In this episode of “Cruise Radio,” host Doug Parker and staff writer Richard Sims review a six-night Caribbean cruise aboard the Carnival Vista from Port Canaveral. They also discuss Carnival Cruise Line’s plans to build three new mega-ships, each accommodating up to 8,000 passengers, and the potential impact of overtourism on port cities.
They also cover a problem with the brand new Sun Princess, where promised attractions were not delivered, and a story of a family left behind by their cruise ship despite following proper procedures.
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Timestamps:
- Carnival’s Mega Ship Announcement (00:02:07): Carnival announces plans to build three new mega-ships, each carrying up to 8,000 passengers.
- Concerns About Overtourism (00:04:04): Discuss over-tourism challenges port cities face due to larger cruise ships.
- Issues with Sun Princess Attractions (00:05:39): Richard discusses problems with attractions on the Sun Princess ship that remain non-functional.
- Nightmarish Family Cruise Story (00:09:37): A family’s ordeal after being left behind by their cruise ship despite following procedures.
- Norwegian Jade’s Technical Issues (00:13:55): Norwegian Jade experiences technical delays affecting passengers’ travel plans.
- Importance of Travel Insurance (00:15:21): Discuss the necessity of travel insurance to cover unexpected travel complications.
- Booking Security Changes (00:17:10): Discuss new booking security measures to protect customer reservations.
- Trip Insurance Importance (00:18:59): Emphasis on the necessity of trip insurance for travelers, especially cruise passengers.
- Tommy’s Carnival Vista Cruise (00:20:01): Tommy shares his experience on a six-night cruise aboard Carnival Vista in the Caribbean.
- Casino Offers and Strategy (00:20:19): Tommy discusses how he activated a casino offer for a discounted cruise.
- Pre-Cruise Thoughts (00:20:44): Tommy explains his approach to finding last-minute cruise deals.
- Close Call with Departure (00:21:44): Tommy recounts nearly missing his ship’s departure and the steps he took to board.
- First Impressions of Carnival Vista (00:23:20): Tommy shares his initial thoughts on Carnival Vista and its atmosphere.
- Traditional Cruise Experience (00:24:09): Contrast between newer ships and the traditional feel of Carnival Vista.
- Stateroom Experience (00:25:19): Tommy describes his stateroom on the Carnival Vista and its amenities.
- Noise Issues in Stateroom (00:27:01): Tommy discusses unexpected noise disturbances in his cabin during the cruise.
- Buffet Selection and Quality (00:27:56): Tommy critiques the limited selection of the buffet compared to past experiences.
- Food Variety vs. Specialty Dining (00:28:36): Discuss the buffet’s reduced variety and its effect on dining choices.
- Lines and Flow on Vista (00:29:19): Tommy contrasts the efficient flow of food service on Vista with his previous experiences.
- Outside Dining Options (00:30:16): He shares his thoughts on the ship’s outdoor dining options.
- Specialty Restaurant Experience (00:31:40): Tommy reflects on his decision not to try any specialty dining during this cruise.
- Solo Dining Experience (00:32:31): He discusses the dynamics of dining alone in the main dining room.
- Solo Cruising Experience (00:32:36): Discussion about solo cruising and the experience of dining alone on a cruise ship.
- Dining Experience on Vista (00:34:09): Description of the “Your Time Dining” and consistent food quality on the Carnival Vista.
- Entertainment Overview (00:34:31): Insights on the entertainment quality, specifically comedy shows, during the six-night cruise.
- Emotional Farewell Performance (00:35:20): The cruise director announces the final performance of the show cast, creating an emotional atmosphere.
- Cross-Utilization of Performers (00:36:18): Discuss performers participating in multiple roles and events throughout the cruise.
- Art Auction Experience (00:37:04): Description of the art auction experience on board, highlighting the atmosphere and participation.
- High Bids at Art Auction (00:37:44): Mention of a $9,000 bid for a painting during the art auction.
- Crowd and Congestion on Ship (00:38:40): Overview of crowd management and enjoyment of various ship areas, particularly the atrium.
- Final Night Performances (00:39:54): Emotional final performances by cast members, including a heartfelt rendition of a classic song.
- Nightclub Experience (00:40:42): Description of the nightclub’s transformation from art auction to lively dance party.
- Demographic Influence on Entertainment (00:42:06): Discussion on how passenger demographics influence entertainment choices on board.
- Casino Experience (00:43:03): Overview of the casino environment, including smoke levels and a non-smoking area.
- Ports of Call Overview (00:45:27): Summary of the itinerary, focusing on experiences at Amber Cove, Half Moon Cay, and Grand Turk.
- Amber Cove Experience (00:46:17): Description of Amber Cove, highlighting its resort-like atmosphere and recommended dining.
- Half Moon Cay Impressions (00:47:10): Reflections on the beauty of Half Moon Cay and the enjoyable beach experience.
- Cool Bar Experience (00:48:02): Discuss a bar with a beautiful view and various available water activities.
- Grand Turk Review (00:49:32): Insights on Grand Turk’s stunning water and the speaker’s previous experience at Jack Shack.
- Jack Shack Improvements (00:50:24): Positive updates on Jack Shack’s service and cleanliness since the speaker’s last visit.
- Food and Pricing at Jack Shack (00:51:27): Details on the jerk chicken and pricing changes at Jack Shack, including local taxes.
- Beached Whale Bar Discovery (00:52:54): Recommendation of the Beached Whale bar, highlighting its friendly atmosphere and views.
- Concerns About Pool Conditions (00:55:00): Discussion on the unpleasant conditions of pools during busy cruise days.
- Smooth Sailing Experience (00:55:30): Mention of smooth sailing conditions during the recent cruises, avoiding bad weather.
- Departure Process from Port Canaveral (00:56:05): Description of the smooth departure process and wait times after disembarking.
- First IMAX Experience on a Cruise (00:57:06): Thoughts on their first IMAX experience aboard the cruise ship.
- Tips for First-Time Carnival Vista Sailors (00:58:54): Recommendations for enjoying the Carnival Vista, including dining and entertainment options.
- Highlight of the Cruise (01:01:13): Reflection on the emotional last night of the cruise and the entertainment experienced.
