a holiday. But as we disembarked Carnival Vista that’s what happened. It surprised me a little. But after 48 hours to reflect on our eight day Mediterranean cruise on Carnival’s flag ship it dawned on me that this was a totally natural reaction.
In just over a week we had experienced so much as a family, visited some iconic European destinations and had a lot of fun. A LOT. Cramming so much into such a short space of time is difficult for the brain to process, so I can forgive myself for getting a tiny bit emotional over a 133,500-ton ship.
I have so much to share about our Mediterranean cruise but before I delve too much into what we thought about Carnival Vista and some of our ports of call I wanted to share an overview of our first family cruise.
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About Carnival Vista
Vista is Carnival’s largest cruise liner and claims to be its most innovative. With the world’s first IMAX at sea, a brewery and brand new attractions, such as the SkyRide 150 feet above see level, it has pretty good reason to boast. The ship can carry nearly 4,000 passengers as well as 1,450 crew, accommodated across 15 decks.
My parents are cruise fans, so I’ve heard loads about their experiences and why cruising appeals to them as retirees. It’s safe to say that they haven’t sailed onboard anything quite like Carnival Vista. It doesn’t just allow for families onboard, it offers them dedicated facilities.
There’s a huge splash pool with breathtaking slides, high ropes, an excellent kids club and play room, family focussed staterooms with their own lounge, and a club house.
While our girls, at one and three-years-old at the time, were at the bottom end of the age range catered for onboard there was still so much going on to entertain them.
Find out more about in the ins and outs of cruising with a baby.
So, on to our eight day Mediterranean itinerary. We had two days looking around Barcelona and a lovely hotel stay just off Las Ramblas before joining Carnival Vista, so were well into holiday mode before we walked up the gangway.
There are plenty of other Western Mediterranean cruise itineraries and ports to choose from if ours doesn’t take your fancy.
Day one: Barcelona
As total cruise rookies we were a little overwhelmed when we stepped onboard – where do you start on a ship measuring more then 1,000 feet? Something we realised we should have done was download the Carnival HUB app before boarding as this had all the familiarisation information we needed, from deck plans to daily activities.
It wasn’t long before we had located our stateroom and joined the Sail Away party on Lido deck. Tin Box Tot was enthralled. As soon as the music started she wanted to dance. Mr Tin Box and I took it in turns to spin her around the Lido deck. It was an awesome way to kick off our cruise. The Tot went to bed a very tired little Tin Box.
Day two: at sea
Our first full day was spent sailing to Sicily which gave us the perfect opportunity to get to know the ship. First we had a lovely lay in. The black out curtains in our stateroom certainly agreed with our girls.
The weather was overcast all day but that wasn’t going to stop us from trying out WaterWorks – Vista’s splash park with two slides. Unfortunately, Tin Box Tot was too short for the big slides but there was a mini one that she loved. Mr Tin Box and I took it in turns looking after the girls and trying out the flumes, for research purposes of course. Boy, were they fast!
Our evening at sea was the first of two formal, or elegant, nights where everyone glams up for dinner. I had worried about what I was going to wear having not had room in my suitcase for a formal gown. I need not have worried. Think disco attire more than ballroom onboard Carnival Vista.
Tin Box Tot also put her posh frock to good use at the Princess and Princes Party in the Ocean Club. She absolutely loved the activities laid on each evening and always came out with a hat, mask or other crafty bits and pieces she had made.
Day three: Palermo, Italy
We arrived in port at 8am on a Sunday morning and the town was still very quiet when we got off the ship at 10am. However, it had clearly been a lively Saturday night before as there was a lot of rubbish on the streets.
Once the cafes and restaurants began to open just before midday Palermo came alive and was much more appealing. It offers pretty little side streets, a beautiful cathedral and some glimpses of impressive Italian architecture.
I wish we’d made more of our visit here and have since written about all the things to do in Palermo, Sicily that I’d like to return and experience another time.
Day four: Naples, Italy
Mr Tin Box and I were very excited about visiting Naples as it was our opportunity to see Pompeii. We had decided before joining the ship that this was our must-see landmark and it was everything we had hoped it would be. Our tour guide was terrible, but Carnival’s guest services team were great when we complained later on.
Read about our visit to Pompeii with kids.
We only caught one show during our cruise and tonight’s was the night. It was a family-friendly juggling and comedy act that had both our girls agog and giggling for a full hour. Perfect pre-dinner entertainment.
Day five: Civitavecchia, Italy
If you’re better at geography than me you’ll know this is one of the ports for Rome. Well, it’s an hour and a half away by bus. It was for this reason – plus the fact that after seven days of early mornings, packed days and late nights our girls were flagging – that we decided the 10 hour round trip might be a bit too much. Even though a tiny piece of me regrets not going, Rome will wait for another time.
Instead we kept cool at WaterWorks and Mr Tin Box tried out the SkyRide.
What should have been chill out time turned into a bit of a drama mid-afternoon when Tin Box Tot fell over in the splash pool. One of her front teeth is now testament to why you don’t run on wet surfaces. Vista’s medical centre team were a great help and after a nap the Tot felt much better.
Day six: Livorno, Italy
I was so pleased we chose to save our longest day of sightseeing for Florence, which is an hour and a half from Livorno.
It’s a city I visited four years ago but only saw a glimpse of what it had to offer because I was working. Our three and a half hour self-guided tour revealed so much more. We walked from the river Arno up to the elaborately decorated Duomo and then back down to the Ponte Vecchio – the oldest bridge in the city lined with shops dating back to the 13th Century.
Along the way we admired lavish architecture, famous statues and an antique carousel.
We have returned since and enjoyed a family-friendly tour of the Uffizi Gallery and a foodie tour of Florence.
Something we hadn’t planned was a trip to Pisa, but this was included on the ship’s tour that was available when we booked the night before. By the way, the guide on our coach, Elisa, was brilliant and so kind to the girls. We will definitely seek her out again if we are in the area.
We had just 45 minutes in Miracle Square but it was just enough time to get the typical tourist shots of the leaning tower and grab the best gelato we had tasted in Italy.
Day seven: Marseilles, France
We took the ship’s shuttle service into Marseilles for $15 per adult. It was worth the money as it would have taken more than an hour to walk, which wouldn’t have been pleasant in temperatures over 30c with two little ones.
It was so hot that we quickly decided to remove the hard work from our sightseeing and got tickets for Le Petit Train. This fun road tour took us around the harbour, along the beautiful waterfront with its dazzling azure sea, and up to Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica where were enjoyed amazing views of France’s second city.
The train ride cost €8 for adults and €4 over three-year-olds – well worth it if you’re short on time.
Day eight: Palma de Mallorca, Spain
All too soon it was the final day of our cruise. We arrived in Palma late morning and with temperatures set to be the hottest of our holiday so far we admitted defeat and spent another relaxing day onboard. Tin Box Tot splashed around in WaterWorks, we played mini golf and enjoyed the views out over Palma before getting down to the sad task of packing our bags to disembark the next day.
During the evening the Tot went to the farewell party at Ocean Club while Mr Tin Box, Baby and I had a final stroll around the deck and a couple of cheeky drinks to toast our amazing holiday.
So there you have it – a ‘short’ overview of our Carnival Vista cruise. See what I mean when I say we did a lot?
Since having children it’s been extremely rare for us to travel abroad and we have never been on a cruise. Carnival Vista opened our eyes to a whole new way of travelling, with world class facilities and whistle-stop tours of places we’ve always wanted to go and where we will certainly return.
If you have children and are thinking about cruising I can highly recommend Carnival Vista as a family-friendly cruise ship.
If you’re planning your first family cruise with a baby and/or toddler, check out these tips from experts.
Disclosure: we won our cruise on Carnival Vista at the Family Travel Show. We paid for our own flights, excursions and expenses. I was under no obligation to write about our experiences and all opinions are my own.
Planning a family cruise in the Mediterranean or a cruise with kids on Carnival Vista? Save this post for later.
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I’ve always heard amazing things about cruises but have never been on one. Seems like a great way to travel and have an adventure on a budget.
Khourshem recently posted…Top Things to do in Dubai – Must add in Your Plan
I am pretty sure I would have shed a tear too! What a fabulous cruise!
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I can see why you got teary. Pretty sure I’d have been the same. What an amazing holiday. Your photos tell a thousand tales. The boat looks fabulous too. I dream of a cruise one day
I dream of going back on a cruise 🙂 My parents are always cruising which makes me want to go even more! It was a fabulous experience.
What an amazing looking trip! I have been debating if we should do a cruise for part of a trip to Europe next summer. It is so nice to only have to unpack once for all of those days, but still see so many places. Did you feel like you had enough excursion time to get a feel for the cities?
Unpacking once is such a bonus of cruising. To be honest, we could have spent so much longer in each of the ports. That is the downside of cruising. You just get a taster of your destinations and can not really say you’ve experienced them properly unless you return.
Looks like you had a fab time!
It was an amazing holiday and one we hope to repeat!
That’s so sssso amazing, great write up! What an 8-day adventure.
Wow, Amazing Holiday! We absolutely love cruising! Italy is also one of my favourite destinations! We have visited pompeii twice and both times we were in awe!
Thanks for hosting the Monday escapes!
Donna Vallance recently posted…My First Weekly Roundup.
Its was such a wonderful holiday. I’d do it all again in a heartbeat 🙂
It was really good as we got to spend a few days in the city beforehand as well. It’ such a family friendly place!
Amazing! I totally understand why you left with tears in your eyes. I have to admit I’m afraid to do a cruise and not enjoy it, but I always read and hear so many positive feedback. Your post made me think I will like it 😀
Happy to have you on #MondayEscapes
Packing my Suitcase recently posted…Top places to propose in and around Munich
If you are used to different types of travel – especially doing it under your own steam – you have to know the this isn’t what cruising is about. As long as you accept that, I think it’s hard not to enjoy yourself 🙂
Oh my goodness, this looks like it was such a blast! I’ve never been on a cruise before, but was always unsure if they were family-friendly. You’ve definitely shown me how much fun it can be-even with small children. I’d get emotional after a trip like that as well. So so happy it was a success <3 #KCACOLS
It definitely showed us a different side to cruising to the one we had been told about by my parents. Different ships cater for different audiences these days. It’s worth looking into if you have ever considered a cruise with your family.
Did you feel sick at all? I went on a cruise ship once, and it seemed like a pretty big one and I was so ill the whole time, it’s kinda put me off even though they look fab. Also I would be terrified of plopping off the side…#KCACOLS
I was worried about sea sickness before we went as well. I needn’t have been. Modern cruise ships are nothing like ferries or the Navy ships Mr Tin Box is more used to. They are designed for comfort. Tin Box Tot thought the land was moving – not us! there was also so chance of falling off unless you chose to climb the sides. Not recommended 😉
Wow it looks incredible, I can see why you didn’t want to leave! I have never been on a cruise, but I actually think it would make a great family holiday #KCACOLS
Jenni – Odd Socks and Lollipops recently posted…Ten Things I’ve Loved – June
It’s not something we planned to do this early with the girls but I am absolutely thrilled we had the opportunity. I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Wow, you saw so much! I’ve never been on a cruise, I’ve always been a bit put off them for some reason. But reading this I can definitely see the attraction and how amazing it must be to see so many beautiful cities in such a short space of time. The view from the ship looks wonderful as well, lovely photos. Sorry to hear about the fall but glad a medical team were on hand. Thanks for joining in with #MyFavouriteTrip Polly x
Our Seaside Baby recently posted…Mia Tui Travel/Changing Bag Review
Mr TB was also reluctant – he’s in the Royal Navy and ‘cruises’ all the time apparently. Even he had to admit that it was slightly different 😉
Such a shame your tour guide was rubbish for Pompeii – that is top of my wishlist too. I have downloaded the Hub on your recommendation and have 52 days until we board.
Our guide was definitely not the norm. There were a lot of tours that went the same day and we spoke to other people who were over the moon with their guide. So definitely don’t let me put you off. The Hub is brill!
We will! This was just not our time 🙂
Wow what a fantastic prize to win! It looks like you all had a fabulous time away and i’m glad the tooth accident didn’t affect the holiday and fun! I’m scared of water so i’d be useless on a cruise myself lol! Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next Sunday.
Yes, ‘tooth-gate’ wasn’t too much of an issue in the end – just dramatic at the time 🙂
what a fab trip and so much to see at each stop! sounds amazing and even more so that you won it! #KCACOLS
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I know. I’m seriously hoping we haven’t used up all our luck in one year 🙂
What a fantastic win! Our neighbours are cruise addicts too even though they’re only in their 20s. I’ve never been tempted as I get really travel sick on boats (and buses etc) and although I know you can hardly feel the bigger boats moving I live in fear that I’d have to spend a werk in my cabin! #Mondayescapes
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I was worried about sea sickness too but really needn’t have been. You could hardly feel the ship moving most of the time. Tin Box Tot was very confused. She thought that everything outside the windows was moving rather than us! 🙂
I keep hearing from more and more people how cruising is the way to go! I think I will have to check it out.
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It really was good fun!
How wonderful to have won your trip.
It sounds like such a great cruise visiting lots of the iconic places in the Mediterranean. I also appreciate that you thought about the entire itinerary and chose not to travel out on one of the excursions knowing that it would just be too much for your little one and therefore ruin the experience for you as well. This way you just have great memories and no doubt why you were so sad to disembark.
Sally@Toddlers on Tour recently posted…A Small Family Holiday to Busselton with Kids
We feel really lucky to have had this experience and you are right. It’s better to know your limits and have a good time without pushing little people too far 🙂
Oh I love cruising Claire I always feel emotional getting on and off, I just love it, we all do its the one holiday that ticks all the boxes in terms of relaxation, family time and couple time. We always get the train into Rome and its os easy. Try it next time and the train is an adventure. And oh cruise cocktails and the food mmmmm x
Sarah Christie recently posted…Why Your Family Will Love Cruising With Royal Caribbean
We were seriously thinking of taking the train to Rome on your advice Sarah, but decided not to at the last minute. As it turned out it was the best decision as there were cancellations and a lot of crew members as well as passengers were late back. It’s definitely a trip we will do another time when the girls are a bit bigger x
Ah Claire what a truly awesome holiday, I’m not at all surprised that you were teary at the end. I would have been too!! Congratulations on winning the competition you must have been thrilled – a cruise and all those amazing stops, just perfect. Fab pictures too, that I know will always bring back fabulous memories.
Thank you so much for linking up to #MyCapturedMoment xx
I’m glad it’s not just me that suffers random emotions 🙂 We definitely have memories to cherish for a long time x
I wish I was a cruise person because whenever I hear of friends’ cruises I’m amazed at how much they pack in and how many places they’ve gone. It’s such a great way to see so much. I, however, get claustrophobic and might freak out at sea; so alas I will never be able to experience this efficient way of travel! #mondayescapes
Corey with fifi + hop recently posted…Newport, RI: Top 10 Things To See and Do With Kids
That’s such a shame Corey. I can see how being on a cruise ship could be very difficult if you are claustrophobic. 🙁
I have been jealously looking at your posts and pics form your cruise, it just looks awesome! It must have been amazing to see so many beautiful cities in such a short time. Bet your head is still spinning! Looks like the whole family had a great time 🙂 #myfavouritetrip
Head spinning is a good way to describe it. I’m glad Europe is close as I would be really disappointed not to have the opportunity to go back and see some more of the great places we visited. We got a brilliant taster though! 🙂
I’ve never been on a cruise, but I really am warming to the idea. I know my kids would love the onboard facilities, and I’d love the chance to visit all those interesting places.
Nell (the Pigeon Pair and Me) recently posted…A week at Strandpark Vlugtenburg, Holland
It really is the best of both world on a ship like Vista. There is a lot to do and we were quite happy returning for some ship fun when it got too hot on land 🙂
So exciting to follow your adventures on this one, definitely something we’ve looked into doing just not sure what to expect, you’ve given a great inside scoop
That’s lovely of you to stay Keri. My next cruise post will be all about the ship so keep a look out for that one for even more insider knowledge 😉
Wow you visited some amazing locations! I am jealous#KCACOLS.
It was such an amazing opportunity and holiday. I’m still pinching myself! 🙂
This review is great, thank you! We head out in August for our cruise on the Vista; we have cruised 5 times previously, but never with our little girl, who is also 3. Can I just ask what time the kids club sessions run (I noticed you mentioned evening sessions) and do they have a mini disco every night somewhere as our daughter loves dancing?
Thanks.
Hi Sarah, I’m glad you liked the post. Keep an eye out for my next post which is all about the family-friendly side of the ship. As a preview, Ocean Club runs from the morning (the exact time changes each day dependant on your arrival in port) right through to 1am. After 10pm you pay a flat rate for the Night Owls baby-sitting service, otherwise the cost is included in your cruise. They had some great activities on for kids, including crafts, magic, movies and dancing. In the morning it tended to be ‘free play’ and under twos could join in. After lunch there were themed activities, from under the sea to pirates and princesses. Tin Box Tot loved it and made a couple of friends who she asked to see each day. When you sign up for Ocean Club (do it in advance to save on the paperwork while you are on holiday) you are given a mobile phone that you can be contacted on or use to call the club whenever you want. You have this for the duration of your cruise free of charge. Anyway, I could rave about the club forever! Let me know if you have another questions by posting here or emailing [email protected] 🙂
Great thanks X
Wow, I am even more excited now! We are going on Vista in August as we are their Foodieseeker Family. I am so pleased that you had a great time, except for the fall. I’ll be getting the twinnies some pool shoes x #MyCapturedMoment
You are going to have the most amazing time! I’m sure you will be all over the restaurants but my top tips are Guy’s Burger Joint and the Bar Food at The Red Frog Pub. But to be honest, you could eat anywhere! We didn’t have a bad meal. Yes, pool shoes are a good idea but I’m not sure they would have helped the Tot – she takes after her mum for lack of coordination 🙂
I’ve never been on a cruise before, but wow you get to see so many places that way! I think I’d love having cocktails on board though, sounds dreamy 😀
#MyFavouriteTrip
The cocktails were great – I think I could do a post on them alone. My top Carnival Vista cocktail was the Chocolatini – it smells and tastes of Cadburys 🙂
I’m sold!! What an amazing way to see lots of places, and all aboard a fantastic ship too. I’m desperate to take my three to see the world, but we really can’t afford to at the moment. What a great way to travel. Sarah #MyFavouriteTrip
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It really is an exciting way to see places, even if you were only there for a few hours. We feel so lucky to have won the experience as we would have had to save up for a lot longer before trying our first cruise!
Wow Claire, your cruise sounds incredible and it sounds like you are well and truly hooked! I imagine you will go on many more:) Its been nearly nine years since my husband and I worked onboard P&O Cruises. We are keen to show our boys how we met so a cruise is very firmly in our minds for our family holiday some time in the next couple of years. Glad you said something about the guide and it sounds like you made the most of having the cruise ship to yourselves during your time in Civvie:) Look forward to hearing more about it:)
I bet it will be in interesting experience from the other side, but so much fun! I forgot to mention – and I will add it in now you have reminded me – we had an excellent guide during our Florence and Pisa trip. So we know our Pompeii chap was not the norm. Looking forward to boring you to death about it all soon 🙂
Hi Claire, it sounds sensible to have a couple of days to get into holiday mode before starting a cruise as it sounds so full on and busy. Your photos are lovely.
#MyCapturedMoment
Thanks. It was really tough choosing just a few 🙂
Sounds fantastic! Never been on a cruise but would love to try it with the boys and this one sounds great 🙂
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It is a brilliant ship for kids. There would be plenty to keep your boys entertained 🙂
What an amazing trip! I’m so glad you had such a good time. The smiles in the photos say it all (although poor TBT and her tooth – I managed to knock one of my front ones out on a roundabout aged about five or six). I can’t believe how much you packed in! Can’t wait to read all the rest of the posts. I went on Carnival Breeze with my daughter when she wasn’t much older than Tinbox baby, and it’s interesting to see the extras on Vista, it really does seem an incredible ship, especially for families. #citytripping
Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…City Tripping #31
Yes, there will be more on the ship itself soon. I was so impressed. I think the demographic for cruising is coming down a lot and ships like Vista are the proof.
Sounds like a fantastic trip Claire, I had no idea you won that at the Family Travel show. Congratulations. The fact that the cruise goes around Italy is a huge win with me. Lovely write up.
There were a lot of Italian ports. I’ve been to Italy a couple of times before and this cruise has just given me even more reason to return. We were so lucky to win the trip – I’m definitely counting my blessings…and hoping for more good luck! 🙂
Looks like you had a wonderful cruise with your family. Thanks for sharing it at #CityTripping
What an incredible trip Claire! I think you got the bank right with skipping Rome…you can’t do it justice in such a short time. I am sure you will do it another time. I have never been on a cruise but this sounds so set up for families and lots of fun! The kids (and adults) are pretty much guaranteed an awesome time. You managed to see lots of fab cities too. You have some beautiful family pictures there too! Thanks for linking to #citytripping
What a fantastic family holiday! I love the picture of your little one at the top – she looks like she is having the time of her life! My parents go on loads of cruises (like yours) and have recommended cruises for us, but we haven’t tried one yet. I love the idea of getting to see loads of places without having to pack up and leave your room – and it’s good that there is plenty of things to do onboard if you don’t fancy leaving the ship when you are in port. Your post has got me thinking about a cruise for 2017 now!!
Tin Box Tot has a seriously good time in the splash pool – she asked to go swimming every day. Visiting a new place each day was fantastic. The only draw back was that we would have loved to stay longer in some of the cities.
Loved the review especially after having a disaster on my last cruise with Harry. This has definitely encouraged me to go on another cruise with him and I’m really keen to give the vista a go.
Well done. From an ex Navy man!!
I’m glad I’ve renewed your enthusiasm for cruising. The ship really does make all the difference. Maybe you’ll be able to use the kids club next time too! If you do choose Vista, you’ll love the Red Frog Pub. It has its own brewery and you can pull your own pint at your table! 🙂
Wow what a great trip. We have been thinking of a cruise but unsure if it would be family friendly. Great write up x
Sam – Travelling With Our Kids recently posted…Travel Memories #19 – Tenerife, 2010
You definitely have to pick the right ship. I think a lot of cruise lines are tapping into the family market now, so it’s worth looking around for one that suits you…but obviously I think Vista is fab! 🙂