Although this is a photo-intensive post, I only took the camera out of the bag once. The biggest reason is that this wasn’t a picturesque, high-energy cruise and the ports of call were somewhat ordinary. The ship, and the experience, however, were wonderful. With my iPhone always at the ready, I did my best to capture the essence of our experience.
As I mentioned in the previous post, the purpose of this cruise was to relax, and that is exactly what we did. The experience was like being in a luxury hotel, with an ocean view (and staff waiting on our every need). The fact that the ship pulled into a port or dropped anchor three times in seven days did not add to or take away from the experience, and I am happy that we had done our homework and our expectations were aligned or we would have been disappointed.
While this cruise may not have delivered on the destinations and ports of call, it made up for it in ambiance, service, and a quality onboard experience. From the day we arrived at the Vista to the day we left, our smiles said it all. This was one of the most luxurious ships we have sailed and provided exactly what we needed.
Accommodations
We loved our balcony stateroom and especially enjoyed the oversized shower. There was a full-sized sofa, a desk, a small refrigerator, and plenty of storage space. I used about five of the nine magnetic hooks I brought but we did not need the outlet extender. A USB port and an outlet were easily accessible on both sides of the queen-size bed. All of my zip-lock baggies filled with tee shirts, underwear, and other essentials fit nicely into the drawers of the bedside cabinets and the closet held the bulk of our clothes and shoes. The dressing table had a center drawer that held my makeup and hair tools, freeing up space in the bathroom, which we left unused. Extra storage in the bathroom was a nice surprise that I didn’t need but would use on a longer cruise.
Food
With multiple options, we were delighted by the variety of restaurant choices onboard the Vista. Gone are the days of a main dining room with multiple seatings and a buffet, as this ship boasts several options for a quality dining experience. We made it our mission to try them all. From an eye-opening cup of coffee at Baristas to the refinement of afternoon tea in the Horizon’s lounge to fine dining at Ember, the Polo Grill, Toscana, and Red Ginger, we took advantage of the ship’s outstanding culinary offerings.
Comfortable Spaces
With a capacity for 1200 passengers, this ship felt small and intimate. Our journey was in the Caribbean, and while most passengers preferred to gather by the pool, we found several quiet spaces to relax. The library and the Horizons lounge became fast favorites and we quickly settled into a daily routine.
When we weren’t relaxing or having another wonderful meal, we found activities to keep our bodies moving. The Pickle Ball court was challenging on windy days, but we managed a couple of games. Mini golf was always a good choice. As usual, we do not agree on who had the most wins. The walking track, although small was Malcolm’s first choice for daily activity, while I liked to alternate between the track and the gym. Malcolm tracked his steps via a phone app and averaged 10,000 per day.
Staff
The staff on the Vista were attentive and well-trained. I can honestly say that we have never been on a ship where all the employees were suited for their jobs and just like in the ‘real world’ there are those who’d rather be anywhere else. But, for the most part, this was a happy bunch of folks. From our favorite mixologist at Martinis Bar, an array of fine chefs, the media specialist who offered daily classes, and our stateroom attendant we felt cared for and informed.
Entertainment
Regarding shipboard entertainment, Malcolm and I visited the Casino a couple of times, we attended one (very funny) comedy show, and we danced the night away at a pool deck party on the most glorious evening of the cruise. A string quartet performed every day at high tea, which we enjoyed twice, and there was a very talented piano player/vocalist in Martinis. Martinis bar was our meet-up place to wind down before dinner, and we thoroughly enjoyed hearing familiar tunes as we caught up with our travel partners each night.
Enrichment
Most cruise ships offer enrichment classes that include something for everyone. Our ship offered art classes, social media/photography classes, dance lessons, mixology classes, wine tastings, and destination talks. I signed up for a few media classes and although basic, I still enjoyed the inspiration to be creative. My philosophy is that anything that has at least one takeaway is worthwhile. While I didn’t learn new information, I was inspired to experiment with my iPhone to use features I don’t regularly use.
I went from this to this, to this with the portrait feature on my phone, which I have used before but tend to forget about until reminded.
This was a classroom experiment that went well…. sort of. I’m pretty sure I graduated head of the class with this one. Be sure to turn the sound up!
Enjoying the Company of Friends
Cruising with friends makes everything better. Especially when you choose your travel partners wisely and have similar philosophies regarding togetherness and autonomy. This was our second time cruising with this couple. He has been a friend of Malcolm’s since college and we met her a few years ago at their wedding.
From beginning to end, this cruise getaway provided what we needed to restore balance and infuse energy before plunging into the next big decision. Moving…..again….stay tuned!
Picture Retirement 
Hi Suzanne – it looks lovely and relaxing and sounds like it ticked all your boxes for filling your tanks before heading back into the hurley burley of life. I loved that you found so much onboard to keep yourselves busy and entertained, and didn’t feel like you missed out on the ports of call not being as fabulous as you might have liked them to be. Good luck with the next move and I’ll be back to see how all that goes too. 🙂
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Leanne, a ‘tank filler’ is exactly what this cruise was for us. We had plenty of down time and were busy when we wanted to be. We did get off the ship in Cosumel (to go for a walk), and in Belize for a beach outing. But, other than that, there wasn’t much that interested us about the ports. Have a great week.
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Oh, I do like the idea of taking classes while cruising. I did not know this was a thing (other than exercise classes, that is). I’m glad you had exactly the time you wanted and needed. Your little meme creation was fun to watch!!!
Deb
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Hi Deb, there are all kinds of classes available on cruiseships. Sometimes they are led by staff, and sometimes by passengers (especially on longer cruises) who volunteer to teach things like Bridge or Mahjongg. I always look for the technology center as soon as I get onboard to check out what they have available. The meme was tongue in cheek, as it was a Disney ship docked near us in Cosumel and not of the ship we were on. Have a great week.
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What a perfectly relaxing vacation! And a perfect way to regroup after all that you two have been through. We’ve never been on a cruise, but the idea of a smaller, luxury ship is very appealing. Your room looks beautiful and comfortable, and the food looks fantastic. And you look stunning in that beautiful black dress. I’m looking forward to hearing about your upcoming move. Good luck!
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Laurel, thanks for the good wishes. We are pacing ourselves to avoid overload as we make the next move.
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hi, Suzanne – I am so pleased to read that you and Malcolm had such a great cruise. So well-deserved. Absolutely beautiful photos!
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Hi Donna, we came home rested and ready to take on the next adventure. Have a wonderful week.
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Moving again!?? Oh my – you deserved the get-away.
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Moving again. Sooner than expected, and not to our ‘forever home’, but more about that in the next post. Hope all is well with you. Have a good week.
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That cruise looks like it was just the respite you needed. How nice that you were able to relax and rejuvenate before tackling another move. I am looking forward to learning more about where you two end up. Life is full of adventures, isn’t it?
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Hi Janis, as I mentioned to Jan, it isn’t our ‘forever home’ move, but a necessary one with lots of details to attend to that are keeping us busy. It was nice to relax and unwind for a little while before taking on the big stuff. Have a great week.
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This cruise sounds very enjoyable. Dan and I have cruised a number of times, and we always enjoy it. We haven’t cruised since Covid, but we have one coming up in June. Your post reminds me of all that we enjoy. On a side note, I wouldn’t care if the buffets were eliminated. To me, it is such a waste of food. I am glad it was such a refreshing time for you!
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Betty, I am of the same mindset regarding buffets and wish they would all just disappear. I did visit the omlet station a couple of times, but other than that, I stayed away. You will be ready for a cruise after your time at Big Cypress. Take care.
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Suzanne, ”Healing Waters” is a perfect name for this post and for your relaxing week above this beautiful ship! The media classes sound fun. Welcome home! May the healing continue now that you are home!
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Beth, we are too busy to think about anything, so I guess that is a good thing. Busy hands keep our minds from wandering too far afield. Have a great week.
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Suzanne,
If I were on a cruise like that, I would be so loose, you could pour me in a jar! From the description and the pictures, it sounded absolutely fantastic. You both looked so relaxed (loved the LBD), and the picture of the four of you expressed that. Thanks for sharing, Rest up and please keep us posted on what’s up! Joe
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Joe, that expression of how relaxed we were is perfect – although ‘roll me out’ might be a bit more fitting after all those calories consumed. That little LBD fit better at the beginning of the cruise than it does now. 🙂
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Wow, this was fun to read, especially your description of your stateroom, Suzanne! I have never been on a cruise (we’re thinking a Viking cruise through Europe in a couple of years). I was very encouraged to read that you had a lot of room to relax in your room, or other quiet places and really enjoy the feeling of not being rushed. The entertainment and enrichment activities alone would be worth it, especially on a cruise where you are on the ship longer than in port. I love your photography of Malcom and good for you to have learned a new trick!
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Hi Terri, I loved everything about this ship and will judge others by it for a long while. I hope you will do the Viking cruise one day. It truly is a great way to relax and see the world. Have a fun week.
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I’m glad the cruise delivered the relaxation you both needed. I have to say the food looks delicious! Unused to the style of cruising myself I found it a bit surprising that you felt that the ship felt ‘small and intimate’ with 1200 passengers – it sound a lot of people to me! As I said to another keen cruiser recently, we’re looking at options for an Arctic cruise next summer and I’m wary that the larger ships, with 100 or so passengers, might feel a bit big and impersonal!
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Sarah, the design of the ship has a lot to do with the feeling of not being crowded. There were lots of small spaces which accommodated only 20 – 30 people, contributing to the ‘intimate feeling’ of the overall space. Of course, the pool deck and the main dining room were always crowded, but we avoided those as much as possible.
Ships that are allowed to tour (up close ) in the Arctic, Antarctica, and Galapagos, for example, are considered Expedition ships and are quite small. I imagine that is what you might be considering. Everyone has a different cruising style, and it is smart to know what you like and do not like before heading out. Some people rave about river cruising, but until I dispell those notions by actually taking one, I can’t be sure it would be for me. Have a great week.
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Yes, it’s an expedition cruise we’re looking at. Some are in vessels with just 12 passengers but my husband would prefer a larger one so the 100 passenger one is the likely compromise
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Sounds as if you had wonderful time! Did the ship not stop at some of the scheduled ports, or did you just prefer to stay on the ship? I’m like you, sometimes I’m perfectly happy just to stay onboard!
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Ann, the ports weren’t that interesting to us, but we got off at Cozumel and took a walk (very touristy) so we went back to enjoy the ship.. Also, we went to the beach at a ‘ship owned’ island in Belize, (very crowded) and not appealing – back to the ship. We couldn’t dock at our Honduras stop because of rough seas. The ports were basically uneventful, but we knew that going in. Happily, there was much to do onboard. Very restful.
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Hi Suzanne, The cruise looks wonderful and perfect for the relaxation you were looking for. I’m glad to read that you and Malcolm came home ready for the move.
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Hi Natalie, we have been busy getting ready for the movers to come next week for our furniture. Lots to do, but getting it done. Thanks for stopping by.
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I love your title, Suzanne! Speaks volumes. “…our smiles said it all.” Your photos share well the ‘outstanding culinary offerings.’ Good on Malcolm for the 10,000 steps a day. I am with you on the ‘one takeaway.’ You look exceptionally beautiful in the photo, Suzanne!💕 I am forwarding your post to my main squeeze with a ‘hint, hint…’ Thank you for sharing an informative and fun post. xo (Btw – re video – watch out Spielberg!)😎
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Erica, I hope hubby takes the hint! I don’t think Hollywood will be calling any time soon. All the best to you.
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I had been hoping you would do a post about your cruise. It sounds like it was perfect and I am glad the food lived up to its reputation on the ship…I keep hearing how good it is.
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Karen, we absolutely loved this ship! We are going on the new Sea Ray (Silversea) in July and expect it to be just as luxurious. The major difference will be ports of call, which we are very excited about. Have a great week.
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