TopReviews4U EXCLUSIVE: Carnival Vista cruise review

The myth that cruising is for old people has been dramatically blown apart with the advent of two new super ships heralding a new era of pleasure sailing, writes TopReviews4U editor Paul Christian.  

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Everyone seems to have heard of the massive Harmony of the Seas, but almost as gargantuan and concentrating on fun and quality rather than quantity (but still massive!) is the fabulous Carnival Vista.

I had the honour of joining the fantastic team on board a short while after it first sailed last week on an epic voyage from Barcelona to Rome.

First of all the size of the Carnival Vista is staggering, then when you get on board via a stunning bar with tulip-shaped CGI-centrepiece bar you realise you are in for a treat.

The experience becomes ever more luxurious when you reach the beautiful staterooms and sample the terrific array of food at specialty restaurants like the Asian-inspired Ji-Ji or the fine-dining fayre at Fahrenheit 555.

Filet mignon and lobster, crisp pinot grigio and rich Barolo accompany the sublime dishes, transporting passengers to a bygone era of quality and refinement – but this is not a stuffy experience in the slightest.

Modern innovation like the first on-board IMAX cinema, the excellent SkyRide suspended cycle track at the top of the ship and deck-top water park hurtle this ship into the 21^st century.

Sensational bands, singers, entertainers DJs, bars and eateries guarantee and party every day and every night.

Food options include Seafood Shack, a delectable New England-inspired eatery; RedFrog Pub, including the line’s first on-board brewery and other enhanced dining, bar and entertainment options; as well as new scenic and family-friendly accommodation types.

And the European stops are terrific, with Barcelona, Marseille, Livorno and Rome among the picture book destinations and shore excursions to places like Florence and Pisa, the Colosseum and the Vatican.

A voyage on the Carnival Vista is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.

Get on-board now!

For more information and bookings click here

A luxury villa stay in Ibiza - a true all-year-round destination

Ibiza is well-known for hedonistic summer excess, wild nights, soaring temperatures and downing drinks.

But, while I’m all for the abandon of the height of the season, there is another side.

Ibiza really is an all-year-round destination, with flights cheaper than patatas bravas around October and some great weather on offer too.

I had been to the White Isle 10 times before the trip I took earlier this month, but had never seen it out of season.

It was with no little amount of trepidation, as I imagined rows of shuttered windows and doors, closed shops and chilly days.

What I discovered was a revelation.

Myself, and at one point nine others, stayed in a huge villa with a fantastic pool and sprawling grounds in semi-rural and picturesque San Jordi, near to Ibiza Town, the airport and Playa D’en Bossa.

While the big nightclubs had shut their doors by the time I arrived, there were still an array of local bars and small lively clubs in Eivissa (Ibiza Town), great restaurants (including excellent tapas at La Cava and well-populated but spacious beaches.

There was a closing party at a plush local club Loolapaloosa, in Ibiza Town.

And an evening stroll alongside the fantastic harbour and historic Dalt Vila is wonderful at any time of year.

The days were warm and pleasant and the pool was a definite option, as was the sea at beautiful Salinas, which was also a short taxi ride from the villa.

San Jordi itself was a great base, with a series of bars and restaurants, which were still open and serving delighted diners even though winter was taking hold back in the UK.

If you want to see the whole of Ibiza, you should try it out of season, there really is so much to see and do.

And, as you prepare to fly home, why not enjoy a mojito at Café Del Mar’s lounge at Ibiza Airport?

Flights in October: Around £65 return via Skyscanner from and to London airports.

Accommodation: I stayed at the fabulously luxurious Villa Amador.