5 Things I Disliked About Carnival Vista

1. The Shower Curtain in the Bathroom

Let’s talk about the shower situation on the Carnival Vista. Like most of Carnival’s older ships, including the Vista, a shower curtain is the only thing separating you from a sopping wet mess. The Excel-class ships like the Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee have thankfully moved on to glass shower doors. But on the Vista? Still stuck in the past with shower curtains in all the inside, ocean view, and balcony staterooms.

Now, let’s be honest—shower curtains in tiny cruise ship bathrooms are gross. First, they cling to you when you’re showering in that already cramped space. With the ship moving and the tiny space you’re working with, you end up fighting the curtain more than you’re enjoying the hot water. It’s just uncomfortable. Not to mention, those curtains have a notorious reputation for harboring mold and mildew. Who knows how often they’re washed or replaced? A glass door, on the other hand, is far easier to clean and doesn’t make you feel like you’re in a fight with a plastic octopus every time you shower.

2. No Walk-Around Promenade Deck

Carnival Vista makes a huge mistake by not having a walk-around promenade deck. On many cruise ships, the promenade deck is an ideal place to take a leisurely stroll around the entire ship, feeling the ocean breeze and enjoying the open-air views. Unfortunately, the Vista’s design puts up barriers to this experience.

The aft section of the promenade is exclusive to guests who have Havana staterooms and requires a room key to access. So, unless you’ve booked one of those rooms, you can forget about walking the whole length of the ship on a lower, open-air deck. Meanwhile, the forward section is a crew-only area. So much for taking a relaxing walk around the ship without having to zigzag up and down stairs or squeezing through the crowded interior.

This defeats the purpose of having a promenade deck. It’s called a “promenade” for a reason—it’s meant for promenading! Limiting access to parts of the promenade disrupts the classic cruise experience and, quite frankly, feels like a design oversight that puts convenience over guest enjoyment.

3. No Casino Bar

When you think of a cruise ship casino, you often imagine a lively, energetic space where the sounds of slot machines and cheering players create an exciting atmosphere. Part of that experience usually involves a casino bar, where people can order a drink, take a seat, and enjoy some people-watching or unwind between games. But not on the Carnival Vista.

The Vista’s casino doesn’t have a dedicated bar. Sure, servers will come around and take your drink order if you’re actively playing, but if you’re just there for the vibe and want to grab a drink without hitting the slots or tables, you’re out of luck. The closest bar is the Heroes Tribute Bar down the hall or downstairs at the Atrium lobby bar. It’s a major letdown for those who enjoy a drink while soaking in the casino’s energy without necessarily playing. A bar in the casino is a social hub, and its absence diminishes the lively atmosphere that a casino is supposed to have.

4. Atrium Bar – A Missed Opportunity for a Central Hub

On many ships, the atrium bar serves as a lively, central focal point—a place where people naturally gather, whether it’s for pre-dinner drinks, post-show cocktails, or just to people-watch. On the Carnival Vista, though, the atrium bar falls flat. It’s sterile and uninspiring, with stark white decor that’s supposed to look modern but comes off as cold and uninviting. The bright LED decorative display doesn’t help either. Instead of being a warm, welcoming spot that draws people in, the overly bright colors and lights make it feel like you’re in a retail store or hospital waiting room rather than on a cruise ship.

There’s no warmth, no comfort, no vibe that says, “Come, relax, have a drink, and stay a while.” It’s a far cry from what a cruise ship’s atrium should be—a bustling, vibrant heart of the ship. The space feels wasted, and I found myself looking for other places to hang out that had a bit more character and warmth.

5. The Library Bar Has Been Turned into Storage for Park West Gallery

Carnival still advertises the Library Bar on the Vista as a place where you can check out books or spend time playing board games during the day, with bar service available at night. But the reality? The Library Bar is no longer a cozy retreat but instead has been turned into a storage room for Park West Gallery.

Gone is the stocked bar that could have made this a charming hideaway for passengers looking for a quiet spot to read or enjoy a game. Instead, during the day, this now wasted space is filled with art covered up with black sheets, and it’s occasionally used for art shows. It’s a stark contrast to what you would expect from a library bar on a cruise ship.

While online reviews are often critical of Park West and its tactics, it’s clearly a money-maker, and Carnival seems to have decided that the additional revenue from Park West makes up for the loss of the library. However, for guests who were looking forward to this quaint amenity, it’s a disappointment. Turning what could be a relaxing spot into an art storage area feels like a missed opportunity and a step back in guest experience.

Conclusion

While there were definitely aspects of the Carnival Vista that I enjoyed, these five were ones I disliked. From the outdated shower curtains and the limited walk-around promenade deck to the absence of a casino bar, the atrium’s bright and sterile vibe, and the repurposing of the Library Bar into a storage area, there are areas where the ship’s design could be improved. These elements show that there is always room for enhancing guest comfort and the overall experience.